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.