Love In Disguise by Carol Cox, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

ISBN-13: 978-0764209550

Synopsis:

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.

My thoughts:

Since I admitted  the very first novel I read in English was a Louis L'Amour western, it will not come as a surprise I thoroughly enjoy a story about the Old West!

Author Carol Cox lures us with a fun filled plot based on one woman's survival in a rough dusty town where not everyone is as they seem.

'Love in Disguise' brings delightful entertainment in this good Summer read and proves that women can write a good old fashioned western!

This one gets my vote: with a good cast, it would be a great movie (I hope a screenwriter would deem Fatima getting 'shot' worth retaining!)

Faced with imminent starvation in the cold streets of Chicago 'Ellie' is nothing but determined and when per chance she hears a snippet of conversation alluding to a job, she grabs her chance and moves to Arizona to star as the latest Pinkerton agent! 

Her assignment: discovering who is responsible for the silver mines thefts which plagues the area!

Ellie has a trunk full of costumes left to her by her last employer and despite misgivings formulates a plan! 

Never mind the petticoats and her anxiety at this new career move! If all goes as she hopes, she will not have to worry about her future and perhaps face the ultimate choice as many women in the West had in those days.

Alternately funny, sad and with a good dose of courage, Ellie's story is one you will enjoy discovering!

With alacrity, Ellie switches her personality betwixt  Lavinia the elderly sweet tempered aunt and Jessie, the vibrant young niece who 'joins' her in the cozy little house the Agency has provided them with.

Situations arise which makes the switches hilarious at times until evidences shows Lavinia/Jessie/Ellie faces real danger.

And when she gets a chance at romance she fears her true identity once revealed will cost her the trust of the one man she loves!

Ellie struggles with the roles she plays and her growing faith particularly when faced with the charismatic mine owner's increasing attention. Her only chance to prove herself to her employers is to pursue every venue no matter the cost!

Carol Cox paints a vivid American West, where a woman has the chance to prove herself whilst retaining her femininity, using Arizona's rich historical background of mining! 

Finally, Love in Disguise brings readers not only a taste of the West with a twist but a reminder that with God, anything is possible!

I give it 4 stars!

About the Author:

 I could not resist using this photo to introduce Carol Cox! I think it reflects the very essence of this author!

As a native of Arizona, Carol Cox has a longtime interest in the Southwest and its history. Her family shares her love of the Old West as you will discover as you visit her website (here).

I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.