THE KITCHEN HOUSE BY KATHLEEN GRISSOM

Orphaned during her passage from Ireland, young, white, Lavinia, arrives on the steps of the kitchen house and is placed, as an indentured servant, under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate slave daughter.  Lavinia learns to cook, clean, and serve food while guided by the quiet strength and love of her new family.

In time, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, caring for the master's opium-addicted wife and befriending his dangerous, yet protective son.  She attempts to straddle the world of the kitchen and the big house, but her skin color will forever set her apart from Belle and the other slaves.

Through the unique eyes of Lavinia and Belle, Kathleen Grissom's novel unfolds in a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story of class, race, dignity, deep buried secrets and familial bonds.