Short Synopsis
In 1928, Rosina Harrison arrived at theillustrious household of the Astor family to take up her new position aspersonal maid to the infamously unconventional Lady Astor, who sat inParliament, entertained royalty, and traveled the world. Here, in Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor, Harrison shares with listeners her fascinating story.

Full Synopsis
In 1928, Rosina Harrison arrived at the illustrious household of the Astor family to take up her new position as personal maid to the infamously temperamental Lady Nancy Astor, who sat in Parliament, entertained royalty, and traveled the world. "She's not a lady as you would understand a lady" was the butler's ominous warning. But what no one expected was that the iron-willed Lady Astor was about to meet her match in the no-nonsense, whip-smart girl from the country.

For thirty-five years, from the parties thrown for royalty and trips across the globe, to the air raids during World War II, Rose was by Lady Astor's side and behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly. In charge of everything from the clothes and furs to the baggage to the priceless diamond "sparklers," Rose was closer to Lady Astor than anyone else. In her decades of service she received one 5-pound raise, but she traveled the world in style and retired with a lifetime's worth of stories. Like Gosford Park and Downton Abbey, Rose is not only a captivating insight into the great wealth 'upstairs' and the endless work 'downstairs'; it is also the story of an unlikely decades-long friendship that grew between Her Ladyship and her spirited Yorkshire maid.

"Listeners are in for a treat with this audiobook of Rosina Harrison's life in service to Lady Nancy Astor, wife of Waldorf Astor. It's a delight for the ears and a feast for the imagination." ---AudioFile

"Lady Astor's personal maid reveals her 'upstairs, downstairs' relationships with England's grandest family. . . . Fascinating and deliciously readable!" ---The New York Times Book Review

"An extraordinary document, realistic, candid, and a rare look from the vantage point below stairs at a nostalgically romanticized world." ---Los Angeles Times

"Marvelously told . . . more fun than a season of Upstairs, Downstairs, more persuasive, and vastly more informative." ---Newsday

"Experienced reader Wanda McCaddon's upper class British and Yorkshire accents ring true and her pacing and cadence all add up to a flawless reading." ---SoundCommentary Starred Review

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