Christian Fiction Review: Masquerade by Nancy Moser
Masquerade by Nancy Moser
Copyright 2010
Bethany House Publishers
400 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0751-8
Historical Fiction
From the publisher:
They risk it all for adventure and romance,
but find that love only flourishes in truth...
1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. 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. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.
For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?
My Review:
Masquerade is the story of two young women, one wealthy and one not but both facing situations that are out of their hands in England. Like most people of the day they believe America is the land of opportunity little do they realize just what kind of turn their lives will take. Charlotte was the somewhat spoiled girl of a wealthy but ruined English aristocrat and Dora is her maid who also happens to be her best friend.
In this Prince and the Pauper type tale they do come to realize that honesty is the best way. While at times I felt Charlotte acted very unrealistically to the life of poverty she was thrust into it was interesting to see her grow and realize that material wealth is far from the most important thing in her life. I really did learn to like her especially when little Fitzwilliam came into her life. After all can you really dislike someone who names a baby after the hero in Pride and Prejudice? Dora, who did not live such an affluent life in England had to learn to adapt as well. For some reason I felt she was the more realistic of the two characters as far as fitting in and adapting to society went. The romantic aspect of the story wasn't really strong but then again this wasn't a story about that kind of love but rather each finding one's true self and what God meant them to be, I think.
And even though they weren't a part of the story itself I loved the illustrations at the back of the book taken from 19th century magazines. It was interesting how the author used them in writing the story which you can read about in the "notes" accompanying each illustration. Ms. Moser definitely did her research and it shows. I'm really looking forward to reading her 2011 release, An Unlikely Suitor!
"Available now from Bethany House publishers!"
To learn more about Nancy Moser visit:
Her WEBSITE
Blog
*I received my complimentary copy from Jim @ Bethany House Publishers Book Reviewers in exchange for posting my honest review.*
I L-O-V-E-D this book! It was the first time I'd read one of her historicals, and I need to get to reading all the rest that she's written. Her contemporary novels are great, if you've not read one...Solemnly Swear is great!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! :o)
Awesome review, Renee! I really liked this one too, I agree with you about it being a little unrealistic though. Some of the things were a little simplified and everything fell into place a little too perfectly, but I loved the whole concept.
ReplyDeleteI adore the sound of this book, though I've never heard of it before. I will, however, keep your few qualms in mind. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent review, Renee. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI have been looking forward to this one as well. Great review. :o)
ReplyDeleteEvery time I hop around to my favorite blogs, I read a book review that entices me to add another book to my reading list . . . Thanks, Renee!
ReplyDeleteOooo it sounds amazing! I really must read this. Thanks for the awesome review :)
ReplyDelete