Fiction Review: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

Delightfully Engaging Blend of Romance, Suspense, History, and Humor

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.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is about to lose his business after the theft of several bullion shipments--until hope arrives in the unlikely form of Lavinia Stewart, who offers to invest in Steven's mine. In his wildest dreams, Steven never expected to be rescued by an inquisitive gray-haired widow . . . or to fall head over heels for Lavinia's captivating niece, Jessie. But then the thieves come after both Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Will she be forced to reveal her true identity before the criminals are caught? What will Steven do when he discovers the woman he loves doesn't exist?

Rating:
✮✮✮

Review:
Love in Disguise by Carol Cox promised romance, suspense, history, and humor; and sadly, left me a little disappointed. Yes, there was a little romance and some suspense, but both were very downplayed from what I was expecting. I had already figured out who was responsible really early in the story, which meant everything after that point wasn't as intriguing because I knew; and the romance was lacking. And I didn't really find any humor at all throughout the novel.

In Love in Disguise, a young woman finds herself taking a job with the Pinkerton Detective Agency - and I am a sucker for novels about the Pinkerton Detective Agency - and going out West to figure out who is robbing the mines in Arizona. In doing so, she has to play two separate characters, all while trying to be a detective. And I loved this concept, and I felt that it didn't hold up. I just felt that she didn't really do anything detective-wise that was worthwhile, and the whole story relied on a single clue she had figured out (with a few other minor details here and there).

The one good thing about this book was Ellie. I loved her personality and her driven desire to help and deliver what she had promised she would. She's spunky and lighthearted. But I was not sold on the romance between Steven and her, and I didn't feel the love. I, personally, felt there was a lot of infatuation from Steven concerning Jessie's (one of Ellie's alter-egos) appearance. And although I admire in the end how he was all about Ellie's personality rather than her looks, it didn't endear favorably toward him. Not to mention, I just didn't really click with Steven, and felt rather indifferent toward him throughout the novel.

While I didn't love this book by Carol Cox, I loved her writing style and have previously enjoyed a short story by her. Love in Disguise might not be the book for me, but I do look forward to reading some of Carol Cox's other books.

Fiction Review: Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart

Words Spoken True by Ann H Gabhart

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. She can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.

When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late?


Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold readers in its grip until the very last page. Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart once again delivers an enthralling and enduring tale for her loyal and ever-expanding fan base.

Rating:
✮✮✮✮

Review:
Ann H. Gabhart introduces Adriane Darcy and Blake Garrett in a beautifully written novel, Words Spoken True, about two rival newspaper companies competing to be the best newspaper in town, when things take a turn for the deadly. Words Spoken True is a riveting tale of murder, love, and discovering what really matters; and the first book by Ann H. Gabhart that I have had the pleasure of picking up.

I loved Adriane because she is a strong, unique heroine. She isn't necessarily reflective of women and their place in society in her time era, but I felt that it worked for this book, and allowed Adriane to stand out as a character. I also loved Blake (well it took some time getting to that point - at first I was somewhat annoyed with him), and how he wasn't afraid of what people deemed right or wrong, he did what he felt was right. Adriane's and Blake's personalities clicked very well together, and you could see the chemistry present between them. But I feel that you don't really see the love in the pages - they tell each other they love one another, but it didn't feel real.

There was also a lot going on in this novel, besides the political unrest mentioned in the synopsis; such as a murder mystery and a threat closer to Adriane then she could have ever imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed the murder mystery, although I was able to figure out who the murderer was much sooner than the character's in the story. Words Spoken True has a way of submerging you into the past with the historical accuracy and Ann H. Gabhart's descriptions of the events that took place in Louisville during the 1850s.

Words Spoken True was an amazing introduction to Ann H. Gabhart, and I look forward to reading more by this author as soon as possible. Although, I would definitely recommend this novel, I would like to say that there are some more intimate scenes in the book between a husband and wife that isn't necessarily inappropriate in my opinion because it fades out for the majority, but it's something to be aware of if you decide to pick this book up.