Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth...

1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

I'm hoping to check this one out from the library! :)

I have this a Kindle of the one and hope to finish a group read for a change in time to join the discussion. If I'm not confusing the author's I like her style so I'm looking forward to this one.

I have this ordered on ILL. Should be in soon.

My first book of Moser. I am about 60% in and having mixed feelings about the book.

I finally got mine today. I have a book to finish and then I can start.

I've started the book, and enjoying it so far!

Finished, here is my review:

Where to begin with reviewing Masquerade? What a plot! Masquerade is a very plot driven historical fiction novel set in New York.... Bends and turns in the plot can be a very hard to believe at times. Be prepared to say out loud, "seriously, what are the chances of that?!" several times out loud while reading this novel. You have been warned!

Lottie is a spoiled woman bred from high English society, and is forced to marry a man of immense financial standing, in America. Lottie's ladies maid, Dora has been in service since she was 12 years old and comes from a poverty stricken family. When Lottie's mother becomes ill and cannot travel overseas with her to meet her betrothed, Dora is asked to go with her as a companion....not as her maid. Lottie and Dora make the voyage to America, where they begin to justify lying and creating facades with everyone they meet and come in contact with by switching places. On the voyage, Dora meets a charming doctor who showers her with attention, meanwhile Lottie has a hard time coping with the attention Dora is getting since she is no longer beneath her in society. Lottie wishes for the ability to make her own decisions and to marry for love, rather than fulfilling her family's wishes of her arranged marriage. Dora on the other hand, relishes at the chance to live the life of Lottie, a life of beautiful dresses, a luxurious home to call her own, and without wondering where her next meal would come from.

Sounds like a great story, huh? Hold on...it's gonna be a BUMPY RIDE!

So many twists and turns happen in Masquerade, it sometimes is hard to keep up. Just when we think Lottie's character has finally made a breakthrough by learning how to feel empathy and regret....she messes things up ...AGAIN! As for Dora, well I'm not sure how she sleeps at night without guilt eating her alive. Finally when Lottie's spoiled tenancies resurface, she plans to ruin Dora's life by revealing her true identity. Which honestly had to happen one way or they other, we all know that Dora can't keep up this vast lie forever..I mean come on!

The major issue for me, and why this novel is not a 4 star or more, is because I prefer a more character driven novel, where Masquerade is clearly plot driven. Many of the "main characters" and secondary characters are introduced but hardly are expanded upon, which is a huge downer for me. I had a really hard time connecting with several characters, as well as struggling with the imagining aspect of reading a book. Sven, who? Conrad, who? On a positive note, Moser did an excellent job describing the slums of Five Points, reading about the conditions really resignated with me. I am interested in reading another novel from Nancy Moser, to see if I can forge a greater connection with another set of characters. There were many instances when I wanted to shake both Dora and Lottie for their decisions.

Rebekah, your review is spot on! I felt exactly the same. Just when I thought Lottie is going to redeem herself, she goes back to the same old self. Like you said, I wanted to shake them both and knock some sense into them.

Here are some discussion questions for the book. Please feel free to answer any/all or post your own questions or comment for discussion.

Masquerade Discussion Questions:

1. At the beginning of the story both Lottie and Dora long for a “true sister,” a bosom friend. Their place in society keeps them from seeing that this bond is in progress with each other. Who is your true sister? Was it an instant connection or did it take some time for the bond to develop.

2. On the ship, the girls discover new things about themselves. Dora comes to life and discovers an unknown talent for being charming, which results in being the belle of the ball. And Lottie had no idea she possessed a heart for children. What unexpected talent or gift has revealed itself in your life? What were the circumstances?

3. Whe Lottie first gets to America, her money and jewels are stolen and she is mad at God and declares shell handle things without Him. Have you ever felt that way? What were the circumstances? How did you rid yourself of these feelings? Or have you?

4. In Chapter 10, Lottie sees a necklace in a pawnshop—the ruby necklace her mother gave her for her birthday, the one she disdained. Then. But now it’s suddenly important to her. What else is suddenly important to Lottie that she took for granted before.

5. In Chapter 12, both girls go to church, and Charlotte notes, “The organ played a song to remind everyone that God has arrived.” Although we know God is everywhere, church is called “God’s House.” Why do you think this is so?

6. Does the dynamic between Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Vanderbilt , and the thin line that separated being a part of society or not, still exist today? What kind of line is present today between those in high society and those who are trying to climb higher? Can you think of TV shows or movies that showcase this social juggling?

7. In Chapter 15, while talking with Nanny, Lottie realizes she has to take responsibility for what’s happened to her, and God has provided for her in amazing ways—in spite of her blunders. How has God provided for you in spite of your mistakes? How long did it take you to realize what He’d done?

8. In Chapter 12, Lottie finally sees how God turned bad into good. “Was I brought here for this, Nanny? Was everything taken from me so I’d end up with the Scarpellis? Was I assaulted on my job so Sven would take me under his wing? Did I find Fitz and find you so ….all this could happen?” Dora could name a similar sequence of circumstances that brought her together with Dr. Greenfield. Name a time in your life when you can see a string of events that had God’s hands all over them.

9. Everyone has a need to find their purpose, to answer the question, “Why am I here? Now?” As Lottie asked Nanny. “What am I born to do?” Have you discovered your purpose yet? Do you see glimpses of it? What have you done to seek it? What could you do?

10. Many times throughout the book the moon inspired Lottie to think deeply about her life and purpose. What element of nature inspires you when you need to think? What special place?

11. In the end, Lottie and Dora realize by being apart they grew into the women God intended them to be. Do you think they could have accomplished the same growth if they’d remained maid and mistress in Dornby Manor?

I started the book but somehow can't find into it. I'll let it be for now but hope to read it at a later time.

I'll answer number 1. My BFF, Carol, and I began teaching together in 1984 as first grade teachers, team taught, became reading specialists and retired together after 30 years of teaching. Our friendship blossomed right away as we had so many things in common. We've even been asked many times if we were sisters as we look a lot alike. We call ourselves "sisters by choice."

I read the book. Enjoyed the beginning - puzzled about the premise of the switch - the ending proved that it was not very likely for the switch to happen in real life and an awkward and too quickly resolved ending lowered the rating from a 4.5 to a 3.5 for me. I usually like Nancy Mozer's books. Answering the questions above 1. No true sisters. But very close friends with a couple women.
2. Baking.
3.no. Frustrated about situations when they happen .
10. They would not have realized their differences or become so close if they had stayed in England due to how their situations would have changed and would not have been together as a result.

Our book group read this..on #5 re: God's house .. the name makes sense because He is 2 B our focus when at church, a building specifically made for worshippers.
I rated this a 3.5.
She definitely displays a talent for writing in this book and it was an enjoyable read.

I read the book two years ago so can't remember specifics.