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.

I am so excited to receive an ARC book from one of my favorite authors. This time I am lucky to receive the first book of a new intriguing series from Roseanna M. White.
Yates and Marigold are quirky and fun. Their integrity and work ethics are inspiring. The brother and sister, are part of the team that makes up The Impostors. When their father passed away, and left them with no means to keep up the estate. They formed a group of secret investigators just to make enough to live on, and maintain the elaborate estate, they called home.
Sir Merritt is on medical leave, working in the war office he was immediately taken by Lady M. When invited to the country to expedite his healing lungs from the pneumonia, he could not resist spending more time and learning more about Lady Marigold. When their professional paths cross, everything becomes more intense.
There is so much depth to this story, the mystery, suspense, intrigue and adventure kept me up all night with anticipation to finish reading. The characters are amazing, the romance, sweet and swoony, woven in with wonderful Christian faith, and makes for a perfect experience. I want to open the pages from the beginning, and read it all over again. Which I’m sure I will do prior to book 2 being released in the spring of 2024.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Roseanna M. White’s latest novel A Beautiful Disguise is a fun romp through glittering Edwardian society that will keep you on your toes where not everything is as it seems. Who else but White could pull together retired gypsies, circus animals, acrobats, a castle, nobility, and spies all in one story and have it feel completely logical?

White is a master of taking a seemingly random assortment of elements and pulling them together into a cohesive story with a common theme, and A Beautiful Disguise is clearly an example of that. From the very first page you’ll be drawn in to a world full of spies, disguises, and intrigue where nothing is as it appears – and that only makes it more fun.

I loved Marigold Fairfax as a leading lady. She’s bold, brave, and determined, yet she’s a bit tired of having to wear a mask. Sir Merritt Livingstone makes a formidable opponent in love as he, too, is determined to find out the truth – about who’s been murdering British agents. White explores the topic of truth, unity, and love in a variety of ways in this story through the characters’ engagement with acrobatics, intrigue, and circus animals. The contrast between the two – and White’s brilliance in making this scenario feel completely logical and realistic – create a novel that’s both entertaining and enlightening.

I always highlight pieces of text while reading a White novel, and I found myself pondering deep quotes with this one. The language is a bit lyrical and a bit provocative with a depth that made me look at it and linger. Lines like “The truth isn’t always pretty. But I like to think it’s always beautiful,” need to be on mugs and posters. The truth of A Beautiful Disguise will linger in my thoughts long after I’ve turned the last page – and I think that’s why this is a perfect book for book clubs and slow summer reads. It’s the kind of book you’ll laugh about and want to discuss both – so grab your copy now.

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

Thank you to the publisher for the Netgalley approval! I really enjoyed A Beautiful Disguise. Marigold is smart, mysterious and observant and I loved the acrobatics too. That was so different and unique. I also loved seeing her through other characters. And I loved how others observed her, they were enchanted by her too. (Merritt did love her muscles!) Merritt and Yates were also wonderful. I really enjoyed the historical mystery/spies concept. And it was so well written. So much is riding on The Imposters’ new case, promoted by Merritt. Who is also trying to get answers he needs. I will happily read another book from this author.

This is going to be a super fun series! This opener to The Imposters was a great read and sets up the rest of the series quite nicely. I really enjoyed meeting Marigold, Merritt, Yates and the rest of the group we will see throughout the series. The mystery of this one was really good and just when I thought I had a viable theory, something would happen to make me guess again. The trademark humor is there too, which is always a favorite element for me. Looking forward to book two!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Fiction has forever ruined me when it comes to lions. Oh, sure, I realize they are fearsome, ferocious, predatory animals … and I certainly wouldn’t want to be caught in one’s path. But I also can’t help but see Narnia’s Aslan… or Charlie’s lions from The Lady and the Lionheart … or now Leonidas. I don’t even particularly like cats (lol) but these lions paid no attention to that and worked their way into my heart anyway. The personality that White gave Leonidas made him leap off the page, as lifelike and real as if he were stabled behind my house instead of in a book.

Speaking of leaping… I loved the acrobatic/circus angle to Marigold & Yates’ characters. It’s not something you see in historical fiction all that often, especially when said acrobats are members of the Edwardian peerage. I also thought the way White incorporated their unconventional skills into their roles as ‘The Imposters’ was brilliant, as was the irony behind their private investigation pursuits in the first place. The very thing that left them needing an income at all is also the very thing that fuels their abilities to earn one. Marigold is simply delightful. And so is her brother Yates, for that matter. I could easily spend more time with these two and not tire of their fictional company. They’re warm, engaging, and selfless with great senses of humor and intuition. Merritt is … swoon. He’s a man of integrity and compassion, one of the truly good guys with a compelling faith story to boot. Watching him fall in love with Marigold was a complete pleasure … watching him really see her, as few bothered to do, was even more so.

Bottom Line: A Beautiful Disguise is another example of why Roseanna M. White is one of the most loved authors of Edwardian romance. The unique characters are in a race against time to uncover the truth behind a slew of missing agents of the Crown, and some of the facts they ferret out will twist the story in ways you won’t be expecting. I loved the camaraderie between most of the characters (especially Marigold & Yates and Merritt and Xavier), and I look forward to following the series to see where the author takes the team – and their many layers – next.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

This was a delightful read from beginning to end! I loved the skilled and at times eccentric Marigold and found her determination and perseverance to be commendable. Merritt has an adorable awkwardness that grew on me as well. I thought the premise of the story was fascinating and I was amazed at the twists the story took, which had me second guessing the villain several times! The setting was perfect and I especially enjoyed the times Marigold interacted with her exotic animals. The depth of the characters and the spiritual themes of belonging and being authentic were very well integrated and gave great complexity to the story as well. I had no trouble eagerly turning the pages to read more of this story as it held my attention. I really enjoyed this novel, highly recommend it, and already cannot wait for book two in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This book was a delight! It’s a story full of secrets, mystery, deception, intrigue, and a bit of romance. The mystery was really enjoyable with some twists and unexpected turns.

I thought the characters were quite compelling, and I loved the brother and sister relationship. Marigold’s struggle to find her identity as she led a double life felt realistic and believable, and I loved that Merritt could see what no one else did about the woman she really was.

This was a wonderful beginning to The Imposter Series and I’m really looking forward to the next book.

Many thanks to the Roseanna White, Bethany House Fiction, and Austenprose PR for a gifted copy and NetGalley for a digital review copy.

“A Beautiful Disguise” is the first in a new series that takes place in the early 1900s, on the threshold of WWI, and focuses on Yates and Marigold Fairfax, siblings of high society who are leading members of a secret detective agency dubbed ‘The Imposters.’ Through the funds of this agency, they can keep secret the fact that they are financially struggling. What’s fun about these two is that between the aristocracy and the detective side of things, they are also circus performers (having grown up surrounded by that life at the Tower where they make their home).

Against a backdrop of bright and gaudy performer fashions (which Marigold uses as a mask to hide her true identity as an Imposter), a trapeze the siblings practice on almost daily, and with a live-in lion called Leonidas, enters Merritt Livingstone. He hired the Imposters to help him learn the truth about a military man missing in the field, and to investigate someone they all hope is innocent of foul play. Meeting and befriending Yates and Marigold in the course of events, he has no idea they are the ones he’s hired. And if he does find out, Marigold worries he won’t understand the reasons for their subterfuge, and that she might lose a friendship that suddenly blossoms into something much more dear.

The romance aspect between Merritt and Marigold was soft and subtle through most of the story, and it was nice to see something so far removed from insta-love. It was clear they were finding friendship, which is the best place to start. His admiration for her was kept under wraps, even from the reader!, much of the time. However, because of this, the suddenness of their attraction, and acting upon this attraction, was too fast in my opinion. I would have liked to see that relationship transition a bit more believably; see the signs of this more clearly first.

Marigold’s fear of letting anyone see her for who she truly was is something everyone can relate to, when really the biggest reason for this fear is that she doesn’t really know who she is anymore. She’s spent so long putting on an act and doing what she had to do to keep her family afloat since her parents’ death. What is clear is her love and loyalty to her family and her friends. So much so that she is deeply impacted by their changing affections toward her in return. Really, there’s just so much about Marigold that makes me love and appreciate her! Merritt sees this admirable trait and her strength and resilience. I liked how he came alongside her, never forceful or overbearing, but encouraging her to be kind to herself and see how good a person she really was.

Most of the story focuses on the mystery part of the plot: investigations into Lord Hemming and company, trying to determine who is to blame for more than one potential disappearance, and how frighteningly it all seems to tie into the stirrings of war in the air. Could thousands of lives be at risk? Time runs short to untangle all the threads.

I really enjoyed this book, and the interlocking lives of several characters and their interactions and the friend/family relationships. We follow the perspectives of Yates, Marigold, and Merritt throughout. The plot moved at a steady pace, introducing new elements and surprises in a timely manner so the plot never lagged. You never really knew what was going to happen next and how the Imposters were going to find the information they sought.

The only thing lacking was the believable build of the romance subplots, as well as just a few gaps in time and happenings. The main skip scene involved Marigold meeting Merritt’s family for the first time, and that scene felt too important to all her fears and insecurities to not include. I found it a bit difficult to connect with them as a couple, although I think they are both wonderful characters. But if you enjoy detective/spy mysteries set in times of the past, I would recommend giving this a try. The reveal was intense and not predictable.

I was given a copy of this book from the publishers for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Does anyone truly know you? Or, do they just think they know you based on a few observations of you in public? What if you had to hide the real you, in order to protect your family or your home? How important is it to you to maintain a certain reputation? When is it o.k. to lie, or be vague about the truth? Is it worth taking the risk of letting someone see the truth about you and/or your situation for the sake of winning their trust? What loyalties are most important to you? These are questions that came to mind as I read A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White, the first book of her brand new “The Imposters” series, set in England in the early 1900’s.

The book’s description begins as such:
“Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father's death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend's father as a potential traitor...”

It is always interesting to read historical fiction, as I always learn new things about events, society, expectations, the way of living, and other aspects of the time and place in which the story is set. It makes me want to know and understand more about that time and place. This book was no exception to that, although some of the events of the story raised some questions for me--I wondered if similar scenarios actually happened in this time period, or if they were entirely created by the author for the sake of a unique and intriguing story. Without giving too much information about that or the story in general, I’ll just say that I found it to be imaginative and gripping, and perhaps a bit unusual in regards to some of the way the characters live and act. Readers likely will find themselves surprised by some of the decisions the characters make, how the mystery unfolds, who is guilty, and what questions are left unanswered.

Although this story didn’t affect me quite as deeply as some of the other books I’ve read by this author, I still found it to be fun and interesting, and I look forward to seeing how the story continues in the rest of the series. I also look forward to having more details and background revealed in subsequent book about some of the characters and situations that were hinted at in this book, as well as to see if the main characters get the happy ending the reader hopes they do.

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. All opinions expressed are mine alone. I was not required to provide a positive review. ***

#netgalley #ABeautifulDisguise

This was a thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery brimming with spies, intrigue and an ending that I never saw coming. The year is 1909 and the Imposters are a secret private investigation firm led by a brother and sister duo, assisted by their cousins and aided by a family of unusual servants. If you are a fan of Roseanna White’s stories then you will definitely enjoy this book. I look forward to the next one in the series. 4.5 stars rounded up.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

Roseanna M. White's writing soars to new heights in her latest release, A Beautiful Disguise, the first installment of The Imposters series.

This dazzling book transports readers to Edwardian England, blending acrobats, circuses, spying, romance, fashion, and faith into a mesmerizing tale that is impossible to put down.

"Just like a lion, they could put on a show of docility and domesticity, but threaten one’s family and the roar would spring forth." ~ Roseanna M. White

A Beautiful Disguise was — for lack of a better word — a beautiful surprise! From the moment I opened this novel until I flipped to the last page, its unique premise held me captive. I loved how Roseanna M. White incorporated elements that wouldn't usually go together to create the perfect balance. From lions as pets to a thrilling mission, there was so much happening in this story, but in all the right ways!

The characters were a true delight. Marigold, Yates, and Merritt were wonderfully crafted, each with individual qualities and captivating perspectives. Reading their point of view allowed me to get to know who they were and appreciate their sincerity, talents, faith, and innovative thinking. The chemistry between Merritt and Marigold was palpable, and Yate's perspective added a layer of intrigue and depth I look forward to exploring throughout this series.

"Maybe we’d all be wiser, maybe fewer people would be hurt, if we questioned more. If we didn’t think that closing our eyes to darkness meant it didn’t exist. As if by closing them, we didn’t just create more darkness.” ~ Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White's storytelling prowess was fully displayed in A Beautiful Disguise. Her vivid and realistic narrative brought Edwardian England to life, effortlessly weaving fact and fiction in a glimpse of the early days of espionage before MI5 and MI6 were established. 

“The truth isn’t always pretty. But I like to think it’s always beautiful.” ~ Roseanna M. White

While the ending leaves you craving more, with tantalizing cliffhangers and hints of tension among the other Imposter members, I wish the last two chapters weren't so rushed after the final reveal. Nonetheless, A Beautiful Disguise is an excellent summer read that will transport you to the beach or seaside, evoking the desire to savor a good book while breathing in the salty air.

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.*

At the start of a new series, the author delivered another unique plot with unique characters, including a circus, peacocks, and a trained lion.

I found this book a bit slower paced with all the different characters and unique setting being introduced but expect the series to pick up since the backstory was illustrated in book one.

The action at the end was surprising and kept me reading.

I really want to see what the history between Gemma and Graham is, because the few hints given in this book triggered my interest to know what happened.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

What a great read! Roseanna White is one of my go-to authors. I can always count on her to give me my trifecta of reading happiness: history, romance, and suspense!

A Beautiful Disguise started off a little slowly for me- as the start of a new series sometimes does- introducing a new world of characters and setting. But it also simultaneously drew me in with oh-so-many questions. I liked Marigold immediately. I loved how White made such a contrast between her public persona “Lady M” and the real Marigold we get to know from the very first page. I appreciated how much she wrestled with the conflict, how she felt the weight of the world so often. She was so real and as nuanced as her acrobatic routines with Yates.

I needed to warm up a bit to Merritt, but it wasn’t long before he had me charmed. Somewhere between learning of his friendship with Jonathan the missionary and how he managed to truly see Marigold, I was all in. Yates is priceless- I can’t wait for his story later on! I’m so interested in finding out more about the conflict between Gemma and Graham, and it was so clever for White to leave us completely in the dark until Book 2. And Leonidas… 🦁 gotta love him!

I never saw the ending coming. I had lots of theories, but not that one! I can enjoy a suspense book if I know or guess what’s coming, but it’s oh so much sweeter to be completely surprised.

Ah! Such a good story. I’m still smiling. Such depth and layers to a sweet love story, anchored in pre-WWI/early days of MI5 history. I loved the premise of The Imposters and I can hardly wait for the next installment.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher (and additionally NetGalley). I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.

"A Beautiful Disguise" is a very well-written, intriguing, and fun story written by Roseanna M. White! The setting of Edwardian-era London was very well described and the characters were so much fun to get to know! The author has done great work creating lovable characters who feel three-dimensional and unique. Marigold, Merritt, and Yates were my favorites! I can't wait to read Gemma and Graham's story. The speed of the plot was just right and the author's writing style is smooth and clear. There was never a dull moment in this story! Definitely a page-turner. The author has done great work crafting a story that is captivating and suspenseful yet bright and sweet at the same time. I loved meeting Leonidas the lion! And all of Marigold and Yates' other friends. I liked seeing the strong friendship between Marigold and Lavinia! The character development was also carried out very well. The romance between Marigold and Merritt felt genuine. It was great to see them slowly realize how they felt about each other and the depth of those feelings. The writing style is smooth, the characters three-dimensional and lovable, the plot intriguing, the romance sweet, and the story original. I highly recommend reading "A Beautiful Disguise"! 5 very well deserved stars. I can't wait to read more from this author. This is a must read! Thank you very much to Austenprose PR, Bethany House Fiction, author Roseanna M. White, and NetGalley for providing me with the great opportunity of being on this book tour and for providing me with both digital and physical copies of "A Beautiful Disguise" to read and review honestly.

If you like stories about spies and people with unexpected talents, you'll want to check out A Beautiful Disguise. Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother had a most unusual upbringing, surrounded by circus entertainers, trained animals, and acrobats. After their father died and they realized their estate was almost penniless, Marigold and her brother put the unusual skills they had acquired to work and formed The Imposters—a group who can blend into any social scene and find out the secrets of the aristocracy.

When Sir Merritt Livingstone finds himself staring at puzzles that his own connections cannot solve, he reaches out to The Imposters. Are the threats to young officers really coming from those higher up in his own office of the War Department?

I liked Lady Marigold right away. She puts on a socialite front but she has so much depth that she doesn't let just anyone see. It's hard to balance being one of London's most sought-after guests but also the one who knows all her hosts' secrets. However, she finds herself wanting to show her true self where Sir Merritt is concerned, but how can she do that without risking the anonymity they've so carefully crafted?

There's good intrigue in the plot and a wonderful cast of characters who drive the story forward. Although I guessed some of the plot twists, others took me by surprise. I think all fans of this author will appreciate her blend of historical romance and suspense. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

A fabulous new series full of mystery and intrigue among society's elite!

Lady Marigold Fairfax is not your average society darling, though her fashion makes her standout, no one would guess at the secrets she deals in to keep her family's legacy afloat. She is a clever heroine, and loyal to the ones she loves. I admired her ingenuity, as well as her close bond with her brother, Yates. Speaking of Yates, he is pretty much the perfect brother, supportive, talented, and daring in his own right.

A daring adventure, I was pulled in from the very first, and even more as I got to know the clan of Imposters. I loved the compelling relationship building interwoven with espionage and secrets that kept me guessing.

At a first glance the premise may seem implausible, I found myself fully captivated by the high society world of secrets, with unlikely heroes and heroines dealing in daring and secrets. Merritt is an admirable man of action, bound to integrity, who wants to think the best of his superior despite the growing pile of evidence that points in another direction. A clever and observant man, yet humble in a way that makes him even more admirable.

The perfect introduction to a compelling cast of characters, in this exciting new series, full of faith, heart, and intrigue. I can't wait to see what is next for the Imposters!

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

Once again, another story I had a hard time putting down thanks to the author's incredible writing! Where do I even begin?!

First, let's talk about the cast of characters. I loved them all. The end.

Kidding, but I really did love them all. Marigold, because while she wears the most outlandish outfits to distract people from really "seeing" her, I don't think she would've done so had life taken a different course. I found her endearing from the beginning. She has an incredible mind and like me, a love for large, wild beasts. Plus, hello, she can fly on a trapeze!

Then there's her brother, Yates. He's younger, but still a protector of his sister. He has skills that wouldn't be expected of a lord, but they come in handy as they pose as the Imposters. I just adored their sibling relationship.

I thoroughly loved the idea of this aristocratic set of siblings spying on others in their ranks as well as others! How their history plays into the story of who they become really was bittersweet.

The next set of fellows who show up on the scene are Xavier and Merritt. Xavier adds some levity to the story whereas Merritt adds concern and depth. For me, I wasn't immediately smitten with Merritt. He grew on me rather quickly and I knew I was going to love his character... and I did.

The humor in this story was once again fantastic and reminiscent of the stories in The Secret of the Isles. The banter, especially between Yates & Marigold had me cracking up! I also loved their loyalty to not only their friends, but those who live with them.

Watching the story unfold kept me turning page after page. The way the Imposters went about their sleuthing had me wondering if I have what it takes to join them. Towards the end though, when all of the pieces of the puzzle were coming together, I was more than a little confused. A LOT happened at once and I had a hard time understanding what was going on. Thankfully, that was only for a handful of pages.

I can't wait to get to know the other Imposters better in the next few stories. I'm hoping there will be love for Yates, learning more about what happened between Gemma & Graham, and how Genie & Lavinia are doing.

A Beautiful Disguise starts off a new series called The Imposters by talented author Roseanna M. White. I was intrigued by the premise of two siblings starting a private investigating business called The Imposters when they were left destitute after their father’s death. Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother Yates use their skills as circus performers to spy anonymously on the elite of London. Things get precarious when they’re hired to investigate the father of a friend. Marigold is spunky, competent, and daring, while Sir Merritt Livingstone makes a dashing, courageous hero. I enjoyed the interaction between the two as they got to know each other better.

Set in 1909 England, this book is well-researched and entertaining. I found it a little slow to get into at first, however, because of all the different characters that were introduced. As the tale progressed, I was able to follow it better and become more engaged in it. With a good mix of intrigue, mystery, and romance, this story should appeal to those who enjoy clean Christian historical fiction.

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

Lady Marigold Fairfax knows that keeping up appearances is key to preserving her family's estate. She and her brother must remain the Ton's good graces to make Imposters, Ltd., their private investigation service successful. How does she blend in? By guaranteeing that she will stand out in her bright colors and absurdly intricate hats.
Sir Merritt Livingston can't let the lingering effects of pneumonia hold him back from ferreting out a traitor within the Home Office. His own investigations cause him to cross paths with Lady Marigold.
I love that Roseanna M. White can take what seem like common tropes and make them come together in the most delightful of stories. A Beautiful Disguise combines intrigue, romance, mystery and surprisingly acrobatics and circus animals to create a story that kept me on the edge of my seat.