Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Bethany House (1770)
Description
Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. A spoiled rich girl seeking adventure in 1880s New York escapes an arranged marriage by switching places with her maid, a scheme with unforeseen consequences.
User reviews
LibraryThing member vg2001
Lottie Gleason's parents have put her in a terrible position. Forced to sail to America from England in order to marry someone she has only met through letters and she would never love, Lottie comes up with a daring plan: switch places with her traveling companion and friend, Dora! Lottie's always
A sweet, but ultimately forgettable story. I really wanted to like this book more than I did. But the characters weren't developed as well as they could have been, and I didn't even like one of the main characters...and I know I was supposed to.
My chief complaint remains the same as for most of the fiction that I've reviewed recently: don't call it *Christian* fiction, when it isn't! Christian fiction deserves the name when the Gospel is clear, and when the plot can't be sustained without the Christian angle. But when you can remove the "God parts" and the plot remains the same, God is only a tag-on - "Let's throw in a quick prayer...here!" - included to appeal to an audience that will plunk down their money for anything historical and romantic at the nearest Christian bookstore. That doesn't make a book Christian any more than Madonna affecting a British accent makes her actually British. Our holy, awesome God transcends all, including fiction, and deserves better than characterization as the Great Vending Machine in the Sky.
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wanted adventure, and America's the place where everyone gets a fresh start, right?! And she certainly doesn't want to marry without love. So the switch takes place, but Lottie, who's always been able to get what she wants, learns that America isn't England, plans can go awry in the worst ways, and not everyone is who they seem to be.A sweet, but ultimately forgettable story. I really wanted to like this book more than I did. But the characters weren't developed as well as they could have been, and I didn't even like one of the main characters...and I know I was supposed to.
My chief complaint remains the same as for most of the fiction that I've reviewed recently: don't call it *Christian* fiction, when it isn't! Christian fiction deserves the name when the Gospel is clear, and when the plot can't be sustained without the Christian angle. But when you can remove the "God parts" and the plot remains the same, God is only a tag-on - "Let's throw in a quick prayer...here!" - included to appeal to an audience that will plunk down their money for anything historical and romantic at the nearest Christian bookstore. That doesn't make a book Christian any more than Madonna affecting a British accent makes her actually British. Our holy, awesome God transcends all, including fiction, and deserves better than characterization as the Great Vending Machine in the Sky.
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LibraryThing member ReviewsbyMolly
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
I give this book 4 stars and two thumbs up, along with recommendation to all who not only like historical novels, but who like those sweet, unique and witty stories! I am looking forward to the next Nancy Moser novel and will definitely be checking out her past works!
Have you
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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 historicals, that is not what drew me in to this story. What drew me in was the storyline of Charlotte, an English heiress, being sent to America to meet a wealthy heir whom her parents arranged for her to wed. Along the journey, she decides she wants to live a "normal" life and she changes places with her lady's maid. It was definitely a different and unique plot with excellently crafted characters, beautiful historic detail, a wonderful spiritual message from God about being happy with who you are,a touch of mystery and even a little romance woven in when someone starts to lose their heart! I give this book 4 stars and two thumbs up, along with recommendation to all who not only like historical novels, but who like those sweet, unique and witty stories! I am looking forward to the next Nancy Moser novel and will definitely be checking out her past works!
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LibraryThing member Tinasbookreviews
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
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 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.
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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..........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 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.
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LibraryThing member kathleen.morrow
Charlotte, a high born English lady whose family has fallen from grace, and her maid Dora travel to America to meet Charlotte's betrothed. On the way, Charlotte talks Dora into a Prince an Pauperesque switch, and the two learn life lessons and (of course) find romance.
This book earned 3 stars. The
This book earned 3 stars. The
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writing is decent and the plot is engaging - and not as predictable as one might suppose from the blurb on the back. The historical detail is surprisingly accurate even if the characters are a bit modern. The book's weakness is poor character development. Still, I found this book an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Show Less
LibraryThing member ladytaluka
I received this book in order to do a free review. I don't usually choose to read Christian romances, but this one was all right. It seemed more like a story of friendship though than romance. The references to God were not overwhelming, and I think they did help the story.
It was a rather slow
It was a rather slow
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beginning though since there was so little romance. If I'm going to read a book that isn't written that well, it needs to have a good romance to make it worth while. Show Less
LibraryThing member cherryblossommj
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
All and all it is a good story. It has some feminist tones about the main issues of life in the New York Gilded Age that are great to read on a page and see in action. There are also wonderful historical pieces that draw such a vivid picture that both make you want to see it for your self and also make you glad for the changes in the way things are now. I completely get the vibe where in the author's note, Nancy says that "it was like combining The Prince and the Pauper, Titanic" and others. I could see those and feel them come from the page.
At the end of the book, not only do you get some great discussion questions, but also a very neat section on The Fashion of Masquerade and Fact or Fiction in Masquerade. Very neat and perfect for a reading group.
*Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.*
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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 was still that way in the end with no lesson learned and still going out for what she wanted above all else. Another issue I had was another character with similar attributes and once you thought that she was befriended, she pulled out the stops with hostility. It was confusing and a bit hard to keep up with whether "today would be a friendly day or not". All and all it is a good story. It has some feminist tones about the main issues of life in the New York Gilded Age that are great to read on a page and see in action. There are also wonderful historical pieces that draw such a vivid picture that both make you want to see it for your self and also make you glad for the changes in the way things are now. I completely get the vibe where in the author's note, Nancy says that "it was like combining The Prince and the Pauper, Titanic" and others. I could see those and feel them come from the page.
At the end of the book, not only do you get some great discussion questions, but also a very neat section on The Fashion of Masquerade and Fact or Fiction in Masquerade. Very neat and perfect for a reading group.
*Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.*
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LibraryThing member FloridaMom1234
I really enjoyed reading this book. I had trouble putting it down once I started. It was unpredictable and had lots of twists and turns in the plot and kept me wondering what was going to happen next.
The two main characters are Charlotte Gleason and her maid Dora. On the way to America, Charlotte
I can't say enough good about this book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I would definitely read another book by this author.
The two main characters are Charlotte Gleason and her maid Dora. On the way to America, Charlotte
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changes her mind about marrying a wealthy man and switches with her maid and the adventure begins. I can't say enough good about this book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I would definitely read another book by this author.
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LibraryThing member mldg
A young woman and her maid change places for a chance at a new life in America. The people and places are realistically portrayed. The characters learn about themselves, and everyone has a happier ending.
LibraryThing member Neverwithoutabook
I enjoyed this book. A light-hearted historical romance with just enough Christian reference to make it believable and enjoyable yet not overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of drawings of fashion that was used in the book. It shows an interest and dedication of the author to the
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realistic descriptions of fashions of the time the story is set in. The storyline has been done before, but in this case it was very enjoyable. The novel also includes questions for a book group. Show Less
LibraryThing member jubilant_joy
Masquerade is the story of Charlotte and Dora, a 19th century lady and her maid who swap identities upon arriving in New York. Highly reminiscent of The Prince and the Pauper, Masquerade is quite predictable. However, it is an enjoyable read with the pleasant ending that I was hoping for. I
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particularly enjoyed the historical descriptions of New York and the people who lived there in the late 19th century. The fashion illustrations in the back of the book, as well as the "Fact of Fiction" section were both helpful and interesting. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lori_OGara
Have you heard of the saying "When you make plans God laughs"? I am not sure where that saying came from but through out Masquerade by Nancy Moser I thought about that truism. When the story starts with Lottie a lady of class betrothed to a wealthy American and her maid Dora seeing to her every
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whim, you will think the book is another ho-hum historical fiction novel. Very soon into the story you will find this novel is anything but ho-hum. Lottie and Dora make plans through out their adventure and God sends them in another direction. The girls leave England for 19th century New York looking for adventure, and adventure they found. Then the shift happens and Dora's plans infuriate Lottie.Lottie's self-centered plans take advantage of her friend Dora's loyalty. I can almost hear God's laughter when their plans go wrong. This book is fun, full of life lessons, and surprises. Anyone who likes a historical fiction novel with a twist will love this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member tarenn
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,
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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 sent to New York to marry a wealthy merchant's son due to the scandal her father has caused. She didn't want to marry a man she has never met, so decides to get her maid to trade places with her. Dora, the maid trades places with Lottie, but she finds herself in love with another. Dora, is well received at the Tremaine's. Lottie, however, finds herself lacking funds, due to a thief. Conrad, Lottie's supposed fiance, is kind, does what his parents bidding, and truly enjoys Dora's company. Dr. Greenfield, meets Dora on the ship to America, finds he truly loves her. Fitz, the photographer who helps Lottie, finds he truly loves Lottie. This is a story on faith, finding ones purpose, truly finding love and following ones purpose in life. I would recommend this book. This book was received for review from Library Thing and the publisher and details can be found at Bethany House and My Book Addiction and More. Show Less
LibraryThing member MichelleSutton
Wonderful Gilded Age story with a different twist where the wealthy girl and the maid trade places. I loved the detail, the culture, the realism of the slums as well as the excess of the wealthy. I really enjoyed the romantic threads entwined in the lives of both women and their men. While the
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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. This was a good story and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to people who find this time period fascinating. Show Less
LibraryThing member khiemstra631
Moser's book begins in England at the Gleason Estate, in Wiltshire, where Charlotte's father has brought disgrace upon the family name both by losing his money and by having a married mistress whose husband is affronted by her affair. All Charlotte's friends shun her by refusing to attend her
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birthday party, which of course, ruins her life. Meanwhile, her parents plot to marry her off to Conrad Tremaine, a rich American department store heir in New York City. Charlotte's mother is too ill to make the trip with her to meet the Tremaines, so her friend and lady's maid, Dora goes with Charlotte, traveling not as a maid but as her "companion". Shortly before they are due to arrive, Charlotte hatches the scheme that they will trade places with Charlotte going to stay with Dora's cousin, who had immigrated to America a few years earlier, and Dora assuming the role of Charlotte and marrying Conrad Tremaine. I do not wish to give the plot away as it has many interesting twists and turns in it. Suffice it to say that real life does not turn out quite as the girls had envisioned in their dreams. And, although Dora was at first a reluctant participant in Charlotte's scheme, the life of the rich and famous quickly grows on her. Both girls mature and learn a lot of lessons about life over the course of the book. Once they arrive in New York City, the action really picks up, and it becomes a rather riveting read. It's a little slow to start, but stick with it as it's really a fun book. Show Less
LibraryThing member MarieFriesen
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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!)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.
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.
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.
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!
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LibraryThing member Nise
Nancy Moser has quickly become a favorite author. I have not read a book of hers that I did not like. They are not only entertaining, but enlightening as well. I love the historical facts she includes at the end of her books. While this one had a predictable ending, it was a fun read and causes you
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to wonder how far would you go to change your life. Is there someone you would like to trade places with (really)? Show Less
LibraryThing member schmapp
I love historical fiction and was excited to get this book through the Early Reviewers. Masquerade centers around Lottie, a weathly young lady in Englad and her maid Dora. They travel to New York City so Lottie can marry Conrad Tremaine. Lottie convinces Dora to switch place with her. Both
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characters get lessons in life throughout the story. It is hard not to fall in love with the characters and become connected to them. Moser paints a vivid picture of what things were like during that period in history. I particularly liked the end of the book where the author took time to discuss the research that she did about the period, dress and social class. Show Less
LibraryThing member justablondemoment
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 to 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 there lives, I was able to put the book
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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 reviewer said the end of the book where the research is laid out was interesting. Would love to see a series out of this book one with each of the girls. Recommend for both historical and romance book lovers. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kegsoccer
I often think about staying away from books published by Bethany House because they are known for their Christian fiction, and I get tired of having religion take over the story. Yet the few times that I read something from Bethany House, as was the case with Moser's "Masquerade," I am always glad
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that I picked them up. Moster's historical fiction is a good balance between the romance and historical, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a light read. Show Less
LibraryThing member jenniferbogart
When family financial difficulties and scandal threaten to decimate Charlotte Gleason’s current and future social standing and security in England, her family sends her to America with her personal maid to secure the hand of the wealthy Tremaine heir. On the voyage over, she concocts a plan to
I like Nancy Moser. I like historical fiction set in the Gilded Age. I have truly enjoyed several of her novels and they have found permanent spaces in my bookshelf. I’m afraid that Masquerade hasn’t. Moser seems to have focused more upon historical detail and fashion (both fun in their own right) than she has upon character development. Charlotte makes very choppy, and somewhat unrealistic changes – mainly during her voyage to America. Dora is believable, as is Conrad and the Italian family Charlotte (Lottie) finds refuge with, but the others are sorely underdeveloped.
This in turn leads to unbelievable and hastily assembled romantic developments and more of a ‘fairy-tale’ story feel than one of a rich, fully developed novel. The budding feelings between two of the characters that do NOT end up together is more realistic than any of the characters that DO end up together. I don’t want to include a spoiler here, but after reading the author’s note at the end of the novel I can see why that is – the final pairing was an unexpected development that occurred to her only once a good portion of the novel had been written. I’m afraid it shows in the writing.
That being said, this is still a nice story, and a sweet tale. The spirit of the American immigrants included within its pages is inspiring, but I’m afraid that despite the delectable cover (I was so looking forward to this one) Masquerade reads as though it was more hastily written than other works of Moser’s that I have enjoyed.
Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com
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trade places with her maid – trying her hand at living an independent life in New York while her maid – Dora – assumes her identity and travels to the Tremaine’s to see if their son Conrad is the man for her. Needless to say, this quickly becomes a sticky wicket as both young women are trapped in the deception and surprised by the new lives they find.I like Nancy Moser. I like historical fiction set in the Gilded Age. I have truly enjoyed several of her novels and they have found permanent spaces in my bookshelf. I’m afraid that Masquerade hasn’t. Moser seems to have focused more upon historical detail and fashion (both fun in their own right) than she has upon character development. Charlotte makes very choppy, and somewhat unrealistic changes – mainly during her voyage to America. Dora is believable, as is Conrad and the Italian family Charlotte (Lottie) finds refuge with, but the others are sorely underdeveloped.
This in turn leads to unbelievable and hastily assembled romantic developments and more of a ‘fairy-tale’ story feel than one of a rich, fully developed novel. The budding feelings between two of the characters that do NOT end up together is more realistic than any of the characters that DO end up together. I don’t want to include a spoiler here, but after reading the author’s note at the end of the novel I can see why that is – the final pairing was an unexpected development that occurred to her only once a good portion of the novel had been written. I’m afraid it shows in the writing.
That being said, this is still a nice story, and a sweet tale. The spirit of the American immigrants included within its pages is inspiring, but I’m afraid that despite the delectable cover (I was so looking forward to this one) Masquerade reads as though it was more hastily written than other works of Moser’s that I have enjoyed.
Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com
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LibraryThing member JacobsBeloved
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this novel by the end of it. The beginning is a bit slow and dry, as Moser sets up the background information and almost struggles to get the reader to "side" with the main character Charlotte Gleason by using her maid's voice to excuse Charlotte's
I feel much more sympathetic to Dora Conners' plight, as she has little to no say in her life and what Charlotte forces on her, even if it does seem to benefit Dora in theory. To be forced into a position in which she has to lie about who she is and where she is from by her "boss" is atrocious, no matter how much a "friendship" has been built between them. In addition, the endgame is that she is expected to give of her own body to a man in marriage who does not even know who she really is - it's completely shameful.
The parallel way that the story is told once the girls get to America is quite interesting, especially how their paths intersect in seemingly coincidental ways, such as the sweat shop where Charlotte works temporarily manufacturing the clothes that Dora orders from the Tremaine's department store. The more that Charlotte suffers and the guiltier she feels for the lies she has told and has also forced on Dora makes me like her more for the maturation in character she experiences.
In contrast, I have a hard time blaming Dora for the choices she has to make while living in the Tremaine household given her circumstances. She was made to come to this place and perform to certain expectations, and she has no backup plan should she decide to do otherwise. The guilt she feels despite her lack of personal choice in the matter only make her more likeable to the reader. Given where she is from and what is being handed to her, there are not many who would fault her for going along with the "masquerade."
In the end, the goal of both girls is true love over financial stability, and since I am a romantic at heart, I can't help but approve of the ending.
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"spoiled rich girl" behavior. I really have a hard time buying the lines that Charlotte really is a good person even though she chooses to be naive about the world she lives in because she feels helpless to enact change. But what happens to her family to force her to travel to America is just the thing to wake her up to the real world and her own responsibilities in it.I feel much more sympathetic to Dora Conners' plight, as she has little to no say in her life and what Charlotte forces on her, even if it does seem to benefit Dora in theory. To be forced into a position in which she has to lie about who she is and where she is from by her "boss" is atrocious, no matter how much a "friendship" has been built between them. In addition, the endgame is that she is expected to give of her own body to a man in marriage who does not even know who she really is - it's completely shameful.
The parallel way that the story is told once the girls get to America is quite interesting, especially how their paths intersect in seemingly coincidental ways, such as the sweat shop where Charlotte works temporarily manufacturing the clothes that Dora orders from the Tremaine's department store. The more that Charlotte suffers and the guiltier she feels for the lies she has told and has also forced on Dora makes me like her more for the maturation in character she experiences.
In contrast, I have a hard time blaming Dora for the choices she has to make while living in the Tremaine household given her circumstances. She was made to come to this place and perform to certain expectations, and she has no backup plan should she decide to do otherwise. The guilt she feels despite her lack of personal choice in the matter only make her more likeable to the reader. Given where she is from and what is being handed to her, there are not many who would fault her for going along with the "masquerade."
In the end, the goal of both girls is true love over financial stability, and since I am a romantic at heart, I can't help but approve of the ending.
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LibraryThing member SashiG
Poolside read
A very light read. Lottie is so spoiled and privileged that I couldn't sympathise with her. Her experiences in NY were definitely the making of her. I appreciated the quiet references to the Christian faith and prayer.
A very light read. Lottie is so spoiled and privileged that I couldn't sympathise with her. Her experiences in NY were definitely the making of her. I appreciated the quiet references to the Christian faith and prayer.
LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member heymay
I appreciated the historical details, especially those that highlighted the differences between the socioeconomic classes in both British and American societies. Though the first third of the book extensively focused on the trade that Lottie and Dora would eventually make, the book did pick up some
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speed later on. The cross-cultural interactions were interesting to read about, and if readers want to know more about clothing, there is quite a bit of information included. Lottie is admittedly not the most likeable character when we first meet her, but the spiritual changes she undergoes make her journey more worthwhile to read. The deception between the young women eventually takes a toll and the book is clear about how the truth will set people free. Ultimately, the happily-ever-afters show how the plans of the Lord will always prevail over our own plans and schemes. Show Less