Masquerade by Nancy Moser

When I began reading Masquerade, I could hardly put it down. Even though finals week and the end of student teaching were quickly approaching!

I was immediately pulled into the story of Charlotte Gleason and her maid, Dora Connors. When Charlotte, or Lottie, is forced into marrying a man from America that she has never met, she devises a plan in which she will switch places with Dora. Lottie dreams of finding a husband on her own terms, one she will love. Dora feels like she can't pass up an opportunity to climb from her humble position and provide for her mother. The plan seems like it will work until both girls begin to experience different hardships and obstacles.

At first, I thought I could identify with Dora more. Every girl wants the opportunity to step into a position of wealth and social "royalty." However, as the book progressed, I began to see myself in Lottie's shoes. Though I don't have extravagant means, I have been blessed to live a life in which I have all my needs met. As Lottie is forced to step outside her comfort zone and minister to those in need, it made me think about how infrequently I have stopped to examine what I can do for those less fortunate than myself.

In Masquerade, both Lottie and Dora must learn to depend on God and His plans for their lives. No matter how much they try to orchestrate their own futures, God still had bigger plans in mind for both of them. While Lottie is destitute and Dora is living in a mansion, both must learn to depend on God to provide, protect, and direct them.

A big thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CRF, Part 255.

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

First, let me begin by apologizing to Bethany House Publishers for being remiss in posting reviews for the books they have so generously provided.

Within My Heart was an incredible book. I quite literally laughed and cried right alongside the characters. The storyline quickly caught my attention and held it until the very end. Rachel Boyd is a stubborn widow intent on fulfilling her late husbands dreams for their two sons. However, when Dr. Rand Brookstone comes to the Colorado Rockies, Rachel's life is slowly turned upside down.

Rachel works hard to save her ranch while Rand works to prevent the spread of a recent typhoid outbreak. Against her desire, she must work alongside the doctor to save a man she considers a close family friend. The more she gets to know him, the more she realizes Rand is not the same man as her father. As she slowly begins to trust in him, Rachel and Rand both must learn to face their fears. Their relationship of convenience slowly changes into a trusting friendship that begins to fan the flames in both Rand's and Rachel's hearts as they traverse loss and tragedy.

This book was easy to read and follow, even though it was the third in the Timber Ridge Reflections Series. It can easily be read as a stand alone book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

A big Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.