I enjoyed this book. It was a very different storyline than any I've read. Very imaginative if not too realistic. The main couple of characters were quite well developed. I enjoyed how they were fleshed out in the story. The supporting characters were well done also, but there were some gaps. I realize they were for the next books but it was hard to understand some of it.
The editing was quite well done also. Very few errors. This is important to me as poor editing can ruin a perfectly good story. I did feel that the story ended rather poorly.
In general, I would recommend this book as it is quite unique. I give it a 4-star review. I was given this book through LibraryThing and am not required to leave a review. All thoughts are totally my own.

Marigold and her brother, Yates, are amongst the elite. But they were left with no money after their parents died. They decide to start a private investigator firm and call themselves The Imposters. They have to keep their identity secrets or they will be recognized by their peers. Merritt is with the War Office Intelligence. He needs help finding out who has been leaking information to Germany. He hires the Imposters not realizing he has already met them.

I must admit, there is so many elements to this story that it took about 40% of the book for me to get it all straightened out. Marigold is disguised as a very outlandish dresser and all of society is very interested in what she will wear next. They don’t know the real her. Merritt meets her and sees the real her very quickly. I liked their relationship. The whole gang of characters was fun. There is also lion and other animals involved in the mix. I story concept but some parts were slow and confusing. This could definitely be just me and others will be fine. Overall though a good story and clean.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Beautiful Disguise is a novel that combines elements of romance and acrobatics with a touch of mystery. Initially, I found the book a bit slow-moving and it didn't immediately grab my attention. However, it did eventually pick up and the pacing was good from that point on. Although the pace wasn't always consistent, the writing was engaging.

Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother have started a private investigation company that caters to the wealthy and influential. Known as The Imposters, Ltd., they offer discreet services to the cream of society. While uncovering the secrets of her peers, Marigold is shocked to discover that her best friend's father is suspected of being a traitor and has hired her and her brother to investigate.

If you appreciate humorous conversations, couples with romantic tension, suspense, espionage, unpredictable scenarios, unique approaches to obtaining information, extravagant attire, and headwear, and a captivating mystery, then this book may be ideal for you.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House Publishing for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

I had not read any of Roseanna White's books before receiving this one, and I wonder how I have missed her. I really enjoyed reading this book with its unusual plot along with good use of humor and a few wacky diversions.
The story is set in Edwardian England and features a brother and sister, who are members of the aristocracy and flat broke. Their father spent all of his money on amusements for them and their mother as they grew up. His death left them with a huge house and numerous former members of a circus to support. They styled themselves as a detective agency called The Imposters whose only clientele would be fellow members of the aristocracy. The identities of The Imposters remained top secret so no one ever realized they rubbed shoulders with the very detectives they had employed to solve their problems.
This is the first book of a projected series. In it, The Imposters investigate possible espionage that has resulted in the disappearances of several British intelligence agents while in German territory. The setting of the novel is at the time the MI5, which is Britain's intelligence agency, was being formed. Previously, the various branches of the armed forces had their own spies. The MI5 united these groups into one agency. While this happened, various problems happened and from them, the plot of this book sprang. Ms. White has done a great job of tying if altogether in one extremely readable package. Highly recommended!

I loved this. This was exactly my style. I loved the adventure & mystery & light romance with very little drama :) Definetifely recommend !

Roseanna M. White is a good writer and I generally have a great idea of what I can expect in her books. However, I just did not fall in love with the book. I don't know why because this generally would appeal to me. It's full of good dialogue and a little bit of intrigue. But I don't have that "hooked" feeling. Her characters are developed sufficiently, but I do think that the story's pace is a little on the slow side.

I still encourage readers to try this book because it may be ideal for you.

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White is the first book in The Imposters series.

Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother Yates seem an unlikely pair to be private investigators, but their strange upbringing prepared them to do exactly that. Especially after their father died, leaving them penniless. When hired by Sir Merritt Livingstone to investigate her best friend's father, Marigold, her brother, and the rest of The Imposters must uncover the truth without revealing who they really are to their friends.

This was a book that surprised me with its interesting approach to private investigation. Using the skills of circus acrobats and actors is not something one would normally see as beneficial to investigators. But for Marigold and her troupe of "imposters," it worked. The added love story between Merritt and Marigold, while short, was delightful to read.

However, I found myself frustrated while reading due to the large cast of characters. I could not keep track of them all, and so I was often taken out of the story by having to go back and search to see where they first appeared. At times, I began to question if this was the first book in the series. It would have been helpful to have a cast of characters and their relationships with each other at the beginning of the book.

That said, the suspense of what The Imposters discover will keep you on your toes! If you enjoy historical fiction, you will probably like A Beautiful Disguise.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

This was such a good book, a fun read!
I always enjoy a good circus story. Well, this isn't a circus story, but it does have a bit of that feel to it. Along with mystery, danger and intrigue.
I mean, mix together acrobats and investigative work, and what do you get? The Imposters, of course!
Marigold and her brother are part of a group that has managed to keep their identities anonymous and do investigating, or spying, if you like, for members of the elite.
This story is fun, funny, and engaging.
And yet, there is just enough mystery mixed in that it kept me wanting more.
I loved the characters, the setting, and the story line. It all came together so nicely.
I anxiously look forward to its sequel.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Such a fun read! I loved the story of a lord and his sister being private investigators. It was charming. I had an idea about the romantic subplot from the beginning and I can say that I was right about that. Honestly, Leonidas might be my favorite character and I laughed aloud at his last appearance in the book. Overall, a highly enjoyable read that I recommend.

Roseanna M. White does it again! Featuring acrobatics, spying, fanciful hats, secret passageways, complicated plots, and slow-burn romances, A Beautiful Disguise is a fantastic story and a great beginning to The Imposters trilogy.

The story opens with Marigold and her brother, Yates, working a case as their Imposters personas. This scene immediately demonstrates the relationships between the siblings: not only do they completely trust one another, they have a loving, fun, and sweet sibling bond that shines throughout the novel. White does a wonderful job of giving readers a sibling relationship that isn't a rivalry or full of strife, and that makes Marigold and Yates all the more likeable.

White also does a wonderful job of creating wonderful secondary characters that shine on their own but not so much that they take over the story. I'm assuming, as with White's past trilogies, that at least some of these secondary characters will become main characters as the series continues, so it's good to meet them and begin to learn about them now. I particularly like Lavinia and Genie; these two friends of Marigold are both struggling with deep betrayal and sadness, and I'm hoping they get happier endings.

Of course, you have to have a love interest for Marigold, and in steps (marches?) the determined Merritt Livingstone. Although I would've liked to learn a little more about Merritt, what we do know and see is a delight. He's honorable, kind, and a man of faith. His relationships with his cousins, who are more like sisters, are fun to read, and I like how he learns that everyone is not as they appear, but not always in a bad way.

The plot itself is a mystery based on real historical events--I always appreciate fictional authenticity--and full of surprising clues, clever acrobatics, and dangerous escapades. I didn't put everything together until the final reveal, and what a surprising reveal! I mourned along with several of the characters at the way things ended, so, as I said before, I'm hoping for some happier storylines for a few particular people in the upcoming books. The ending did feel a bit abrupt, but knowing that we'll see Marigold and Merritt again smooths things over well enough.

I've loved all of White's trilogies, and The Imposters looks to be another winner. A Beautiful Disguise is a fun, action-filled first book that will win over readers whether it's their first or twentieth time picking up one of White's books.

I almost always enjoy Roseanna's writing, and this book was no exception! I really loved the heroine's fascinatingly different background from her peers (growing up with a circus! an ameteur acrobat!) and the entire premise of the Imposters Ltd. I also found the hero sufficiently dashing. I do wish there had been a bit more conflict between the two; it was rather we're-in-love and then it was thoroughly an external plot. However, I am looking forward to the rest of this series!

Let me just start off my saying that the author’s books are ones I always keep an eye out for—especially one of her latest releases, Yesterday’s Tides, which is absolutely amazing. I’m so bummed, but this book just wasn’t for me. There wasn’t anything particularly wrong with it, but it just didn’t grab my attention like her other books have. I read to about the halfway point, and maybe my opinion would have changed as the story progressed, and I may go back to this book someday and give it another try, but the storyline just didn’t grab me. It’s really tough for me to DNF books (unless because of content concerns) because I want to give every book I read the chance it deserves to reel me in and make me fall in love with the storyline and characters, but in this very busy season of my life, I’ve had to be careful about what books I choose to read because my reading time is so limited—and while I adore this author so very much, this book just wasn’t for me, so I’m moving on to my next read.

But *please* don’t let my review keep you from trying this book out for yourself! While this book may not have been for me, it might be a new favorite of yours!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of A Beautiful Disguise. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

From beginning to end I was hooked on this one, what a great job the author did of pulling me in and keeping me engaged! Filled with smiles, danger, and big surprises!

This is a story of resourceful young siblings trying to keep their Estate afloat, and they are ingenious in how they go about it. Lady Marigold and her brother Yates are Imposters, what is that, well, they really do a lot of good and are able to really help others, and we soon see how they go about their job, but then again you probably won't see them! Oh how I would love so see in person the outfits that Marigold wears, and how it makes the the papers! I could just picture her petting the lion!

We are given a bit of espionage, high wire acts, sweet romance, and a mystery. Thus we have a page turner, and wow surprises, I never really saw whom was responsible! I did not guess whom was responsible!

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is the 11th book I’ve read by Roseanna M. White now, and it won’t be the last! It may very well be one of my favorites, however, at least as far as the humor department is concerned! I read the first chapter a week or two ago, and soon after, my brother and some friends and I took a short four-wheel-drive trip together. While we were in the vehicle waiting for some other people to get ready to leave, we were chatting, and I turned to my brother and said, “You wouldn’t believe what Roseanna White has come out with next…”, and proceeded to tell him a short rundown of the first chapter. We both got a good chuckle out of it—and as I read the rest of the book over the next few days, I couldn’t stop chuckling. This has one of the most out-there plots in the British period drama world I’ve seen so far, but it was so much fun, at the same time!

The history? That was intriguing, and I appreciated that the Boxer Rebellion was brought in, even if just briefly. That mention helped “anchor” the rest of the story in my mind.

The mystery? It was well-planned and executed! I loved following along as the characters discovered the clues—and I was surprised by the outcome!

If you enjoy family stories with a dash of romance, a good dose of mystery, and a good dollop of humor, don’t pass this story up. It’s fun, engaging, and (for me, anyway) goes by way too fast! I can’t wait for book two in the series!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

The plot of this book was super captivating and truly one of a kind! Lady M and her extravagant outfits were great fun and highly amusing. I sympathized with her having to constantly hide her true self, for she was made to shine. Sir Merritt was just the one to recognize what a gem she truly was beneath all of the fluff and feathers. The mystery aspect to this story keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is honestly going on and who is the villain. (Btw you are NOT prepared for the answer [smiles deviously] )

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This is a review for The Imposters series book 1 called A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White for NetGalley.  I really enjoy a good mystery because to me its like putting together a puzzle, and this was a great one.  This story had lots of different puzzle pieces, and I really enjoyed seeing how the author put each piece together one by one. Sometimes I wasn't quite sure how they would fit together, but that made me want to keep reading so I could see how they did fit together which was actually really fun, exciting, and super interesting because the story kept me guessing, and that is what I like!  I don't like reading a mystery I can figure out; I like to be surprised, and I was all throughout this book, and especially at the climax!!  This story was super interesting, exciting, and unpredictable.  The characters each fit together in a way that really made for a great story, and they were very relatable, and felt like friends by the time I was done!  Also, as a huge fan of Roseanna White's works, I love how she always ties in the Lord, and this story was no different. Her characters needed to rely on Him to help them stay united to accomplish the goal they had in front of them, but they faced some very hard things, and they prayed and trusted in Him, worked together, and He was faithful to them, just like in real life!  So in my opinion, A Beautiful Disguise made for a great mystery, and it was really enjoyable to sit down and read and see how Roseanna White put this story together. I was super excited for this book to come out, as she is one of my favorite authors, and I felt she did it again, meaning wrote a great and exciting story, and I really enjoyed it, and give it 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it!

Synopsis
1909 England
Lady Marigold and her brother are left penniless after their father died, because while alive, their father spent all their money on entertainment including circus performances, exotic animals including lions, peacocks, monkeys and acrobats which made for a great childhood, but he didn't plan for the future!  So Lady Marigold and her brother start a private investigation company, The Imposters Ltd, where their job is to spy for the upper echelon of society.  They find themselves being called upon by their peers to help many of those elite to find answers no one else is able to find. They do this job anonymously, as no one knows their identity, and they work with a small team to find those answers.  Not even their close friends know what they do to make ends meet, but they are very good at what they do, so they are quite in demand! Lady Marigold is surprised when her best friend seeks the help of the Imposters to help her find some answers that lead down a dangerous road,  one that would lead them not only to the War Office, but even to Germany, which at the time, with war on the horizon, wasn't a good thing!

Sir Merrit Livingstone had a very important job, which was to protect his sovereign as a member of an elite guard, but he found himself sick with pneumonia that landed him on desk duty for the War Office Intelligence Division.  At that time, he was helping establish the new secret branch, but what he really wants to get healthy, and get back to doing field work, but things don't turn out as he planned.  While working at the War Office, he starts to see suspicious activity, and thinks someone from their office might be leaking secrets to Germany, but he needs help proving it, so he turns to the renowned Imposters for help, and eventually that will lead him to Lady Marigold. 

Lady Marigold takes her friend's case, but keeps her identity a secret, and Sir Merritt begins working with the Imposters to help solve his case, so their paths will cross.  But you will have to read the book to see how these pieces come together!  It's a great story!!

**Review will be published on release day!**

ENJOYABLE.

I had a good time with this one!

The mystery was intriguing and I liked how it all played out. Things kept twisting just enough that I kept wondering how it would all work out in the end.

I also really liked the cast of characters too. It’s multi-POV and each angle added to the story. I especially loved having both Merritt and Marigold’s views as they were the main couple of this book. I would have LOVED even a little bit more romance, but I did love the sweet moments they had. Especially how Merritt handled some information that could have resulted poorly. I loooove a reasonable man.

There were some openings for sequels to this that I would like to read too! More romantic plot lines are there and there’s always room for more mysteries.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Mystery + Romance
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: moderate
Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, murder, grief, loss of a sibling (side character)

I found it exciting to find out that Roseanna M White had a new series releasing soon and jumped at the opportunity to read the first book, A Beautiful Disguise. I loved this beautiful and clean historical romance. It is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it.

This book has a taste of The Greatest Showman, Enola Homes, and what I know of Bridgerton (not that I've seen any of these shows). It's charmingly done, yet also had the feeling of being done before. I am looking forward to whatever comes next in the series though, as this one feels more like the Roseanna M White novel I'm used to. (Her previous series, although fun, felt so oddly unlike what she's done before that I couldn't help compare.)

The faith content is there, yet Catholic and not as strong as I'm used to seeing from her books. Instead of flowing naturally all throughout the story, it popped up in certain parts of the story, making it stick out instead. I have a feeling this is more the publisher's doing and less so the author's.

I know this review sounds mostly negative, but it really was a fun read, reminiscent of the older stories I've loved from the author, what with the spy element, mystery, and complexity of the cast of characters.

*I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive opinion, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

What a fun and engaging read! A BEAUTIFUL DISGUISE is perfect for fans of Enola Holmes.

Lady Marigold is a fascinating character that immediately sparks the reader's interest. The investigative firm is such a great premise and you really want them to make enough money to keep the estate up and going. Once we hear about a potential spy in the war department, and Lady M meets her romantic match, we are off to the races, frantically turning the pages to see what will happen next.

This series is sure to become a fan favorite. I absolutely can't wait for the next installment.

Received complimentary copy from the publisher; all opinions are my own.