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
The Lit Bitch 