Masquerade

I typically don't choose to read these types of books. They're just not my taste. However, I was interested in some of the history described in the book, so I thought I would give it a try. It wasn't as much of a page turner as other books, and I thought some of the story a little contrived, but hey, most books are.

Charlotte Gleason, daughter of an English noblemen, raised with not a care in the world, longed to be married. Her faithful maid, Dora, has dreams and lesser ambitions of her own. A new world suitor comes calling for Charlotte, but she is unimpressed. Circumstances at home, however, force her to set sail for America with Dora a last minute substitute. Dora revels in her new status masquerading as a lady, while Charlotte continues to look for something more. Charlotte, still not enthralled with the idea of marriage, arranges for Dora to take her place while she searches for adventure and love. Fate quickly intervenes in Charlotte's plans foiling her plans as she discovers she has strength to carry on. Dora, too finds life not as idyllic as she once believed. What does God really want from our lives anyway? Sometimes you have to give up your dreams to find that love comes from unexpected places.

I did identify with the characters not knowing for certain what to do at times, yet I found their inconstancy at disturbing at times. I did learn a little about the history of the era, and found the author's commentaries at the end of the book illuminating. In the end, though, this book is really for those interested in romance novels. It's not a bad book, it's just not my style.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Constantine Conspiracy

Firstly, I have to say that I read this book all in one sitting. I was not intending to, it just happened.

Rick Carson, the son and grandson of wealth is on a retreat to his father's ranch when his father is murdered. Suspicious that his is being framed, he runs. When he is followed, he has few friends to turn to, so he turns to the park ranger who was the first on the scene when his father died. Attracted to her, yet confused as he continues to unravel the webs that have been weaved around him, both about the murder and the park ranger, the story speeds along, with many twists and turns, as Rick tries to figure out the Constantine Conspiracy.

In many ways, I liken this book to The DaVinci Code, but refreshingly the Church is not seen as a convenient evil. It doesn't have the puzzles in the same sense, but there is still a secret conspiracy to which leads to a chase around the United States. Like all good conspiracies, it takes believers to actually believe that they exist. The good characters are believable as they cope with their past and weak points and the bad characters are not all evil. It's interesting to see what Rick has to go through in his quest for truth entails and how much the different characters' pasts point them toward the future, still alterable by choices they make.

Would I read other books by the same author? Yes. there a message? It's a little hidden. A good read? Yes. I would recommend the book to those wanting moderately fast-paced action with a number of plot twists. Enjoy!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.