The Masquerade

The chunky second volume in bestseller Joyce's de Warenne Dynasty series (after The Prize ) dances on slippered feet, belying its heft with spellbinding dips, spins and twists. Jane Austen aficionados will delve happily into heroine Elizabeth "Lizzie" Fitzgerald's family, with its three sisters, socially obsessed mama and indulgent father. Lizzie has long loved Tyrell de Warenne, heir of the local earl, but never suspects he knows of her existence until he arranges a rendezvous with her at a masquerade. A switch in costumes sets Lizzie's loose sister in Tyrell's arms instead, resulting in a baby boy. When Lizzie claims the child as her own to save her sister's reputation, she again puts herself in Tyrell's sights. Joyce's tale of the dangers and delights of passion fulfilled will enchant those who like their reads long and rich, though some may find the secondary characters more compelling personalities than the somewhat conventional protagonists. Agent, Aaron Priest. (Sept.)