As a reader of historical fiction this book was especially endearing because I visited Biltmore Gardens many years ago and this story brought it all back——both my visit there and the history of its construction.
There’s always hostility between the haves and have-nots and this story certainly tells that tale. The abject poverty of how the folks in these mountains lived is well described. This is the turn of the century, post civil war with farmers who were engaged in both sides of that conflict and those memories still haunt some.
Men returned and worked their farms morning till night only to eek out a small living. So when a man wanted their land to build his dream home they had no choice but to sell and the resentment ensued. There’s always a lingerer who refuses to go along with his neighbors and this story is no different.
It also portrays the employment of foreigners to build the house because of their skills. They regarded with disdain by the local community, even when these laborers are just as poor and desperate as they are.
The parallel stories of who lived in the house and those who made it function showed there are troubles in life no matter your financial status. Lies, cheats and deceivers have no class barrier….we all share the same faults.
An enjoyable story of that era of US history.

Took a bit of work to get into this book, seemed quite like " one flew over the cuckoo's nest" at first? Once the timeslip happens it get better, but too much at the front war talk...imo . But reading how she adapted to medic life in ww1 was fascinating! Was also confused with her switching between times...I would like to read another from the author!

I loved this book! It was heartwarming and strong. It was exactly what I needed with everything going on in the world! A happy little escape!

Synopsis: In 1895, Kerry MacGregor is summoned home to the Appalachian mountains where her father is dying and their farm is failing. On the train she meets a gaggle of rich people heading to see the new Vanderbilt mansion being built adjacent to her family's land; a pair of Italian brothers with a mysterious past; and a Jewish journalist on the trail of a five year old mystery. Shortly after the train arrives, the journalist is brutally murdered, perhaps for getting too close to the truth. As suspicion falls on various people around town, Kerry must focus on keeping her family together, coming to terms with her father's past actions, and figuring out if the rich people at the big house can be trusted.
Kerry was a strong central character, and the other perspective characters, Sal and Lilli, were also well fleshed out and intriguing. Some of the secondary characters and minor characters were based on historical figures, which was an interesting insight into the period. Some of the other side characters felt a little caricatured (particularly the British servants).
Overall I enjoyed this book and would read other books by this author. The writing felt a little clunky in places and sometimes the choices the characters made didn't seem realistic and were only a vehicle for moving the plot forward. At times it felt like the author was trying to fit too many elements into the book, and the ending felt a little melodramatic. However, the setting was beautifully described and I loved the mystery elements of the plot and how it all fitted together. I also enjoyed the exploration of racism and immigration in small towns of this period, and the slow burn romance was sweet.

The building of the Biltmore. The Eugenics movement. Terrible racism. The poor of the Appalachian mountains and the beauty. Education opportunities. Throw in a love story, a murder mystery, two murder mysteries and even more in the character development. All interesting in their own right but the story and all of the subplots suffered to come to a satisfying conclusion.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

Thank you Netgalley for a digital copy of this book and alowing me to review it. I live close to Asheville NC and The Biltmore House and love visiting the area so this book appealed to me just because of the setting! I also love historical fiction but with this book I was unable to stay interested as this book had way too much going on and the story jumped around in timelines with no explanation. There were several unnecessary characters and several unnecessary plot lines. I really don't understand the main plot of this book.

While reading this book, it was clear the author invested a great deal of time researching and creating this historical fiction with the completion of the breathtaking Biltmore in Asheville, NC from the late 1800s.

The story is a murder mystery relating to Madison Grant's goal of white supremacy in this country. The book begins on the Royal Blue Express train which traveled at an amazing 90 miles per hour. Kerry and her 13 year-old twin siblings, Tully and Jersey, were returning from school to the Blue Ridge Mountains to take care of their ailing father. They were one of the last families to own a rudimentary cabin next to the Biltmore estates where they have lived off the land for generations. It was where "the rich people liked to peek at the lower classes...as if the gap made them feel richer still." While Kerry and the twins were desperate to survive, George Vanderbilt and his guests enjoyed the finest at the estate with a valuable collection of art, books and music along with delicious food and wine.

Kerry was awarded a scholarship In New York and had a wonderful teacher, Miss Hopson, who talked about the importance of books to make "your life what you want it to be." When she returned after being raised on a farm, she wasn't the same person even though she was only gone for two years. It wasn't easy to come back in spite of the beauty of the land. The one she once danced with, Dearg Tate, appeared to be much different now.

As soon as they arrived after an exhausting trip, there was a murder of a passenger she met on the train, a Jewish man, Aaron Berkowitz, on assignment for The NY Times. The book revolves around three suspects: Ling Young (Chinese), Robert Bratchett (Black) and Mr. Bergamini (Italian). Vanderbilt's guest, Grant, believed that poorer classes of people are genetically inferior with a lower intellect and tried to convince others to support this growing movement.

The author took special care with the language used by the mountain folk during this time. She also created the beautiful image of Asheville and the Biltmore which brought back memories when I last visited. It made me take another peak of the history during this period. Overall, it took me some time to digest this book as the division of race and wealth continues to haunt us.

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this novel.

The Gilded Age is one of my favorite periods to read about, hence why I selected to read Jordan-Lake's book. I have also visited the elaborate Biltmore Estate and I enjoy reading stories set in places I've visited. The story was interesting and I particularly enjoyed learning about the building of the estate; however, it should be prefaced that I do not agree with displacing individuals for the glory of a wealthier individual's master home. My criticism would be that the book had too many stories and would have like to have seen it weaned down in a good edit. Thank you for the opportunity to read.

Thank you Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and and Joy Jordan-Lake for free e-ARC in return of my honest review.

Kerry MacGregor, a young woman from the beautiful Appalachians, a student of a college in New York City, finds herself on her way back home to take care of ill father and the twins, he brother and sister. She dreads the return to what she was running away from, but not much she can do. Kerry also finds herself to be a neighbour to George Vanderbilt, who was building Biltmore and was buying all properties around his new estate. Kerry wants to preserve her land and there is only a little she could do. Both of them, Kerry and Vanderbilt, found themselves in a middle of mystery, a murder that happened on the train platform when they arrived.

I was captivated by the premise, and being a fan of historical fiction, I had little doubts I'd enjoy Under A Gilded Moon. I did enjoy the historical aspect of the story and did my little research after finishing it. I am forever grateful to books that push me for further research.

On the other hand, I felt disappointed. I could not understand what the story was about - was it a mystery? If so, why so little was done to uncover the truth? It felt rushed and most of the times, the mystery was not even mentioned. Was the story about race and nationalities? There were big parts that attributed to that and I did not feel that all that issues were properly addressed. Was that about entitlement? G. Vanderbilt could bought everything with enough time and money, which he did. I also could not understand his character - he was drawn as good sensible men with passion for books and nature, a man who could help people in need and the same time, he was this wealthy villain buying off farms and properties of those who made their living in beautiful Appalachians for generations. Was it about women who struggled in late 1860s? Kerry who was smart and strong, who could have achieved so much in life, had to return to her mean drunkard of a father, and gave up all her dreams.

I felt very confused while reading a book about characters and plot. It had a beautiful premise and a lot of potential, though the execution fell short for me.

Historical fiction is typically one of my least favorite genres. I had heard from some trusted friends of mine that this book was great and I'm glad I listened to them. This book is wonderful! Beautifully written and poetic. I really enjoyed it!

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

I almost didn't read this book after reading some other reviews... and once I started, I almost gave up on it. I'm glad I persevered. A bit of a slow burn with lots of characters (some with 2 names just to add to the confusion) but an enjoyable book.

Joy Jordan-Lake’s UNDER A GILDED MOON is a love letter to the Blue Ridge Mountains and all that is encompassed in its magnificent vastness - in a time of growing pains where the small towns and hard-working mountain people who lived on the land were clashing and colliding with the rich upper crust society brought to the area by the palatial Biltmore and storied Vanderbilts.

Protagonist Kerry MacGregor had escaped the confines and limitations of Buncombe County to further her education and aspire to better opportunities in New York at Barnard, but then was pulled back to her Appalachian home to take care of her dying recovering alcoholic father and young twin siblings. She is forced to find work at the Biltmore estate along with her aunt, former beau, and many other mountain people and immigrants to support her family with a steady reliant income due to the variable inconsistent nature of farming and lack of area jobs. But alas, when a young Jewish reporter is found murdered upon his arrival at the train station, everyone from both sides of the financial and class fence end up embroiled together and under suspicion for his murder—from an Italian emigré to a famous blue-blooded eugenicist to a high society young lady from New Orleans. Jordan-Lake has created a rich cast of characters existing inside and outside the Biltmore, some with known connections or long-standing history and others attached by an invisible thread yet to be revealed to the reader. Yet on the heels of the murder, there is also a maelstrom of prejudice and racism wrought anew against immigrants like the Italians and Chinese, the Jews, and the Blacks brought to Asheville by those repugnant persons with connections to the Ligue Nationale Antisémitique de France overseas ; united under shared views of a Master Race.

All of this culminates into a fascinating historical mystery set in the Gilded Age and amidst the backdrop of the Wilds of North Carolina in the times of American aristocracy of the Vanderbilts and Astors. However, although this novel takes place over a century ago, we are still in the throes of some of the same unrest and suffering at the hands of loathsome people who still sickeningly believe in the inferiority, unintelligence, and weakness of certain races and cultures. And as civilizations change and man’s advancements are made over time, the cost can be on the backs of people and through their forced or unwilling sacrifices, with a reminder that what some consider is improved and different isn’t always better.

I have visited the Biltmore estate and fell in love with it and the surrounding lands of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville. So it was wonderful to read a historical fiction novel set here, but was also intriguing and thought-provoking as well to read of all of the layers, details, and people — famous and not well-known — presented by the author that were behind and went into the construction and formation of the Biltmore that we know of today. It spotlighted an in-depth look at the growing pains and struggles of the people and land as progress plowed through with the railroad and wealth of the upper class society, in a America now woven together into a rich tapestry made of many diverse colors, cultures, language dialects, and beliefs.

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! Mystery and intriguing! Highly recommend...

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
I’m giving this 3.5 stars out of 5. From the beginning, I felt lost and disconnected from some of the characters. I needed a little more introduction.
I did enjoy the overall story and historical fiction aspect of the novel.

Drawn against the construction of the famed Biltmore estate in North Carolina. It is full of characters larger than life. You have a Cabot, a Vanderbilt. Ladies looking for a “good” marriage. As the house nears completion a young woman is forced to sell her home to make way for the elaborate plans Vanderbilt has to realize his dream. Ironically Kerry Macgregor has returned home reluctantly, and once there the pull of family forces her to take a job on this great estate and face a few harsh realities of life. A murder investigation runs parallel to the house’s completion. Here you have class struggle,and immigrant suspicion clashing with rural ways of doing things. A steady stream of intrigue, a quiet love story, a murderer unmasked. Happy reading!

I loved this mixture of historical fiction and appreciated a peak into the period and the Vanderbilt's. It's a name we all recognize... I loved this view from the shadows of their vast fortune and how it impacted others. I believe the setting was well built and provided an allure to the novel.

I wasn't as hooked with the mystery as I'd hoped to be. It wasn't enough to leave me begging for more, but it was enjoyable none-the-less.

I was totally swept away into this beautiful book that surrounded the Biltmore Estate. I had visited this place decades ago and the memories came back and I was mesmerized in the emotions it evoked. I loved the history, the era, the classes distinction, the characters that were so interesting and I kept wondering and going back and forth with them - Grant and Cabot. Kerry held my heart and I was totally in awe of her strength, forthrightness compassion and love that evolved for her father for whom she had to leave college for and to reluctantly care for. This is one book to read slowly and savor, I highly recommend it!

I think that when you are familiar with the location that is the setting of a book that it makes the book so much more interesting.

That was the case with Under a Gilded Moon. I have been to the Biltmore many times and knew some of it’s history from doing the tours,

The story takes place in Asheville, North Carolina, most of it during the final stages of the building of the Biltmore Mansion by George Vanderbilt.

Kerry MacGregor had been attending college in New York, but came back, reluctantly, to the Appalachian Mountains to care for her dying father. Money is very tight, but the last place she wants to work is at the Mansion. Her farm is one of the few farms holding out to the big buy out from George Vanderbilt.

There is a murder that takes place at a train station, that may or may not be tied to an Italian man and his brother. Something to do with what happened in Italy. This provides the main storyline through the novel, while the life at the Biltmore and the surrounding area provide the rest.

I have to admit, I hadn’t given much thought to what the locals thought of Vanderbilt coming in and buying up land and building his mansion. While he did provide many jobs and treated his employees well, this story sheds a light on the feelings that probably were prevalent.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read. The mystery was a nice solid mystery and the setting of the Biltmore made it even more enjoyable. It’s a little slow paced, just like the south.

First off, I want to thank NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Right off the bat, I loved the historical accuracies of the book. Even though the book is labeled fiction, I appreciate the research into the Vanderbilt’s, their estate and their friends. But, this book lacked in a few areas.

One thing was this book was confusing when I first dove into it. I stopped several times to make sure this wasn’t the second book in a series because some things weren’t explained. I felt like I was supposed to know what was going on even though the book just started. The character development took a while to be established. The plot line was mediocre at best, and somewhat boring at times. It took a long time to finish this book. It just didn’t hold me like a historical fiction normally does.

3/5 stars for historical accuracy

Under a Gilded Moon by Joy Jordan-Lake is historical fiction that features characters who actually lived and became a well-known part of American history. The time is the late 1800s and young George Washington Vanderbilt II has built Biltmore House in the Appalachian Mountains. The immense estate occupies vast segments of land near Asheville, North Carolina. To this day, Biltmore House is still considered the largest occupied residence in the United States. The story takes place on both levels of the grand home, witnessing the interactions of the upstairs and the downstairs. The details about the people who have always lived in these hills and the history of the Vanderbilts make Under a Gilded Moon intriguing and the author brings us back to the gilded age, a term coined by Mark Twain because he considered the period to be glittering on the surface but corrupt underneath. If you enjoy history with your mystery fiction, this is the one for you. Highly recommended. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.