The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomans

Title:  The House at Tyneford

Publisher:  Penguin Group

Publication Date:  2011

ISBN:  9780452297647

Pages:  359

Source:  Purchased

I tend to like a book that evokes strong emotions within me and this one certainly did just that! This is a beautifully written story about loss, love and survival.  If you are a Downton Abbey fan, then you will love this book.  It is the story of Elise who is a member of the Austrian Bourgeoisie during WWII. Elises' mother Anna is a well known opera singer and her father is a well known author.  Her sister, Margot is also a a musician.  Elise is the only family member that does not seem to have any great talents.  Both Elise and Margot have been papmpered all of their lives but their lives are changing drastically, thanks to Hitler.Since they are Jewish and things are not going well with the war, Anna and Julian feel it is best to get out of Austria.  The plan was to get the girls out of the country and then to meet up with the girls in new York at a later date. Margot marries and moves to california and Elise is sent to england to be a parlor maid at The House of Tyneford. Once at Tyneford, she has no idea what has become of her parents and she rarely hears from Margot. She learns how to be a good parlor maid and along the way she encounters new love tinged with more loss.  This story is at times heart wrenching and at times, a happy story and overall it is one great read!