Masquerade

Nov 12, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, christian-fiction

I started out reading this book, thinking it would be a fun, lighthearted read and discovered it to be quite different. With the plot synopsis of the Maid - Dora, and the mistress - Lottie, switching places after a voyage to America, I anticipated a story filled with adventure, suspense, romance, and a bit of comedy. While all of that was present in "Masquerade", (with the comedy being very sparse) the plotline took many turns I wasn't expecting and the book itself ended up having a much bleaker...more

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Aug 25, 2010 Margaret rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Margaret by: CFBA

Shelves: bethany-house, christianfiction, august-2010

A few years ago I was introduced to the writing of Nancy Moser through one of her historical women series in Just Jane. I loved that novel page one to end. I did not love this novel, but overall I liked it. The hardest part for me in liking Masquerade was one of the main characters and her personality. She would flip back and forth from one area of thought to the next and she infuriated me with how selfish, spiteful and arrogant she was. So many things she just did not get, and I felt that she w...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Cameron Brooks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, christian, author, england, gender, history, romance, social, commentary, usa, victorian, era, love, your, neighbour

This was the first book of Nancy Moser's I read, and it's definitely made me a fan. I feel a little sheepish admitting this, but the cover threw me off at first. In fact I almost passed on the chance to review it, because I expected a simplistic romance without much historical detail or character growth. But I picked it up anyway and I'm so glad I did! (Yes, I should've remembered that trustworthy saying about not judging books by their covers!)[return][return]What struck me at first was Lottie'...more This was the first book of Nancy Moser's I read, and it's definitely made me a fan. I feel a little sheepish admitting this, but the cover threw me off at first. In fact I almost passed on the chance to review it, because I expected a simplistic romance without much historical detail or character growth. But I picked it up anyway and I'm so glad I did! (Yes, I should've remembered that trustworthy saying about not judging books by their covers!)[return][return]What struck me at first was Lottie's fascination with Sense and Sensibility, Little Women, and Wuthering Heights, and her opinion about Charles Dickens. It felt surreal to see what a girl from 150 years ago might have said about the same classic books and authors that I've read and enjoyed. This raised my hopes that the rest of Masquerade would have more of 19th century culture and social issues woven into it, which it did. I truly love historical fiction that pulls back romanticized visions of history and sets its characters right into the heart of the gritty, multi-layered, paradoxical reality of their time period, which Nancy's book does so well. It helps me, as a Christian reader, reflect on my own complicated times where the 'right' answers and decisions are rarely as straightforward as I wish they were.[return][return]I found myself emotionally connected to Lottie and Dora, whether I was cheering for them or upset with them for making particularly immature choices, as inexperienced and idealistic young people often do. The struggles Nancy brought Lottie and Dora through, in a way, are also not very different from the struggles young women face in our time. This is another huge strength I appreciate about Masquerade. The characters were three-dimensional from the start because their challenges didn't only force them to survive in the world, but also to survive inner conflict. Painstakingly they struggled with God, with social norms and pressures, with their dreams, their consciences, their baggage, and their calling. I could relate! And through it all they changed and were sharpened and became more nuanced, wiser, more grounded, and deeply beautiful grown-up young women.[return][return]I was especially impressed that Nancy chose to focus on two young people who were born into a familiarity with religion yet lacking a dynamic personal relationship with God, as so many Christian young people are today. Lottie accompanied her parents to church all her life, yet she was still in a spiritual wilderness of sorts. Her personal encounter with God probably mirrors that of many churched kids today. It's a gradual, almost snail-paced, but also very intentional splicing of our identity from our parents', realizing we've been riding their spiritual coattails, so to speak, and have to decide if we want to plant our own two feet on our own journey of faith. It's a different kind of spiritual story to find in Christian fiction, and it's definitely one that needs to be told because of how many of us can relate.[return][return]In a way I wish the end of the book hadn't been wrapped up as quickly as it was, because I wanted to know what both women, and all the men in their lives, were thinking and feeling when the last events unfolded and final decisions were made. But overall the story kept me glued to the book, and I loved it. As I wrote above, I'm a fan and I'll be keeping an eye out for Nancy Moser's work from now on!(less)

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Dec 28, 2012 Yiya rated it 2 of 5 stars

This is a book that tries to tell a story about social differences and roles in life, through the lives of Charlotte, 19, and Dora, a bit older. Charlotte is part of a wealthy family, is used to get everything she wants in the way and time she does, and has never known what it is to lack something. Charlotte's world revolves around dresses, being a lady, all pretty and perfect; however, she fails to see there is any purpose at all for her life. Dora comes from a completely different background -...more This is a book that tries to tell a story about social differences and roles in life, through the lives of Charlotte, 19, and Dora, a bit older. Charlotte is part of a wealthy family, is used to get everything she wants in the way and time she does, and has never known what it is to lack something. Charlotte's world revolves around dresses, being a lady, all pretty and perfect; however, she fails to see there is any purpose at all for her life. Dora comes from a completely different background - she has known death, poverty and need; she began working as a cleaning maid for Charlotte's family at a very young age until she was appointed Charlotte's maid. With time, both became each other's closest relationship and confident.

Charlotte's life crumbles down when she discovers two secrets her parents have been hiding for years that have left her without prospects for a good beau. Although the ever present social gap between them is a constant reminder of Charlotte's and Dora's roles, it is effaced when, due to the issues with Charlotte's family, both are sent from England to America as equals. Charlotte's parents have found her perfect match, a man who belongs to a family that has earned their place in the top circles of society by their own hard work; they are `new money' and are in constant need in proving themselves as worthy as any other renowned family in New York's elite.

Sadly, enjoying the story becomes hard. The author obviously found her inspiration in Dickens, Austen, Brontë and even Cameron's Titanic (I even laughed imagining Charlotte at the top of the boat with her arms spread shouting `I'm the queen of the world"). There is a point in the story where this becomes too obvious - the promenade around the decks, Charlotte going to steer, the dancing, Emma's manners, Fitzwilliam, Darcy and Collins... It becomes a distracting issue, too forced into the story that it all ends up looking like a bad patchwork with too many coincidences, enhanced just by the abrupt ending.

The author herself, in a note to the reader says that the book is about who we are and who we are expected to be, and how that social role often gets shaped when "God takes us out of our comfort zone in order to make us see there is more to us than we imagine" - this was Charlotte's greatest lesson. Enjoying the little details and understanding that feelings are worth more than money was another. Despite these being good lessons, the ending of the book seems to contradict it all, when both, Charlotte and Dora, end up doing what they want (just like Charlotte in the beginning of the book) without caring how bad they can hurt others. For instance, Charlotte's father suffers an accident after they left, and there is no indication in the rest of the book, that she considered how much her family needed her specifically during the time of her making her most important decision. Even though there is a reason why she does not do it for a while, which I will not reveal in this review, the feeling after reading the book is that it is good to follow our feelings and whims.

Overall, the idea and intention of this book are good, but they are greatly shadowed by the forced plot and the erratic use of excessive details that do not add to the resolution of the story. However, it is a clean book that might help spend a leisurely evening. With a bit of guidance and encouragement, it could even be a tool to arise interest in the classics in those who have not had a chance to enjoy any author mentioned in the book, as well as a study tool for understanding the relevance of immigrants in the history of America.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. This has not influenced my opinion on the book nor on the author. (less)

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Sep 17, 2012 Adrienne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Financial problems and personal scandal have left Charlotte Gleason's family on the outskirts of polite society in England, and Charlotte's parents feel that the only thing they can do to help their daughter now is to arrange a marriage for her with a wealthy American who doesn't know of their family's predicament. Charlotte, reluctant to marry for any reason other than love, is sent across the Atlantic, along with her maid, Dora, who she persuades to switch place with her upon arrival in the St...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Tammi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Set in the year 1886, two women Charlotte(Lottie) Gleason and Dora Connors, are lady and maid, Living in Wiltshire, England. Due to a change in the families finances Charlotte is asked to leave her childhood home, and move to New York City to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs, someone she has never met. Due to illness, her mother, who was planning to escort her daughter to New York, was not able to make the trip. Instead Dora Connors, Charlotte's personal maid is to go in her mothers stead...more

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Dec 01, 2010 Cafelilybookreviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really appreciate it when authors do a little something different to set their book apart from others.

In Masquerade, the author includes a “fact or fiction” section in the back of the book which I think enriches the story. This section expounds up on the history of the time period this story is set in and I really enjoyed reading it.

There is also a little section with black and white photos which details the fashions described in this story. For readers like myself who love historical fictio...more

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Oct 29, 2010 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 4 of 5 stars

Masquerade by Nancy Moser is inspiring and moving historical fiction about Gilded Age New York. Charlotte Gleason has lived all of her nineteen years in blissful ignorance of the troubles of the world around her. Spoiled by her parents, she has beautiful clothing,a group of well-heeled wealthy friends, and servants to care for her every need, especially personal maid, Dora who has been her best friend since she was twelve. When her parents face scandal and a reduction in their finances they orde...more

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Oct 24, 2010 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Charlotte Gleason is a wealthy and spoiled young woman whose world changes when her father bring shame and financial ruin to his family. Dora Connors is Charlotte’s maid since they were both thirteen. Their relationship borders on friendship withheld from all its benefits because of social boundaries. But all that changes when Charlotte, accompanied by Dora, is sent to America to marry a very wealthy heir. But upon arriving, Charlotte decides to switch places with Dora. The masquerade begins.

I t...more Charlotte Gleason is a wealthy and spoiled young woman whose world changes when her father bring shame and financial ruin to his family. Dora Connors is Charlotte’s maid since they were both thirteen. Their relationship borders on friendship withheld from all its benefits because of social boundaries. But all that changes when Charlotte, accompanied by Dora, is sent to America to marry a very wealthy heir. But upon arriving, Charlotte decides to switch places with Dora. The masquerade begins.

I thoroughly loved reading this book. I liked the premise, and I felt the author was able to pull it off well. In some aspects, this novel reminded me of a Jane Austen book. It is character-driven and full of events that kept me guessing until the end to see how it would all turn out. Both Charlotte and Dora are likable characters. Their personal growth (mainly because of their changed circumstances) as the story progressed was the impetus that kept me loving every page I read.

I especially enjoyed the Italian immigrant Scarpelli family, since my relatives, grandparents and parents are immigrants who carved a life in America and Canada. The Italian phrases brought a smile to my face, and I appreciated the author’s research of what life was like for many immigrants when they first arrived in America. It made me look back on my family with admiration for leaving everything behind to start anew in a strange land.

The ending came a little too quickly (maybe because I was enjoying the book so much) and I felt the romantic involvements weren’t fully developed. Both Charlotte and Dora’s love interests were men I would have liked to know better. So few words were exchanged between Dora and Edmund that it left me craving for more. However, since the main focus of the book is not really romance, this is but a minor setback, and as I said I loved reading this book.

The story explores friendship, the value of honesty and finding one’s purpose in life. It is filled with vivid scenes that would allow for a great transition to the movies. No doubt about it, Nancy Moser has made it on my list of favorite authors.
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Oct 08, 2010 Fiction State Of Mind (Kai Charles) rated it 4 of 5 stars

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. 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, she lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish m...more

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Oct 04, 2010 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

It’s 1886 England. Charlotte Gleason’s life as a wealthy socialite’s daughter will end if she stays in England for reasons unrelated to her own doings. Her father and mother have ‘arranged’ for her to marry Conrad Tremaine, son and heir of one of the wealthiest men in America and the owner of Tremaine’s Dry Goods store, a five-story building in New York City which encompasses an entire city block. A strong-minded Charlotte decides she wants to marry ‘for love,’ not wealth and society. The Tremai...more It’s 1886 England. Charlotte Gleason’s life as a wealthy socialite’s daughter will end if she stays in England for reasons unrelated to her own doings. Her father and mother have ‘arranged’ for her to marry Conrad Tremaine, son and heir of one of the wealthiest men in America and the owner of Tremaine’s Dry Goods store, a five-story building in New York City which encompasses an entire city block. A strong-minded Charlotte decides she wants to marry ‘for love,’ not wealth and society. The Tremaines, however, presumptuously send two, first-class tickets for the steamship Etruria.

Dora Connors has been Charlotte’s personal maid for more than seven years. When Charlotte’s mother is taken ill, Dora is assigned to accompany Charlotte to NYC as her friend. The steamship ride alone is a great story, but it’s only the half of it.

True to her self-centered nature, Charlotte convinces Dora to take her place as the bride-to-be of Conrad, while Charlotte (Lottie) seeks to make life happen her own way once they arrive in America. Dora becomes Charlotte Gleason, and Charlotte becomes Lottie Hathaway.

Circumstances change in a hurry, leaving Lottie alone and abandoned. Her ‘half-prayers’ remind her of God’s promise ‘to watch over her.’ Dora (now Charlotte Gleason), on the other hand, is drenched in the luxury of society’s elite at the Tremaine’s, albeit living in angst of being ‘discovered’ and thus humiliated.

Masquerade was a very insightful read. It takes you on a disturbing distinction that distinguishing the elegantly rich socialites and the poor, ‘the haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ through the role-reversals of the young ladies, that were initially meant to find Charlotte her ideal plans for her life in America.

Reminiscent of The Prince and the Pauper, with a little Gone With The Wind verbiage, Masquerade has deeper spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical consequences when both young women choose to deliberately deceive. Sir Walter Scott’s “Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive’… becomes a truism to be dealt with.

The depiction of the poor in America in 1886 appears to be as horrific as today’s homelessness. The poor that Jesus is ever so aware of and wants us to care for, both physically and spiritually.

With roles reversed, will the young ladies “find” themselves? Make it on their own? Or will they metamorph into the young ladies God intended them to be?

To add to the pleasure of the book, the author delineates the actual historical data that she based her novel on, along with pictures of some gowns worn during that time frame.

This book was provided free by Jim at Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.(less)

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Oct 02, 2010 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book started out with the predictable "Prince and the Pauper" scenario. Dora becomes Charlotte, and enters the world of the rich while Charlotte becomes Lottie and lives the world of the poor. The story, itself, is well written and the characters demonstrate growth and empathy for the other half by the end of the book. Both protagonists are quite likeable by then. Not so much at the first of the book.

The reason this book stands out is the detail and research the author put into the story re...more

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Sep 27, 2010 April rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-gilded-age-ins

MASQUERADE BY NANCY MOSER is a delightful Inspirational Historical Fiction set in 1886 England and New York City. It is well written with details, depth, fast paced and a page turner. It has romance, adventure, switching identities, fashion, faith, taking a chance, moving forward in your faith, rich,poor, good,bad, finding who you are and what you are supposed to be.The characters are strong, determined,troublemakers and will capture your heart. Lottie and Dora trade places, Lottie was being sen...more

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Aug 28, 2010 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’m very thankful for a review copy of this novel. Masquerade depicts pitfalls and promises of people in the 1800’s who are starting afresh in the land of milk and honey--America. Nancy Moser states that she had a blast writing this book and I had just as much fun reading it. She said this book could be a mixture of movies such as The Prince and The Pauper, Titanic, The Age of Innocence and Far and Away; I agree it was a combination of them all and a little more.

Similar to these movies, Nancy l...more I’m very thankful for a review copy of this novel. Masquerade depicts pitfalls and promises of people in the 1800’s who are starting afresh in the land of milk and honey--America. Nancy Moser states that she had a blast writing this book and I had just as much fun reading it. She said this book could be a mixture of movies such as The Prince and The Pauper, Titanic, The Age of Innocence and Far and Away; I agree it was a combination of them all and a little more.

Similar to these movies, Nancy lets the reader experience every part of life in the late 1800's with just the right mix of the sights, sounds, smells, social structures and the hopes and dreams of so many on their way to the promised land. I felt as if I were experiencing America through their eyes for the very first time - up close and personal. So many people were heading to America to live the dream others talked about.

This novel is set in England in 1886. Charlotte Gleason is a wealthy spoiled young girl who wants to marry for love; period the end. She’s about to refuse to marry a man arranged for her by her parents, when she discovers this union is their one shot at saving them from being financially ruined. Suddenly her situation begins to look bleak, and taking a boat to America doesn’t sound so bad after all. While on the boat to America, Charlotte comes up with a plan that would involve her maid, Dora Connors. Dora Connors listens to Charlotte’s plan - they’ve been friends for years and Dora doesn’t think it’s the best idea. How could she think this would work? She would go along with the masquerade, against her better judgment. Charlotte was quite stubborn so Dora agrees. The adventure begins when they get off the boat and switch places in America.

Never in her wildest dreams did Charlotte Gleason think life could change so quickly. One day she is living in luxury and the next in ruins, expected to pay her own way for everything. Dora Connors never expected the fiancé’s house to be so elegant and the man she was to wed so likable. Could she live like this the rest of her life? It wouldn’t take much convincing! Can Charlotte Gleason make her way in this foreign land? You’ll have to read this tale to find out. It was fun to read about America in it’s infancy and watch these two girls try to pull off the impossible! I also enjoyed the historical facts and dresses the author shares in the 'author notes' at the end. I now understand why wealthy women needed help with their clothes. By the looks of them, the young lady could hardly move around in them. I really enjoyed learning more about the late 1800's while reading this book.

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
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Jun 01, 2011 Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was the first book that I've read by Nancy Moser and I was really intrigued by the story line of Masquerade and had high expectations for this book! While I really did like the book there were some areas that fell short to me!

The story line I thought was extremely creative. I loved that the rich spoiled girl trades places with the maid so she doesn't have to marry rich American Conrad. Once Catherine trades places with her maid Dora she ends realizing life without money is a lot harder than...more This was the first book that I've read by Nancy Moser and I was really intrigued by the story line of Masquerade and had high expectations for this book! While I really did like the book there were some areas that fell short to me!

The story line I thought was extremely creative. I loved that the rich spoiled girl trades places with the maid so she doesn't have to marry rich American Conrad. Once Catherine trades places with her maid Dora she ends realizing life without money is a lot harder than she expected and wants to change her mind repeatedly!

Another thing I really enjoyed about this story was the way Nancy Moser expertly described a wonderful vision of that time period that made you feel like you were a part of the story and a part of history! The part when the girls are traveling on a boat to America was just fantastic and I sympathized with the atmosphere they were dropped in to once they arrived in America with all the other immigrants! The slums on New York City were described in great detail and my heart broke at the hardship that those people must have endured!

What I didn't enjoy about this story were the characters! I never really connected to Catherine (Lottie) or Dora although I did sympathize with Dora more than Lottie. I thought Lottie was a horrible spoiled woman and her transformation at the end wasn't believable to me at all. I was confused at times about some of the other characters personalities as well. They seemed to bounce back between nice to mean and I wasn't sure whether I should like them or not like them-like Mrs. Tremaine or Dr. Greenfield or even Sven.

I also thought the romance and love aspect fell short for me! I had high hopes for that part of the book and when it ended I just felt like I didn't love the relationships that were formed or the characters that were involved! I hated how things ended for the families like the Tremaines and the Gleasens but I won't go in to why so I don't spoil it for anyone!

While there was some definite things that I dis-liked about Masquerade there was a lot to enjoy and I thought the writing was very well done and the story line unique and I do actually plan on reading another book by Nancy. I think historical Christian fans will enjoy this book!
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Sep 28, 2010 Sensitivemuse rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book kept me up at night. I look at the clock and said to myself; ‘right, one more chapter then bedtime’. I really liked the way this book was written. The history was interesting, and rich in detail. I especially enjoyed how the dresses were described, and at the end of the book there’s a small appendix with pictures to help with the visuals. The author’s note was extremely informative and helpful, and you get an explanation on how Moser got her ideas to make this book happen. The plot was...more This book kept me up at night. I look at the clock and said to myself; ‘right, one more chapter then bedtime’. I really liked the way this book was written. The history was interesting, and rich in detail. I especially enjoyed how the dresses were described, and at the end of the book there’s a small appendix with pictures to help with the visuals. The author’s note was extremely informative and helpful, and you get an explanation on how Moser got her ideas to make this book happen. The plot was really interesting and attention grabbing, and although this book would be considered inspirational fiction (with a bit of Christian element in it) there is mention of God, and some parts do end up being a little preachy but it’s not enough to be a bother. It may get a little annoying and unnecessary at some points, but you’d have to consider, back then there was a heavy dependence on God and the Church. I’d like to think of it that way, and it does add for more historical accuracy to the plot.

The characters in the novel were excellent and Charlotte (in the book she’s mentioned as Lottie) was your typical high society girl. I did not really like her from the start. She’s seen as shallow, oblivious to anything except what she plans to do next at a social event, and throughout the book she’s really a jealous spoiled brat. She actually got me riled up towards the end, it got me thinking that she’ll really never learn her lesson. However, she does develop and mature (eventually). She becomes a much better person but whether she remains likable or not is up to the reader. I preferred reading about Dora though. The particular plot arc was much more interesting and Dora was much more likable as a character. Regarding Beatrice (Conrad’s sister), wow. I really hated her. After what Dora did Beatrice does a nice wonderful ‘thank you’ in return. I felt like giving her the slap for that moment. She was really a hateful witch. Mrs Tremaine, on the other hand, I disliked at first but she became a surprise at the end, and I ended up forgiving her for being so cold.

An engaging plot, a wonderful cast of characters and rich historical detail makes this book worth reading. If you’re willing to put aside the religious content and read it for the sake of its’ historical content pick this book up. It really is worth the read. I enjoyed this book and am glad I gave it the chance it deserves.(less)

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Oct 22, 2010 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Charlotte Gleason's privileged life has taught her little of the real world. Naive to the point of childlike, she has no clue what awaits on her upcoming journey to America. Her parents have arranged a marriage between her and a wealthy American heir by the name of Conrad Tremaine.

Conrad and Charlotte have never met; they've only exchanged letters. Charlotte is not impressed; she wishes to marry for love. Her parents however, require her to follow their directive. Financial and other indiscreti...more

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Aug 20, 2010 Carly rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have read a few of Nancy Moser’s books and I have noticed that while I enjoy her writing and her stories, they tend to be a little slow at times. I had a similar experience with Masquerade, but the story was very appealing and well written, so the slower parts did not negatively affect my overall enjoyment of the story. I would have to say that Masquerade is my favorite Nancy Moser book so far and it has reignited my desire to read more of her work.

The storyline of Lottie and Dora switching p...more

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Nov 05, 2010 Carol Harlow rated it 5 of 5 stars

Masquerade by Nancy Moser

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. Bu...more Masquerade by Nancy Moser

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 when this chance of a lifetime turns into her blackest nightmare, can her faith and hope survive?

I love a book that you can get caught up in and this is one of those for me. Although it seemed like everything that could possibly go wrong for Charlotte, did go wrong, it was very entertaining to read. From the moment Charlotte (a very pampered, nieive rich girl) sets foot in America she has one bad thing after another happen. Charlotte makes a new friend and sets out on a very different way of life than she had planned. She finds herself living very differently than she had planned, she finds a job and a place to live, but she’s not sure if she wants this life or her old life back. An old friend from her past turns up unexpectedly and sets Charlotte on a course of self discovery. Charlotte soon learns what is important in her life.

Dora the maid is overwhelmed by the life she is thrown into, but she is very adaptable and charming and is quiet enjoying her new life, yet there is always the worry that she will be discovered.

In the back of this book Nancy Moser has given a good explanation of Fact or Fiction that shows some real people, places and things that are interwoven into the story. Nancy has also included some pictures of the Fashions of the late 1800’s when the story takes place.

I highly recommend this Christian Romance book.

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart's Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest.(less)

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Feb 16, 2011 Sally rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

I had a really hard time liking the main characters of this book. First, you have the woman who doesn't want to go into an arranged marriage and would rather have 'adventure' and'freedom' instead. She forces her maid into taking her place and then immediately runs into trouble. What ultimately changes her mind is not a sense of guilt. Instead, she realises she needs the young man's money. The maid is slightly better. She doesn't want to go into the sham, but is led to believe she doesn't have an...more

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Sep 20, 2010 Valerie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, for-book-reviews

I enjoyed Nancy Moser's novel Masquerade.

Lottie's parents send her to New York to meet a potential husband, a man of wealth that will be the rescuer of their own floundering financial situation. Dora, her maid and best friend accompanies her on the journey.

Lottie wants adventure and independence, not a marriage without love. On the ship to America she cooks up the plan to swap places with Dora. Dora would become Lottie and have the chance of a lifetime -- move from a lowly maid to a wife to one...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Wanda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-books, christian-romance-historical-fictio, 2010

This is the story about a spoiled English society girl and her maid - the rich and the poor.

The story takes place in England 1886 to New York City during the Gilded Age. Thomas Gleason arranges a good match for his daughter, Charlotte. "Lottie", the spoiled daughter, is to travel to America for an arranged marriage to Conrad Tremaine, a wealthy man living in New York City. Lottie is looking for true love, wanting to pursue her dreams. Her parents had endured an arranged marriage and now they exp...more This is the story about a spoiled English society girl and her maid - the rich and the poor.

The story takes place in England 1886 to New York City during the Gilded Age. Thomas Gleason arranges a good match for his daughter, Charlotte. "Lottie", the spoiled daughter, is to travel to America for an arranged marriage to Conrad Tremaine, a wealthy man living in New York City. Lottie is looking for true love, wanting to pursue her dreams. Her parents had endured an arranged marriage and now they expected her to do the same. Lottie had vowed she would never marry without love. There were also family scandals to overcome. There were rumors of "another woman" in her father's life as well as bad financial issues. For a young girl, being rich was the key, spending her days wearing lovely fashions and jewels and attending balls. Lottie wanted more out of life.

Lottie's only friend was Dora, her maid, who is looking for security and wanting to escape poverty. Dora had taken great pride in educating herself. She lived with this family of society for so long that she absorbed the etiquette. She thought it would be grand to marry a rich man and be a real lady of society. Dora and Lottie board the Etruria and are headed to America. During the trip Lottie convinces Dora to trade places with her - to change identities. Lottie inundates Dora with the finer points of becoming a lady and the "masquerade" begins. Lottie's instructions to Dora were - "be polite, prompt, pretty, and proper." They arrive in Castle Garden, where all immigrants start their American journey and the adventure begins.

While still at Castle Gardens, Lottie's money and jewels are stolen. She ends up at Five Points with an Italian family where the living conditions are horrible. Lottie was not accustomed to this chaos, filth, and cacophony.

Meanwhile, Dora is introduced to the Gilded Age, with the Tremaine family and their unimaginable wealth and the amazing fashion.

Lottie and Dora go through a myriad of obstacles to find their true purpose in life. Sometimes God takes us out of our comfort zones to discover who we are supposed to be.

I became engaged in the storyline early on, but lost interest as the story unfolded too slowly. I just wasn't eager to read on, but did. I didn't find the characters interesting or well developed. But, fortunately, there was humor interjected throughout, which really helped and there was good historical detail revealed. The story was brought to a satisfying conclusion with all the layered secrets and tangled truths. I've read many Nancy Moser books which were far superior to this one. I would give it 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

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Jan 05, 2012 M.B. Forester-Smythe rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading Barbara Moser, and I will admit that it's also the first book I read after reading the cover jacket. I don't habitually read the jackets, but will usually open the book and start reading at random to see if the book interests me. The blurb on this book was so well written/worded that I knew I had to read it.

That being said, I will say that this book reminded me of "The Prince and The Pauper" - two people trading places and living each other's lives.

That was an aspec...more

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Oct 08, 2010 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-romance

Charlotte Gleason, a privileged only child of a prominent aristocratic family, has the terrible misfortune of being forced into an arranged marriage. Due to her family's financial difficulties and a scandal involving her father, the only way Charlotte's parents can protect and secure her future is to marry her off to an elite and wealthy American heir. Charlotte, a young girl eager to find love and adventure, does not easily concede to this plan. It is only because of the severity of her family'...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Tarissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book for 3 reasons:
1) I was intrigued by the title. Masquerade. Which means "a disguise" or "to assemble in masks". This is a perfect word to describe the action between the two young ladies in the book.
2) The cover art drew me in. I enjoy reading about the Victorian Era and the Gilded Age, which is what the beautiful dress spoke to me as.
3) A plot where a maid blissfully switches into the mistress, and the heiress mistress becomes commonplace? Certainly!

Now that I've read it, m...more I picked up this book for 3 reasons:
1) I was intrigued by the title. Masquerade. Which means "a disguise" or "to assemble in masks". This is a perfect word to describe the action between the two young ladies in the book.
2) The cover art drew me in. I enjoy reading about the Victorian Era and the Gilded Age, which is what the beautiful dress spoke to me as.
3) A plot where a maid blissfully switches into the mistress, and the heiress mistress becomes commonplace? Certainly!

Now that I've read it, my original excitement has waned. Sure, it is a great story, but hasn't turned into a favorite of mine.

The author did write this book with a Christian theme... YES! I'm very thankful for that. Without the knowledge of Charlotte turning to God for help in her troubles, I don't think I could have enjoyed the book as much. The train of thought that carried through to the end of the book was quite believable. The emotions that both Charlotte (mistress) and Dora (maid) maintained throughout each of their stories was right on track as they each adjusted to their new settings.

Other things I immensely appreciated about the story include the trip across the ocean from England to America. I have such a fascination for ships, and the accurate descriptions met my approval. I also loved reading the descriptions of the dresses and finery. It's the Victorian Era, and everything is decked out to its utmost for the rich society people. Yet, at the same time, I feel that when introduced to the slum areas of New York, the author was able to capture an authentic feeling of destitution and homelessness.

May I also say, introducing Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Vanderbilt into the plot. Bravo! Well done! Two important ladies in American history. I was pleasantly surprised by their appearances. To go along with this statement, there is so much history packed into this book, I am amazed at the volume of research it must have taken to piece the details together correctly.

There are definitely some plot twists. I think I'm still unsettled as to whether I can fully embrace these twists or not. A couple incidences seemed just a bit too "coincidental". In all the thousands of apartments that the doctor could have entered, he "just happened" to arrive at the exact one that would progress the story forward---which, by no logic should he have been led there---and there was another similar occurrence later on. Perhaps this isn't a defect in the writing, but I still am unsure how it happened so randomly to work out like that.

Notes: My least favorite parts of the story included the rumors of Charlotte's father being involved with another woman. In fact, part of this folly is one of the reasons why the rest of the plot came to be. Also, Charlotte is quite a flirtatious young woman herself. It is explained in the book that with this being the way she had been trained to act socially, it is the only way she knows of how to speak with male figures to get her way. Not my favorite things to read of in a book, but, it worked out in the end.

Overall, I did so enjoy reading "Masquerade". It really is the historical details and accuracies that saved it for me. (less)

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Aug 23, 2010 Molly rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: CFBA

Shelves: book-review

This is a first for me by this author and I will admit that I highly enjoyed her work! She drew me in from the first page and kept me hooked til the end. Her talent at penning a story is outstanding and I will definitely be adding her to my growing list of wonderful authors that I love.

Have you ever wished you lived someone else's life because you think they have it better than you? If so, then this is a perfect and quirky novel for you to read! This is a historical novel, and while I LOVE hist...more

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Aug 21, 2010 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianfiction, forreview, historicalfiction, blog-tour-book

I have read several enjoyable "Gilded Age" stories this past year. This one was good. I liked the premise of the rich girl and the maid switching places and trying to pretend to be what they were not. Their masquerade didn't work out well for either of them. Lying just complicated their lives. On the other hand, God did take care of them...probably because He knew that they would come clean. The author did a great job of showing that God does have His eyes on us and does listen when we call on H...more I have read several enjoyable "Gilded Age" stories this past year. This one was good. I liked the premise of the rich girl and the maid switching places and trying to pretend to be what they were not. Their masquerade didn't work out well for either of them. Lying just complicated their lives. On the other hand, God did take care of them...probably because He knew that they would come clean. The author did a great job of showing that God does have His eyes on us and does listen when we call on His for help.

Some things about this story were amazing, like the settings. The stuffy families and the societal rules all rang true for me. The author did a great job with the culture as well. I felt like I was in the tenements with the characters as well as in the mansion with Charlotte, AKA Dora. I enjoyed watching the characters' personalities transform because of their faulty situation and how they learned to be less self-focused and more other-focused, especially the character who grew up rich and traded places with her maid. Their names switched several times so it got a bit confusing, but I was able to follow along.

I am not sure that I totally bought into Lottie's complete transformation, though I can see how her circumstances could rub down those rough edges and make her a more caring person. I can also see how being exposed to children taught her that she had a heart for them. In the realm of the wealthy, children are treated very differently than in the world of the poor. It was heart wrenching for me when Lottie found the abandoned baby. Especially when there was a Foundling home not far away. (I used to work for CPS and people still abandon babies in this generation.)

At any rate, I really enjoyed the story and the romantic threads entwined in the lives of both women and their men. While the ladies went about things the wrong way, God redeemed their situations. That was what made the book special to me. They came clean and were rewarded for repenting and turning their lives around. I still felt bad for The Tremaines, however, because they got the short end of the stick. (less)

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Feb 24, 2011 Susan O'Bryant rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a gem of a book! Although I wanted to shake Lottie a few times for her snobbery and selfishness, she redeemed herself in the end and I know she had learned some hard lessons and ultimately made the right choices. Dora had such a classy, kind, and admirable way about her, and I really enjoyed her side of the story. I loved the inclusion of historical facts tucked neatly into the novel (Bram Stoker being on the Etruria, descriptions of the Mulberry Street area of NYC, etc.). You can't help bu...more

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May 02, 2013 justablondemoment rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2010, 19th-century, arranged-marriage, arc, christian-romance-historical

Well done on this book a grabber from the beginning. As I was reading I felt at times that I was right along the sides of these two young women experiencing everything with them. The only thing that kept it from a 5 star is, that as much as I was swept up in their lives, I could put the book down. 5 star books are the books that if I have to go into the other room, I take the book with me. This book was really good just not quite a 5. Author did a fantastic job with research and as another revie...more

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Mar 19, 2011 Audrey rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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