A Noble Scheme - (The Imposters) by Roseanna M White (Paperback)

A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M. White is the second book in her The Imposters series. The Imposters are given the task of finding a kidnapped boy. But the job isn’t as simple as it seems. It’s a story of love and grief and pain. Filled with twists and turns, you’ll be enthralled till the very end. I received this book from the author for my honest review.

"Weight settled on Gemma’s chest, heavy but familiar. “Death is the only sure thing in life.”“No— death and the love of God .” Marigold reached over and squeezed Gemma’s hand. Ms. Thomas dipped her head. “That was what I’d been learning. That even when I embraced sin, God loved me. Even when I chose my own desires over Him, God loved me. Even when I was hungry and sick and lost the only person in the world who mattered, God loved me." This story was so good, I couldn't hardly put it down! This is only my second read by this author and it is part of a great series. Things I liked and loved: The frosty winter scene on the cover- so cold but lovely! The dual point of view (POV) that we get with this book. I love when stories are set up in this style! Getting to see a tidbit of Marigold and Merritt's wedding party and Gem writing an article on it. That scene where Graham "happens" to find Gem in disguise on a train. Hilarious, and yet so sweet how he tries to woo her. How brainy Gem and Graham both are: she with her writing, and he with his love and devotion to studying the past and it's architecture for their investigations. I liked how their personalities differ like fire and ice, but they still work together beautifully. Things that could be a bit better: There's not a lot here, just a few things to mention. Language: hellish is used once, fool and fools is spoken or thought maybe five times at most. -There's a mention of someone in extreme grief wanting to scream and demand answers of God. The person had been through a terrible time to be sure, but that's a really dangerous and disrespectful way to think and speak of God, and not at all advisable. I seriously enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to reading it's sequel, "An Honorable Deception" available November 2024! Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary Netgalley e-book I received to review through LibraryThing. A positive review was not required of me (but was my pleasure!) and the thoughts above are my own.

An extraordinarily well written book! There's intrigue, a mystery, and kidnapping. There's also a second chance at love and restored relationships. The mystery really had me on the edge of my seat! The process of restored relationships really touched my heart. Graham and Gemma are two broken people whose pain goes very deep. Their forgiveness toward each other took time, but it was romantic and sweet! There are a lot of familiar characters from the first book in the series A Beautiful Disguise. You can read this as a stand-alone because Roseanna White does an exemplary job at explaining characters' back stories. I love how the author weaves faith into her books! It's encouraging and inspiring! I can't wait for the next book! I was provided a copy of the book from Bethany House via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've often been guilty of claiming that her latest book is my favorite and this book is no exception! A Noble Scheme has everything that I've come to expect in a Roseanna M. White story: well-defined characters, an exciting adventure, a lovely romance, and witty banter to make me smile. There is, however, an emotional aspect that tugged at my heart and attacked my senses. I found myself grabbing tissues as I read about Gemma and Graham's efforts to work together after a year of being apart. An intriguing mystery surrounding a missing child triggers raw and painful emotions for this couple and explains their severed friendship. Finally, we understand the depth of their suffering and we're given a glimpse of their true relationship! I was deeply moved by this poignant journey of love, loss, and grief that leads to healing, forgiveness, and a return to faith. A Noble Scheme is a stunning historical Christian novel! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

I always look forward to Roseanna M. White's novels and this one is without a doubt one of her very best. As the second book in the Imposters series, it is another adventure with the wonderful characters introduced in A Beautiful Disguise and focuses on Gemma and Graham's story. While the Imposters work on a case of utmost importance, the heartbreaking tragedy that brought about Gemma and Graham's rift is brought to light and emotions swirl. I really enjoyed how White explores Gemma's anger, Graham's loss of faith, and how the grace of God offers them a new beginning. The story has it all - grace, faith, support of friends, adventure, loss, romance, and hope. So very compelling and heartfelt, this is a story that I could not stop reading. If historical fiction that offers adventure, intrigue, and romance is what you're looking for, this book and series is the answer. An absolute must-read masterpiece!

Today marks the highly anticipated release of Roseanna M. White's second book in her The Imposters series, A Noble Scheme. Readers finally get an inside look into the tumultuous and complicated relationship between Gemma and Graham. As both members of the secretive investigative team, their icy relationship's history is slowly unveiled, and it is undeniably a tragic one. When the two are forced to collaborate on a kidnapping case, the architect and the reporter must put aside their personal feelings if they're going to have any chance at solving this case. A Noble Scheme is my personal favorite, largely due to the captivating portrayal of these two central characters. The story delves into the universal experience of losing someone we hold dear. If we're not careful, bitterness and unforgiveness can consume the space in our hearts where love and faith once thrived. This is precisely where Gemma and Graham find themselves. White's characters are complex, flawed individuals, desperately trying to make sense of a life-altering tragedy. I believe the experiences they share will deeply resonate with many readers as it did me.The central mystery gradually unfolds, contributing to the suspense and ensuring that the audience remains captivated. The characters and plot created by the author are expertly developed, captivating readers and immersing them further into the narrative. The atmospheric and vividly descriptive setting adds a wonderful layer of depth to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.What truly stands out is how White consistently directs the reader's attention towards a loving God who can bring good out of any situation. This timely reminder of God's faithfulness and love is something I deeply appreciate. If you're looking for a great read, I can't recommend A Noble Scheme highly enough!

The Codebreakers has been my all time favorite Roseanna M. White series, but I think it is going to have to move over and make room for The Imposters. I have so enjoyed reading the first two books about the lovable, quirky characters that make up the investigation team known as The Imposters. This second book in the series has two very interesting storylines. The first is, of course, the case that they are currently investigating, a kidnapping case involving a ten-year-old boy, a case of mistaken identity. The second, a sad yet poignant story of a loving couple whom circumstances have driven apart, a story of unforgiveness, and a story of turning one's face away from God. The saddest part of the advanced reader copy I received was the page that said that the final book of this series will be available in November of this year. I will miss these characters and am sad to see the series end with the next book. I certainly hope they will make cameo appearances in some of White's future novels. As always with White's books, A Noble Scheme is well thought out. Information in this book and in its connections to the first one is carefully woven together and released at just the right moment. Much to my satisfaction, the ending was not rushed, the author was generous with the time and space she allowed for bringing the story to a meaningful conclusion. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Noble Scheme from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This is Graham and Gemma’s story. We finally get to find out why there’s such animosity between the two. The revelation unfolds as these investigators must work together to rescue a child who’s been kidnapped. It’s a story filled with terrible loss, overwhelming grief, and broken-hearted characters working toward healing and forgiveness. One is numbed by a past tragedy and can’t seem to move forward. The other experiences a wavering faith and wonders if God is truly good. Hard stuff but not lacking in hope. Lovely character development. I really enjoyed reading the second book in The Imposters series. I always love a little surprise, and this story definitely had a few! It was nice to see characters from book 1 too. Looking forward to book 3. FYI: I hate to have to point this out, but there was one thing that really bothered me. A character asked another character if they could ever forgive God. It’s a strange question, in my opinion. And then there’s a whole page dedicated to wrestling with the question. I thought it was going in the right direction until it didn’t. Unless I’m missing something, I’m not in agreement at all theologically with the character’s concluding thoughts on the subject. Disappointing since I liked everything else about the story. In good conscience, I couldn’t not mention it, though. I received a complimentary paperback arc from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I don’t think I have the adequate words to describe how deeply inspired and emotionally touched I am by this amazing book! Roseanna M. White is without doubt one of my favorite authors, and I think this is one of her best stories yet! Since I read the first book of “The Imposters" Series, I’ve been charmed by each one of the characters that compose this unique Detective Secret Agency. The abilities with which each member contributes to making the Agency so efficient is so creative. And the way they have each other’s back is so endearing! More than a team, they’re family! This is Gemma and Graham’s book, and since the first book I’ve been intrigued as to what important issue may have happened between them to create such a deep rift in their relationship, especially from Gemma against Graham. This is a story that has the tropes of second chance and enemies to lovers, among others. Practically at the middle of the book you get the complete idea of what really happened, and my heart was so crushed. This book deals with deeper issues than most of Roseanna’s books, and I loved the way she dealt with these heartbreaking realistic topics. I understood Gemma’s anger toward Graham and Graham’s faithlessness. How can you fix a wound so deep? Only God can. And sometimes in the least expected ways. I loved how the author managed to tie everything up, when it all seemed an unsurmountable mountain. There’s a beautiful faith inspired message of forgiveness, healing, trusting God in the most difficult circumstances, and redemption. It really inspired me and made me reflect on how God always has our back, even when to the human eyes it may seem the absolute contrary: that He has abandoned us, or doesn’t really care for our happiness. The way things unfolded until the end was deeply touching and I loved how the story ended. I shed my tears more than once, but sighed in happiness or endearment in many others. It amazes me how the author can manage to blend some light humor in a book that carries such deep emotions as are grief, pain and loss. The light humor, she infuses it mostly through Yates, a secondary character but leader of the Imposters, who I’m hoping will have his own amazing story in the next book. I absolutely love Yates! I think he is going to be my favorite of the series! The historical detail, the scenery also fascinated me. I have to say I’m an architect and that made me relate closely to Graham: I loved his ability to see everything in form of space and architectural details. I could imagine him perfectly poring over his blueprint designs. And I loved his huge heart and loyalty to Gemma too. Gemma also was a great character and I admired her resilience, and how she grew along the story too: in compassion, understanding, and ultimately, forgiving. Both their griefs, different yet the same, felt so realistic that I felt it was my grief too. The author is a master of describing the characters emotions and I experienced them in this book deeply. Add to the mix, a mystery, a kidnapped child, some devious villains, and lots of intrigue and suspense, that I assure you won’t be able to put it down very easily! And the romance, even if at odds for a great time, was superb! Swooning! This is one of my favorite stories of Roseanna M. White. Very highly recommend it! You won't regret it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Finally! I get to read the back story of Graham and Gemma. I was shocked to hear what had happened to them, but love the way they worked it out and how the theme of forgiveness and grief was woven into the story. I had read the first book in the series and I would recommend reading that one first. I think I would have been lost on various things if I had not read the first book. I will admit I got a bit confused with the characters at times and who was involved in the mystery. I found myself having to backtrack to remember who was who and who was involved where. Other than that, I loved it and cannot wait to hear about Yates! I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is book two in The Imposters series and is a complete story as a stand-alone, but I suggest if you want the full aspect of who they are then read book one first. In book one we meet Gemma and Graham and I was anxious to find out why she was so rude and hostile at times to him. Circumstances have them spending time together as they work together to find a kidnapped boy. As the story unfolds there are many twists and turns until the reveal of what occurred and you will want to see healing take place. I absolutely loved this quote, “ She could choose to be nothing but a moth-eaten rag fit only for the rubbish bin….or she could let God work her into lace, the holes left by pain and sorrow every bit as beautiful as the gossamer threads of faith and love that held her together.” The entire paragraph is so beautifully written that it made me weep. My favorite quote ever I do believe. God can take the hurt and pain in our life and weave something even more beautiful than we ever imagined and we find that truth within this story. A beautiful tale of love between two hurt and vulnerable people while solving a case that keeps you guessing. From the beautiful cover to the last page you will be totally engrossed in this book. I found the characters relatable with real issues and the story believable and very well written. I will be adding this to my favorite books this year. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Roseanna M. White has long been a master of historical fiction, but she’s reached a new level with A Noble Scheme. The emotional drama of this story will rival any Karen Kingsbury book and had me highlighting line after line as I pondered both her prose and her meaning. In the beginning, though, while I was excited to dive into a new adventure with the Imposters, Ltd., I really wanted to find out what the big secret was between Gemma and Graham. White kept the mystery around this sky-high as the story unfolded and still I couldn’t quite pinpoint it! I love when authors keep me guessing! And I never would have guessed it. I wouldn’t have suspected that White would sink so low as to put this pair through this kind of torment, but she does so absolutely perfectly. The descriptions, emotions, and drama – as well as the lessons journeyed and learned – couldn’t be better. Readers who enjoy both depth and drama need A Noble Scheme on their bookshelf. This book – this series, really – is one to keep. Just be sure you have the tissues handy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.