Bethany House Publishers
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 indiscretions have placed her father in an awkward position in proper 1886 society. In order to secure Charlotte's future, she must marry Conrad.
Thankfully Dora Conners, Charlotte's personal maid, is much more savvy to the ways of the world. Due to Charlotte's mother's ill health, Dora goes to America with Charlotte. And because the Tremaines sent two first class tickets to America, Dora gets the added bonus of traveling as Charlotte's companion and not her servant.
The girls embark on a journey that changes their lives. Charlotte's nervousness gets the better of her and they switch places, with Dora acting as Conrad's intended bride. Oh. My. Goodness. Charlotte has no idea what she's set into motion or the consequences that follow. She will surely grow up now. Or will she? And what about poor Conrad, does he find love with Charlotte, who's really Dora...?
This tangled tale is skillfully woven as Nancy Moser illustrates how what happens when we try and order our lives as we think best. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Moser, and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it. Her characters come alive from page one and remain true throughout. I will keep an eye out for her books in the future.
Happy reading!
Karen
Many thanks to Bethany House, who provided this copy for review. No compensation was received.
Oh you've got me. I love the sound of this book and that dust jacket is beautiful, if I saw this in the bookstore I would definitely pick it up and so I shall add it to my list. How lucky are you to get a free copy?! ;) Have a wonderful weekend. ;))
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - This sounds fun and smart. I'll definitely check it out. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteOoooo, a tangled tale skillfully woven sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI'm about to do a book review myself, so I appreciate what it takes for those of you that do it regularly. It goes waaaaaayyyyy beyond reading for pleasure. I'm thinking it requires a wee bit of responsibility; one that ensures a objective eye, and a sifting skill.
Bless your litle pink heart!
Kathleen
Sound like a must read...and the cover is so beautiful. Great review Karen.
ReplyDeleteHave a super weekend.
Talei,
ReplyDeleteThe cover is lovely, and it's a good read. It is a blessing to review for Bethany House! If you pick it up, hope you enjoy it:)
Lisa,
You are welcome. It was good, and different, and gave a good look at the gilded age.
Kathleen,
It was rather intriguing! Looking forward to reading your review. :)
Jan,
The content lives up to the cover.:)You have a wonderful weekend as well!
Blessings all,
Karen
I do like her work, I've read her a lot in the past and she is more like my kind:)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read! I better write this title down. :O)
ReplyDeleteSounds fascinating! I've read other books by Nancy Moser (I think she wrote one about Jane Austen) so this book caught my attention. Is this book based on real characters as well, or just fiction?
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing Nancy Moser--I've not heard of her work before but this sounds really interesting. I'll make a note of Masquerade, and look forward to diving into some of her other books, too :-)
ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read more of her work now that I've been introduced to it:)
Diane,
It is a good read!
KBW,
I'd like to read the Jane Austen one now that I've read her work. I believe these characters are fictional, but based on women of the gilded age.
Kenda,
Happy to do it! I'll be checking others out too:)
Blessings,
Karen
Its fun to reader an author's first work, then anticipate their next release. Thanks for the review and best wishes for Nancy Moser.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
The cover alone had me sucked in but thank you for your review, I love the premise and look forward to snagging a copy!
ReplyDeleteMasquerade sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the review :-)
ReplyDelete~Ron
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteThanks, and yes it is!
Jen,
I know, it makes for such a great plot!
Ron,
It is, or I thought so anyway:) Thanks!
Blessings all,
Karen
This sounds like it has a lot of twists!
ReplyDeleteMasquerade sounds intriguing. Good interview. I love the cover.
ReplyDeleteSandra,
ReplyDeleteIt does! I don't want to give anything away...:)
Linda,
Thank you. The cover is very nicely done - sure to draw readers in, I think.
Blessings,
Karen :)
Hi Karen .. sounds very interesting and I love your review .. and the ramifications of the changing over characters .. and what wheels are set in motion .. thanks Nancy Moser - must remember to keep any eye out ..
ReplyDeleteThanks - Hilary