Love in Disguise

Carol Cox

ISBN:

978-0-7642-0955-0

Number of pages:

352

Publication Date: Jun. 2012

Formats: Paperback

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 www.authorcarolcox.com.

Synopsis. . .

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.

Reader Review

"When one door closes, another door opens." That must be Ellie's motto, for when her employer leaves her to go to Europe, Ellie picks herself up and finagles her way into a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The plan is for Ellie to travel to Arizona to help with an investigation into a series of silver shipment robberies. But when her partner has a change of plans, Ellie decides to try to do the job of two people. Not only is it more difficult than she imagined, but her growing attraction to mine owner Steven Pierce complicates the situation even more. She feels guilty for deceiving him, and he is thoroughly confused by Jessie/Lavinia.

An engaging mystery/romance, Carol Cox's novel Love in Disguise is an example of good Christian fiction. There is a good, strong plot with no silly loopholes that leave you shaking your head after you close the book, and it conveys Biblical truths without sermonizing. With a clean romance and no "adult" situations/language, this novel is safe for any age. And on a personal note, I really enjoyed Ellie's quick-changes between Lavinia and Jessie. For me, that really made the novel.

Definitely a 4 star novel.

“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. 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.