Masquerade by Nancy Moser

August 1st 2010 by Bethany House Publishers 

Book Synopsis

They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth...

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......(Taken from the CFBA tour site)

Review

There are many ways to grow up...Charlotte has grown up as a privileged lady in high society England, whereas Dora has grown up as a servant...in particular Charlotte's lady maid. Both girls though are content with there stations, Charlotte is accustomed to the finer things, while Dora is grateful for a job and happy to be among the Gleason family.When Charlotte also known as Lottie is forced into a marriage to redeem her family's name she believes her life is over. When circumstances force Lottie to travel with Dora she concocts a plan that will change the world they each live in. Lottie sends Dora in her place to marry Conrade, the rich and esteemed American, while she goes off into America to make her own way. Once the girls have separated everything truly does change. Dora cant believe the life of the rich and it doesn't take long to catch on and act the part of a rich girl. Lottie however finds being off by herself in America with nothing reeks of harsh consequences. Shortly she changes her mind and wants to trade places with Dora again, but trading places comes with a price and an unprobable future with dire outcomes. I was very torn with each girl's situation, one I thought Lottie made her bed and she should lie in it....but I also thought Dora was living a lie and couldn't possibly conceal her true identity for to long. Ultimately though, I saw the most strength and most growth come from Lottie and watching her heart and priority's change gave the novel a strong anchor for character development.

Set in the glamorous Gilded Age of England and the new world of America, Masquerade was rich in its history and completely sucked me in with the lavish balls and costumes. Most interesting was the life of the servants, while truly hard working people they had a spirit so strong and so much determination that given the choice I truly believe I would have walked in Dora's shoes. Moser's book was well researched and showed the reader things going on in that days society's.

While I loved the historical significance and also the girls story, I thought the ending was a bit rushed and a bit too perfect, but it did flow at a nice pace and was an enjoyable read.

Rating

 

Masquerade is suitable for many readers including teens 15 and up, content includes- mild violence, poverty and social class commentaries

 

4/5- Historical Fiction

A big thanks to the CFBA tour site and Bethany House Publishing for review copy.

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 http://www.sistercircles.com/.