Christmas Masquerade

by Debbie Macomber

Jo Marie first met Andrew, her dream man, in the crush of a Mardi Gras parade. But by Christmas, he was introduced to her as someone else's fianc�.

Yet Jo Marie noticed that Andrew and his intended didn't always act like a loving couple. In fact, in the whirl of Christmas parties and festivities they constantly seemed to be changing partners. During one dance Jo Marie even found herself in Andrew's arms, sharing a tender moment.
Had she gone crazy? In the harsh light of reality, her dream man was going to marry another woman. Or was he? The confusion had to end - it was a lonely game that just wasn't in the spirit of the Christmas season!

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Holiday

188 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1985

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Lizenbyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jo Marie and Kelly are best friends and share an apartment. Jo Marie during Mardi Gras runs into a handsome man who rescues her from some men. They lose each other in the crowd, but neither can forget the other one. Jo Marie runs back into the handsome man Andrew when he becomes engaged to Kelly. Jo Marie's brother Mark is in love with Kelly. Eventually they sort it out and Kelly and Mark are going to be married and Jo Marie and Andrew join them in the altar at a double wedding.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely "chick lit" which is okay if you enjoy that sort of book. The story was reasonably entertaining but I really did not like the ending. It was too sappy! This is my first time reading a book by Debbie Macomber, and I expect that I will read another to see if they are all like this.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather corny little story that didnt take long to catch onto why it was a "masquerade" but I very much liked it despite knowing it wasn't high literature. Lol.

[Karen]

not my favorite from Debbie, and she is one of my favorite author's. Storyline was very drawn out and not believable. But I will continue to read more from Debbie.

[Diana Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty confusing story. Not her best writing.

[Gretchen Stein · Rating 3 out of 5]

needed a Christmas read

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very holiday themed

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10

Story about Jo Marie Early being at a Mardi Gras celebration. Being bothered by three musketeers. Her Dream Man suddenly appears. "Saves her from the three men". He kisses her, and then she get pulled into a crowd of people. She tries to break free from them as well for the Dream Man.
She loses complete sight of him leaving her constantly dreaming of him and that kiss.

Suddenly her best friend Kelly shows up on her doorstep with the mystery man. Kelly announces that they are now engaged to be married.

With time Jo Marie's emotions for Andrew grow stronger everyday. He remembers that special moment as well. Haunts him day and night.

Jo Marie's brother Mark is deeply in love with Kelly, but hasn't made his move. He grows jealous of Kelly's engagement to Andrew.

At the end of the novel. Mark tells Kelly he is deeply in love with her. Kelly gives back the ring to Andrew.

Kelly has been having lots of abdomen pain so Mark brough her to the hospital so he can do tests to determine the problem.

Jo Marie and Andrew can now live happily ever after. Making their wish a reality.

During one evening the two couples have talked about having a double wedding in the new year.

-I much prefered "There's something about christmas & A Cedar Cove Christmas". There was more of a christmas feel to it. But Christmas Masquerade was a good novel.

[Reeds]

I started reading this book ‘forever ago’ because I was using it as a book to take with me to read when waiting in line. I lost track of the plot so many times, I kept having to look it up to remind myself of the plot. I finally gave it a few hours today to finish it up.
I guess I just don’t like stories where all for just telling somebody a simple fact much misery could be avoided. My word, one of the women got an ulcer for Pete sake because no one would just tell one little fact. Everyone was sworn to secrecy. I was as frustrated as the characters.
Well it’s over now, and I’m free.

[Cathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely if not drawn out story, could have easily been 50 pages shorter. long drawn out story but very quick to finish and reach the conclusion which was a little predictable.

it would have been nice to have a wedding in a book, but as her usual writing style these don't seem to be included at least the characters didn't just turn up married.

I read a newer edition (2016) surprised at the amount of typos in this book.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quite a mystery, and then became more confusing. Do I really want to read this? As I got more into the story I did enjoy the book. However, there was so much fantasy and wonder at times I kept thinking when will this mystery be over? It was not as good as many of her other romantic stories that I preferred and enjoyed much more.

[Krystyl Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story line and the characters drove me crazy at some times but it was an awesome read. It gave me jitters and I didn’t want to put the book down. I didn’t want the book to end but when the ending came around, I was so excited with how it ended. It is definitely worth it. 😀

[Glenda L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute romance by Debbie Macomber ... this one was written in 1985. I love reading her books when I have nothing else to do ... very relaxing. Two girls ... two guys ... what else can you ask for?

[Ivy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just a disaster. I am not a big fan of early Macomber and this is a reprint. This was a mess. It had typos, and the writing was poor. The premise was bad, but hey...it kept me busy durring the long wait at instacare. Otherwise skip it.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only Debbie Macomber books I read are her Christmas ones. While I have loved most of her more recent ones, this old one was not one I liked much. In fact, I must confess, I can't remember much about it.

I would love it if she would get back to her Angel Stories. They were the best!

[Jara Alvarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing of this book itself is great. I disliked most of the characters, though. The end of the book contains a very strange plot twist that I didn't care for either that left me with a feeling that the characters I'd read about throughout the book weren't authentic anyway.

[Lis Sigona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novella from Debbie Macomber. Couldn’t put it down, kept me intrigued wanting to know what happened next. It was frustrating yet predictable at some points. Not disappointing at all.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo Marie can't stop thinking of the man who stole a kiss. Unfortunately when she finds him again, he is engaged to her best friend and roommate. She doesn't want him around. Her heart hurts. Her brother is in love with her best friend, but he lets his pride stand in his way.

[Sandybear76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

the edition I read has new cover on it. reprinted in 2017

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very funny story despite the predictable nature of it. I enjoy anything by Debbie Macomber and this book was no exception.

[Margo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was harmless but the misunderstanding/confusion lasted way too long and had me actively disliking Kelly because she was such a hothouse flower she couldn't handle her own life.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of her older books but I didn't think it was one of her best Christmas books.

[Judi Asdell · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT! FAST AND EASY READ

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised that the masquerade didn't include masks, but four people playing each other.

[Marie Buccellato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story!! Quick read

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even for the 80s this plot line was ridiculous!

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book with an ending that was no surprise. I could not put it down though. I was surprised to see 2 typos and a sentence that made no sense.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit annoying. I thought that what happened in the end was going to happen.
Not the best Debbie Macomber book.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Travel agent Jo Marie Early, 23, meets the man of her dreams during Mardi Gras and promptly loses him in the crowds.
Nine months later he is still in her thoughts but she doesn't even know his name.
And then he (Andrew Beaumont) is back in her life in the strangest of circumstances, but he is not quite the man she remembers. More to the point he is everywhere she turns but is completely off limits.
The circumstances of his sudden re-appearance feel forced and downright unlikely. It's the kind of thing that makes you wonder if the author is playing games with the characters. Is he really unavailable or is it part of a devious ploy to help match Jo Marie's brother, Mark, with her flatmate, Kelly?
"Christmas Masquerade" is not a good choice for the title as the book has little or nothing to do with the festive season.
Overall the book had possibilities which were never explored and eventually it fell flat through overly simplistic plotting.
2 Stars.

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber is the queen of Christmas romance "Hallmark movie-like" novels. Unfortunately, this one was not nearly like the others I have read. The story begins with intrigue. It's Mardi Gras and a mysterious man, Andrew, rescues Jo Marie from three males chasing her. After this brief encounter, he steals a passionate kiss in return. The kiss leaves both parties emotionally ruined. The crowd is pressing, so Andrew and Marie are separated before conversing further. They have lost all hope of reconnecting in a city such as New Orleans.
This is a decent set up: mystery man suddenly rescues a damsel in distress only lose sight of her after a stolen very intense kiss. But, as the story progresses it becomes silly. The writing also is not up to Macomber's standards.
In the author's defense, this was one of her first holiday novels.
I will continue reading these Christmas cutesy novels every year, though. Just, perhaps not these older ones (that remains to be seen).