The Captive Imposter ~ Dawn Crandall

You’ve met Amaryllis and Meredyth, now Estella has her story to tell.

For her own protection following the murder of her brother Will, hotel heiress Estella Everstone assumes the alias of Elle Stoneburner and takes a job as companion to an elderly widow. Never did she imagine that her position would lead her back to her beloved Everston, a picturesque resort property tucked away in the rugged mountains of Maine. Living below her station in a guise of anonymity has its struggles, but her spirits are buoyed by a newfound friendship with the hotel manager, Dexter Blakeley. And his distaste for the spoiled socialites who frequent his hotel causes her to take a close look at her own priorities and past lifestyle. When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer of employment she can’t refuse. As the two interact and open up to each other, Estella feels a growing attraction to Dexter; and increasing discomfort over concealing her identity. Yet, in spite of the false pretense she’s putting forth, she’s never felt freer to be herself than in his presence. But will he still love her when he learns the truth about who she is?

It has been quite some time since I’d read The Bound Heart and I couldn’t remember the ending as well as I’d hoped, but there are enough clues in The Captive Imposter that a reader just catching this book in the series shouldn’t feel more than a few moments of questioning about where this story falls in line. It is a stand-alone, with details from the two previous novels. That was expected for me as this is the Everstone Chronicles so the name alone insinuates that there will be continuity between the novels.

I love how the author draws you into the story. I’ve said this in other reviews, it feels like you are sitting down for tea and she is weaving a tale from her own past. Every scene is vivid and detailed enough to give your mind direction, yet not too much to pull you out of the story. The first person account makes you (the reader) feel every emotion that Estella goes through and you will go from heart-fluttering joy to tear-catching sympathy.

I highly recommend this novel for readers of Christian romantic fiction. I love how the faith element is woven seamlessly within the story. It never feels false or forced. I am excited to read the fourth installment of the Everstone Chronicles, The Cautious Maiden, releasing in October of this year. I’ll be bringing you that review as soon as it is available to order (I hate to be a tease). I was given this novel for the express purpose of gaining an honest review, which I have given.

To read my other reviews of Dawn’s series, click on the Dawn Crandall Tag on this post.