Book cover of This Masquerade, The True Story by Sandra Wilson

A True Story

This Masquerade

The True Story

Everyone wears a mask. Some wear it so long they forget there is a face beneath it. This is the story of the masquerade, and of the courage it took to finally let it fall.

About the Book

Behind Every Mask, a Story

This Masquerade, The True Story is her candid account of a marriage marked by control, abuse, addiction, and deception. As a young mother with dreams of singing in a rock band, Sandra wanted love, a family, and a future. There were good times that kept her hoping, and frightening moments that left her struggling to find a way out.

From Nashville to California, Phoenix, Seattle, and Dallas, Sandra takes readers through the life she shared with Gino, her efforts to protect her children, and the gradual discovery that love did not have to come with fear.

Told with honesty and flashes of humor, this memoir reveals how difficult it can be to leave someone you love, and how much courage it takes to begin again.

Even after Gino’s death, one final deception awaited her.
Sandra Wilson in a turquoise gown by the sea at sunset: Real Life Bigger Than Fiction My Book: A True Story You Won't Forget. Real life can be more dramatic, more beautiful, and more surprising than fiction.

Reviews

What Readers Are Saying

An intense and emotional read that beautifully captures the turmoil of love entangled with crime and betrayal. Sandra’s courage and resilience shine through, making This Masquerade a must-read for anyone who loves true crime and compelling narratives.
Cat Lugo
I couldn’t put it down.
Amazon Reader
I think we all go into a relationship with high expectations. When it becomes abusive and destructive, it takes a lot of courage to leave. Sandy finally found that courage. A great read. I hope it can give light and hope to others that find themselves in that situation. I’m happy that she has moved on and helping others.
J Patterson
This Masquerade is a gripping and chilling true story that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Sandra Wilson’s storytelling is powerful and deeply moving, revealing the dark complexities of living with deception and danger.
Sheri Daniels

Almost 5 Star Rating on Amazon

Read More Reviews on Amazon

Book Trailer

The Story Behind the Mask

Watch the official trailer for This Masquerade, The True Story: the music, the marriage, and the courage it took to begin again.

Author Sandra Wilson in white at her writing desk with her book This Masquerade

Meet the Author

Sandra Wilson

Before I became an author, I dreamed of singing in a rock and roll band. Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, music was a big part of my life. That dream eventually took me onto the stage with the bands Sandy Love and Images, and Mistress. Years later, it led me into performing as Marilyn Monroe and Dolly Parton.

But behind the performances was a life few people knew about.

In This Masquerade, The True Story, I share the love, fear, humor, and heartbreak of my years with my former husband. Writing it meant revisiting painful memories, but it also gave me a chance to tell my story in my own voice, including the moments of laughter that helped me through.

I later adapted the book into a screenplay, This Masquerade, with the hope of bringing that story to the screen.

Today, I’m retired and spend my time writing about my life and the lives of others. Whether I’m writing about a difficult relationship or a family finding its way back together, I care most about the people at the heart of the story.

With gratitude, Sandra

Meet the Author. My life has been filled with love, loss, lessons, and unforgettable moments. I'm so grateful to share it with you. Sandra Wilson in a white dress on the rocks by the ocean

The Song That Named the Book

This Masquerade

Sandra named her story after This Masquerade, the song made famous by the Carpenters, because its words matched her life. Here she sings it herself. Press play to listen.

Sandra Wilson singing on stage in a gold fringe outfit: Music Was My First Love. From Nashville to Seattle, music has always been a part of my story.

The Series

The Episodes

Short episodes bringing This Masquerade, The True Story to life, one moment at a time.

Episode 2

Where Dreams Begin

The moment Sandra and Gino first met.

Episode 5

Change Your Name

The day Gino asked Sandra to change her name.

Episode 11

Gino Blows Up Mr. Munchies

A night that shows just how far Gino will go.

Episode 17

Agent Books the Band

In Seattle, the band auditions for an agent and gets booked in Canada.

Episode 27

Gino Falls Out of the Van

In Dallas, high on powerful drugs, Gino falls out of his van.

Episode 31

Gino Calls Jason from a Phone Booth

A phone call from Gino leaves young Jason in tears.

From the Blog

Words from Sandra

The Screenplay

This Masquerade

From the Page to the Screen

A true story about a woman who married a con man and spent ten years on the run with him, until love gave her the courage to leave.

Sandra’s memoir This Masquerade, The True Story has been adapted into the screenplay This Masquerade, inspired by true events and bringing the story to life for film. Here you will find clips, scenes and behind the scenes moments as the project unfolds.

This Masquerade by Sandra Wilson, screenplay available: a woman in a jeweled silver and white masquerade mask in a candlelit ballroom

The Characters

The story spans 1975 to 1994

Sandy, a character in This Masquerade

The Protagonist

Sandy

Age 27

A young mother from Nashville with dreams of singing, caught between the man she loves and the man she fears.

Gino, a character in This Masquerade

The Antagonist

Gino

Age 34

Funny, confident and full of excitement. Beneath his charm lies a volatile temper and a growing need to control.

Carmen, a character in This Masquerade

Carmen

Age 9

Sandy’s daughter, who stands beside her at the funeral where one final deception is revealed.

Jason, a character in This Masquerade

Jason

Age 5

Sandy’s son, growing up in a childhood shaped by fear and instability.

Jim, a character in This Masquerade

The Hero

Jim

Age 33

A former Marine whose quiet kindness slowly earns Sandy’s trust, and shows her what it feels like to be valued.

Screenplay video coming soon
Video coming soon
Scene Reading
Video coming soon
The Vision for the Film

Producers, Managers & Film Inquiries

To discuss the screenplay, read the one-page summary or get in touch. Sandra Wilson owns all rights to the memoir and the screenplay, both registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Book cover of This Masquerade, The True Story by Sandra Wilson

Get Your Copy

Step Behind the Mask

This Masquerade, The True Story is available now on Amazon.

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