When Calls the Heart: Heart and Home - DVD Review

Those of us that adore Hallmark Channel's series, When Calls the Heart, are referred to as "Hearties" and now with the introduction of Heart and Home, the latest DVD from the series has now caused a bit of a stirring up among our favorite characters.

Just when we believe things are settled, there comes a bit of chaos to the mix. Charles is still there as Elizabeth Thatcher's (Erin Krakow) childhood friend that seems to be encouraged by those in Elizabeth's family, all but her sister Julie, that Charles would make a more suitable match than Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing). As they both arrive back to Hamilton with news that Julie and Jack's brother, Tom have been involved in a car accident, the car belonging to Elizabeth's dad. He is all set to prosecute to the full extent of the law and have Tom tossed in jail. He knows that Julie has been a bit headstrong in her opinion that she and Tom are in love and had hoped to get married. But there is one thing Mr. Thatcher wants to control is who his daughters marry and he isn't too thrilled to have either of the Thornton men with interests in his daughters.

As Jack and Elizabeth arrive, the tables get turned a bit for viewers. Jack spends time visiting with his brother Tom in the hospital and manages to convince Elizabeth's father to drop the charges against his brother especially when evidence Jack uncovers tells a much different story about who was really driving the car that day. However he does find a friend in Tom's nurse Faith as the two discover they have quite a bit in common. As a way of thanking her for all her help, Jack meet Faith over dinner and is discovered by Elizabeth's sister and her husband.

Not one to keep secrets she is quick to let Elizabeth know that she saw Jack having dinner with another room, which once again throws a monkey wrench into our favorite couple. Julie and Tom decide not to let their families tell them what to do and make plans to elope. Rosemary is head over heels with the excitement that she has managed to convince Lee Colter to build her a theater. Of course what man wouldn't for a woman he loves. But he still has issues with Mr. Gowen who has vowed to put an end to the impending railroad contract that would promise to be quite the thing the town needs to bring more industry to the town of Hope Valley and make Lee a very wealthy man. But with Elizabeth now heading back to Hamilton to deal with the issues with her family, she leaves the school to a back up teacher who has a less than pleasing disposition with her students and Rosemarie offers to lend a hand of course.

I received When Calls the Heart: Heart and Home from Word Films and Edify Media Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of the DVD for review, the opinions contained here are strictly my own personal ones. I have loved this series from it's inception and from Janette Oke's novel which inspired the show. It is one of the true shows that is still family appropriate for all ages much like Little House on The Prairie did for my childhood. Michael Landon Jr is the executive producer and truly the show gets better with each new episode. Much of what I love about this series, it's the fashions and the simplicity of life in Hope Valley compared to that of Hamilton. For me, another 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait for more. This DVD runs approximately 84 minutes and includes some exclusive behind the scenes interview.

For more information about When Calls the Heart: Heart and Home, Word Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

When Calls the Heart: Heart and Home

You can find When Calls the Heart on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest episodes.

You can find Word Films on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest films.

To order a copy of When Calls the Heart: Heart and Home from Amazon please click here. 

The Accidental Empress

I absolutely love a great historical fiction that is based so much on historical fact. Obviously you have to take some liberties as an author to fill in the proverbial blanks when viewing something that happened in the late 1800's in Europe. While the historical facts give us a broad overview, we often wonder what happened behind the scenes to bring to life the events that are now part of our unshaken historical past. Allison Pataki is such an author with the skill to breath life into the story of Empress Elizabeth or affectionately known as "Sisi" by those who love her including her beloved people in her latest novel The Accidental Empress. She was much like Princess Diana later would be referred to as the people's princess.

This is the story of her life as a young girl at 15, who found her love of the outdoors would be the jewel in her crown to winning the heart of Franz Joseph, the Emperor of Europe. What I love most about the way this novel begins is the brief introduction into the story that outlines the countries that the Emperor had control over. It's not like Downton Abbey where Lords ruled the land, Emperors ruled and controlled the countries that bordered one another in hopes of keeping them together to prevent against the threat of wars from others.

Here we see the evolution of Elizabeth as she goes from being a young girl with a title, being sent away with her sister Helene who their parents believe will be a suitable match as the future Empress. But it isn't Helene that Franz falls for, but the younger sister Elizabeth. Her undisciplined manners from growing up in the outdoors in Bavaria appeals to him. His mother Sophie is the epitome of the wicked Aunt and soon to be Mother In Law, who will ensure that Elizabeth maintains the proper decorum suitable for an Empress along with all the duties and responsibilities.

We see how the events of being thrust into this lifestyle weighs on Sisi as the novel moves forward in time, from trying to procure an heir for Franz to learning to deal with his control mother, Sophie. She has no real alliances and the romantic notions she has built her marriage on soon come crumbling down when reality of war threatens on the countries horizon. Her husband is pulled away to help manage politics but avoids sharing that part of his life with her, instead letting his mother and officials lead him to do what they believe is best. So Sisi is forced to find interests wherever she can even though in her heart, she just wants the love and the man she fell in love with to come back. It is an unforgettable journey that will leave you with a different impression of what life among the royals was really like.

I received The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are my own. I absolutely loved a birds eye view into Elizabeth's life, from humble, innocent, romantic backgrounds, to one of being exposed to the difficulties of marriage during turbulent times that would force one to grow up rather quickly. I loved the insight the author shares at the conclusion about how much of this is historical fact, and the fictional fill in elements she added. This for me was a beautiful added bonus and one I enjoy especially when reading historical fictional novels. This one is definitely remaining a keeper on my bookshelf and one I know I will enjoy rereading again and again which is why I feel it deserves a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. My only hope is Allison will write a sequel to this one in the very near future!

For more information about The Accidental Empress, Allison Pataki or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below"

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

You can find Allison Pataki on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on The Accidental Empress, please visit Howard Books' website.

Return to Exile

There are some disadvantages to reading series. I guess for me is that it is often so long between books, that you have to reread the first or hope that the author provides enough insight at the beginning of the second or third books to help you remember where you left off. Another is how they end. I personally hate cliff hanger endings, but as a writer myself, I know that is just how I would leave each book in the series. Kinda like the television or movie series we see. It makes you disappointed at first, but then hungry for more. You just have to come back to see how it all turns out.

If you love time travel, romance or historical fiction, or like me, a bit of all three, you will want to pick up The Carthage Chronicles from best-selling author Lynne Gentry. Her first novel in the series, Healer of Carthage is about a 21st century doctor whose father has a love for archaeology. Couple that with a bit of mysterious paintings in a cave in Egypt, known simply as the Cave of Swimmers. Dr. Lisbeth Hastings lost her mother in the Cave of Swimmers and never knew what happened to her until she herself fell into the watery cavern. Turns out it transports people back into the third century in Rome, not the place you'd want to be as a woman.

In Return to Exile, we pick the series back up after Lisbeth had returned back to the 21st century at the conclusion of the first novel, in love with a man she left behind as her husband. In order to protect her, she was thrown back into the cistern which took her back to present time, where she learned she was pregnant with Cyprian's child. Knowing her daughter is extremely claustrophobic, she knows taking her daughter Maggie back in time, won't be easy. Her father insists on accompanying her to see the wife he thought died so long ago. Turns out she has become infamous for her healing abilities and remains the slave/wife to a cruel dictator named Aspasius, whose goal is to control all the Christians still dwelling in the providence. He has successfully exiled Cyprian and during Lisbeth's escape, her mother managed to flee into the hills where she remains hidden trying to control the spread of measels which is becoming a pandemic of epic portions.

Just as Lisbeth realizes she can't take her daughter with her in time, Maggie jumps into her arms at the last moment, just as the watery portal takes them both back to Rome. Her father didn't have the chance to make it. This time when Lisbeth returns to Rome armed with medical supplies to help her mother control the diseases killing the poor, she learns the despite keeping her heart open to loving Cyprian again and sharing the joy of his first child with him, she learns he didn't believe she was coming back and has married her best friend Ruth. Does Lisbeth stay or will she take Maggie and head back to the life she left behind in Dallas? You'll have to pick this one up to find out.

I received Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry compliments of Litfuse Publicity andHoward Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own personal opinion. I was so thrilled to see what the outcome would be for Lisbeth and Cyprian and was not prepared for what Lisbeth had to face heading back to Rome. I felt so sorry for her and completely understood how difficult things would be on both ends. I am super excited to see what the outcome will be when the next novel comes out Valley of Decision, and be warned this one does leave you with a bit of a cliff hanger ending but also a sneak peek into the next novel to help calm your nerves a bit. For me, I LOVE this series and this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. A Reader Discussion Guide is included as well as a Q and A with the author at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about Return to Exile, Lynne Gentry or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry

You can find Lynne Gentry on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Return to Exile, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

Return to Exile

There are some disadvantages to reading series. I guess for me is that it is often so long between books, that you have to reread the first or hope that the author provides enough insight at the beginning of the second or third books to help you remember where you left off. Another is how they end. I personally hate cliff hanger endings, but as a writer myself, I know that is just how I would leave each book in the series. Kinda like the television or movie series we see. It makes you disappointed at first, but then hungry for more. You just have to come back to see how it all turns out.

If you love time travel, romance or historical fiction, or like me, a bit of all three, you will want to pick up The Carthage Chronicles from best-selling author Lynne Gentry. Her first novel in the series, Healer of Carthage is about a 21st century doctor whose father has a love for archaeology. Couple that with a bit of mysterious paintings in a cave in Egypt, known simply as the Cave of Swimmers. Dr. Lisbeth Hastings lost her mother in the Cave of Swimmers and never knew what happened to her until she herself fell into the watery cavern. Turns out it transports people back into the third century in Rome, not the place you'd want to be as a woman.

In Return to Exile, we pick the series back up after Lisbeth had returned back to the 21st century at the conclusion of the first novel, in love with a man she left behind as her husband. In order to protect her, she was thrown back into the cistern which took her back to present time, where she learned she was pregnant with Cyprian's child. Knowing her daughter is extremely claustrophobic, she knows taking her daughter Maggie back in time, won't be easy. Her father insists on accompanying her to see the wife he thought died so long ago. Turns out she has become infamous for her healing abilities and remains the slave/wife to a cruel dictator named Aspasius, whose goal is to control all the Christians still dwelling in the providence. He has successfully exiled Cyprian and during Lisbeth's escape, her mother managed to flee into the hills where she remains hidden trying to control the spread of measels which is becoming a pandemic of epic portions.

Just as Lisbeth realizes she can't take her daughter with her in time, Maggie jumps into her arms at the last moment, just as the watery portal takes them both back to Rome. Her father didn't have the chance to make it. This time when Lisbeth returns to Rome armed with medical supplies to help her mother control the diseases killing the poor, she learns the despite keeping her heart open to loving Cyprian again and sharing the joy of his first child with him, she learns he didn't believe she was coming back and has married her best friend Ruth. Does Lisbeth stay or will she take Maggie and head back to the life she left behind in Dallas? You'll have to pick this one up to find out.

I received Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own personal opinion. I was so thrilled to see what the outcome would be for Lisbeth and Cyprian and was not prepared for what Lisbeth had to face heading back to Rome. I felt so sorry for her and completely understood how difficult things would be on both ends. I am super excited to see what the outcome will be when the next novel comes out Valley of Decision, and be warned this one does leave you with a bit of a cliff hanger ending but also a sneak peek into the next novel to help calm your nerves a bit. For me, I LOVE this series and this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. A Reader Discussion Guide is included as well as a Q and A with the author at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about Return to Exile, Lynne Gentry or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry

You can find Lynne Gentry on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Return to Exile, please visit Howard Books website. 

Lynne is also hosting a Facebook Launch Party on January 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM CST where you can talk to Lynne and possibly win some incredible prizes. 

When Calls the Heart - Change of Heart

As the series comes to it's close for the first season for When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel, we find our favorite characters on the verge of making some tough choices. In the DVD release of Change of Heart, which includes episode 9 and 10 from the series, we find Elizabeth Thatcher and Jack Thornton finally being able to do what we, the viewers, have been hoping for all along, their first official date and the acknowledgment of those feelings we see just below the surface each time these two find themselves in close proximity of one another. Jack works with Abigail to make preparations to impress Elizabeth and show her just how fond he is of her and to let her know how serious he is about their courtship since their first date took place in the saloon. Jack has definitely stepped up his game and impressed Elizabeth.

But just as Jack believes his personal life is finally moving forward, he receives notice that his request for transfer that he put in when he first arrived in Coal Valley has been approved. Now he is unsure what to do. If he refuses the transfer, it may end his career as constable for the mounties, but if he takes the position, he is unsure how it will impact the courtship he has with Elizabeth and if she will even want to wait for him.

Elizabeth's sister Julie arrives on the stage as a surprise to Elizabeth in hopes of finding out what living out west is truly like. She wasn't planning on finding a wounded man, Nathaniel, in a cabin while out riding, in need of medical attention and secrecy to his condition. He convinces her that he's been trying to get away from being part of the Tolliver Gang that his brother has been forcing him to be a part of. He simply wants a better life away from being a wanted man and trying to start over fresh in hopes of starting a marriage and family if he can find the perfect woman.

Mr Gowan attempts to further his business partnership with Abigail Stanton who runs the cafe in town. Jack tells Abigail that he has discovered that the mining accident that killed most of the men in town, including her husband and son, may not been an accident. It may have been caused by Mr. Gowan cutting a few corners and he hopes to find the evidence to prove it. Abigail takes it upon herself to be the one to do it if she can find a way into Mr. Gowan's office. Soon all three paths will cross and fate may claim more than one life in the process, but it will forever change all of their lives.

I received When Calls the Heart: Change of Heart compliments of Word Films and Edify Media Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This has been one of my favorite shows on the Hallmark Channel this year and I love that it is available on DVD. Michael Landon Jr is executive producer on the series inspired by the novels of Janette Oke and is definitely one the entire family can enjoy together. It inspires us that in the face of adversity, hope can still be found in banding together with family and friends. If you LOVED Little House on the Prairie, I would encourage you to check out this series. For me this one easily claims a 5 out of 5 stars. This is the 5th in the series to date.

For more information about When Calls the Heart: Change of Heart, Word Films, or where to pre-order a copy of this DVD that release in December, please click on the links below:

When Calls the Heart: Change of Heart by Hallmark Channel and Word Films

You can find When Calls the Heart on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest information on the series.

To find out more information about When Calls the Heart, please visit Hallmark Channel's website. 

You can find Word Films on Facebook to learn more about the family entertainment they are providing.

Fair Play

The hardest thing about being a woman, is being respected for having the same knowledge and education as a man back in 1893. Most men still hold onto the belief that women are incapable of holding down a job outside the home, especially when it comes to practicing medicine. When Billy Jack Tate is slated to deliver a speech as an invited guest speaker at the World's Fair in Chicago, the last thing she expected to deal with is trying to gain entrance into the Women's Exposition building when she is expected. But no matter how hard she tries to convince the guards at the building, they refuse to accept she is a doctor.

So she does what any self respecting women would do, and she breaks into the building's basement by crawling backwards through a window. She just never expected that Hunter Scott would be sitting back watching it all unfold without rendering her any aid as a Texas Ranger assigned to work the day shift at the Fair. He caught more than he was expecting to see at the Fair. He holds onto the value that the only good place for a woman is married and raising children. He is more than surprised to learn how strong willed, determined and educated Billy is. The last thing he expects is to find himself in need of a doctor and a lady doctor at that.

They will soon find out that work together is much easier than staying at odds with one another when an infant is found abandoned at the Fair. Hunter believes that since no mother is found that Billy should take on the care of the infant, and Billy assumes that since Hunter found him, that it is only proper he care for the infant. When Billy suggests they place the infant in Hull House, a place for children who need care until a suitable home can be found, they learn about a much uglier side of Chicago's slums they didn't expect to see and understand the darker side of the lives of the children that live there. Will they be able to put their differences aside in order to work for the betterment of the children living in deplorable conditions and find a way to help those that are turning to a life of crime at such a young age?

I received Fair Play by Deeanne Gist compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I love learning about a side of history in America that you don't often find in your history books in school. The understanding of what life was like for children living in Chicago in 1893 was so much different for the poor over the life of the affluent. Invisible barriers were often erected to keep either side from understanding the struggle going on with children smoking, drinking alcohol and having to find the odds jobs to help put food on their families tables at night. Disease and crime are at an all time high and places like the Hull House are true sanctuaries in the darkest of times. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for more from Deeanne Gist. A discussion guide is included at the end for book clubs as well as a historical note section from the author. The only thing I didn't like, was that it appeared that the girl's picture on the front cover was cut off.

For more information about Fair Play, Deeanne Gist or where  you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Fair Play by Deeanne Gist

You can also find Deeanne Gist on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Fair Play, please visit Howard Book's website. 

If you want to see where it all began, please check out It Happened At the Fair, Deeanne's first novel in the World's Exposition Series. 

The Pursuit of Mary Bennet

If you are a Jane Austen fan of Pride and Prejudice, you will love this novel. If you haven't seen Pride and Prejudice, watch it and then deeply immerse yourself in the richness this novel offers when it picks up where the original leaves off. It had been quite awhile since I had read or even watched the movie and in order to reacquaint myself in the characters of the Bennet girls I spent some time watching the movie. Since this novel takes a look at life from Mary Bennet's point of view I had to remember who she was. Since she isn't addressed much I wondered why Pamela Mingle chose this particular Bennet girl to write a sequel on, but trust me when I tell you, she needs to be applauded for her efforts. Jane Austen would be proud!

Mary Bennet was the middle of five Bennet girls and one that most of her sisters and often times parents ignored. She wasn't pretty or even possessed any real talent a man looking for a suitable wife would find worth turning his head for. In fact, in Pride and Prejudice, Mary is chastened by her father for her lack of musical talent at playing the pianoforte or even singing. Now after spending time working at music, she possess a fine talent in those areas, but lacking the self esteem or even being bold enough as her sisters, she prefers to read alone or take walks, much like the wall flower she sees herself as.

Even her parents know that Mary will undoubtedly be an old spinster lacking in finding a suitable husband and her best outcome in life will be the governess for her older married sisters Jane or Elizabeth. But deep down inside Mary wants more but isn't sure how to find it. She is constantly reprimanded whenever she offers an opinion in any situation because she lacks the experience in such areas that her opinion isn't considered from love to marriage or even raising children. When her younger sister Lydia returns home while expecting a child from her husband Mr. Wickham, it throws the Bennet household into more scandal. In fact it turns out that Lydia isn't sure the child she is carrying is even her husbands and she has left him.

Mary is taken to her sister Jane's while the family decides how to best handle Lydia's latest predicament and to avoid having the rest of the daughter's tainted in the process. As only one of two sisters now left unmarried, Mary finds herself drawn to Mr. Henry Walsh. He seems genuinely interested in her as well but when Kitty, Mary's youngest sister deems that Henry is off limits, will Mary once again fade into the shadow or will she fight for what she wants in life?

I received The Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Pamela Mingle compliments of William Morrow, division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. However, this one was so worth taking the time to spend with Mary Bennet. I think out of all the Bennet daughters, I myself, relate to her more than the rest of the girls. Pamela Mingle did such a flawless job, I felt Jane Austen herself had written this one. I can easily give this one a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars and was so thrilled to be able to review this one. This is such a treat and to spend time savoring each page was well worth curling up with on a rainy cold evening. A MUST HAVE for any fan of Pride and Prejudice!

For more information about The Pursuit of Mary Bennet, Pamela Mingle, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Pamela Mingle

You can also find Pamela Mingle on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (November 26, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062274244
• ISBN-13: 978-0062274243
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 1 inches

The Soul of the Rose

Debating the merits of fine literature at great lengths is the common ground that has brought Celia Thatcher and Edward Lyons together.

Celia works for Mr. Chestley as his assistant in a bookstore in Massachusetts in 1876. It's a place she used to frequent with her family as a young girl and its that love of books that has made her a valuable edition for Mr. Chestley. She loves to read, and one of its delights was to provide an escape from the real world. She just wishes she can find someone who will long for her like a rose whose soul has gotten into a man's blood.

Edward Lyons has been a social recluse after the death of his wife, Marguerite, venturing out only at night to pick up his latest book purchase to add to his growing personal library where he lives alone with only his fellow literary characters from his books as companions to pass the time. He is a man who's been searching for the truth but has been searching in all the wrong places avoiding God is doing so. This brings Celia and Edward to some great philosophical debates on the truth when it comes to science versus religion or faith in God.

He needed to know the depth, the sensitivity of her mind. Did she have a true interest in what he valued? He felt she did, but had to know fore certain. He couldn't bear another Marguerite. Edward believed he was the only man to appreciate her, if all he surmised about her was true. Granted, she was a woman of set beliefs, of strong religious conviction, yet he also saw her mind wonder and leap at new thoughts and ideas.

Rumors have been circulating in a small town such as theirs were about whether or not Edward had anything to do with his former wife's death. Some wonder if Edward killed her or is she simply died an early death due to some unknown illness.

Mrs. Harrod, has found another acceptable suitor and escort for Celia, her son Charles, an up and coming Harvard Law Student, who finds a way to charm himself into Celia's life through books and profound theological conversations instead of merely beauty and good looks, but Charles was young, nearer to her own age than Edward. Who would claim her heart and soul?

I received The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy compliments of Abingdon Press for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. I have to say that the writing style for me was difficult based on the words used to convey the types of people that Edward and Celia are, both educated and wise beyond their years, but it's that wording that caused me to slow down my progression from the story to take time to investigate the meaning behind the words use to convey this story. It distracted me from the flow of the story and made it difficult to remember what I had read previously, however overall the premise behind the story is exceptional. Being a huge book lover myself, I could easily relate to Celia's character who isn't afraid to speak her mind to men, especially when her upbringing included having those same discussions with her father. She is definitely more than just a beautiful woman! For those reasons, I rate this novel a 4 out of 5 stars and for those that love a great historical romance with a bit of mystery attached to it, then you will undoubtedly LOVE this one!

For more information about The Soul of the Rose, Ruth Trippy or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy

You can also find Ruth Trippy on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Soul of the Rose, please check out Abingdon Press' website. 

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426767498
• ISBN-13: 978-1426767494
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches

Masquerade

View the book trailer:






Ever find yourself wonder if somehow you could have a completely different life? What if you could arrange to switch places with someone who looks similar to you to see things from the eyes of another and the possibilities of a new life as someone else?

In the book Masquerade by Nancy Moser, that is exactly what Charlotte Gleason and Dora Connors do. Charlotte Gleason is from a up and coming, well-to-do family in England who has been promised to Conrad Tremaine in America as a way to solve the current financial crisis her family is experiencing due to her father's infidelty and her mother's failing health. Charlotte lives a live of dreaming of falling in love with men such as Mr. Darcy in the Pride and Prejudice books that she has come to adore and live her life through.

Dora Connors has worked for the Gleason family as a maid since she was twelve and has risen to the position of lady's maid for Charlotte. In the process, the two have become friends as well and when the offers becomes available to accompany Miss Gleason to America courtesy of the Tremaines and First Class tickets, this give Dora the opportunity of a lifetime to become a true lady traveling not as a maid but as a friend to Miss Gleason.

The twist begins just before their ship lands in America when Charlotte gets the idea to switch places with Dora and truly give her the life she has always imagined while Charlotte can begin a new life in America and find the love that has been eluding her in England as another person. Since Conrad has never seen Dora, they both agree that this would benefit both of them. Yet the trouble begins once they each assume new lives in America. Will the past come creeping back into the lives? Will either of them find love in the promised land?

Read, The Masquerade by Nancy Moser and find out what new lives each of the women are about to encounter. This is such a wonderful, and refreshing book that takes you back to the lives of Rose and Jack on the Titanic. It blends so many great classic romance stories together that you find yourself hoping that each of them finds what they are looking for. This book is set in 1886 and the romance that this time period offers is wonderful!

I received this book, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and part of my permanent library. If you would like to know more information about the book, the author and even gain a glimpse into the first chapter, read more below:

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Masquerade Bethany House (August 1, 2010) by

Nancy Moser





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane(Jane Austen) and Washington's Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novel is Masquerade. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at

www.nancymoser.com and www.sistercircles.com.





ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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. 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. 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, it's the chance of a lifetime. She lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish mansions--yet is tormented by guilt from the possibility of discovery and the presence of another love that will not die. Is this what her heart truly longs for?



Will their masquerade be discovered? Will one of them have second thoughts? There is no guarantee the switch will work. It's a risk. It's the chance of a lifetime.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Masquerade, go HERE.