This is my first Roseanna White book that I’ve read, while I’ve seen covers of her other books and seen great reviews of them and they’re on my tbr pile, I hadn’t the chance to read any yet. One day! But thanks to Austenprose PR and Bethany House Publishers for the arc ebook copy, I was able to read this book, a new series, and I’m so excited!

This book was so unique and different from what I’ve read in historical fiction – which I feel like I’ve read a lot. To read about circus trained lord and lady turned spy was fun, add in a menagerie, intrigue, rumors of War with Germany and I was hooked.

The Imposters is a friend group turned detectives, they all have their different reason for this career and I can’t wait to read more about the other Imposters. This book followed 3 characters, Lady Marigold and her brother Yates, as well as a solider Merritt. The Imposters are hired by multiple people for the same case of a missing solider. White cleverly drops the bread crumbs to eat at your intrigue and wanting to keep reading. As this is a Christian fiction, I didn’t feel it was sermonizing or too preachy, just the right amount to warm the soul.

If you like historical fiction, forced proximity, mystery and intrigue, World War fiction, Edwardian fiction or just trying a new author and series then I think this is the book for you.

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. Nobody knows who they are, but their discoveries are quick and precise. Marigold has uncovered many secrets under her facade of Lady M, but when their group is hired to spy on her best friend’s father who is a potential traitor to the country, she is shocked and wishes for nothing more than to prove his innocence. But is he really?
Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent his last decade serving the King on the field, but an illness lands him in the War Office Intelligence Division while he recuperates. He’s not a man to stand idly, so he is determined to prove his worth as they’re creating a new secret intelligence branch in which he wants to collaborate. He’s on a mission to discover if an aristocrat is leaking information to Germany, but since he has orders to take a leave to the country so he can fully recuperate from his pneumonia, he needs extra help, so he seeks out the famous Imposters. Who are they? Does it really matter if they get the information he’s seeking?
When he and his friend Lord Xavier get an invitation to visit the suspect’s manor outside of London to get his most needed fresh air, it seems more than providential for his mission. There he befriends the Fairfaxes without knowing he’s their client. As he gets to know Marigold, he realizes how different she is in public and with friends, and he can’t help his attraction to grow toward this beautiful and unique woman. Can she too be hiding something? Can he trust her with his secrets, or must he discover hers first?
As I said, 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.

What a fun story! I can’t think of another book I’ve read that includes trapeze artists! Lions, peacocks, leopards, and monkeys take centerstage in this action-packed book! Besides all that excitement, you have mystery, deceit, romance, murder, spies, acrobatics, hidden rooms, high fashion, and traitors…just to name a few. Wow, right?!?! All in a package with beautiful cover art that thoroughly disguises the action packed into this novel.

A Beautiful Disguise is well written. I love the descriptions of the scenery and the fashion. I’m not a fashionista myself, but I enjoy reading about those who are! I loved reading about all Lady M’s fancy hats and bold dresses. The descriptions and explanations of the trapeze routines allowed me to watch them play out wonderfully in my imagination. I also enjoyed reading the descriptions of the animals and the grounds of Fairfax Tower.

The characters make this story even better! Marigold and Yates seem like the best of siblings. They work well together, and they have such an endearing relationship. Merritt and Xavier seem like great guys, and it was a pleasure getting to know them. I also enjoyed meeting Drina, Franco, Zelda, and the gang. There are a lot of characters in this book, and I did get confused several times, trying to remember who each of them was and the parts they each played. I loved that there is a huge range of different personalities and unique traits. This is not your typical cast of characters!

I loved the mystery this book is shrouded in. It seems there is mystery on several fronts, and it was so fun to try and figure it all out. I didn’t, as usual. I don’t usually try to figure out plot lines, I just enjoy the ride. My daughter, though, I bet she’d have it figured out! She’s amazing at that. I just enjoy the story and let it take me where it will. This book takes you on quite the ride!

A Beautiful Disguise is very entertaining! I have no idea if the early 1900’s included the automobiles and technology that this book includes, but it sure is fun! A lot of romances stick to the Victorian era, but this book takes place in Edwardian London, so it adds a fun and unique twist. It may even include some politics of the time. I found it interesting to read and learn about.

This book is very unique, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was entertaining, full of excitement, action, romance, and all the good stuff. I recommend it, and I’m excited for the next book!


Content Rating: PG-13
• Profanity: None
• Intimacy: None (Brief kissing)
• Violence: Moderate (There are a couple of murders and a shoot-out.)
Age Recommendation: YA +

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 by Roseanna M. White held my attention with a complex mystery that required me to read attentively in order to avoid confusing all the side characters. I loved that I did not anticipate who the villain behind trouble and tragedy was. I also enjoyed reading about all the tools The Imposters used in their investigations – acrobatics, facial expression techniques, memorization, etc. All those little details, coupled with the historical setting, displayed the author’s research and talent.

Quieter than the mystery and investigation in A Beautiful Disguise, a theme about the power of truth played out in Marigold’s life, family, and relationships. A favorite quote: “The truth isn’t always pretty. But I like to think it’s always beautiful (p. 264).” Given that Marigold and her group make a living using illusions and mild deceptions, it’s a brave take on the importance of truth. I liked how certain characters struggled with the issue and came to their own conclusions.

A Beautiful Disguise begins The Imposters series by Roseanna M. White. This novel works well as a standalone story, but plentiful hints about book two made me eager for the next installment. Recommended for fans of inspirational, historical fiction. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

A Beautiful Disguise has everything you could ask for! Intrigue, mystery, romance, action, friendship, history...it's all there. Oh, and don't let me forget the giant, friendly, retired circus lion! Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother, Yates, along with two friends run a private/anonymous investigation company. They use their circus trapeze experience to spy on London's elite. When military hero Merritt hires them to complete a job he's not able to complete, he figures out that Marigold has a secret. This story is intriguing from the start and a completely enjoyable read!

I received a complimentary copy of this story through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I will never not recommend this book!!! It has my heart and I think everyone should read it, along with her other books!! This book had it all!! Hidden identities, romance, and espionage!! Marigold was such an intriguing character with all her different personas and costumes!! Her struggle to figure out who she really was beneath it all was something that’s so relatable! There were so many ways I related to her character I’m not even going to get into that but I love her so much!! I loved how Merritt saw deeper. How he saw HER. The brother and sister relationship is one of the cutest relationships and I love them so so much!! Oh this book will always be one of my favorites!!

I had the honor of reading an EARC, I wasn’t required to give a positive review

"The truth isn't always pretty. But I like to think it's always beautiful."

"He now saw [her] without the mask she both hated and loved. A girl willing to work for her dinner. Willing to sacrifice for her family. Willing to walk a tightrope every day to feed her lion and her leopard and her little brother."

This book was an absolute delight! It wasn't what I expected at first - leotards and acrobatics off the bat - but once I adjusted my expectations I enjoyed it immensely! The premise worked well with the Fairfax siblings unconventional upbringing - exotic menageries, acrobats, actors and inventions - being both the source of their demise and the resources for their solution. I loved the characters, the plot, and intrigue and the romance.

Influenced by the founding of MI5, the spying and unfolding of the case had me hooked. Despite the unconventional background of the Fairfaxes everything felt authentic and plausible and kept me riveted and entertained. And I loved the romance - it added to the story rather than detracting. Showcasing the desire to be fully seen and known, fully accepted by someone regardless of the face worn for society or their opinion of you. There is a lot of character development and history laid for future novels and I cannot wait to read more!

My only (small) complaint is that the faith aspect sometimes felt a bit clumsy. References to prayer and "the Lord" thrown in seemingly to make a point that it's christian. But then there were moments referencing the missionaries saved in China and the Jesus they served, as well as conversation on brotherhood and the Spirit inside that were sweet and encouraging. I wish that aspect had been better nuanced, but it wasn't enough to detract from my overall enjoyment!

🌟 Not all that glitters is gold… 🌟
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Step into the world of "A Beautiful Disguise," a captivating novel by Rosanne White set against the backdrop of rising tensions between England and Germany in 1909. Sir Merritt Livingstone, sidelined from active duty, due to illness, orchestrates a secret intelligence mission to uncover a leak to Germany. Enlisting the enigmatic Imposters Ltd., a clandestine investigation firm run by Lady Marigold and her brother, the story weaves intricate familial relationships, a captivating mystery, and a touch of romance. The book's unique blend of Downton Abbey elegance and The Greatest Showman's allure adds to the charm, creating an enthralling backdrop. With a cast of intriguing characters, the masterful storytelling keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
✨ Things I loved about this book ✨:
🦚 Downton Abbey & The Greatest Showman Vibes
🦚 The familial relationships and sweet romance
🦚 A masterfully intriguing mystery
🦚 Amazing cast of characters
🦚 Swooned at how Sir Merritt picked up on Lady Marigolds' perfectly visible yet invisible tactics. He saw her!
🦚 If you enjoy books by Jen Turano, Julie Klassen and Elizabet Camden then you will enjoy this new series

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to read and review

Do you like to wear costumes or dress up? What is your favorite costume? I like to dress up for Halloween, but I don’t have one favorite costume.

Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother Yates had an unconventional upbringing. Their father had a circus living at their estate and loved to throw parties for the entire neighborhood. After his death, Marigold and Yates discover that he has spent the family fortune. Determined to keep their estate and support the people who depend on them for their livelihood, the two started a private investigation firm called Imposters, Inc. Things get personal when they are hired to investigate the father of her best friend, Lavinia. Their paths soon cross with Sir Merritt Livingstone. He is a military man who has been sidelined by pneumonia. He hires Imposters Inc. to help him uncover a suspected German spy amongst the aristocracy.

This novel was so fun. I enjoyed the unique premise. I loved the Edwardian England setting. I enjoyed how Lady Marigold disappeared into society with her extravagant hats and gowns and was able to spy from within. I also loved their country estate full of exotic animals, including a pet lion and a monkey named Penelope. I enjoyed the chemistry between Marigold and Merritt and their slow burn romance. The characters were all interesting and enjoyable, especially as you learned more about their motivations. I loved the mystery plot and how it fit in perfectly with the times leading up to World War I. I loved that this book was full of spies, intrigues, and house parties. It was an enjoyable read.

This novel was a clean read. It also has an interesting author’s note at the end about the inspirations for the story and great questions for a book club. This is the first in a planned new series of books and I can’t wait to read on into the future. The first chapter of the next book is included for a preview.

Book Source: Review Copy from Bethany Press. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You know a book is exceptionally good when you begin to savour every page of it with the hope that the pages will never end.
Roseanna M. White has done it again with a cleverly written novel that threatens to capture every reader's attention right from the beginning to the end. A Beautiful Disguise, the first in the Imposter Book series is a story set in 1909 in the United Kingdom. Lady Marigold Fairfax, aka Lady M, is a woman with a title but no money. Her father’s extravagant spending has left her and her brother, Lord Yates Fairfax, with no option but to fend for themselves. From this adversity is born the Imposters, a group of detectives who employ unconventional means to get the information their clients need.
Sir Merritt Livingstone, a man with a forced desk job owing to ill-health is convinced that something is going on with his superiors and a missing soldier. His investigations lead him to solicit help from the Imposters. Little do the Imposters and Sir Merritt realize how this investigation will unearth shocking truth. I loved the themes in this novel and how the writer projects these themes in this novel. Love, friendship, faith, mystery, and suspense all come together to make this novel worth the read.

If you are looking for a novel that has a mixture of circus animals, acrobats, aristocracy, and a strong dose of love and mystery then this is the novel to read.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

This book is delightful! I really loved the idea of investigators amongst the aristocrats who were themselves aristocrats. Marigold is such a fun character to learn about and learn from. I especially love how she hides in plain sight throughout the book. Merritt is an interesting hero. Because of his illness he becomes hard pressed to do what he used to, but he doesn't let that stop him. He realizes he can't do everything he could do but he's willing to try to do anything and everything to see if he can do it. Merritt and Marigold together are delightful! I loved the idea of this book, the plot twists (that actually made sense and were completely from left field), and the romance!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes, but a positive review was not expected or asked for. All thoughts are my own.

Lionfeathers! It's been a minute since I've read/reviewed a book by Roseanna M. White. (Okay... maybe since like February, but it feels like longer...) I really thought, once upon a time, that Lost Heiress was my favorite. And then it was A Name Unknown. And then Portrait of Loyalty. And every book between. But honestly, I'm really digging Beautiful Disguise right now and I don't know what to say about that except that this author literally always keeps me engaged with her quick wit, likeable characters, and the fact that she really does cameo her characters in other books, which keeps me happy when I have to leave certain favorites behind. (Looking at you, Brooke, Margot, and Barclay!) And tell me why, the Imposters are just such a special and unique troupe of characters. I love them ALL. (Although, I'd pay good money to know what Gemma and Graham are fighting about! Sheesh!) I love that Marigold is so good at what she does. I love that Merritt sees the real her. I adore that Yates is such a doting tease of a little brother. I love that Leonidas is exactly who he is. I love that the Caesars stay and take care of Marigold and Yates still. I love that I got caught off guard there at the end because I did not see the ending coming like that. Yes, if you enjoy elements of suspense, theatre, the circus, the London Season, pre-WW1 espionage, and subtle (or not so subtle) humor, take a flying leap on your trapeze and for pete's sake read the book. It's so good, I swear.

I loved this book! The characters were fun and loveable and the plot was suspenseful and kept me engaged.
Merritt and Marigold were perfect together. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

“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.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

✧:･𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬･:✧
•edwardian era
•circus and theater troupe
•the imposters
•”lionfeathers.”
•lions, leopards and monkeys…oh my
•gypsies
•opposites attract
•hidden passageways and priest holes
•fashionable heroine
•noble-minded hero
•acrobatics
•aristocratic spies
•page-turning mystery

"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥."

what a fun story with a thrilling mystery and a dash of sweet romance. i loved the unique premise of this book — aristocratic acrobats who secretly moonlight as spies for the elite in society. i liked how their individual skills helped when it came to uncovering information. the various circus animals were another unique element that had an important role in the overall story. marigold’s and merritt’s romance was sweet yet subtle and i really enjoyed some of the characters tender moments they shared. i enjoyed getting to know the side characters and the set up for their individual stories. i can’t wait to uncover the drama between gemma and graham! the mystery is what really shined in this story and i loved the unpredictable ending!

“𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”

thank you to bethany house for the gifted book. my thoughts are my own.

What a fun new series from an already favorite author! This is truly a unique premise that was positively delightful in every way. I loved the unique and sometimes eccentric characters, the settings, the mystery, just everything! I think my favorite thing is that the main characters really thought things through and acted logically and kindly, even in their growing relationship with one another. Where so, so many other stories would have gone the easy way and had the primary conflict in the book be the secrets between them, I just loved that the characters handled things like mature adults, thought before they reacted, talked things out, and were just all-around good role models for how to handle difficult things in a relationship! This story was nuanced and just so, so good.

Book 2 is set up almost too well as I'm rather miffed to have to wait for it. :) So very ready for more of these delightful Imposters!

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

This was such a fun book with all the spying and trapeze artistry going on! Marigold is so unique and I couldn't help but fall in love with her and Merritt.

I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait to read more about the Imposters in this new series by Roseanna M White. She's one of my all time favorites and she is always on my to-be-read list.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 22 August 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging mystery! Each chapter alternates character perspectives, drawing you further into the intrigue. The mystery is compelling and the sweet romance is heartwarming.

If you love historical fiction, historical mysteries, detective stories, and/or clean romance I know this book will captivate your interest. This is a delightful introduction to what is sure to be a wonderful series.

Thank you to Austenprose and Bethany House Fiction for a finished copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

A Beautiful Disguise is certainly an intriguing start to a new series from Roseanna M. White! Featuring aristocratic investigators in Edwardian England who have exotic animals as pets, trapezes in their backyard, and more captivating oddities, readers will definitely be drawn into the story. Although the romance was more of a subplot in this book I still enjoyed reading Marigold and Merritt’s story, and I’m excited for more in this series. 3.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.