What colors catch your attention when you see a book cover? I thought the turquoise colors of the dress on this cover was very eye catching and it made me want to read this novel.

The Imposters are investigators that help London’s high society with difficult problems. Gemma Parker, is a columnist who uses her cover as writing for high society events to look for information behind the scenes. Graham Wharton has always loved Gemma, but after she left him, he has not been able to move on. Graham and Gemma are working together on the latest case to find a missing boy, and Graham hopes to win Gemma back. Will they find the missing boy and will Graham win Gemma back?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I greatly enjoyed the first book in this series, A Beautiful Disguise, I loved this follow-up even more. It was nice to see characters that I enjoyed from the first book return. That being said, I think you could read this book as a standalone.

• A Noble Scheme is a historical mystery set during the Edwardian time period in England.

• This book really took a turn for me in the middle and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone else by giving away too much information. I will say that the story turned out to be a story about grief, forgiveness, and being able to find your way back to God after a traumatic event. I was shocked by the story halfway through and I couldn’t put the book down after that point.

• This book is a clean read with a wonderful second chance romance story.

• This novel explores the Christian themes of forgiveness as well as finding your way back to your faith. I thought it covered these themes in a very thoughtful way.

• I loved that the entire mystery also included the themes of grief and forgiveness as well. I did not guess where this mystery was going and it had a satisfying ending.

• The author’s note at the end of the novel gave a great account of how author Roseanna M. White came up with the idea for this series and for this book in particular. It was very interesting and showed how she put together this heartfelt novel.

• Discussion questions were also included, and I think this would be a very interesting book to discuss at a book club.

Overall, A Noble Scheme was a great historical mystery with a deep, thoughtful look into grief and forgiveness. I was riveted and I highly recommend this novel.

This book is the second in a series. It’s probably not completely necessary, but I would recommend reading the first one beforehand to have more of an understanding of the dynamics of the characters & The Imposters.
I really enjoyed Graham & Gemma’s story, and how they each changed throughout the book. I liked the lessons of forgiveness & trust- both how they relate to our relation with God & our relationships with loved ones. I did think that all the veiled references to the reasons behind their arguments and emotions dragged on a bit before we actually found out those reasons. I will say that I was shocked by part of those reasons.
The case that The Imposters were solving was interesting too, and I enjoyed all the side characters that went along with it.

At its core, this is a beautiful story. I love how Gemma and Graham were able to finally grieve together and find redemption and forgiveness. The second chance romance of this book is what shines. As for the rest of it, the pacing felt really off and I was bored for most of it. There just seemed to be so much filler and I struggled to continue to pick this up. I’ve really enjoyed this series overall and I’m still very much looking forward to Yates’ story!

Thank you to Bethany House for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

A NOBLE SCHEME is a story about a group of characters who make a livelihood by being paid investigators. This second book in the series focuses on a couple introduced in the first book where their lives are unfolded, both past and present. It's also about two little boys who are cousins and the scheme they're involved in. It's full of suspense, family, and friendship as well as just a bit of danger and a strong theme of faith and forgiveness. Fans of the author, series and genre will find much to enjoy about this story!

I fell in love with these characters in the first book and enjoyed re-entering this storybook world to get reacquainted with them. I loved Graham even more as this story started off. Gemma took me a bit longer to warm up to even though I understood how she was feeling. These two had a pretty tough path to reconcile with their past and each other and move forward to their happily-ever-after, leading to some major feels in this story. I also liked the intrigue and suspense of the case they investigate in this story. There were a few things here and there that didn't quite work for me, but otherwise this was a solid second book in this series. I can't wait for book three!

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a uniquely creative and heartfelt story. I liked the characters, the setting, the faith elements, and the ongoing comradery of these characters. An overall excellent release from this author!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I have to admit, I’ve tried to write this review 3 times now and I keep coming back to spoilers. And I do NOT want to spoil anything. So, this is my attempt at sharing my thoughts, without ruining the story for anyone else.
Welcome (back) to The Imposters series! Ah!! I've been waiting for this book since reading the first one, “A Beautiful Disguise,” and now I get to wait for Yates’ story. Does anyone else love a great series??? Though this is the second book, you technically don’t have to read them in order. But you should. Because it’s a series . . . right? And also, the first book was fantastic.
This book is about Gemma and Graham, two characters who obviously avoid one another in the first book. After reading it, I was very curious as to their backstory. What had happened to them? And goodness, you may want a tissue or two, or a few more, if you’re a crier. Because their story is so heart-wrenching. I’m not normally a crier, but a few tears escaped, reading about their pain and also their path to the beginning of healing. I so appreciate the kindness and grace with which the author handled their relationship and the restoration of other relationships throughout the book.
Before this sounds like a complete crying book, it’s not! I found the mystery very intriguing and frequently found myself trying to come up with reasons why reading was just as necessary as sleep. Reading probably won out a little more often than it should have . . . . Also, I could not have guessed the ending. So, there’s that. Have I left you properly intrigued?
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mysteries, and characters that settle right into your heart!
*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

After reading the first book in this series, A Beautiful Disguise and really liking the unique elements that went into that story with the whole circus trapeze artist thing, along with the secret identity thing, and the investigations, I was looking forward to reading this one. I really wanted to know more about Gemma and Graham and why she hated him so much. I enjoyed that it wasn't the typical romance where they meet and fall in love. Instead this is a couple that were together with a long history and had broken up. I have to say that this book didn't go exactly as I expected, but it wasn't in a bad way. If anything, I liked it even more because of that. I loved peeling the layers off Gemma and Graham and slowly getting to the heart of their relationship and what had happened to cause so much pain. Some of it I guessed ahead of time, but not all of it. This really is a book about forgiveness, not only of another person, but of ourselves, and at times this book had me in tears.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Roseanna M. White continues to be at her best with this latest release! I do believe I liked it even better than the first book in the series, A Beautiful Disguise.

White seamlessly weaves romance, intrigue, and history (and architecture) into a read that kept me guessing to the very end. I really wasn't sure how she'd tie everything up--but boy, did she!

I would also very much like to study architecture now, haha. I've always enjoyed it, especially as it relates to cathedrals and other historical buildings of note, and was so intrigued here by how blueprints and plans could change as time passes, natural/acts-of-God events occur, or buildings get remodeled for one reason or another. Some of my favorite books and movies/TV shows involve secret tunnels or rooms that didn't show up on builders' blueprints (::cough:: National Treasure ::cough:: Crossword Mysteries: Abracadaver ::cough:: Famous Five ::cough::), so this was right up my alley! :D

The series is best read in order, for clarity and character development as well as avoiding spoilers. If you haven't read book 1--I definitely recommend it!

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

Maybe if I'd read the first book in the series, this one would have made more sense to me. I didn't realize it was part of a series.

Unique characters - circus performers, a lord, a columnist, an architect and more form The Imposters, a crime fighting gang. The story was interesting and kept me engaged. I'd just suggest reading it as a series.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

A quick look at the synopsis, and I was immediately hooked. I love a good historical fiction mixed with a cozy mystery. And this did not disappoint!

Though I’ll admit, the beginning was rough once I started. I hadn’t read the predecessor, A Beautiful Disguise. And while after reading this, I don’t think it was necessary to have read that first, this does well as a standalone, the initial premise of this “private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite” was hard to wrap my head around at first as its a bit rushed through the details of this in the beginning of this second novel. But the further I read into this, I quickly connected the dots and enjoyed this book! It was such a fun mystery to read.

I flowed through it fairly easily, I loved the idea of this cozy mystery. Gemma and Graham, once lovers, are thrown back together to help find this missing boy who was kidnapped. As we bounce back and forth between their perspectives, we discover the reason for their heartbreaks and why Graham is insistent on trying to win her back. I loved Graham’s thought process of taking advantage of Gemma’s disguise of being her “G.M. Parker” counterpart, where she has no reason to avoid Graham so he uses it to try and woo her all over again. It truly pulls at the heartstrings and is such a romantic second-chance romance!

Another detail that caught me by surprise within this one was the religious undertones our characters have. I’ve seen within historical fiction novels little ties of religion throughout the story, but this one was definitely more prevalent than I’ve seen before and I felt worth noting. Mostly with Graham who is struggling with his religion in what he believes after the fallout from his romance with Gemma. I found myself relating to Graham in how he felt about his beliefs, a constant inner battle with himself. Some of his thoughts ran deep with what I’ve felt about my own beliefs. It was something I didn’t expect but also enjoyed seeing.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and cozy mysteries in Christian fiction! This was such a fun enjoyable read!

This author is a new to me author but I am already looking into the other books in this series! From the review pitch, I could see this was part of a series but that it could be read as a standalone which I completely agree with—it can easily be a standalone. But it was so fun and I quickly got sucked in and started looking into the series as a whole! While I know this book is only the second one, I see a third book is planned for November which I am excited to check out!

While this is a new to my author, I could see that she has written a number of successful historical fiction novels, and I really liked the sound of this book. I liked the time period the book was set in and I loved the idea of a second chance romance with the catalyst for the romance being a kidnapping. It suggested a little mystery and intrigue to go hand-in-hand with the romance parts. And let’s just take a minute to appreciate the cover of this novel! Outstanding cover design and it accomplished its task and made me want to read it!

Beautiful cover, interesting storyline, proven author—all the boxes were ticked for me when I decided to read it. I am so glad I said yes to this one, it was just the book I needed right now! Something light but not frivolous (this book had substance but wasn’t overly heavy IMO) and a book that held my interest that got me excited to pickup a new series! I cannot wait to read the first book in preparation for the upcoming third release in November!

Summary

In the opulent and perilous world of high society’s most elite—and most dangerous—families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm’s members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren’t for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he’s ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy’s life and heal their hearts.


Review

Sometimes historical fiction books can be hit and miss when it comes to substance. I have read some historical fiction books that include romance but they are so silly and light that sometimes I read the book and forget it. Other times the book is so heavy with a lot of emotion and struggle for the characters that it becomes almost haunting and even exhausting. But this book feel right in between for me—something that has substance but yet was a little on the fun side too. I love books like that. I am not in mourning for days when it’s over but I am also not sitting here trying to recall the overall story. I felt like this book was very balanced in its substance and quality. I loved the romance between Graham and Gemma. Even if I am not a big second time romance fan, I thought with this book it worked well.

I found Gemma relatable and charming and I loved seeing Graham grow as a character through Gemma. This book also has Christian elements to it and deals with issues like faith as it relates to loss and forgiveness etc. I personally don’t mind Christian fiction, I find that it helps me break up my reading tastes and adds some substance to my reading but I also know that Christian fiction isn’t always everyone’s jam. This book does deal with faith, God’s love, as well as other Christian themes so if you are picking this book up be aware of that.

I really enjoyed getting to know the Imposters and I think this was a fun historical fiction book that fans of the genre will like. There was a lot of attention to historical detail within the story and era. I am a big Edwardian era fan so the attention to detail within this book was not lost on me! I felt invested in the character stories, the history, and the overall premise of the story. While having some heavier content I think it was done in a balanced way with an uplifting, gentle nod rather than overwhelming the reader with emotions. I loved the romance and I think the backstories of both Gemma and Graham will show growth and draw readers in. I am super excited to continue the series in the future!


AUTHOR BIO

Roseanna M. White (roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books. . .to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

Book Info and Rating

Format 352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 19, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

ISBN 9780764240935 (ISBN10: 0764240935)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Bethany House Publishers in partnership with Austen Prose Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: historical fiction, romance, Christian fiction

Wow, what a roller coaster of emotions! This book gave me so many feels- joy, anger, betrayal, grief, love, heartache, fear, anxiety, repentance… it seriously has it all. It was very emotional and had a different vibe than book one, but still so good. You get Gemma and Graham’s story in this book, and you finally uncover why there is such a rift between them. I won’t give any spoilers, but boy did my jaw drop. I did not see it coming.
The Imposters are back at it, and this one will not be any less anxious haha I love how the multiple POV’s give you so much perspective, and I LOVE Yates! I cannot wait for his story!!
Another beautiful Christian romance from this author!
TW/triggers: kidnapping; loss of children and family

Thank you to the publisher for a copy. All opinions are my own.

A Noble Scheme is the wonderful second book in a fun series that you’re not going to want to miss! I couldn’t wait to start it! Book one is A Beautiful Disguise. If you’ve read book one then you know how I felt. I was waiting for book two and really not patiently at all. I had to know why Gemma didn’t want anything to do with Graham and why they had such tension between them! And let me tell you, it wasn’t what I thought or even anything I could imagine!

I can’t give away details but woah guys. You need to read this book. And can I just say that I cried while reading it. Yes, I was pregnant the first time I read the book. And why yes that does indicate I’ve read the book twice already! The first time on Kindle and the second time as a paperback! But I was postpartum the second time reading it, already knew what was going to happen, and still cried. So maybe just have some Kleenexes nearby okay?

We do see the main characters from book one in this one as well. It was so good to catch back up with them and see what their lives had become like. Oh and of course The Imposters is still going strong! Gotta love their investigations!

WHAT CAN I TELL YOU ABOUT THIS STORY?
Oh, it’s so good! Carve out one day and read the whole thing in one setting. And then carve out another block of time to read it again because it’s amazing and you’re going to read it twice. But make sure you read the first book first so you know the characters and the back story of book one. You could read this as a stand-alone but why would you want to do that?!

Gemma has some hostility towards Graham. We don’t know why. But we get the impression that they have had a relationship in the past and it soured but we have no idea why. We also have no idea why she refuses to give even a little bit. She can’t let him have a small bit and even their interactions for The Imposters aren’t exactly civil.

THE PLOT
Two boys. The best of friends. They’re cousins. They look alike. But one’s father wants to forget that the other part of the family exists. So when it’s his nephew and not his son that goes missing he has no intention of paying the ransom. The kidnapped boy’s father comes to The Imposters for help though he can’t pay. He loves his son and wants him back whatever the cost.

And that’s how The Imposters get involved in the case. And how Graham and Gemma find themselves working together to solve the case. But can they unravel who is behind the kidnapping and save the boy (or rather is it boys-shh don’t tell I told you) before it’s too late?

This fast-paced book will have you biting your nails and crying plus raging against evil but also sighing over the good. It’s wonderful. It’s amazing. And I’m ready for the next book!

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

If you like books that deal with grief, loss, healing, second chances, mysteries and the early 1900's, read this one. It's beautifully written and tells a captivating story.

Another winner by Rosanna M White! I think this one might be her best yet. I loved returning to the Imposters and finding out more about Gemma and Graham. The author does a wonderful job of writing about the early 1900's, giving the reader a glimpse of what it might have been like to live back then. I have learned so much about the days leading up to WWI with this series. I also really appreciated the thoughts and conversations that the characters have on grief. I highly recommend picking up this series! (read them in order to best appreciate them)

“Somewhere under the layers of pain and anger and betrayal, she was still his Gemma. The first real friend he’d ever made. The coconspirator in all his childhood dreams. The only girl he’d ever loved.”

Isn’t this cover lovely? The story inside is equally as beautiful. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I absolutely 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 this one!

Gemma and Graham have a past together, but they’re estranged after he broke her heart. As members of the Imposters (a private investigation firm ), she tries to set that aside as they covertly work together to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin. Her heart is bitter and hardened towards Graham, but he’s determined to win her back.

I really enjoyed the clever adventure as they try to track down this boy, but more than anything else I loved the themes of loss, grief, faith, healing, and forgiveness.

This truly was such a tender, beautifully written, and heartfelt story. You may want to have some tissues nearby if you read it.

A Noble Scheme is book two in The Imposter Series and can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading ‘A Beautiful Disguise’ first.

I received a review copy via NetGalley thanks to Bethany House Publishing and Austenprose.

"A Noble Scheme," the second installment in "The Imposters Series" by Roseanna White, takes readers on a riveting journey through Edwardian England, where a clandestine team of private investigators, known as The Imposters, operates in secrecy. The team infiltrates high society events under disguises to gather intelligence. This story although still action packed is much more emotional and at times heartbreaking than the first one. I don’t want to share too much because there were several surprises that I want you to experience for yourself.
As Gemma and her colleagues embark on solving the heart-wrenching case of a missing child, she finds herself reluctantly partnered with Graham Wharton, a former romantic interest with whom she shares a complicated past. If you read book one you picked up on serious conflict between the two of them. The intricacies of their relationship unfold amidst the backdrop of a captivating mystery, adding layers of suspense and emotion to the narrative.
While the central mystery keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns, the slow-burn romance between Gemma and Graham adds depth to the storyline. Their unresolved history simmers beneath the surface, gradually revealed throughout the book, contributing to the overall sense of intrigue.
The ensemble cast of characters, including members of The Imposters, showcases their camaraderie and trust amidst tensions and challenges. The author did a great job showing how each member brings their own strengths to the team.
Themes of grief, loss, forgiveness, and second chances are skillfully woven into the narrative, offering poignant reflections on human emotions and relationships. The author's exploration of these themes adds richness and depth to the story, resonating with readers on a profound level.
I recommend A Noble Scheme (I haven't read a book by Roseanna White yet that I would not recommend) with the warning it will tug at your heartstrings but has a satisfying ending. Now we wait for the next book! I cannot wait to see who she teams Yates with!!

A Noble Scheme was such an engaging read plot-wise and deeply moving theme-wise. I loved reading Gemma and Graham’s story, and honestly, it made me the most invested in this book—even over the plot.

Chapter 13 brought this book from a 4 to 5 star read for me. It hit so deep, and the author did such an amazing job of immersing the reader that they felt as if they were in the story themselves, feeling and enduring everything the characters were. 😭🤍

As far as the themes go—if you relate with books that explore family loss, wrestling with forgiveness and healing, and finding redemption and hope, then you’ll love this book.

All in all, such a good read!

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

A Noble Scheme is a historical mystery set in Edwardian England featuring a secretive and elite team of private investigators.

#2 in The Imposters Series…

Gemma Parks is known in high society as G. M. Parker, a society columnist. Donning disguises, she uses her position to gain entrance into high society events and gather intelligence for The Imposters, highly secret, elite, private investigators. As they endeavor to solve the crime of a missing child, Gemma is forced to work closely with Graham Wharton with whom she had a previous romantic relationship and experienced a traumatic breakup. Graham works hard to solve the crime and win back Gemma, the love of his life.

I’m an “in order” reader, and I jumped into this not fully realizing it was #2 in a series. Consequently, I was a little lost in the beginning pages. After I became acquainted with all the characters (who had been introduced in book one), I enjoyed the story. Although I’m sure each story features a stand-alone mystery, I recommend reading this series in order for the character development and for the most reading satisfaction.

The mystery at the center of the story is compelling and well-paced with numerous twists and turns.

The romantic history between Gemma and Graham is another mystery that simmers below the surface of the action. The reader is in the dark. Their romantic history and break up is hinted at throughout the story but doesn’t resolve until the latter part of the story. I found this slow reveal to be unnecessarily drawn out. However, it does add to the overall spirit of intrigue. *If you keep reading this review, you might come across a spoiler although I tried to speak in general terms.

If you enjoy an ensemble cast, you will appreciate this tight-knit group of characters. They have their tensions, but they also work well together and trust each other. Banding together to create an elite and secretive investigative group is unique and quite fun. I can imagine quite a few future installments featuring different members of the group.

The mystery is page-turning and the characters are colorful and likable, but in my opinion the really compelling and meaningful parts of the book involve the poignant themes of a broken relationship, grief, loss, second chances, forgiveness, a crisis of faith, and friendship. Don’t miss the author’s notes about grief (in fact, it was surprising to me that the dear family she references as a resource is known to me because we were colleagues at one time).

*May include spoilers*
Content Consideration: missing child, loss of a baby, grief

I’m recommending A Noble Scheme for readers who are looking for an easy-reading and gently-written mystery series set in England with a cast of memorable characters, a generous side of slow-burn, sweet romance, and thoughtful themes. No profanity.

Thanks #netgalley @AustenProse #AustenProsePR @bethany_house @bethanyhousefiction for a complimentary e ARC of #ANobleScheme upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Gemma Parks keeps to the shadows in her capacity as newspaper columnist writing about high-society functions, which is also useful for the investigative team she's part of, the Imposters. The Imposters normally work for the wealthy, charging a lot of money for their services, but when a working man begs their help to find his kidnapped son, they can't refuse. Unfortunately, this case puts Gemma in close proximity with Graham Wharton, one of the other Imposters, with whom she used to have a relationship before something went terribly wrong, and she's been avoiding for almost a year since. Graham, for his part, hopes that this case will end both with a return of the boy to his parents and a return of Gemma to his side.

I loved this second book as much as the first, with the focus turning from Marigold and Merritt to Graham and Gemma. Marigold's brother Yates, leader of the Imposters, again provides the third POV for the book, and I was happy to continue seeing his side of things. In the first book, we're given allusions to something causing a rift between Graham and Gemma, but no details. I knew that would be brought out in this book, then, and I was a little annoyed when the "why" was danced around for over 1/4 of the book. Little hints were dropped, maybe even big ones, but I definitely missed the big picture until it was plainly stated (actually, I was spoiled by a review on Goodreads, so be careful what you read). When I did realize the full story, I understood completely why it was held back for so long. It broke my heart and made the journey for these two so much more than I imagined (I suppose what I imagined was an almost humorous tiff that just needed a quiet moment together to put to rights). The progression of their story brought tears to my eyes more than once, and I love the way their views of God were just as big a part of it as were their feelings for each other. Rather than a twisted idea that Graham's reunion with God was somehow dependent on him (re)gaining the love of a good woman, which I've sadly seen in other Christian books, I felt this book had its priorities straight. That's all the more I'll say on this subject to avoid spoilers.

Like in the previous book, the case the Imposters work on isn't a huge mystery, at least in regards to the culprit(s) involved. However, there were certainly facets to the villainy that were kept back and revealed at moments that allowed for suspense and even more emotion. The climax maybe got a little over-dramatic for my taste, but not even enough for me to lower my rating, because of how much I loved the book as a whole. I'm excited to see the next book in the series has already been announced; I love the synopsis so much, and I think that giving us little glimpses of Yates on the way to "his" book really heightens the anticipation of that third book. I highly recommend this book for fans of Christian historical mystery (this is set during the Edwardian era in London).

Roseanna White is an author that I always look forward to reading. Her books never disappoint. Book One in the Imposter’s series (A Beautiful Disguise) was one of my favorite offerings from White. This second book had more layers of sadness and threat than I might prefer and yet there was never a moment that I wanted to set the book aside.

Despite the fact that there was relational tension between Gemma and Graham (the foundation of which was seen in book one) the tension didn’t drive me from the story. I found myself wading into the awkwardness of their relationship with longing.

The theme of the threat to the young boy drove the intensity of the book and made all the stakes seem higher than I might prefer from a novel, but while the threat was real it didn’t make the novel seem dark.

All in all, A Noble Scheme was a skillfully told narrative of finding hope in loss and forgiveness in pain. It also contained a beautiful thread highlighting the awareness of the need for transformation and how revenge and/or vigilante justice can never bring about the light in the darkness that sacrifice can bring.

As always, I give Roseanna White a five star rating and recommend her series.