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.

A Beautiful Disguise, penned by the talented Roseanna M. White, not only marks the inaugural installment of The Imposters series but also stands as a truly captivating and thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction masterpiece. The story follows Lady Marigold and her brother as they inherit their father's estate and find themselves in unexpected circumstances. To secure their future, Marigold and her brother join The Imposters, a clandestine group of spies who use their unique skills honed through acrobatics and circus feats to carry out covert missions.

Meanwhile, Merritt, a soldier on leave, is entrusted with the task of uncovering the source of information leaks in his home office. His quest aligns with the Imposters' expertise, leading to their collaboration. However, when social circumstances thrust Marigold and Merritt together, can she keep her covert activities hidden from him? The novel is full of historical richness, romance, peril, and enigma. It is an enthralling, thought-provoking, and enduring read. The story also explores themes of family, resilience, determination, faith, and hope.

A Beautiful Disguise is a well-written and enjoyable novel with a vibrant ensemble of characters and a thrilling plot. It is a refreshing take on the historical fiction romance genre, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy books with a touch of mystery and intrigue. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

I don't very often have something to take away from a book no matter how entertaining, but this time I was moved, touched by the dialog, especially faith lessons from a missionary. Amazingly entertaining and unexpected mystery, romance and introduction to wonderful characters who will be in a series... one I'm very much looking forward to continuing to read. Very realistic, quite detailed so very easy to see the settings. Not a formula romance story. I loved it!
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #ABeautifulDisguise #RoseannaMWhite #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical

I usually enjoy Roseanna White's books, but this one wasn't my cup of tea from the start. It wasn't believable at all and I didn't finish the story.

Roseanne M. White's newest book and the first in a new series, A Beautiful Disguise (The Imposters, #1) is a wonderful book! It is action filled - with private investigators, spies, and the secrets of elite society in Edwardian London. Ms. White's books are always well written with excellent details contained in her stories.

The story begins as Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother discover that they have no money after their father's death. They have to learn and discover new ways to support themselves and their expected lifestyle. They meet Sir Merritt Livingstone who works for the War Office. Challenges, secrets and romance are in the air. A great book and I can't wait for the next in this new series!

I received this book from the Roseanna M. White and Bethany House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book. Set in the early 1920s, this is a story of a "noble family" who is thrust into poverty when they discovered that their father had spent all of his fortune in creating an enchanted childhood for his now grown children They use the experiences they learned, including being around actors and producing plays and hosting circus performers to establish a detective business, known only as The Imposters, and they never met their client face to face. Lots of fun when Marigold falls in love with one of her clients and they successfully foil a German plot. There is a promised sequel telling the stories of other members of the imposters, and I can hardly wait. I received this as an arc from NetGalley and am under no pressure for a positive review.

This story was very fun and intersting and I love The Imposters. However there was a lot of gratuitous praise of missionaires in China and elsewhere, these characters weren't even part of the story. I feel like the author could have conveyed that chracters were of faith and faithful without massive praise on missionaries, especially at this time in nhistory when they were treating others like savages and part of a colonial infrastracture.

A Beautiful Disguise is the first book in Roseanna White's Imposter series. In the wake of her father's death, Lady Marigold teams with her brother to open a discreet inquiry agency, Imposters Ltd., as a way to earn money and keep their social reputation. Sir Merritt Livingstone is also starting anew when he joins the secret military intelligence branch, and he enlists the help of the Imposters to identify a spy who is selling military secrets to Germany. If you like this book, I recommend Jen Turano's Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series.

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White is the first book in The Imposters series and a definite must read if you love inspirational historical romance with a little suspense thrown in.
Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother are left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy when their father passes away. With no other income avenues they decide to open a private investigating firm for the elite to spy on the elite, but get more than they bargain for when they are hired by Sir Merritt Livingstone to investigate Marigold's best friend's father for being a potential traitor.
Merritt has been placed on a desk assignment in the War Office Intelligence Division after suffering from pneumonia. Trying to show his worth his investigation leads him to believe that an aristocrat is leaking information to Germany just as tensions escalate between the two countries.
Marigold and Merritt are determined to find the truth all the while trying not to get their hearts involved, but that might be more challenging than either of them thought.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in this series.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Another Great Series Begins!



This book is full of intrigue mixed with romance and some very unique pets as well as other parts of the story! Trying not to give anything away! I was entertained and enjoyed it.



*The Audiobook narrated by Susan Lyons. Susan read the book in character and with great voice inflection. It made the book easy to listen to as I was cleaning and getting things done around my home.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

#NetGalley #ABeautifulDisguise #TheImpostersSeries

A Beautiful Disguise, by Roseanna M. White, is not only the first book in The Imposters series, but it is also a genuinely intriguing and utterly enjoyable historical fiction novel. This creative story is certainly compelling and exceptionally well-written. Filled with history, romance, danger, and mystery, this book is interesting, thoughtful, and truly memorable.
 
With tremendous skill and remarkable thoroughness, Ms. White has written a novel that shines with brilliant pacing and captivating details. From the unique settings, to the original characters, to the riveting storyline, this book is wholly satisfying! Themes of family, resiliency, perseverance, faith, and hope add depth and meaning to a story that is quite inspiring and emotionally-stirring.

Set in England before WWI, the story captivates as it unfolds within the social bustle of London and the coastal calm of Northumberland. Financial hardships, physical impairments, and family secrets provide ample motivations to various characters as they attempt to live lives of meaning and purpose. Frequently, they must reevaluate their assumptions, address their insecurities, renew their hope, and nurture their faith all while they seek to find a truth that may be connected to unknown dangers.

From beginning to end, A Beautiful Disguise is a very special novel. It is thought-provoking, encouraging, and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

A colorful cast of characters with a unique set of skills makes this thrilling romance a fun and entertaining read!

The first half of the book really sets up the setting and characters for the entire series, and the last half of the book really turns into a thrilling adventure! The romance was a true glimpse of Edwardian courtship with a fantastical twist given the occupations and adventures of the characters. We see the progression of their relationship from meeting, to knowing, to falling in love — all through the points of view of both Merritt and Marigold. The use of dual point of views makes the romance touching and sweet. Merritt also had a protective streak, which make his heroics endearing!

At first I thought the characters being trained in acrobatics and other circus acts would be odd, but when I started reading I found it original and fun! And the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for the (fictional?) origins of the MI5 secret agent skills we know today. Being an actress myself, I understand how skills of disguise, subterfuge, and impersonation can be transferred from the stage and be a useful skill in intelligence. And goodness knows that in the 20th century, plenty of actors and actresses were known to support war efforts in counterintelligence. The premise of this book is original and entertaining, and goes outside the box to redefine a romance book set in the Edwardian age. I thoroughly loved it!

The best parts of this book were the spiritual lessons that apply to the reader as much as they do to the characters. The topics of frenemies, financial wisdom, and self- confidence all jumped out to me as I read! Marigold realized that Merritt saw through the facade and loved her for who she truly was, which gave her freedom and made her feel cherished. I loved that! What a touching way to write a romance!

I thoroughly recommend A Beautiful Disguise, and I look forward to the upcoming installments of The Imposters series by Roseanna M. White!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

The Beautiful Disguise delivers another enjoyable and quirky Edwardian novel from Roseanna M. White with plenty of intrigue and adventure. The subplot about private investigators/spies reminds me of the author’s previous Shadows over England series but this one does something unique and new involving an aristocratic family who also own a circus. They have lions: well, OK a lion- and a leopard as well as a menagerie of other exotic beasts.

I really enjoyed the literary references: G.K. Chesterton and a popular author of spy novels. There were some vague shades of the Thirty-Nine Steps with the details about relations between England and Germany and the increasing atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust. Merritt and Marigold were both interesting and well-drawn characters, with plenty of wit and charm.

This is a promising start to a new series, which promises to introduce us to a host of more colourful characters.

Thanks to Bethany House for approving my request for an ARC of this title via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Beautiful Disguise is a wonderful start to a new series that you’re not going to want to miss. It’s intrigue and suspense all in one. Lady Marigold and her brother inherit their father’s estate when he passes away. Only it’s not what they imagined. Their home is crumbling and needs repairs but there is no money in the budget. Marigold makes her own clothes with a friend and that earns her a place in society known for her crazy outfits.

But what can they do for money? Their class of ladies and gentlemen don’t work. So how can they pay staff and keep their home from dying?

Enter The Imposters! They’re like a spy group. It’s Marigold and her brother, who have unique skills from growing up doing acrobatics and circus stunts, plus their friends. They take assignments and dig out the answers. All while remaining anonymous. It’s a win-win situation for them. They’re not not ruining their reputation but they’re able to earn enough to at least keep the animals fed.

Oh wait, I didn’t tell you about the animals yet and I’m not going to. You’re going to have to read the book to find out about them. But they’re just as unique as their owners. You don’t want to miss them. One or two of them might play an extremely important role in the book too. Not that I’m trying to give anything away.

Okay. Now, our main hero-type character in this book is Merritt. He’s on leave from the army because he’s been hurt. He’s very intelligent. And he has a problem to sort out in his home office. It’s his assignment so to speak. To find out who is behind leaking information. He enlists the Imposters to help him with his task. But he’s still working on it on his own as well.

Can Marigold keep what she’s doing a secret from him when they’re thrust together in a social setting?

Such a fun novel! I literally have loved every book by Roseanna White and I knew that I’d love this one as well. I can’t wait for the second book that follows Gemma (a friend of Marigold who grew up with them and is now an author) and Graham (another friend whom currently Gemma has an issue with) and both are part of The Imposters!

This book is full of wonderful characters, great scenes, tons of mystery and intrigue as well as faith in the center.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Faith, intrigue, strong characters and an immersive atmosphere perfectly combine to make me fall in love with the author. Looking forward to the next book in the series and reading more of her back catalogue.

I will never, ever miss a Roseanna M. White book! She's one of my faves from a long-time back and I'm just never disappointed. I was excited to start a new series of hers, and A Beautiful Disguise definitely did not disappoint. Marigold and Merritt are both so lovable, and I'm all-in on the new cast of quirky characters we're introduced to in this first book in the series. Fast-moving and fun, A Beautiful Disguise was an absolutely delightful read, and I can't wait for the next one!

A Beautiful Disguise
The Imposters #1
By Roseanna M. White

Lady Marigold Fairfax, or Lady M to her admirers, is known to London's Society for her outlandishly colored ensembles. But her clothing is just a disguise to distract others from noticing the personal details of her person. Marigold, her brother Yates, and two of their childhood friends are The Imposters. To save their estate from her father's financial mismanagement (and to provide for those who call it home), Marigold and company have formed an investigative company. A company known for its results but not its investigators, who remain unknown to all. Skills honed from childhood are put to use - skills that society would have frowned upon.

When Sir Merritt Livingston, who serves in the War Office's Intelligence Division, accidentally stumbled upon something that could cast doubts on his superior's loyalties, he reaches out to the mysterious Imposters for help. What Merritt doesn't realize is that he, too, will be under surveillance. As Marigold and Yates gather intelligence, they hope to clear their neighbor of suspicion of leaking secrets to Germany.

A Beautiful Disguise is a fun read with serious tones to it. I love Marigold. She's an engaging character who assumes a mask to save what she holds dearest. Using everything at her disposal, she has created a second persona, one she shows the world and her true self, which only those who've known her most of her life know. The Imposters live two lives, and it is interesting to see how they balance them, slipping from one role to another in mere moments.

This is the first book in a new series by Roseanna M. White, which is set in the Edwardian era. In a world on the edge of change, the Faifax siblings must find a way to preserve all that they hold dear, and through ingenuity, they appear to have done so, but how long can they keep their secrets from the outside world? Only time will tell. I highly recommend this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, all thoughts expressed are my own.

Thank you to Bethany House, NetGalley, and AustenProse PR for my advance electronic version. All opinions are my own.

Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother Yates are uncommon peers of the Realm, but no one suspects them of being more than a fashion-setting, aristocratic family. Forced to find a means to bring their estate back from bankruptcy on their father's death, they use their uncommon skills of being raised around circus performers and actors to set up a clandestine business--they carry out investigations for the elite who would rather it be done discreetly. They, along with a very few friends, form The Imposters, and they are earning a reputation for getting results. No one suspects that these two are not all they seem. But when they are hired by Sir Merrit Livingstone, of the War Office's Intelligence Division, to investigate close friends of the family for possible treason, they start walking a fine line between the two parts of their double live--one that could forever ruin them on both sides.

Secrets, secrets, secrets. This is the best kind of innocent double-life novel: the main characters (we get three points of view: Marigold, Yates, and Merrit) are all very concerned with living an ethical life and their biggest moral dilemma seems to be the discomfort they feel when being dishonest around people they care about. This is a faith-based/Christian book, without being too preachy. I especially appreciated how White parsed out the details of everyone's back stories as the story unfolds. I even found myself double-checking to see if there was a previous book in the series, since things seemed to be alluded to that had not yet been revealed. This left me feeling like the characters were fully formed already and I was slowly being let into their world. The plot really drew me in, wanting to know what would happen next. I'm glad it's a series, because I definitely want to read the next one!

This is an excellent first book in a new series by Roseanna M. White! White has turned into a go-to author for me in recent years, and this book is no exception. It's full of action, adventure, intrigue--and of course romance!

I couldn't help but channel _The Greatest Showman_ at times, between the circus and Marigold's and Yates's trapeze-ing (is that a word? I'm making it a word!)--which I loved. And Merritt is a swoonworthy hero; I actually rather wish we readers could have seen more of his own background. Perhaps in future books!

The faith element is more subtle than in some of White's other works, but still absolutely present. While her Codebreakers and Secrets of the Isles series remain my (current!) favorites, her fans will absolutely be satisfied with these characters and this start to the series. I anticipate four books in total, but that's entirely my own guess! I'll also be curious to see whether she weaves in any characters from her other books, as she did with Codebreakers and Isles. Some of the names did seem familiar, but it could be wishful thinking on my part. ;)

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book has so many things to grab & keep your attention, mystery, suspense, theater tropes, circus animals, & Edwardian investigators of high society. I loved it so much!
This is book 1 in The Imposter series & it features siblings, Marigold & Yates who find out they are destitute after their father passes away. They come up with this job as a way to support themselves & enlist the help of some really intriguing people/animals along the way.
Then you have Sir Merritt who is a soldier for England but has recently been assigned to a desk job, setting up M15 following a bout of pneumonia.
Sir Merritt enlists the help of The Imposters, hoping to prove that his boss is innocent.
I loved the beauty of this story, from the fashion to the locations of London & Northumberland. I loved meeting all the unique characters & living in their world for a while.
The second book comes out in the spring of 2024 & features Gemma & Graham. I’m dying to know what event was so devastating that these two people who have known each other their whole lives, can barely be in the same room together!
Thank you @netgalley @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose for my advance copy of this book. I loved it!