Love in Disguise

Love in Disguise
Carol Cox
(Bethany House)
ISBN: 978-0764209550
June 2012/352 pages/$14.99
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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play--within view of the family's front porch. Visit her website at authorcarolcox.com.


MY THOUGHTS:
With 30 books in print, Carol Cox is certainly not a new author, but somehow this is the first time I've read one of her works; however, it won't be the last! This novel charmed me from the first pages and kept me holding my breath as Ellie works undercover in Arizona for the Pinkerton Agency. Managing one disguise would be difficult enough, but when she starts changing between two different people, things get really interesting! Of course, they can never be in the same place at the same time, and Ellie has to be on her toes to explain why her "niece" doesn't appear at church or why her "aunt" can't be disturbed when she is resting! The case she is trying to solve -- that of the stolen silver shipments -- adds plenty of suspense and drama to the story, and Ellie aka Lavinia aka Jessie finds herself in a bit of danger as she tries to observe any unusual behavior among the townsfolk. Plenty of romance weaves through this story as "Lavinia" tries to avoid a suitor and as Ellie enjoys attention as "Jessie" that she's never experienced in her undisguised self. You will not want to miss this delightful novel!


Carol is hosting a fun giveaway to celebrate the release of this novel. Click the button below for more information and to enter!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Carol Cox and 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.”