It All Started at the Masquerade

By: Janice Cole Hopkins

Narrated by: Jennifer Groberg

Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

When Melanie Carter’s older brother decides she’s to marry Lott Jenkins, a wealthy man who has the reputation of being harsh and unbearable, she knows her life has just started on a downward spiral. However, she’s determined to trust that God would not want her with such a man and try to make the best of the awful situation. At a masquerade ball in Edenton, she meets a rather mysterious man dressed as a knight, and she can’t forget him.

Lucas Hall can’t forget Melanie either, but he might as well. Once she sees the hideously scarred side of his face, she’d be repulsed like everyone else. That’s why he wears a mask whenever he goes out, which isn’t often. He wouldn’t have gone to the masquerade ball if his housekeeper hadn’t tricked him into going. Now he’s haunted by a scene he saw between Lott Jenkins and Melanie. No woman should ever be treated with such disregard, but what can he do? If he tried to help, they’d take one look at him, and he’d be no help at all.

©2017 Janice Cole Hopkins (P)2019 Janice Cole Hopkins

*****

A great story about how God delivered a young woman from a bad marriage match during pre civil war era.

Loved the story!

Captivating Love Story

Captivating love story with some good twists and turns. A period piece with a fair amount of anticipation. I did have to get used to the speaker. At times, I couldn’t focus.

Page turner

Melanie is a young girl being forced by her older brother to court a harsh and arrogant man for his money. The more she gets to know Lot Jenkins, the less there is to recommend him as a gentleman. One night at a masquerade ball, she meets the man she is sure is her one true love and shares a single dance with him.
The story has a good pace, with a strong heroine who is both devoted to God and doing what is right. Her one true love finds his way back to God, but is weak and more worried about the reactions of others than doing what is right. Will love conquer all? This story is well worth finding out how it all comes together in the end.
The reader has a smooth voice for this read and does the intonations well. She brings this book to life with her storytelling talents.

Clean

This had a great story line and I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator was pretty good too. My only complaint is that the main character was so meek and submissive. I don’t enjoy reading about women who allow men to abuse them and use the Bible and it’s teachings as their excuse. I’m sure that’s how women were back then, but still- it bothered me. It did have a happy ending though so it was entertaining.

Loved this

This was such a good story. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the little wisps of suspense. I love the faith Melody has and the friendship between she and both Jamona and Toby.

The narrator did a good job.

Twists and Turns

I loved this story! It reminded me of beauty and the beast, with a new approach. There were so many twists and turns it seemed as though nothing would bring Lucas and Melanie together. Her brother refused to see his choice of a husband for her was totally wrong. Her lady's maid and her best friend plot to get her out of the arranged marriage. Lucas' housekeeper and mother figure plots to get him to go to the masquerade ball where he and Melanie finally meet. The journey to their romance seems impossible. This is a real can't lay it down book. I listened way into the night when I should have been sleeping. :-) I highly recommend this book.

The narration was wonderful! It brought the characters to life and made for a fun listen.

I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Lovely story!!

This book was a fun one to listen to! I love how it played out and the narration was superb! I've enjoyed all the books I've listened to by Mrs. Hopkins! ❤️ This one is no exception. Characters were introduced and described well! I love how it was sort of a beauty and the beast story too! The real beast of the story ended up behind bars! Loved it!!

Such a Sweet Story

This was one of the sweetest stories I have heard in a long time. If you have never heard any books by this author, then you are missing out. She is a wonderful storyteller

loved it!!

Absolutely loved this version of Beauty and the Beast! I was definitely cheering for the Beast all along.

I love a good story

I love a good story and, let me tell you, this is a good story. Melanie’s brother needs money for his plantation, so he arranges a marriage for her with a wealthy man. Melanie is sincere in her faith and refuses to disobey God’s word. She speaks her mind when necessary and she doesn’t hesitate to defend the defenseless. Lott is rich and wants a devoted and obedient wife. Lucas is a great investor and has amassed a fortune. He is also a wounded former military man and a hermit. Toby is her much-loved, childhood friend who would do anything to see Melanie have her happily-ever-after. Who will she end up marrying? I loved the hero of this story. It all felt real. And I had a hard time putting this book down.