This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Masquerade
Bethany House (August 1, 2010)
by
Nancy Moser
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane(Jane Austen) and Washington’s Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novel is Masquerade. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at
www.nancymoser.com and www.sistercircles.com.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
1886, New York City: Charlotte Gleason, a rich heiress from England, escapes a family crisis by traveling to America in order to marry the even wealthier Conrad Tremaine.
She soon decides that an arranged marriage is not for her and persuades her maid, Dora, to take her place. She wants a chance at “real life,” even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it’s a risk she’s willing to take. What begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl wanting adventure becomes a test of survival amid poverty beyond Charlotte’s blackest nightmares.
As for Dora, it’s the chance of a lifetime. She lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish mansions–yet is tormented by guilt from the possibility of discovery and the presence of another love that will not die. Is this what her heart truly longs for?
Will their masquerade be discovered? Will one of them have second thoughts? There is no guarantee the switch will work. It’s a risk. It’s the chance of a lifetime.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Masquerade, go HERE.
View the book trailer:
MY REVIEW:
Having read and enjoyed Mark Twain’s “The Prince and the Pauper” as a young student, I approached Masquerade with the expectations of a similar story. Although the story had a similar exchange of positions in which Cora was no more equipped to assume a role in society than Lottie was prepared to fend for herself, Masquerade was unique in most other aspects.
Moser’s carefully researched facts and her eye for detail made for an educational as well as entertaining novel. The contrasts between the opulent homes of the rich and the tenements occupied by immigrants painted an image of a life many of my generation and younger have not experienced first hand. It was interesting to note the love and joy shared by the immigrants despite their circumstances as compared to the discontent and indifference displayed by the Tremaine family. It was inspiring to read how the Lord worked in the lives of Dora and Lottie to change and protect them and to use them in the lives of others.
I personally would have liked to see a bit more development of the romances before the conclusion; however I realize that could have added another hundred pages or so to the four hundred already included. I can’t imagine anything that could have been left out so the exclusion of a few romantic details is a small price to pay. Overall, Masquerade is an excellent novel with a timely message.
