A Beautiful Disguise - (The Imposters) by Roseanna M White (Paperback)

Enter the exciting, secret world of Lady Marigold and her brother in 1909 England. Five years ago, after the death of their father, they found he had left them penniless. They had grown up with the circus people their father had living on their estate and had mastered most of their feats including swinging through the air on trapezes. Correctly believing society would blackball pauper aristocrats, they found a unique way to save face while supporting themselves. They anonymously run a high-end investigation agency using their circus skills. This allows them to keep up the facade that they are still rich. The truth is, they barely make enough to support themselves, their crumbling estate, and the circus people along with their animals that live with them. Their current case hits close to home since it involves their father’s good friend, and determining if he is behind men that are missing. They are all from a secret intelligence agency in the War Department. As information is uncovered, they find Germany and possibly even a war might be involved. They must sift through their personal feelings and clues to arrive at the truth. I highly recommend this five-star book. It is a clean story with intrigue, danger, and an exciting ending. The character's faith is a good part of their story. Fans of mysteries and well-written tales will enjoy this! Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

What a creative story! No one but Roseanna M. White would be able to imagine titled socialites moonlighting as spies and using circus acrobatic skills to accomplish this :) This story did a great job of maintaining a great pace all the way to the end, with tons of white herrings to throw the reader off the trail of the real culprit. A budding romance between Lady Marigold and Sir Livingstone keeps you turning the pages to see how the author will pull them together since their connection is obvious from their first meeting. The tension between two of their friends and coworkers in the investigation business is obvious, but the source of that conflict is left as a mystery which leaves the reader wanting to read the sequel to figure out what that is all about. With this new series, White has created yet another intriguing cast of characters who I look forward to getting to know better in the next installments. ***I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, Bethany House.

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White is the first book in her Imposters series. The story is set in London during the early 1900’s. Marigold Fairfax and her brother run an investigation firm for the upper crust of society. When Sir Merritt Livingstone needs help finding a traitor in the War Office he turns to the Imposters, Ltd. This was a great beginning to a new series. Marigold and Merritt complimented each other so well. The whole cast of characters were a delight to get to know. I can’t wait for the next installment! With Roseanna’s books you are never disappointed. She always takes you on an unforgettable ride. I received this book from the author for my honest review.

Well, Roseanna M. White's done it again! She's captured my imagination by introducing me to some of the most intriguing characters ever! A Beautiful Disguise is her newest historical fiction novel and the beginning of a new series, The Imposters. It centers around Marigold Fairfax and her brother Yate's spy activities and there's also a lot of activity around their trapeze act and the circus. l enjoyed the fun banter between these siblings and the descriptions of their life at home and at the circus, but I was entranced by the interaction between Marigold and Sir Merritt Livingstone, who is also involved in intelligence. He is loyal, trustworthy, and a man of faith. Will he be the one person who sees through Marigold's beautiful disguise? Does his heart recognize that she chooses to keep her true self hidden? This book is set in 1909 London and White explains in her author's notes how she's woven the suggestion of German spies in England into a fascinating tale of the Fairfax siblings and the other members of their team. I'm looking forward to learning more about them in the other books of the series. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction. I purchased a copy of this book for my own personal enjoyment. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The first in Roseanna M. White’s newest series, A Beautiful Disguise introduces heroine Lady Marigold and her brother Yates, who with a few friends, form a unique investigative firm they call The Imposters. With the Fairfax siblings being part of the Edwardian England peerage, they are able to provide a service like no other to the elite, investigating England’s highest of society. Add in that both Lady Marigold and Yates have acrobatic skills, their investigations often take some surprising turns. When they are called upon to investigate a friend’s father, a relationship between War Office Intelligence Officer Sir Merrick Livingstone and Lady Marigold develops, adding another dimension. I love the so many things about this story. From a heroine that is resourceful, creative, and undeniably independent to the unconventional acrobatic skills and circus animal pets to the romance that develops between Marigold and Merrick. The author brings inspiration, mystery, romance, and friendship together into a rich and well researched story that kept me engaged and reading. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

To date, this is my favorite Roseanna M. White novel. I can only describe it as a delightful romp, one that Jen Turano fans will be happy to discover. What's not to love about a story with private investigators who were raised alongside circus performers, and who now have the retired performers and their menagerie living with them on their estate? You will want to read to discover why they call themselves The Impostors, and to learn who it is among the cast of characters who finds them out. The characters in A Beautiful Disguise are delightful, well except for the bad guys. The mystery being investigated is truly intriguing. The story has a good balance of comedy and tragedy. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

“A Beautiful Disguise,” the first book in The Imposters series by Roseanna M. White, offers an engaging historical romance set in the early 20th century London. With threads of faith, trust, and love, this story follows Marigold Fairfax and Merrick Tremayne. Marigold is a fearless and resourceful heroine on a daring journey, disguising herself to infiltrate London’s high society. Her goal is to gather information and secrets, which leads to her path intersecting with the military hero known for his loyalty and integrity, Merrick Tremayne. The exchanges between the two become increasingly complex, blending mystery, romance, and faith. The slower-paced beginning of the story takes time to establish the characters and their backgrounds, but the plot gains momentum, and as the pace picks up so does the suspense, romantic tension, and findings. The depth of Marigold’s self-discovery journey, her steady bond with her brother Yates, and her evolving relationship with Merrick, make this story satisfying and memorable. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

Acrobatic aristocrats who slip in and out of glittering ballrooms, private men's clubs, and grand estates gathering secrets without even being noticed. Sounds delightfully intriguing if you ask me! A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White is certainly a delightful treat to be had. Lady Marigold Fairfax hides behind her spectacular gowns and her outrageously flamboyant hats. The tabloids of the time call her Lady M. and everyone wants to be just like her, but no one outside her family knows the real Marigold, not even her closest friend. She tells herself that she is only hiding the fact that she is a private investigator with the lucrative and sought after Imposters but her true self is hidden as well. For if anyone really knew her true self, would they even accept her? When Sir Merritt Livingstone discovers a nefarious plot selling England's secrets with Germany, possibly being leaked within the war office itself, Merritt enlists the help of The Imposters. Together they will discover more than they could have ever bargained for. The first book in the author's The Imposters series is clever and all together unique. She combines a compelling cast of characters (including a very large lion among other circus animals) with a flawlessly crafted setting, an intriguing plot full of mystery and romance and an inspirational message that will leave you in much anticipation for the author's next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review . All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

What an amazing start to a captivating series! I couldn’t put this book down from page one until the last page! Set in Edwardian London, this story follows “The Imposters, Ltd” , an anonymous group of professional private investigators that meddle with the crème of society to uncover secrets for their peers. Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother Yates founded this group when left orphans and with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy, and would have never imagined how quickly their demand and prestige would grow as their good work is spread among the elite. This story kept me captivated, intrigued and charmed at the same time, because of the unique plot -the idea of the anonymous Private investigators group is so appealing-, and because of the genuine and endearing characters with which I fell in love with since the start of the story. Each of the members of The Imposters is so different yet loveable, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for each one of them. I loved the relationship that Yates and Marigold have as siblings. So strong the bond, that they always have each other’s back, they work together and I loved that they both were secretly acrobats, which benefited their company in getting into hidden places to hear secret conversations. Their relationship with the circus eccentric animals was so original, and I loved their relationship with the Romani and the whole circus family. They were not mere employees, they were family and friends. The Fairfaxes weren’t arrogant, even if they were from nobility, they saw people with their different needs. I loved Marigold’s courage and strong determination, but most of all, her kindness and compassion toward others. Her straightforwardness and simplicity hiding behind her eccentric facade. Her need to be seen and loved for who she was. And Merrit was the perfect match for her. I loved his honesty and his devotion to his work and country. He was a man of honor and wasn’t superficial. I loved their simple faith in God, both of them. And the romance was slow burn, yet so sweet and swoony, that I loved it. The story is full of secondary characters that I also loved and I’m sure will see more of them. My favorite is Yates, of course. But also Xavier, Graham, Gemma and Lavinia. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. Which Imposter’s story will it be? One of my favorite parts of the story is when the theme of friendship comes out. I loved this quote: Friendship -true friendship- the kind that lasts years and lifetimes, no matter where the friends occupy the same physical space, is, I am convinced, a reflection of the Divine… The quote is long and beautiful, and it compares friendship to how we are created image of a God who is Trinity at the same time, but I won’t finish it to entice you to read the book. And the historical details of the story makes it feel so real, as if I time traveled to the Edwardian Era! Love the description of the setting, the manors, the dresses, etc! So vivid! All in all, a fantastic start to a series that I’m sure everyone will enjoy! I so highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A fabulous new series full of mystery and intrigue among society's elite! Lady Marigold Fairfax is not your average society darling, though her fashion makes her standout, no one would guess at the secrets she deals in to keep her family's legacy afloat. She is a clever heroine, and loyal to the ones she loves. I admired her ingenuity, as well as her close bond with her brother, Yates. Speaking of Yates, he is pretty much the perfect brother, supportive, talented, and daring in his own right. A daring adventure, I was pulled in from the very first, and even more as I got to know the clan of Imposters. I loved the compelling relationship building interwoven with espionage and secrets that kept me guessing. At a first glance the premise may seem implausible, I found myself fully captivated by the high society world of secrets, with unlikely heroes and heroines dealing in daring and secrets. Merritt is an admirable man of action, bound to integrity, who wants to think the best of his superior despite the growing pile of evidence that points in another direction. A clever and observant man, yet humble in a way that makes him even more admirable. The perfect introduction to a compelling cast of characters, in this exciting new series, full of faith, heart, and intrigue. I can't wait to see what is next for the Imposters! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really liked the premise for this new Roseanna M. White novel - sister and brother circus performers turned anonymous private investigators who struggle to live out truth behind masks. Left bankrupt after their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother, Yates, make a living spying on their peers. Things get sticky when they’re hired to investigate Marigold’s best friend’s father, an aristocrat who’s suspected of treason. The beginning started out on an exciting note, but I struggled a bit to follow parts of the plot and to keep some of the characters straight for the first half of the story. I know Edwardian romance lovers are going to want to read this, so my advice is to jot down the characters, especially the male ones, and a quick note or two about each one. That way, there won’t be any confusion later. The last 30% or so came together for me, and I ended up enjoying it. All the twists and revelations! While parts of the book were frustrating, I liked Marigold’s eccentricity, the friendship between Merritt and Xavier, and the sweet, off-limits romance between Marigold and a new client. I received a complimentary paperback from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderful start to a new series! "And other people's preconceived notions had proven to be the best disguise." "The Imposters seem to be able to get in anywhere and discover anything, and no one has a clue they were there." "Did they deceive people? Now and then, perhaps. But mostly they were dedicated to discovering truth." Roseanna M. White is a master storyteller, her charming characters encounter mysteries, intrigue, betrayal, romance, and spies. Add in circus training, unusual pets, and you won't be able to put down A Beautiful Disguise! I love her historical fiction tales that keep one turning pages far too late into the night. I highly recommend A Beautiful Disguise. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I can't wait for my preordered copy to arrive.

Taking place on the threshold of WWI, this story focuses on Yates and Marigold Fairfax, aristocracy siblings and members of a secret detective agency dubbed ‘The Imposters.’ What’s fun about these two is that they are also circus performers (having grown up surrounded by that at their Tower home). Against a backdrop of performer fashions (which Marigold uses as a mask to hide her true identity as an Imposter), a trapeze the siblings practice on almost daily, and a live-in lion called Leonidas, enters Merritt Livingstone. He hired the Imposters to investigate someone they all hope is innocent of foul play. Meeting and befriending Yates and Marigold in the course of events, he has no idea they are the ones he’s hired. If he does find out, Marigold worries he won’t understand the reasons for their subterfuge, and that she might lose more than friendship. The romance between Merritt and Marigold was soft and subtle through most of the story, and it was nice to see something so far removed from insta-love. It was clear they were finding friendship, the best place to start. The suddenness of their attraction, and acting upon, was too fast in my opinion. I would’ve liked to see that relationship transition more believably. Marigold’s fear of letting anyone see her for who she truly is was something everyone can relate to, when really the reason for this fear is she doesn’t really know who she is anymore. She’s spent so long putting on an act and doing what she has to. What is clear is her love and loyalty to family and friends. She is deeply impacted by their changing affections toward her in return. There’s just so much about her that makes me love and appreciate her! Merritt sees this admirable trait and her strength and resilience. I liked how he came alongside her, encouraging her. Most of the story focuses on the mystery: investigations into Lord Hemming and company, trying to determine who is to blame, and how it all seems to tie into the stirrings of war. Time runs short to untangle all the threads. I really enjoyed this book, and the interlocking lives of several characters, their interactions, and the friend/family relationships. We follow the perspectives of Yates, Marigold, and Merritt throughout. The plot moved at a steady pace, introducing new elements and surprises in a timely manner so it never lagged. You never knew what was going to happen next and how the Imposters were going to find the information they sought. Besides the lack in romance subplots, there was a skip scene that involved Marigold meeting Merritt’s family for the first time that felt too important to not include. I found it a bit difficult to connect with them as a couple, although I think they are both wonderful characters. But if you enjoy detective/spy mysteries set in times of the past, I would recommend giving this a try. The reveal was intense and not predictable. I was given a book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

“In Edwardian London, not all that glitters is gold as a lady and an intelligence officer’s secret mission take them from the city’s dazzling ballrooms to its covert intelligence offices,” states the Amazon description of Roseanna M. White’s novel, A Beautiful Disguise. ~ What ~ The first book in The Imposters series, this three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those interested in historical fiction about espionage in England in the early 1900s. The topics of injury and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. As an advance reader copy, the book’s ending includes an author’s note, ten discussion questions, a teaser of the next book in the series, and a biography with advertisements. In this tale of intrigue and romance, Lady Marigold Fairfax may have the appearance of flash and fashion as she skirts her way through upper society, but she and her brother have ample secrets being mysterious well-paid private investigators. When Sir Merritt Livingstone hires them to uncover the truth about her best friend’s father, not only does Lady M play her part perfectly, but she also must be true to herself when it comes to love. ~ Why ~ I enjoy novels that have detailed history about the past, and this one that uncovers a traitor to the Crown does justice. I liked reading about complete loyalty to a country, acrobats’ routines, redesigning gowns, and manor houses complete with priest-holes. Adding the prayers to God was thoughtful. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not like stories of spying on friends may not care for this read. Some may not like the frivolity and campy comments added that do not relate to the story. Because of the many characters and sub-plots, it was hard to follow at times. While I liked the subject in general, I struggled through it as it did not fully grab my attention. ~ Wish ~ Due to the myriad of characters, it would be helpful if a list were at the beginning of the book. It would have been thoughtful to add more trust in the Almighty. ~ Want ~ If you like a historical novel about two siblings spying on their neighbors to determine who is a traitor, this may hold your interest, but it left me in the dark sometimes. I received a review copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

A Beautiful Disguise is a beautiful beginning to the new series of The Imposters. I love the clever concept of spying on the elites of London in 1909 in order to maintain their place in society and the menagerie that was their father’s legacy to them. The descriptive writing has you visualizing the animals, Lady Marigold on the trapeze in the countryside and in her flamboyant fashions at the balls of London, and the Imposters as they spy to find out secrets. The intrigue keeps you on your toes like a tight rope walker as you try to figure out the twists and turns of who is the informant to Germany. The romance that develops between Lady Marigold and Sir Merritt Livingston was so heartwarming and kept me turning pages to discover the outcome. I love the lesser characters of the Imposters and look forward to reading more of their secrets that make them tick. This booked ticked my boxes of requirements that make up a great read, which are inspirational, romance, intriguing, and mysterious. Pick up a copy and place on your must read list now pile. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

“I want you to focus on your attitude when things seem not to be going your way, not on simply changing the circumstances that so displease you.” Espionage, intrigue, and secrets abound in this beautifully crafted historical fiction set in pre-WWI Edwardian England (1909). Roseanna M White’s gift of weaving intricate, engaging plots and creating charming, lovable characters shines so clearly in this book that kicks off her new series Imposters. Marigold and Merritt stole my heart with their backstories and sparkling souls; the surprises in the plot had me gasping at parts and the romance was sweet and tender. I loved learning about the beginnings of MI5 in England and other countries’ spy networks during this era. Menagerie of circus animals as well as circus retirees living with Marigold and Yates added flare and uniqueness to the setting. I am super excited about continuing in the Imposters’ journey! Yates, Gemma, and Graham should have fascinating stories of their own and I’m looking forward to some more excellent spy intrigue. I received complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.