Susan S. Adler

Kindhearted Samantha Parkington's 1904 New York City world changes when Nellie O'Malley walks into her life. Nellie, her father, and two little sisters move in next door to be servants for the Ryland family. Though they come from completely different backgrounds, Samantha and Nellie become fast friends. The girls turn to each other in happiness and sorrow, adventure and danger, and grow to be as close as two sisters could ever be. But life is full of surprises and nothing prepares them for the life-altering one that lies just ahead.… (meer)

This book follows the story of Samantha growing up in the early 1900s. Samantha is an orphan living with her grandmother who expects her to behave like a young lady. Samantha befriends Nellie who is a young servant girl. They become close friends, despite their social classes, and solve a mystery together. The story reveals the inequality and hardships of the time. The story also talks about progressive women of the time, like Samantha's aunt who believes women should be able to make money. This book gives historically accurate information while telling a story of how friendship can be found in unlikely places.… (meer)