#3: Captive Imposter

This is the third book in this series and tells Estella Everstones story. The setting is the beautiful countryside of Maine in the year 1891. Estella is the youngest of the Everstone children and often feels invisible. Men court her for her social position and substantial inheritance, not for who she is as a person. She has always kept to herself and been quiet. She has no close friends.

After a tragedy at her brother Wills wedding, her other brother, Vance thinks it would be safer for her to go into hiding until things settle down. Estella doesnt want to be sent off all alone, but her brother insists. She is hired as a ladys companion and they travel to one of her fathers hotels, Everston. This hotel is Estellas favorite and she one day hopes to own it. She meets the man who manages the hotel, Dexter Blakeley. He is distant and gruff, but she is attracted to him nonetheless. She is still trying to get over a broken heart as well as using a false identity, so she tries to not make any attachments.

She soon finds herself spending time with Dexter at the urging of her employer and discovers there is much more to this man than she initially thought. He finds Estella, or Elle her undercover name, irresistible. He is so thankful she is not one of the many spoiled society women who vacation at his hotel. Dexter preaches to the hotel guests on Sundays in the spring, summer and fall. When he preaches, Elle takes his word to heart and grows in her relationship with God. Can this wonderful man of God so full of compassion really have feelings for Elle? She has changed nothing about her person or character other than her name, so surely he wont hold her social standing and money against her when she tells him her true identity will he?

The vivid descriptions of the scenery and Blakeley mansion made me want to see this area of the country. Dexters willingness to help women in desperate situations with his own time and money was commendable. Although there were certain aspects of Estellas character that I could identify with, such as desiring to be alone more often than most people, I didnt connect quite as well with these two main characters as I did in the first two books. The story was still very much worth reading, and I look forward to book four in the series, The Cautious Maiden.

Once again, I dont even know where to begin. The Captive Imposter was incredible! Estella is one of my favorite characters! She appears in the earlier books, but she is always so quiet and doesnt seem to be happy with life. Im excited that she has her own story because we have the opportunity to see things through her eyes.

Jay Crawford was her first love and she followed him around even though he doesnt treat her with the love and respect that she deserves. Going into hiding helps her discover herself and overcome her insecurities. She is kind, caring, forgiving, and a helpful person where these qualities shined through. Shes always felt invisible and it was really neat to watch her grow.

Dexter Blakeley on the other hand is a much more complex character. When we first meet him, he appears quite serious and somewhat angry. He gets irritated with the high society that frequent the hotel on a regular basis. However, one will sympathize with him when we find out why. However, he finds himself drawn to Estella and something changes inside of him. He too is kind, charming, and caring towards others. He is also a family man. We see him caring for his despicable mother, sister, and friends.

This novel has all of the feels! I laughed, cried, and cheered as events wore on. Dexter and Estella have a beautiful romance. Two people who would unexpectedly fall for one another.

Dawn Crandall had already become one of my favorite authors with the first two novels, but this has won me over even more. Her writing style is beautiful.

I absolutely loved this one. Stay tuned for the next book in the series, The Cautious Maiden, which will appear on the blog soon.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! There really is not enough good that I can say about this book! I have loved the whole Everstone series so far, but this one is my ultimate favorite! I was grabbed by the first sentence and intrigued as to why things were going the way they were. I instantly felt a connection with "Elle" that I was not sure was going to happen. Reading other books in the series, this particular character played a small role and was always kind of just there in the background. Well, let me tell you... this book clears all of that up and you just want to hang out with dear Elle (Estella). I also instantly had my interest piqued when Dexter comes on the scene. For one thing, he rides in the coach with his dog - which was really all it took to steal my heart - and he is gruff but yet mysterious. You see his good heart right off and I totally fell for him also. This book contains romance, mystery, intrigue, heartbreak, forgiveness, and is a wonderful story about gaining self-confidence in who you really are. It is a great book and I highly recommend it. You do not have to read the others in the series, although I recommend doing so as they are just as enjoyable and they do help you fit the pieces together. Totally looking forward to reading the next book! Thank you, Dawn Crandall, for all your amazing talent and sharing it with us!

Oh, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. By far, it is my favorite one in the series. The entire story I watched Estella and Dexter become friends and slowly fall in love. It is their friendship that I loved the most. (Full Review at my website)

Dawn Crandall's Captive Imposter is a stunning addition to her Everstone Chronicles. And as much as I enjoyed the previous books in this series, I found this story to be my favorite yet. I was completely captivated by the characters, plot, and message of Crandall's novel.

Featuring the story of Estella Everstone and Dexter Blakeley, Crandall expertly brought these characters to life. I fell in love with both the hero and heroine and felt a connection to them that only a superb writer can illicit. The presentation of these characters and their growth over the course of the story was completely believable, and I enjoyed every moment of my time with them.

I also appreciated Crandall's spiritual message. Her theme of trusting in God and following His will is so applicable and very much needed. I was challenged by this message and took away some valuable truths from the pages before me.

I highly recommend this book and am greatly looking forward to the next one in this series. If Crandall continues with her pattern, I know it will only be better than the stories before it - and that is saying a great deal!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.