She was born in New York City, the daughter of James Mason and Mary C. Jones.
She attended the Packer Collegiate Institute and Smith College, where she graduated with a degree in English in 1919.
After college, Mason worked as a reporter for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle and as an editor for Harper's Magazine. In 1930, she published her first novel, Call Back Yesterday, which was well-received by critics. She went on to write several more novels, including The Foundling (1932), The Unwilling Guest (1934), and The Family (1941).
Mason's novels are known for their strong characterization and realistic depiction of American life in the early 20th century. She was particularly interested in the lives of women, and many of her novels explore themes of love, marriage, and family. Her novels have been praised by critics for their insight and sensitivity, and they have been compared to the works of Jane Austen and Willa Cather.
In addition to her novels, Mason also wrote short stories, essays, and articles for various publications. She was also a founding member of the Authors' Guild of America and served as its president from 1952 to 1954.
Mason died in her home in New York City in 1987 at the age of 90. She is survived by her husband, John Chamberlain, and their two sons, John and David Mason Chamberlain.
Cora Catherine Mason's Books:
* Call Back Yesterday (1930)
* The Foundling (1932)
* The Unwilling Guest (1934)
* The Family (1941)
* Only Human (1944)
* One Woman (1951)
* No Time for Tears (1954)
* The Home Place (1957)
* Our Father's House (1960)
* The Girl in the Mirror (1962)
* The Secret in the Attic (1964)
* The Summer of the Great-grandmother (1966)
* The Wedding Game (1968)
* The Love Child (1970)
* The Inheritance (1972)
* The Reunion (1974)
* The Final Score (1976)
* The Golden Years (1978)
* The Autumn Years (1980)
* The Winter Years (1982)
* The Spring Years (1984)
* The Summer Years (1986)