Synopsis from Goodreads: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. 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, she lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish mansions--yet is tormented by guilt and the presence of another love that will not die. 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.
My take on this book:
Charlotte "Lottie" Gleason is a spoiled, rich girl living in England in 1886. She has always had whatever she desired, but all of that changes when she is forced to face reality when she learns that her father has lost his money. Her parents come up with a plan to save her from disgrace, they will send her to America to wed wealthy Conrad Tremaine, a man she has never met. The plan includes sending along her ladies maid Dora Conners who has been attending her for several years as her personal maid. Dora is only one year older than Lottie, so they get along more like sisters.
Charlotte decides she can't go thru with the marriage, it has always been her plan to marry for love. She talks Dora into trading places with her, and while Dora has qualms about the switch, she also longs for financial security. For the first time in her life Charlotte is on her own, and she hopes for adventure, but instead she is living the life of poverty, and Dora has her own problems as well. Can the girls continue to live the lie they have created?
While this book was slow to start for me once it took off I became engrossed in the story. I really sympathized with Dora, who seemed to have little to say about how the deceptive scheme Lottie drew her into, it was evident that because of Dora's religion, she struggles with what they are doing, and has a hard time coming to terms with it. I think Lottie and Dora's characters were very well developed, although at times Lottie's character was self centered, it fit the type of person she was perfectly.
With several plot twists I found this book an enjoyable read, and will look for more from Nancy Moser.
4/5
I was provided a copy of this book for review by Bethany House, but it in no way alters my opinion of this book.
I also reviewed this book and was really glad I chose this book from the list. I really enjoyed the plot twists too
ReplyDeleteI have seen this book around, but had not read any reviews. Thanks for spotlighting this!
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