The Grand Masquerade (Bold Women of the 19th Century Series)

Great tour through an earlier time in New Orleans. The characters were believable and created a connection... truly making you want to know what happens to them. Nice description of the sights and scenes of New Orleans and its surrounding area. In case that wasn't enough, there was a nice dose of history thrown in for good measure.

The beginning made me a little cautious, but oh how that turned around. Well developed characters and I still think about them if not with love, at least with understanding. Would be great is there is a sequel.

Although set in the 19th century this is so appropriate for today's climate of intolerance. I was very impressed with how history is woven into the plot and how well the characters develop over time. The tolerance and acceptance of the characters for each other really pleased me.

While reading this book I felt transported back in history. The story is believable, as are the characters. I read this book in two sittings becoming invested in the outcome. Ms Hughes has a wonderful talent for storytelling.

I thought this book was well thought out and brought to my attention the mores of the period. Hopefully this rendering is accurate. I found the characters well developed and interesting. Glad I didn't live back then though.

Jusst loved this story. It is filled with the history of the New Orleans area and its people in days gone by. As the story developes we are living the life of the main character and the many people that she meeets and is influenced by both good and bad. Just could not put the book down.

Wonderful story and character development. The whole story is improbable, but never the less, it made for good reading, and New Orleans history in the first half of the 1800's is always interesting and fascinating.

Life in the 19th century in New Orleans and along the mighty Mississippi is the setting for this intricately and beautifully written novel. The writing style and characterizations remind me of "Gone With the Wind."

Wonderful story. Keeps you wondering when the masquerade will end and what will happen when the truth comes out. A n amazing story of friendship and love. You should read this book. The author keeps one invested in the saga of her characters.

this was a very good book. very interesting. the only reason i rated it 4 stars was because it was too long. it was twice as long as the books i normally read and the first and second halves had completely plots, so it really should have been split into two different books. this would have kept it from feeling like it was dragging on and on. but i never lost interest. beginning to end it was interesting. if you are looking for mainly romance, this may not be for you. the romance was wayyyyy far into the book closer to the end. but the book had much more to offer. it was a new kind of book for me. i like reading about other times and places. other cultures. the idea of voodoo is very taboo to me, so i appreciated that they didnt talk about it all the time. i was also appreciative that the author was not very graphic with the more disturbing material. i was able to read a captivating novel with a deep plot, without gettin upset or sick to my stomache. rare. i will check out this author's other books

Great book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about the 1800's. Great story. Loved the characters. It flowed forward and took you to happiness in New Orleans.. I will look for this author when picking my next read.

This particular story makes you feel that no matter where you start in life you can do anything you set your mind to. Sydnee has a graphic and horrific life until she leaves an area called the Trace. Due to the development of the steam engine boat, the business the Trace used to have was almost nonexistent. Many traders no longer traveled through where she was born and therefore caused her many hardships and losses in her young life. She bravely sets out to find a new life.During the many times she tries to find a job, she is luckily approached by a servant of a wealthy land owner and businessman to be his son's teacher of the intimate arts . She is then educated and learns the finer arts of being a lady. Tristin,the son, becomes her best friend but he is not interested in women and there is where the secrets and lies and the twists continue. It is a well written book. I read in one day as I couldn't put it down.

It was overall a very fascinating read....I just hated all the tragedy..seriously, with all Sydney had to endure, I would have liked to see more good things finally happen to her and more of her spirit helpers helping her along

Just finished this book yesterday. I loved it. Wish I could read it again for the first time. To hard to describe but it captured me from the first and I was a hostage all the way through. Will read more from this series.

Pleasantly surprised after not knowing what to expect. Not a cookie cutter story at all. I enjoyed following the characters' journeys with the unexpected twists and turns life threw their way. Certain parts I wish were more in depth, but so much was included in this book it's hard to complain!

I loved this book. The character and plot developement kept me reading and reading more! I highly recommend it to readers who like to watch the characters and plot evolve. I'd recommending it to a film producer.

Very entertaining. True to culture of that era. Holds attention. Strong characters. Anyone who enjoys fictional historical novels will enjoy. Enjoyed Vivian's character, very close to Syndee s. Description of scenes are very easy to visualize.