MY REVIEW:

 I am not certain exactly how I started reviewing Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles but I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to do so. Each volume has gotten progressively better – or maybe it’s just because I have become so familiar with the characters and setting of these books that it seems that way. Dawn writes the kind of books that I truly enjoy. Each one has grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it until the end. My only regret is that at this time, I am unable to get print copies for my keeper shelf.

As “The Captive Imposter” begins, Estella Everstone has been compelled by her family to go undercover as companion to an elderly lady. Estella despises the deception and misses some of the luxuries of her “real” life, especially her clothing. As she settles into a routine at the luxury resort Everston, Estella becomes acquainted with its handsome manager Dexter Blakele. As their friendship develops, Estella finds a new freedom to be herself that she has never experienced before.

With a well-paced plot and true-to-life characters, “The Captive Imposter” was difficult to put down. It was a perfect blend of drama, mystery, and romance spiced with just the right touch of twists and surprises. A strong Christian message was a natural and integral part of the story without being in-your-face. I liked the glimpse of a possibly more mature and reformed Vance near the end that makes me wish for another novel featuring him as a main character.

I have never had the slightest desire to even visit Maine but Dawn’s description of the series setting could make me reconsider.

I enjoyed “The Captive Imposter” as well as the rest of The Everstone Chronicles. Do yourself a favor and give this excellent new author a try.

A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sent away for protection, hotel heiress Estella Everstone finds herself living undercover as a lady’s companion named Elle Stoneburner at one of her father’s opulent hotels in the mountains of Maine—the one she’d always loved best and always hoped to own one day, Everston. The one thing she doesn’t like about the situation is that her ex-fiancé is in the area and is set on marrying someone else. Reeling from her feelings of being unwanted and unworthy, Estella reluctantly forms a friendship with the gruff manager of Everston, Dexter Blakeley, who seems to have something against wealthy young socialites with too much money, although they are just the kind of people Everston caters to.

When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer she can’t refuse. She sees no other choice aside from going back home to her family and accepts the position as companion to his sister. Throughout her interactions with Dexter, she can’t deny the pull that’s evidenced between them every time he comes near. Estella realizes that while she’s been hiding behind a false name and identity, she’s never been freer to be herself than when she’s with Dexter Blakeley. But will he still love her when he finds out she’s Estella Everstone? She’s not entirely sure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dawn Crandall is the author of The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.