Roseanna M. White is a talented author with a vivid, creative imagination, and I thoroughly love The Imposters team she has dreamed up. A Noble Scheme is the second in the series, and it’s best to read them in order to get all the backstory and fully appreciate the characters.

“She had learned too well that anger, rage, bitterness, and hatred didn’t ever fill you. They emptied you. Emptied you of life and goodness and the ability to love. And that emptiness left no room for anything else, even the sweet memories.”

This is a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness, and hope. It’s the tale of Gemma Parks and Graham Wharton, once the closest of friends but now estranged. I loved these characters and their struggles and growth as they are thrown together to help solve the case of a missing boy. The author is a pro at dreaming up fascinating and engaging characters and plopping them in intriguing situations with plenty of twists and turns.

This story is filled with suspense, inspiration, romance, and both laughter and tears. The gorgeous cover was enough to make me want to read it, and having read the first book in the series, A Beautiful Disguise, whetted my appetite for more about The Imposters. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.

"Weight settled on Gemma’s chest, heavy but familiar. “Death is the only sure thing in life.”“No— death and the love of God .” Marigold reached over and squeezed Gemma’s hand. Ms. Thomas dipped her head. “That was what I’d been learning. That even when I embraced sin, God loved me. Even when I chose my own desires over Him, God loved me. Even when I was hungry and sick and lost the only person in the world who mattered, God loved me."

This story was so good, I couldn't hardly put it down! This is only my second read of Roseanna's books, and it is part of a great series!

Things I liked and loved:

The frosty winter scene on the cover- so cold but lovely!

The dual point of view (POV) that we get with this book. I love when stories are set up in this style!

Getting to see a tidbit of Marigold and Merritt's wedding party and Gem writing an article on it.

That scene where Graham "happens" to find Gem in disguise on a train. Hilarious, and yet so sweet how he tries to woo her. 😍

How brainy Gem and Graham both are: she with her writing, and he with his love and devotion to studying the past and it's architecture for their investigations.

I liked how their personalities differ like fire and ice, but they still work together beautifully.

Things that could be a bit better:

There's not a lot here, just a few things to mention.

Language: hellish is used once, fool and fools is spoken or thought maybe five times at most.

-There's a mention of someone in extreme grief wanting to scream and demand answers of God. The person had been through a terrible time to be sure, but that's a really dangerous and disrespectful way to think and speak of God, and not at all advisable.

I seriously enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to reading it's sequel, "An Honorable Deception" available November 2024!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary Netgalley e-book I received through LibraryThing Early Reviewers to review. A positive review was not required of me (but was my pleasure!) and the thoughts above are my own.

#BookReview : A NOBLE SCHEME by Roseanna M. White

I was really looking forward to reading this book and it didn't disappoint. I think the book was well paced. Marigold and Sir Merritt just came back from their honeymoon.

Everyone is different in handling their grief and this book explored that more. I cried with Gemma and Graham. Gemma’s pain was so big that she chose to be angry.

I enjoyed it even more than the first book, perhaps because it resonated with me on a deeper emotional level. There was also more depth in their journey of faith with messages of love and forgiveness.

The mystery that really tested the Imposters capability was intriguing as well. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Series : The Imposters Book 2
Pub date: 19 Mar 2024

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a beautiful story of complete surrender, forgiveness and second chances. This is book 2 in The Imposters series. While the story itself could stand alone, I would recommend reading this series in order if possible as the Imposters as a whole were introduced in book 1. You wouldn't feel lost without book 1, but if you've read both books, you have a fuller picture of who the Imposters are. Those who have read book 1 will be familiar with the characters and this book gives insight into the conflict between Gemma and Graham, 2 of the members of this elite detective agency. At the end of book 1, all we know is that Gemma can't stand to be in the same room as Graham and that he is dissatisfied with that and wants a relationship with Gemma back. It is in this story that we find out why. When a young boy is kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity, both Gemma and Graham have the means to get to where he is expected to be held captive, and must set their differences aside to work together. It is only because a child's life is at stake that Gemma is willing. And Graham wants to use this opportunity to woo her back.

With the mystery surrounding the kidnapping and such, there is plenty of story here that kept me turning pages. But in the depths of the story was the character development. In seeing what had driven the 2 main characters apart, I was struck with empathy for both parties. With the emotional toll of the case and the rushed timeline to rescue a boy at risk, they can't afford to let the emotions of being stuck together create a distraction either. But because of all of these factors, both of our main characters come to a place of brokenness before Jesus and a beautiful tale of redemption is told. Tears flowed as I read these portions because of the beauty that comes from surrender and healing in Christ. The faith thread in this one is rock solid as both Gemma and Graham come to a point of full surrender to Christ and allow Him to bring His healing to their lives and their relationship as He was the only one who can. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Gemma and Graham and loved how they grew through the story. I loved their love story and hurt with them and cheered them on. I appreciated that the "villain" in this story wasn't particularly villainous as well. This book had all the feels. There were a few laughs, because that's who Roseanna M. White is, but there was definitely some heart-rending. Though this book dealt with some heavy subject matter (trigger warning - child death is a theme throughout), the book didn't feel overly heavy or oppressive and there was hope shining through, even at the end when it seemed hopeless for one particular character. This is a book that will tear your heart to shreds and then put it back together a little more whole. It's one I definitely recommend as well as the series as a whole.

Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

This is a review for A Noble Scheme, book 2 of The Imposters series by Roseanna White. This is a review for NetGalley and the launch team for this book as I received a copy for review purposes. This title releases on March 19. This book gets 5 stars from me, and as I turned each page it got better and better! I didn't want it to end! It is a story that begins with a taste to whet your appetite back in book 1, between he characters of Gemma and Graham, who are both part of the Imposters detective agency, where both these characters go thru something very serious, but you don't find out till you read their story in this book! And what an incredible story it is between Gemma and Graham, so here is a teaser...its a story where God takes broken lives that were almost swallowed up by bitterness, anger and pain, and lovingly builds them back together, with the holes still there but strength all around them. Now who can resist a story like that??

In this story you will find amazing, real, and relatable characters, who go thru real life issues, question God, deal with bitterness, which almost destroys more than one life, but you also see such love, friendship, teamwork, and the grace and love of the Lord poured out in Gemma, Graham, and the rest of the cast of characters that makes an incredible story! I was really able to relate to this story as I've shared some of Gemma and Graham's struggles, and was brought to tears more than once, but also rejoiced too!!! But again you'll have to read it to find out why! This book is like a dance, and every step became more and more beautiful as I turned the page! Can't wait for the next and last book in the series to come out after this one! So I highly recommend this book so so much!! Another incredible book by one of my favorite authors!!!
#roseannamwhite #anoblescheme #netgalley #anobleschemelaunchteam #lovedthisbook #5starread

Wow! Not what I was expecting at all! While there was one twist that totally threw me for a loop, I am pretty pleased with myself for mostly figuring out the pieces that put the puzzle together. Maybe I can apply to join The Imposters, Ltd.

This story is a little different from Roseanna's usual work. The subject is quite weighty (though done very well and gently). Our characters are wrestling with heavy things like guilt, betrayal, grief, unforgiveness, and anger, just to name a few. We are thrown blind into their turmoil and I kept trying to guess what might be behind it all. Well, I never saw it coming, that's for sure! And yet, it made so much sense!

Forgiveness is a huge theme in this book. That is timely, since I am working through a non-fiction book on the subject and have been talking to a friend about this topic a lot. It can be so hard to forgive, whether that is yourself, another, or even God.

There is more emphasis on the characters' growth and development than on the case The Imposters are solving, though that is there and it is very interesting. As I said, I did put a lot of it together before our investigators but there were still a few surprises.

It was delightful to be with The Imposters again, and to see how Merritt is fitting in with the crew. I look forward to seeing how this series is wrapped up with Yates' story!

A missing child!

Interestingly I’d been thinking about the previous book in this series not so long ago. Then this title popped up.
What was it that stayed with me?
The background that had Imposters Inc. birthed perhaps?
Belonging to the top echelons of Edwardian English society, Lady Marigold and her brother Lord Yates, Earl of Fairfax, upon their father’s death find that he had spent all their funds and more on the joyous thrills he had surrounded himself, and them with.
To finance the menagerie at The Towers they begin an investigative agency, very exclusive, called The Imposters Ltd.
One has to be prepared for the overt faith perspective underlying this tale. Themes of forgiveness, love, integrity and anger feature strongly.
Lady Marigold marries Sir Merritt Livingston. Their honeymoon over, work now beckons. Thankfully Merritt has no objections to joining the Imposters in their mission.
The group have been called on to solve the problem of a missing child who was kidnapped from the train near Ludgrove. Only the wrong child was taken. Not Lord Wilfrid’s son Horace, but his poorer cousin Sidney. The boys are very similar in looks and are often mistaken for each other. Being boys they’re not adverse to playing pranks. This time their mischief has gone awry. A ransom note for eighty thousand dollars has been received. Lord Wilfred refuses to pay. After all it’s not his son in trouble! Sidney’s parents, the Harts, are desperate and ask for help from the Imposters.
Whilst the search is going on Gemma and her husband Graham Wharton, an architect, have been estranged since their son Jamie was killed in a car accident whilst Graham was driving. A journey Gemma had begged him not to take. Graham is angry with God. Gemma refuses to forgive Graham Jamie’s death. Now they must put their differences aside to help with the investigation.
A complicated plot, and problems within the group, has the Imposters well and truly testing their investigative powers.

A Bethany House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I knew nothing about this book going in but ended up loving it!! I guess it’s part of a series? Anyway such a great romance! Gemma and Graham are perfect!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Noble Scheme, the second installment from Roseanna M White's The Imposters series, is another a great piece historical romance. I loved it.
Five stars.

“Joy was meant to be shared. When it was closed up within him, it might as well not exist at all.”

Confession - I cried through most of this book. I love Roseanna M White’s books and have laughed, cried, and loved with all the characters I’ve had the privilege to know. But never have I cried so much through her books. This book will grab your heart from the start and break it one piece at a time as you delve into the depths of Graham’s despair and Gemma’s hatred. I knew something big was at the foundation of their broken relationship but, wow, the details floored me. Yet, wrenching heartbreak and overwhelming grief are not all there is. The beauty of forgiveness and the awesome mystery of faith and reconciliation eclipse the pain and regret to offer a future based on hope and not crippled by the past.

And, of course, there are The Imposters, Ltd. The harrowing journey the group takes to recover a kidnapped child is action-packed and filled with twists and turns (sometimes literally). I thoroughly enjoyed watching them work as a team and loved seeing Merritt take part in their covert operations. And Yates definitely added some fun banter and levity to the narrative. I can’t wait to read Yates’ story next!

If you’re looking for an excellent historical fiction with hints of danger and intrigue, this is the perfect book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via LibraryThing and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A Noble Scheme is pulse pounding, tackles the tough topics, and infused my heart with hope, inspiration, and forgiveness.
Gemma and Graham are known to the readers from the first book in the series, A Beautiful Disguise. Though they have a history, the particulars are not shared until this book. As their painful story unfolds, it is more real and heart wrenching than I could have even imagined. And yet, it fits. Their story explains so much. Their love is so deep that naturally their hurt would be too.
Consummate professionals, they do not let their own pain hinder their newest investigation; even when it places them in a situation where they have to work directly together. Graham is hopeful that he can use this time to woo her back. Gemma just wants to forget, but as this case unfolds, she realizes that forcing yourself to forget means the good things go away too. I was touched watching love and forgiveness pierce through her walls. You may want to grab tissues when reading this story.
Once again, White handles difficult topics with grace. There is some humor, a lot of truth in the midst of difficult conversations, grace in the midst of pain, and beautiful examples of genuine friendship.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Edwardian-era England sets the backdrop for the Imposters Book 2. Gemma Parks - otherwise known as G.M. Parker, a columnist who writes about the creme de la creme, aids the Imposters by gathering intel at society events. Graham Wharton, an architect by day, helps the Imposters by finding out the hidden passages and interior workings of buildings around London. Gemma and Graham have a tumultuous past and are currently thrown together to find a missing child. A heartless business tycoon and a devastated father who seeks revenge all play into their case. But can they work through their personal issues to join forces and find the child before it's too late? Roseanna M. White weaves a poignant tale as only she can - delicious character development, a plot with numerous twists and turns, and the sweetness of redemption. A must-read for 2024!

I was gifted a copy of this novel by the publisher through NetGalley and I am most grateful. All opinions expressed are my own.

Gemma Parks loves her life as the anonymous writer of a London fashion column and her secret life as a member of The Imposters, London’s most select inquiry agency. She doesn’t love Graham Wharton, the architectural mastermind who helps The Imposters succeed. Without his knowledge and genius, the others wouldn’t know about entry and exit points, hidden tunnels, and priest holes. And without this knowledge, The Imposters would have a horrible time carrying out their work of spying on London’s elite.

When Yates (Lord Fairfax) accepts a pro bono case for the group to recover a kidnapped boy stolen by mistake, Gemma realizes she can’t avoid Graham if they want to save the boy’s life, they’ll need to work closely together to thwart the kidnappers.

Graham Wharton wants Gemma’s forgiveness more than anything else in the world, but for the past year, she’s avoided him. A difficult feat for a close-knit group of upper-class peers and friends who know each other’s weaknesses and work to uncover society's secrets. Graham looks forward to the new case because once they arrive at Weywent Manor, Gemma will need to remain in character. And her character can’t avoid Graham.

If they could only talk, the wall between them might dissolve. Or not. As The Imposters race to uncover the identity of the kidnappers, Gemma and Graham must come to terms with their shattered hearts and faithless acts.

What I Loved About This Book

White tackles one of the most difficult universal emotions in this tender historical novel. Everyone feels grief differently, and we must mine the veins to discover its origins and how it plays out in our lives. Readers will relate to Gemma and Graham as they unpack their grief and learn to express it in ways that move them toward healing.

The fast-paced investigation and witty cast of characters provide balance to the big emotions Gemma and Graham grapple with. Although part of a series, readers can enjoy Gemma and Graham’s story without reading the first book (A Beautiful Disguise). But I highly recommend reading the first book, too. You’ll love The Imposters and their quirky ways of functioning within Edwardian society when they don’t have the money to keep up appearances.

Fans of Jen Turano, Kristy Cambron, and Carrie Turansky will love this book.

In A Noble Scheme the Imposters are on a pro bono case to find a missing boy. With few clues can they find him before time runs out?
The quirkiness of the Imposters wasn’t as pronounced as in the first book—which I loved—but the emotional elements of the story stirred me in ways I hadn’t expected.
The author has a gift in writing honestly about loss and crises of faith.
Gemma and Graham’s healing journey throughout the story was written with empathy while not distracting from the mystery surrounding the missing boy or the rest of the Imposters.
The descriptive elements in the story added another layer of interest, placing me right alongside the characters.
I would highly recommend this book to romance and mystery lovers alike. You can’t go wrong.
I was given a copy of the book courtesy of Baker House through Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Gemma is the high society columnist known for her articles on the high society. She offers important alibies for her good friends in the investigation company "The Impostors". Graham is a architect and close friend to "The Impostors". Gemma and Graham have a history together and are not on good terms. When the couple is thrown together on a case to recover a kidnapped child, anything can happen. This was a fantastic novel as a part of the "impostors" series. This book can be read as a standalone. I cannot tell you how excited I was for this book and how I am looking forward to the third novel. I will absolutely recommend this novel to any friends and family!

I loved this book. I think it's best if you read the books in order as you get the back story to the main characters, although I suppose, it could be read as a standalone, but you won't get the full picture in my opinion.
This is mainly Gemma & Graham's story, along with a kidnapping. Lots of twists and turns, some very serious, heartbreaking moments, but also quite a few lighthearted moments too. Roseanna White is fast becoming a firm favourite Author for me. This was 1 book that I couldn't put down.
There was a lot that spoke to me in this book on a personal level. It's hard to trust God when things don't work out the way we hoped, when tragedy happens, we can blame God, instead of trusting in his Sovereignty.
I'm so glad that there is a third book coming the end of the year. I will definitely be reading that.
Thank you to Netgalley for letting me have a copy of this book. All the reviews are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Fiction for the book.

I enjoyed reading this secong book in the Imposters series more than the first. Perhaps my enjoyment was because I already knew the character and was able to immediately immerse myself in the story.

Although this is book two it can be read as a stand alone novel. I would recommend reading book one first though as, I belive. It makes book two more enjoyable and easy to read.

History, Mystery, and romance all rolled into one book with lots of twists and turns.

Highl recommend.

This was not my favorite Roseanna White book. The pacing felt really off, so that we got a lot of information really early on, with plot twists thrown in randomly throughout. I normally devour her books, but this one took me over a week to finish because I just wasn't that invested in the plot.

Overall, I love the premise of the series (The Imposters team was delightful), so I will probably read the others, this one just fell flat.

Book 2 in The Imposters trilogy is a stunning follow up to book 1. I did not think anything could top A Beautiful Disguise, but White has delicately balanced the thrill of a gripping case with a complex story of deep hurt, forgiveness, and restoration that is impossible to put down. White is a talented wordsmith, painting pictures that feed the imagination and placing the reader in the midst of the action.
The case itself is worth reading on its own. Full of twists and turns, it left me on the edge of my seat until the very end. But the parallel history of Graham and Gemma was much more complex than I was ever expecting. The two stories intertwine as Graham and Gemma have a unique understanding of what their clients are going through, and then God uses their client’s circumstances to demonstrate what He has been trying to show each of them all along. He is present, ready to heal our hurts and put the broken pieces back together, if we let Him. Not leaving us the same, but renewed. It is a heavy story, but it is covered genuinely and realistically in an easy to follow way without the story getting bogged down. Several parts brought me to tears as I felt heartbroken and personally invested in the outcome. It is storytelling and character development at its finest.
I am loving The Imposters! It will be a long wait until November for book 3. But for anyone who has not discovered these exceptional reads yet, you have time to catch up. This is my favorite new series and I highly recommend it!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.