Lately, what I’ve been reading most is galleys for Bathsheba. I finished the night before they were due and after a few email glitches am happy to report my edits are now on my editor’s desk! Whew! Word for Mac crashed (froze) on me 4 – 5 times during those edits, which has convinced me to seek a new word processing program. I’m told Pages in iWorks is great, so that’s my next thing to check out.
In between editing, before and after, I’ve been reading both fiction and non-fiction. Recent fiction reads are: Masquerade by Nancy Moser. Here’s the blurb:
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.
I loved the detail and history in this story. It let me see what life was like for immigrants coming to America during those days, when high society had little concern for the poverty in the tenements so near them. At the same time, the story carries a lighter side, not at all depressing despite conditions of the day. A fun read!
I’m in the middle of two other novels: B.J. Hoff’s Song of the Silent Harp in paperback, and The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner on Kindle. Both intriguing stories so far – one historical, one contemporary with historical threads.
Actually, I could say I’m reading a third novel as well because I had a sudden urge to read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. I have seen the PBS movies and the more recent theatrical version, but have never read Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series. Since they belonged to one son who moved out, I bought the first book and am halfway through. Lighter fare at bedtime.
Lastly, I’m also reading Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. I’ve owned this copy of the book since my teen years but never read it – or if I did, I don’t think I truly grasped the concepts. Now I’m reading about a chapter a day. He’s a deep thinker, and I am enjoying the way he explains things. This time I intend to finish the book!
Next up on my TBR Pile is Tammy Alexander’s latest, Within My Heart.
Happy reading~
