A Beautiful Disguise

Author: Roseanna M. White
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: The Imposters #1
Release Date: August 22, 2023
Publisher: Bethany House

In Edwardian London, not all that glitters is gold as a lady and an intelligence officer's secret mission take them from the city's dazzling ballrooms to its covert intelligence offices.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the field, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they're creating a new secret intelligence branch, he's intent on showing his worth. He suspects an aristocrat of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but he needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

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 for the elite to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society who 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.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend's sake, and she's more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can't possibly be as noble as he seems.

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

Ahh! This was such a good book! I have read a couple of her books, and they just keep getting better and better, at least to me.

I liked the whole spy thing. At first, I was so confused about what was happening. But after I figured it out, I reread a certain part, and I was ready to go.

I loved the whole brother-sister duo thing. I liked how Marigold and her brother were towards each other. It was really nice to see siblings getting along and working together. Normally, it’s like I read sibling books where they are always at each other's hair, but this one was different.

The Imposters are a secret organization, and no one knows who the owners are. I liked the whole secrecy.

Let me just say Merritt and Marigold were so cute! Merritt is just a fine character! This is a clean book. 

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

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 investigative 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.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

“I want you to focus on your attitude when things seem not to be going your way, not on simply changing the circumstances that so displease you.”

Espionage, intrigue, and secrets abound in this beautifully crafted historical fiction set in pre-WWI Edwardian England (1909). Roseanna M White’s gift of weaving intricate, engaging plots and creating charming, lovable characters shines so clearly in this book that kicks off her new series Imposters. Marigold and Merritt stole my heart with their backstories and sparkling souls; the surprises in the plot had me gasping at parts and the romance was sweet and tender. I loved learning about the beginnings of MI5 in England and other countries’ spy networks during this era. Menagerie of circus animals as well as circus retirees living with Marigold and Yates added flare and uniqueness to the setting.

I am super excited about continuing in the Imposters’ journey! Yates, Gemma, and Graham should have fascinating stories of their own and I’m looking forward to some more excellent private investigating. 

I received complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

This entertaining story set in Edwardian England centers around Lady Marigold, her brother Yates, and their newly formed Imposters Incorporated, who are secretive private investigators. Much happens when they discover they are on the same case as a War Office intelligence officer, Sir Merritt Livingstone. This is very interesting because this is the beginning of MI5, bringing several agencies under one umbrella.

I love spy stories, and this one is very intricate and fun because Marigold and Yates perform acrobatic feats in their endeavors. And they have a pet lion!

A fascinating plot, a rewarding ending, and well-drawn characters with a solid faith thread make this a must-read. As always, the author has researched wonderfully. I cannot wait for the rest of the series.

Bethany House provided a complimentary copy of this book through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

This is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed! White is an excellent writer, and I loved every minute of it.

I only kept my focus on Merritt and Marigold. I thought this pair of siblings made an excellent team. I enjoyed getting to know them. Good work, guys! You've also made me snicker in places too!

I think my favorite thing was the circus and acrobatic part of the book. I felt like I was flying right along with the characters. The mystery was what kept me interested. White did an excellent job and kept me guessing all the way through. I definitely didn't see the ending coming!

This was a fun read. I ended up finishing it in one day. I didn't want the book to end. 5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews in exchange for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White was a light and fun romp with a quirky, eccentric, and loveable cast of characters.

My favorite element of the book was completely unsung in the synopsis: the resident retired circus troupe and menagerie, and Yates’ and Marigold’s own part in it. This element was unexpected and therefore somewhat confusing as it began to unfold, but it added so much fun and color to the setting and cast!

Marigold and Merritt’s romance is quiet and understated. While their romance is unlikely to elicit any delightful swooning, I absolutely loved the premise that he "seen her" for who she was and chose to believe the best about her rather than giving in to disillusion when things were different than they appeared. I enjoyed the inclusion of Merritt’s conversion to Christ during the mission that earned his knighthood and rather wish it could have been worked into the dialogue with Marigold and not only relayed to us in Merritt’s thoughts.

There were some elements of the story that were somewhat unclear and confusing, such as the conflict between Graham and Gemma that happened "last Christmas." I feel certain it will be fleshed out and resolved in the following book, but I felt like it needed a little background for how many times it was mentioned in this book. This would also serve to give readers a little investment in their story to come back for the following volume! The personal motives of the protagonists also remained somewhat unclear to me when all was said and done, though the other questions in the plot were tidied up.

In summary, the debut of the Imposters was fun, quirky, and enjoyable over all, and I rate it a solid four stars.

Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book through Interviews & Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson

You know a book is exceptionally good when you begin to savour every page of it with the hope that the pages will never end.

Roseanna M. White has done it again with a cleverly written novel that threatens to capture every reader's attention right from the beginning to the end. A Beautiful Disguise, the first in the Imposter Book series is a story set in 1909 in the United Kingdom. Lady Marigold Fairfax, aka Lady M, is a woman with a title but no money. Her father’s extravagant spending has left her and her brother, Lord Yates Fairfax, with no option but to fend for themselves. From this adversity is born the Imposters, a group of detectives who employ unconventional means to get the information their clients need.

Sir Merritt Livingstone, a man with a forced desk job owing to ill-health is convinced that something is going on with his superiors and a missing soldier. His investigations lead him to solicit help from the Imposters. Little do the Imposters and Sir Merritt realize how this investigation will unearth shocking truth. I loved the themes in this novel and how the writer projects these themes in this novel. Love, friendship, faith, mystery, and suspense all come together to make this novel worth the read.

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

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

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

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.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“In Edwardian London, not all that glitters is gold as a lady and an intelligence officer’s secret mission take them from the city’s dazzling ballrooms to its covert intelligence offices,” states the Amazon description of Roseanna M. White’s novel, A Beautiful Disguise.

The first book in The Imposters series, this three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those interested in historical fiction about espionage in England in the early 1900s. The topics of injury and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. As an advance reader copy, the book’s ending includes an author’s note, ten discussion questions, a teaser of the next book in the series, and a biography with advertisements.

In this tale of intrigue and romance, Lady Marigold Fairfax may have the appearance of flash and fashion as she skirts her way through upper society, but she and her brother have ample secrets being mysterious well-paid private investigators. When Sir Merritt Livingstone hires them to uncover the truth about her best friend’s father, not only does Lady M play her part perfectly, but she also must be true to herself when it comes to love.

I enjoy novels that have detailed history about the past, and this one that uncovers a traitor to the Crown does justice. I liked reading about complete loyalty to a country, acrobats’ routines, redesigning gowns, and manor houses complete with priest-holes. Adding the prayers to God was thoughtful.

Those who do not like stories of spying on friends may not care for this read. Some may not like the frivolity and campy comments added that do not relate to the story. Because of the many characters and sub-plots, it was hard to follow at times. While I liked the subject in general, I struggled through it as it did not fully grab my attention.

Due to the myriad of characters, it would be helpful if a list were at the beginning of the book. It would have been thoughtful to add more trust in the Almighty.

If you like a historical novel about two siblings spying on their neighbors to determine who is a traitor, this may hold your interest, but it left me in the dark sometimes.

I received a review copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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