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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Love in Disguise
Bethany House Love in Disguise
When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.
Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.
Average Customer Rating:
(40 Reviews) 40
Rating Snapshot (40 reviews)
5 stars
20
4 stars
16
3 stars
4
2 stars
0
1 star
0
39 out of 4098%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Love in Disguise
Review 1 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
love in disguise review
Date:November 1, 2012
"Love in Disguise" by Carol Cox stars Ellie, a wanna be actress, who gets by working as an actress' assistant, finds herself fired and starving in Chicago. She overhears two Pinkerton agents talking about needing to hire a woman for a job and quickly cons herself into not one job, but two. She goes to Arizona and disguises herself as two women to solve the crime of who is the silver mine robbers. She also falls in love while she's there.
This novel is ok, not bad. It isn't very realistic. Of all I have read on the Pinkertons, this book doesn't sound very true to life. All in all, I'd say this book is readable, it will pass the time; you probably won't even remember it in a few days. Nothing to complain about, nothing to rave about.
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Review 2 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Good Solid Book
Date:October 15, 2012
KCPryzr
Location:Gilbert, AZ
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Spunky, Feisty, Determined. Three good adjectives to describe main character, Ellie Moore. Insecure, Stubborn, Desperate. Also three good adjectives to describe Ellie.
Author, Carol Cox, did an excellent job in creating the character, Ellie Moore. Ellie is someone who desperately wants to be acknowledged for being good at something. She has always been in the background, but desperately wants to stand out. Some people are comfortable being in the background and never being noticed. Ellie is comfortable in the background, but longs to be able to come forward and have someone say she has something, but she doesn't think she has anything worth noticing.
The story, itself, was somewhat slow for me; however, I did enjoy the book. The story is solid. The descriptions are quite good, and I did like the characters. It was easy to figure out the plot and the twists in the story, so I focused more on the main character. It was fascinating to see her adapt from a large city like Chicago to a small town in Arizona where everyone is usually in everyone's business. I also liked the side character of little Billy Taylor, the boy who would be a spy. I think we now know how James West the character from "Wild, Wild West" might have gotten his start.
Although this is not a two-reader for me, it is definitely a book I will pass along to my friends and recommend. I look forward to more novels from Carol Cox.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers' Book Review Program for providing me this book free of charge.
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Review 3 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Pinkerton, 1881
Date:October 4, 2012
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
December, 1881. Chicago, Illinois. Ellie Moore finds herself jobless when the actress she worked for leaves for Europe without her. With just enough money for rent and no food, she overhears a conversation between two Pinkerton detectives needing an agent to catch silver thieves in Pickford, Arizona Territory.
Applying for the job, Ellie finds they need a middle-aged female agent, as they already hired a younger agent. Leaving the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, she returns home and makes herself up as a middle-aged woman from the left over costumes and makeup from the theater job and returns to the Agency. Though she wormed her way into a job through her disguise, they are unsure because of her lack of detective work. Since she’s joining Norma Brooks, one of their top-notch agents, they feel they have no choice, as all their agents are similarly engaged and they don’t want to pass up the job.
Carol does a wonderful job in fleshing out the characters in her book, while supplying plenty of mining history in the Arizona Territory. Ellie is Lavinia, the older widowed woman looking for investments, during the morning hours and Jessie, the gorgeous red-headed flirt in the evenings. As both characters, she tries to mine out information from the locals. Steven Pierce is the most friendly and talkative, especially as he starts to fall in love with Jessie.
The dangers start when the thieves try to ‘discourage’ the two women. The shenanigans Ellie has to play out keeps the story flowing. I found them both engaging, but didn’t feel as though the situation was realistic, as someone would surely have figured them out. It was an entertaining story and the possibility of it working out could have been possible due to the time era (1881) and the fact that the town didn’t expect two female Pinkerton agents.
For an entertaining storyline based around the 1880′s and the history of the mining industry, this would make a fun read. It’s just not my style.
This book was provided free by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
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Review 4 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Interesting Time Period
Date:September 17, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Love in Disguise by Carol Cox depicts a fascinating time period in history - the era of the Pinkerton detectives. I liked the twist in the story in that the heroine was the lead detective through a chance of circumstances. When Ellie Moore found herself jobless, she never contemplated a career in sleuthing until, an overheard conversation and a trunk of costumes and wigs inspire her to start on the track as a detective.
Steven Pierce is on the brink of ruin unless he can find out who has been stealing the silver shipments from the local miner owners, himself included. The miners throw in money as a deposit, hoping to encourage a Pinkerton detective to come and sort out the mess. Not even Steven suspects a young woman, nor does he realize that she is playing two roles as she tries to ferret out information before more is stolen. In the process of the investigation, he finds himself falling in love.
I found this book to be an interesting read on this era of history.
This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.
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Review 5 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
One heroine + three personalities = a good read :)
Date:September 10, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This was the first time I had read a novel by Carol Cox. I found "Love In Disquise" to be quite different from the standard girl meets boy Christian romance novel. For one, the heroine has three very distinct personalities within the confines of one storyline. Ellie Moore is flat broke when she learns about a position with the Pinkerton Detectives Agency. She manages to convince them that she is much more qualified than she really is ... and it only gets more dodgy from there.
Readers are left turning page after page, wondering if the heroine can keep everyone convinced that her alias's are true and also uncover the information needed by the Pinkerton Agency to uncover the secret behind a strong of thefts to local Arizona silver shipments.
Set in the 1880s, this story is full of mystery, humor and a bit or romance. I feel it will appeal most to women, but anyone interested in 1880s Arizona, silver mining, or the history of the Pinkerton's would find it particularly interesting - especially if they have a good sense of humor.
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Review 6 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
A delightful romp through Arizona silver country.
Date:August 20, 2012
mrs d
Location:Ash Fork, AZ
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
"Love In Disguise" is a delightful romp through Arizona silver mining country. Desperate for a job, Chicago costume designer Ellie Moore convinces the world-famous Pinkerton Detective Agency to hire her to investigate a string of robberies out West. There she meets handsome young mine owner Steven Pierce and they fall in love. But does Steven really know who he is in love with? Not the middle-aged Lavinia, Ellie's alter ego. What about captivating and vivacious Jessie, Lavinia's "niece"? Will he love Ellie when he discovers her true identity? Will Ellie unmask the thieves before Steven and his associates lose their mines?
This may very well be Carol's best book yet. Her gift for interweaving a tasteful romance with mystery and suspense is at its utmost. She also has a fantastic ability to share her faith in God in a subtle way without overwhelming the reader. Her love of Arizona's history and landscape are also evident in her settings and characters. For "Love In Disguise", Carol drew on her knowledge of Tombstone and the surrounding area, as well as her vast knowledge of Arizona history, to create a realistic, fictional mining town.
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys living books, history, romance and mystery. The romance here is classy, suitable for early teens to older adults. Great for the family bookshelf.
I downloaded this book for free, during a 24 hour promotion. No compensation was received for this review.
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Review 7 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
An Interesting Mystery
Date:August 17, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
When the Lord closes the door, somewhere He opens a window. Ellie Moore has had to learn to think this way. After the death of her parents, who were actors in an Chicago theatre, she was raised by her parents friends and fellow actors. She planned to follow in her parents footsteps and become an actress, but her plain looks caused her to be passed over. She eventually became a lady’s maid to the headlining actress, but when the actress leaves Ellie behind to go to Europe. Ellie needs to find another way to support herself.
Ellie manages to pull herself up by her boot straps and convince the management of the Pinkerton Detective Agency to hire her. The plan is for Ellie to travel to Arizona to help with an investigation into a series of silver shipment robberies, as Lavinia Stewart. When her partner announces she has decided to marry, and needs to leave the agency, Ellie decides to try to do the job of two people, and become Jessie Monroe as well. Not only is it harder than she expected, but her growing attraction to mine owner Steven Pierce complicates the situation even more.
Carol Cox's novel Love in Disguise caught my attention with first the cover and then the blurb. It is a fun book to read with a strong plot which includes Biblical truths. It also includes an interesting mystery that kept me guessing to the end. I also really enjoyed Ellie's quick-changes between Lavinia and Jessie, and what she learned about herself as she played the role of her life.
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Review 8 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
A Fun Read!
Date:August 13, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The main character in this book is funny and resourceful. The story itself is interesting and that is why this book goes down as one of my favorites!
The book follows the main characters Ellie Moore and Steven Pierce. Their relationship plays out very well and is a joy to read. I like how Ellie uses her brain and is not just another main character that needs rescuing from her “prince charming.”
The story is a mystery as much as it is a romance. There is great humor and interesting conversations to keep you entertained. I enjoyed every page of this story. I read it in one sitting, as I just couldn’t wait to see where the author took the story. I have read other books that try to mix mystery and romance but this one is by far the best. I have this book 5/5 stars because I enjoyed the story and loved the main characters!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
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Review 9 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
An engaging and unique story
Date:August 8, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I haven't been reviewing very many fiction books lately, but when I saw the cover of Love In Disguise and read the publisher's description, I just had to read it. It's 1882, and Ellie Moore is an out-of-work theater assistant who is running out of money quickly. Desperate for work, she hears of an opportunity to join the Pinkerton Detective Agency as an operative in Arizona. She uses her knowledge of costumes, acting, and her quick wits to convince the Pinkerton detectives that she can handle the job.
Soon Ellie finds herself alone in Arizona, working undercover as both the middle-aged widow, Lavinia Stewart, and as her beautiful niece Jessie. Her mission is to discover who is stealing the silver from the mine owners' shipments before her identity is discovered. Danger comes from two directions: physical attacks on both Lavinia and Jessie, and romantic feelings for one of the mine owners, Steven Pierce. Can Ellie unveil the thieves alone? Will Steven turn away once he learns of her true identity?
I have to admit that I quit reading historical novels set in the west awhile ago. To be honest, many of them just seemed to be the same story over and over. I was very pleased that Love In Disguise didn't remind me of any other book I'd ever read. It's plot was fresh and new, and the characters were real. One of my pet peeves with fiction is that the heroines are usually very beautiful, and the heroes always handsome. I find it so refreshing when an author creates a rich character with ordinary features, like Ellie Moore. Her role as Jessie may be that of a beautiful woman, but when the makeup and wigs come off, she just feels plain and ordinary. It's so much easier to relate to a realistic character than an unusually gorgeous character.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love In Disguise. Though I had some suspicions about the mysterious thefts, I was still somewhat surprised by the ending ... who was involved, and who wasn't. The mystery didn't provide the only tension to the story; the budding relationship between Jessie and Steven, and Ellie's struggle to balance being herself and maintaining her disguise as she learned how to investigate all added to the conflict. Of course, the best part of the story was the happy ending, which was very satisfying.
I definitely give Love In Disguise two thumbs up. It makes a perfect relaxing book to read in the evenings, or on the weekends, when you just need something to refresh yourself.
April E.
This book was offered to me, free for review purposes, by Bethany House Book Reviews. This is an honest review, expressing my own opinions. I was not required to post a positive review, and no other compensation was received for this review.
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Review 10 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Early Yrs of Silver Mining and Detective Agencies
Date:September 21, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed the most unusual plot. The early years of the Pinkerton Detective Agency are not often written about and to have an amateur female worm her way into their group was amusing
Ellie's use of her theatrical background was believable but playing both roles simultaneously seemed to stretch reality just a bit! The characters are delightful, the lead characters and the townspeople as well.
This book has compassion, integrity, determination, humor and love all entertainingly enmeshed in an interesting Wild West scenario.
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Review 11 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
A Lady Pinkerton Detective, Danger And Romance
Date:August 4, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Carol Cox in her new book “Love in Disguise” published by Bethany House Publishers takes us into the life of Ellie Moore.
From the back cover: Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?
Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it’s the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.
Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can’t figure out who’s stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow…or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.
Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn’t safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he’s falling in love with doesn’t really exist?
Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor, and mystery for a can’t-put-down read.
I read that some actors gravitate toward acting because they are really shy individuals and in acting they can become whatever role the character they play is. That is why some actors are really good at what they do they are becoming different personas that let them escape their shyness. Ellie Moore is a costume maker who is broke and unemployed. Desperate she hires on as a detective without any skills in that area at all. So she fakes it disguising herself as a widow which provides her cover, friends and some information. However she needs more so she adopts a new persona that of the widow’s niece which gets her more information and more friends. Which is the real person; Ellie Lavinia or Jessie? Steven is friends with Lavinia, thinks he is in love with Jessie and has no idea that neither of them are real individuals. That is the big theme of this book; the masks that we wear. Ms. Cox has crafted a fine thriller in that not only is Ellie in deadly danger but her secret identities, Lavinia and Jessie also have their lives in danger. I liked the way the characters interrelated with one another as Ellie tried to solve the mystery that she was assigned to. The small town of Pickford, Arizona and the people who live there become real and are brought to life by a gifted storyteller. On top of everything Ms. Cox has also given us a romance. I really liked ”Love in Disguise” and Hopefully Ms. Cox will bring us more stories with Ellie and Steven.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station Kingdom Airwaves
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 12 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Date:August 1, 2012
Elle
Location:Canada
Age:Under 18
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
The book was not what I expected, in fact I didn’t really enjoy or like it while I was reading and after I read.
These are the three reasons why:
- Confusion between Ellie playing two role – The character development was mediocre
- The deception Ellie creates – Leads to unrealistic reactions from Steven Pierce
-The story line lacked substance – It was hard to remember the details
- Confusion between Ellie playing two role – The character development was mediocre
- The deception Ellie creates – Leads to unrealistic reactions from Steven Pierce
-The story line lacked substance – It was hard to remember the details
In allowing the main character, Ellie to play two different roles, it made it very difficult to track the character development of Ellie. The author gives brief glimpses of her strong will and fiery spirit however this is all lost when the reader (me!) has to question whether this is her true self or just another facade for the role she plays. Also, we see Ellie immersing into her roles so much that at one point she begins to think as ‘Mrs. Lavinia Stewart’. This immersal makes it so hard to see who Ellie is as a young woman. Yes, we see her raw and natural in the beginning of the book, but it is through hard circumstances such as Ellie’s unemployment that we are able to see her grow into a much more mature self. Unfortunately, the roles of Lavinia and Jessie clouds the reader from seeing this development.
I was so so shocked when I read Steven Pierce’s reaction when Ellie confessed of her deception. There was absolutely no show of outrage, anger, frustration or hurt. He seemingly brushes the matter asides and shows no emotions of being affected. This attitude by Steven made me realize the lack of depth in what was supposed to be a delightful relationship between Steven and Ellie.
This all leads to the fact that this story line or plot lacked substance. The summary provided by the author alludes to excitement, suspense, and sweet romance all wrapped up in one novel but it wasn’t fun to read. I found myself skipping through certain portions because of the un-engaging plot. After reading Love in Disguise, I quickly forgot the key details of the novel, it wasn’t very memorable and there was nothing really special or unique about it. It really could have been a fabulous story, but the execution of this story is not well done.
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Review 13 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Intriguing Read
Date:July 24, 2012
katiespen
Location:Greer, SC
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I have read many different historical Christian novels, and I found this one to be intriguingly different from the others I have read. Carol Cox does an excellent job of mixing history, mystery, and romance from a Christian perspective. I wondered in the beginning how she was going to make the characters believable, and it took me a little while to really get into the story. But once I believed her storyline would work, I couldn't put it down. I didn't even guess the ending of the mystery, although I did find her overall ending to be a bit predictable. The only question she left me with in the end was to wonder how Ellie would support herself after the case was resolved. I would like to see more mysteries solved by Ellie Moore in the future.
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Review 14 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Clever and Creative
Date:July 23, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Love in Disguise by Carol Cox was clever, entertaining, and one of those books that I confidently passed along to friends, knowing that they would enjoy it as much as I did. Having read a lot of historical Christian romances I’d say I’m not easily impressed with the genre- and for that reason Love in Disguise gets five stars from me. The main character, Ellie Moore, is not exactly endearing from the start. The reader grows to appreciate and connect with her, as the character matures and expands throughout the book. As a damsel in distress, Ellie rises to meet the challenges of her life with resourcefulness and creativity; sure, she finds love along the way, but unlike many romance novels, falling in love is not depicted as the primary key to happiness or self-discovery. I loved the plot, and the dual persona that Ellie plays out in her role as an upstart detective. The book disappoints only in the opening chapter, where Ellie’s character and role is somewhat confusing, and then at the climax. Since I don’t like spoilers I’ll be vague: Ellie solves the crime she’s been assigned to uncover, but the events unfold a bit unrealistically and hurriedly. The writing feels forced, as if the author isn’t quite sure how to depict the scene, so she just hurries it along and gets her characters out of the scrape they’re in – like a movie that avoids going through the trouble of showing how the main characters survive a fatal situation. The reader is simply expected to accept that of course it works out alright. Once through that, however, the dénouement resumes in the well-written manner that marks the rest of the book, and the story ends satisfactorily. I’ve already passed this book on to others- it definitely gets my recommendation as great Christian entertainment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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Review 15 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Ah, smells like a fresh read! :-)
Date:July 21, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Wow! I could tell from the back of the book (and the cover) that I would love this book, and boy was I right!
Miss Cox did an excellent job devising the plot! Things were never dull and they certainly never appeared slow. I particularly enjoyed how Miss Cox kept the identities of the bad guys a secret, it was something different and I liked it. I loved Pickford and how a simple difference in identity in a small town could change how people treat you. The setting and townspeople felt incredibly real and full.
Also I was completely enthralled with Ellie and Steven! The two were an excellent pair! Ellie is introduced to us with her own set of flaws and problems; but her biggest problem is knowing where her next meal is coming from. Suddenly, a job opportunity appears with the nation's greatest detective agency, little did Ellie know this job would change her life.
Steven is a man who’s sworn to stay honest in his business, a business that is falling apart at the seams due to incessant thefts of his silver shipments. He continues to pray that God will provide him a way to keep his mining company. So when a mysterious elderly lady comes into town looking to invest in a mine, he thinks his problems are solved…But are they?
All in all, I loved Love in Disguise. Its fresh plot and lovable characters wrapped me into the story. I highly recommend this book!
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Review 16 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Date:July 18, 2012
joni
Location:Western New York
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Love in Disguise by Carol Cox introduces us to a delightful heroine named Ellie Moore-a plain Jane who aspires to be an actress while working as a personal wardrobe mistress for a famous actress who is leaving on a European tour. Ellie is not asked to go along and ends up unemployed. She over hears a conversation which would catapult her into the role of a lifetime as a Pinkerton Detective. Tho she has no experience she does have her acting ability, a wardrobe of gowns and wigs and her ability as a makeup artist to transform plain Ellie into two characters-elderly Lavina Stewart and her ravishing niece Jesse Monroe. Meanwhile Steven Pierce of Arizona Territory and his fellow mine owners are at their wit's end because of a series of robberies which if not solved will put them out of business. They decide to contact the Pinkerton Detective Agency for help. Through a strange set of circumstances, Ellie is sent by the agency to help solve the robberies but is unable to tell anyone who she is. What follows is a rollicking good read as Ellie, playing Lavina and Jesse tries to solve the robberies, not fall in love with Steven, side step a number of suitors and keep her two characters out of trouble. I would highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy from Bethany House for writing two reviews.
I received a free copy from Bethany House for writing two reviews.
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Review 17 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Great read for the beach
Date:July 17, 2012
Gringa93
Location:Minneapolis, MN
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Love in Disguise by Carol Cox
Ellie Moore has been around the stage all her life, but her job as a seamstress and assistant to a famous actress has suddenly come to an end. Ellie plays the role of her life to land a job with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her first assignment: Travel to Arizona and solve the mystery of a silver theft from a group of mine owners. Ellie gives herself dual roles to play in order to solve the mystery. Ellie become a middle aged widow by the name of Lavinia Stewart and the beautiful outgoing niece, Jessie Monroe. Ellie quickly endears herself to the people of the mining town in Arizona along with one of the mine owners, Steven Pierce. Will Ellie lose her identity before she solves her first case? Read Love in Disguise to find out.
Ellie, Lavinia and Jessie are three characters in one, but the reader is drawn into the story line of this character instead of being confused by it. Cox does a beautiful job of leading you into Ellie's characters in a way that you are not confused. Each character continues to draw you into the mystery of the silver theft. The vivid descriptions of the setting help you feel like you are stepping off the train to enter Pickford, Arizona in the year 1880. This is a fun mystery that moves along rapidly with romantic undertones. The questions about the characters keep you turning the pages to see who really stole the silver. Throw this book in your beach bag, it is perfect for the beach.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the free copy of this book to read and review.
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Review 18 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Wonderful
Date:July 16, 2012
daischop
Location:Chattanooga, TN
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I'm never really sure when I first start reading a book whether or not it will be a keeper or not. With this story, it wasn't until after the first chapter I realized it was a keeper.
The story strung you along so that you are part of the story, the events that are happening to the young woman in her new profession. I found myself rooting for her and wondering how she was going to get out of certain situations.
This is one of those books that once you start it (for me it took going into the second chapter) and her meeting with the gentleman (don't want to give anything away here!) for me to be hooked. I was up late finishing the book because I couldn't put it down. A keeper.
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Review 19 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
Date:July 16, 2012
When I was about thirteen years old, I got into reading private detective books and decided that was just the life for me. That lasted for about a year, but in some ways I got my wish. Almost every day I have to do some form of detective work. I mean, how am I supposed to know the height of a patient I've never seen? Not sure, but I snooped around and found the answer. Because, for some reason I can't explain, that's my job.
Detective work is intriguing, although I'm sure it's not as exciting as Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie or the other great detectives of the novels. Like Ellie Moore. But Ellie Moore just needed a job. And the Pinkertons needed an older woman to snoop around a silver mining town in Arizona. With some touches of make-up and other accruments she picked up in the theatre, Ellie Moore turned herself into the perfect old lady. What she didn't bargain for was also having to be the perfect young lady. But that's what happens when your experienced partner bows out: you get to be two detectives rolled up in one.
Love in Disguise by Carol Cox is the story of inexperienced Ellie Moore, thrown into playing two parts in an investigation of silver mining thefts. Having never been a detective before, she finds herself trying to sniff out information while balancing the act of being two different people. It's the role of a lifetime, but will the outcome be applause or a final curtain?
A little predictable, Love in Disguise isn't written to be so much a mystery as a light romance in the wild west. For there are few clues to follow to the conclusion, so the ending was a bit of a surprise but also left me wondering how I was supposed to come to that answer. So, if you're looking for a good mystery curl up with Sherlock Holmes. If you're looking for simply an easy read, Love in Disguise is a pretty good choice.
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Review 20 for Love in Disguise
Overall Rating:
A Fresh Humorous Romance Filled with Mystery
Date:July 15, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Every bit as wonderful as I hoped it would be!
Ellie Moore is an aspiring actress on the verge of poverty, so when she overhears two Pinkerton agents talking about their need for a woman to do a job in Arizona, Ellie knows that this might be the chance of a lifetime.
Stephen Pierce is the owner of a potential rich silver mine, in Arizona. He would be well on his way to success if only robbers wouldn't take every shipment...
Can Ellie catch the theives without blowing her cover?
Stephen Pierce is the owner of a potential rich silver mine, in Arizona. He would be well on his way to success if only robbers wouldn't take every shipment...
Can Ellie catch the theives without blowing her cover?
Snagging my full attention from the first page, I knew from the first sentence that I was going to love this book. And boy, did I ever!
I really liked Ellie as a leading lady, she was determined, and likable who had a resourcefulness about her. The perfect heroine, who had me cheering for her from the first. In fact all of the characters were well written, and very full. And I loved "observing" them and trying to figure out who were the bad guys. I really liked how when Ms. Cox wrote bits about the bad guys, that she kept their identities secret, which I believe is totally the way to do it. I have never liked knowing who was evil before the heroes did. So bravo, Ms. Cox, for keeping me in suspense!
I really liked Ellie as a leading lady, she was determined, and likable who had a resourcefulness about her. The perfect heroine, who had me cheering for her from the first. In fact all of the characters were well written, and very full. And I loved "observing" them and trying to figure out who were the bad guys. I really liked how when Ms. Cox wrote bits about the bad guys, that she kept their identities secret, which I believe is totally the way to do it. I have never liked knowing who was evil before the heroes did. So bravo, Ms. Cox, for keeping me in suspense!
The story moved rapidly, and I was easily engaged, even when my brother was blaring rap music in the car on the way home. I loved how the pages turned rapidly by, and how I was quickly consumed in the tale. This book had it all, a good mystery, romance, and some great humor!
Overall, I loved this book and it was every bit as wonderful as I had been hearing from all of my wonderful friends :) I loved the plot the characters...Everything! A book that I heartily recommend :)
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