What do you think?
Rate this book
Horstberg Saga #1
Behind the Mask
When You’re Hiding For Your Life, What Do You Live For? Abbi has the gift of dreams. But her uncanny ability to see glimpses of the future has no apparent purpose or meaning until a dream leads her to a man on the brink of despair and destruction. Cameron is a man without a name and without a country, framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Long ago forced into exile and believed dead, the passing of years have defaced him of all hope. The country of Horstberg suffers beneath the weight of tyranny, and only Cameron holds the secret that could see her ruler undone and restore the people to peace and prosperity. While revolution brews and whispers of treason threaten all that is dear to Abbi, she remains unaware of her own ability to answer a nation’s prayers. Trusting only her heart and the power of her dreams, Abbi gives all that she has to lead Cameron back into a civilized world, where love is real and freedom comes only in facing what hides behind the mask. Please note that this book contains the entire Volume One of the Horstberg Saga, over 1,080 manuscript pages! What readers are saying "I was delighted to find a book that had the same degree of character development as the likes of Hugo, Dickens, Dumas, and Tolstoy. This book is very well written. Elizabeth Michaels is a great author. If you're looking for a quick read where action overshadows content, this book is not for you, but if your looking for a story with characters you can relate to and can inspire you then this book is a must read." "This is one of the best books I have ever read! It has romance, drama, mystery, and suspense all rolled into one! The author has a way of putting you right in the middle of the story! You feel like you are there with them! I couldn't put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book! If you like Historical Romance then this is one of the best!" "I've read everything that Anita Stansfield - Elizabeth D Michaels - has written and this is amazing! Over the last several years I have read many "romance", "christian romance", "proper romance" as well as "relationship fiction" authors and Elizabeth Michaels tops them all. Her characters are vibrant, believable and consistent. The conversations flow easily and are fun as well as meaningful and insightful. The plot is intriguing with exciting with twists and turns and even a fairy tale involved. This is my all time favorite book and I can't wait for more. Yeah!"
792 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2013
177 people are currently reading
613 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 15, 2014
I really liked this book. Great story, excellent characters, and great ending. However, it was VERY long. Almost 800 pages. The story was wordy in a few places when I just wanted it to move on. The story line was a bit like having a few therapist session. Very enlightening. Love scenes were VERY clean, but there were a ton of them, and this didn't seem like an Anita Stansfield story. Maybe that's why she changed her name to Elizabeth D. Michaels?? This was very different, but not in a bad way. I still would let my teen daughter read it, if she could get through the almost 800 pages. Also, I'm confused about the "Volume one" that I read, and then the other "Volumes" I bought were repeats of the first one, just broken into 3 different ones. Not labeled very well. I ended up buying 3 of the same thing.
Overall, GREAT book!
Overall, GREAT book!
March 25, 2014
I came across this book by chance on Amazon for free and it was amazing. I read a lot of books from and I will often not finish them if they can't hold my attention. This was one of the longest books I have read in a while and I couldn't put it down.
I'm off to buy the next in the series.
I'm off to buy the next in the series.
January 30, 2014
I purchased this book as an e-book during a $0.99 promotion. It was one of my better investments. I loved the book.
Since receiving my Kindle as a Christmas gift just over a month ago, I've been downloading lots of free and heavily discounted books--because I can at little cost to me. (I've had a Nook for several years now, but the deals just aren't there for the Nook). Anyway, I was getting discouraged, having yet to find a book that pulled me in among all those cheap e-books. I was about to adopt the attitude I was determined never to tread upon--because I am a self-published author who has two e-books out there for $0.99 each on Amazon: the attitude that self published books are of lesser quality. Then I was directed to Behind the Mask through one of Rachel Ann Nunes's promotions.
I more-than-welcomed the feeling of being pulled into a book within the few pages. By the end of the first chapter I was fully engaged and had a hard time putting the book down. Lately, this has been hard for me to find such a book. I think it's because I've become overly critical in my reading because I'm overly critical of my writing. I find all the writing "no-no's" as I read, often letting them distract me from enjoying the story. Though I was bothered at first at Anita's writing style of jumping from one character's point of view to another's, sometimes even in the same paragraph, I was able to look beyond that "no-no" because the story pulled me in with such power.
The reason I gave this book only 4 stars was because of the author's over use of adverbs and her lack of clarity when switching characters' point of view. I would highly recommend this book, especially to those who love a good, clean romance with a touch of mystery.
Since receiving my Kindle as a Christmas gift just over a month ago, I've been downloading lots of free and heavily discounted books--because I can at little cost to me. (I've had a Nook for several years now, but the deals just aren't there for the Nook). Anyway, I was getting discouraged, having yet to find a book that pulled me in among all those cheap e-books. I was about to adopt the attitude I was determined never to tread upon--because I am a self-published author who has two e-books out there for $0.99 each on Amazon: the attitude that self published books are of lesser quality. Then I was directed to Behind the Mask through one of Rachel Ann Nunes's promotions.
I more-than-welcomed the feeling of being pulled into a book within the few pages. By the end of the first chapter I was fully engaged and had a hard time putting the book down. Lately, this has been hard for me to find such a book. I think it's because I've become overly critical in my reading because I'm overly critical of my writing. I find all the writing "no-no's" as I read, often letting them distract me from enjoying the story. Though I was bothered at first at Anita's writing style of jumping from one character's point of view to another's, sometimes even in the same paragraph, I was able to look beyond that "no-no" because the story pulled me in with such power.
The reason I gave this book only 4 stars was because of the author's over use of adverbs and her lack of clarity when switching characters' point of view. I would highly recommend this book, especially to those who love a good, clean romance with a touch of mystery.
April 5, 2015
This was a looooooooong book. But it was also a good, exciting and great book. The story takes place in Germany before unification in the 1800's. Cameron, in prison for a murder he did not commit is freed by some friends who stage his death and he is spirited into a hidden chalet in the woods above Horstberg. Abbi is a young girl form a wealthy family whose father is being kept in prison and she sees him once a month. She is being raised by her grandfather. Her joy is the blooded horses that the family is known for raising. One day while out riding she discovers a hidden trail. She goes into the woods and comes out where Cameron is hiding. he is angry and makes her leave, but she cannot forget him. About 1/3 of the way through I had a pretty good idea who Cameron was, but the excitement and intrigue which kept my interest did not wane. I really recommend this wonderful story and hope I can find the succeeding books on sale soon.
October 3, 2017
This book is loooooong. That's the first thing I can say. It goes on FOREVER and it's so wordy in places I started skimming. I mean, how many times can a person say, "I love you?" Yeah, we know. We get it. Move on. Oh wait, "I love you even more." Hey guess what, "I love you so much." Ahhhh!!!!! It's a good, clean story and I really liked the concept but I just cannot give it 5 stars like so many other reviewers. It's just ok to me. I won't read it again (which is the definition of a 5 star book for me.) It just needs some major editing. The thing I don't understand is that it's part of a series and I really felt like this could be 2 separate books. I probably would have liked it better. I swear I thought it was ending about 4 times only to realize I still had 400, 300, 200, 100 pages left (I was reading a ecopy so it wasn't as apparent as holding a physical copy). Like I said, it was good, but only a 3 star ok for me.
February 23, 2018
My Kindle e-book
January 2, 2021
This is a very good read. It's got just about everything you can imagine mixed into one novel. Mystery, Romance, Murder, Nature, Faith, Religion, and just in general a good read. I would have given it a 5 star but the reason I took one off was due to the fact that at times the story just seemed to spin it's wheels so to speak. An issue would just keep repeating itself and once you thought it had been 'addressed' to the reader a few more chapters it would come up again and you would have to reread it all over again. But stay with it, because the storyline is a wonderful one! It even address Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and Deep Depression issues as well, although at the time the story is written they didn't know what those things were.
It has just enough reference to Faith and the story of Joseph from the Bible that helps those of us that are Christians to be able to know that life isn't always roses and that we just need to keep Faith in situations when we don't have anything else to hold onto. But the reference to religion isn't a GREAT one that is 'in your face' throughout the book either.
I think teenagers would enjoy this book along with adults alike. I was able to get this for free through Amazon and am glad I did. This isn't the type of book I normally would read but am glad I stepped out and took a chance on it. I really enjoyed the read and I really recommend it as well.
It has just enough reference to Faith and the story of Joseph from the Bible that helps those of us that are Christians to be able to know that life isn't always roses and that we just need to keep Faith in situations when we don't have anything else to hold onto. But the reference to religion isn't a GREAT one that is 'in your face' throughout the book either.
I think teenagers would enjoy this book along with adults alike. I was able to get this for free through Amazon and am glad I did. This isn't the type of book I normally would read but am glad I stepped out and took a chance on it. I really enjoyed the read and I really recommend it as well.
January 3, 2019
This book is now one of my favorites. This was about an amazing woman who receives dreams from God that changed the course of her life and country. I like this book because it shows how God might work through someone to save a country. The author realistically portrays the psychological effects of the many changes that occur in her life and the healing effects as faith and hope and love are restored. This is a clean book and is suitable for anyone over about 13 or so. There is a questionable marriage in the first book, but the author handles it appropriately.
It took me about a week to finish this book. I usually finish a book in a couple of days.
I had thought this was a collection of books at first. It read like a series. There seemed to be about three different plots. The first was "Why was Abbi led by a dream to this man and who is he?" The next was "How can he be restored back to society". The last was, "How can this 'ordinary' woman fit in her new position"
Some of the other reviews complain that the book is too long. I think that's a matter of opinion. I loved the story and drank in every word with thirst for more. The author wrote the whole story here. The book can stand alone, however, I love the characters and look forward to spending more time learning about them. I especially love their reliance on God to guide them and their faith in Him.
It took me about a week to finish this book. I usually finish a book in a couple of days.
I had thought this was a collection of books at first. It read like a series. There seemed to be about three different plots. The first was "Why was Abbi led by a dream to this man and who is he?" The next was "How can he be restored back to society". The last was, "How can this 'ordinary' woman fit in her new position"
Some of the other reviews complain that the book is too long. I think that's a matter of opinion. I loved the story and drank in every word with thirst for more. The author wrote the whole story here. The book can stand alone, however, I love the characters and look forward to spending more time learning about them. I especially love their reliance on God to guide them and their faith in Him.
February 15, 2020
Such a long historical fantasy...
To be honest I have no idea where to start appropriately with this review...
As one of the longest reads for historical fantasies according to my assumed written for kindle standards, I was glad when I finally finished it, mainly because the story kept evolving with more dramas and issues.
This story deals with issues pertaining love, compassion, guilt, anger, expectations, vulnerability, courage, trust, respect, loyalties, betrayal, forgiveness, coming of age, selflessness, sacrifice, selfishness, the power of dreams, the belief in GOD, bible references - the story of Joseph is mentioned a lot throughout.
I was hoping Cameron wanted to know how Abby went from a depressed zombie to being normal again in an instant. My only conclusion was that her father was the main catalyst of the main turn of events of the many layers of the story. Although he didn’t appear very much in the story, I believe he ought to rather than being this mysterious character. Heck, please give him his own story!!!
5 stars for the blurb description.
To be honest I have no idea where to start appropriately with this review...
As one of the longest reads for historical fantasies according to my assumed written for kindle standards, I was glad when I finally finished it, mainly because the story kept evolving with more dramas and issues.
This story deals with issues pertaining love, compassion, guilt, anger, expectations, vulnerability, courage, trust, respect, loyalties, betrayal, forgiveness, coming of age, selflessness, sacrifice, selfishness, the power of dreams, the belief in GOD, bible references - the story of Joseph is mentioned a lot throughout.
I was hoping Cameron wanted to know how Abby went from a depressed zombie to being normal again in an instant. My only conclusion was that her father was the main catalyst of the main turn of events of the many layers of the story. Although he didn’t appear very much in the story, I believe he ought to rather than being this mysterious character. Heck, please give him his own story!!!
5 stars for the blurb description.
February 4, 2018
A review
Not completely terrible. It had a fantastic plot, it moved quickly and flowed well . Being an agnostic type person who is very open-minded I didn't minded the religious aspect of it but felt that there was way too much let God handle it . I understood the deeply religious aspect of it but still felt that many times the heroin or hero could have left out the part about praying as often as they did and also crying as much as they did. It was good and I'd recommend it for the freebie it was.
Not completely terrible. It had a fantastic plot, it moved quickly and flowed well . Being an agnostic type person who is very open-minded I didn't minded the religious aspect of it but felt that there was way too much let God handle it . I understood the deeply religious aspect of it but still felt that many times the heroin or hero could have left out the part about praying as often as they did and also crying as much as they did. It was good and I'd recommend it for the freebie it was.
June 8, 2018
I understand why Anita Stansfield wrote the series under Elizabeth D Michaels because she wanted this to be read for the General Audience. Anita Stanfield writes clean and wholesome books with out the mention of love scenes and any language (I've only seen 1 so far but I'm not used to it).
But I loved the characters and the story line. I also didn't think it needed to be so long.
I won't be reading any more from Elizabeth D Michaels.
But I loved the characters and the story line. I also didn't think it needed to be so long.
I won't be reading any more from Elizabeth D Michaels.
March 21, 2023
A very refreshing read.
I like all the references to GOD. How HE was involve in their lives. The young girl met a man who was in seclusion and they eventually were forced by the weather to be together.
The struggles the went through made their lives together stronger and acceptance of the rolls they had in life, both professional and personal.
A long story. But well worth the time to read it.
I like all the references to GOD. How HE was involve in their lives. The young girl met a man who was in seclusion and they eventually were forced by the weather to be together.
The struggles the went through made their lives together stronger and acceptance of the rolls they had in life, both professional and personal.
A long story. But well worth the time to read it.
February 13, 2019
I'm giving this 4 stars because it took about 280 pages to really get interesting. Why did I push through that many pages? Because a friend loved this series and I just kept thinking WHY? In the end I am glad I read the 3 but it was really slow getting started. Super clean and predictable about who will end up with who but I enjoy a clean, easy romance. Kind of like watching a 90's romcom.
March 17, 2022
I referred to this as “the book that never ends”. It just kept going! I did enjoy it but I really think it could have been shorter, or broken up into two or three books. The only question I have is, how could Cameron’s brother and sisters not know about the mountain lodge that their father had built? This puzzled me through the entire book (once it is revealed who he is).
March 18, 2023
Finally
A rather lengthy story that could have been told without so much repetition. There are a few parts that move quickly and efficiently. Overall, it was like wading through a swamp where you made progress for a while and then you would be stuck in familiar surroundings. I would not recommend this book to anyone short on patience.
A rather lengthy story that could have been told without so much repetition. There are a few parts that move quickly and efficiently. Overall, it was like wading through a swamp where you made progress for a while and then you would be stuck in familiar surroundings. I would not recommend this book to anyone short on patience.
December 25, 2025
I’ve read this serval times and loved it each time. Now it has a place in my GR reviews. Abbi and Cameron are two of my favorite book characters of all time as is the lodge setting for the first half of the book. This plot is so well done and I love the foundation that this book one provides for the rest of the books in the series.
August 5, 2018
Cameron and Abbi
This was a great book! It was heartwarming, able to keep my interest all the way through. There moments when I cried and moments when I laughed. I cannot wait to start the next book in the saga.
This was a great book! It was heartwarming, able to keep my interest all the way through. There moments when I cried and moments when I laughed. I cannot wait to start the next book in the saga.
June 27, 2017
One of the best books I've ever read. I loved it and think about it often. I look forward to reading it again even though I really don't have time right now! Highly recommend!
September 4, 2017
Loved this book! A bit wordy and repetitive by the end, and definitely mushy and cheesy throughout, but I loved this book and I'm excited to read the rest of the series!
September 12, 2020
This was just not my type of book. It was 800 pages and sooo slow. It was definitely more romance and Christian novel than I expected.
March 16, 2021
Too long
August 3, 2021
Very long story and slow in parts
August 5, 2021
This was the book that never ends. It goes on and on (my friend…)
January 8, 2022
Incredible book and series! I’ve read it multiple times.
September 7, 2022
This kept me in suspense until Cameron revealed his true identity. Amazing! I usually can figure things out earlier.
March 22, 2024
So long! 800 pages could have been 5 stars if they edited it down to half that. Skimmed the last third cause it seems to drag on…
November 30, 2025
Amazing
I love it when I am so into a story that I feel I become part of.
I laugh with them, cry with them and hold my breath to read what happens next. Thank you Elizabeth/ Anita
I love it when I am so into a story that I feel I become part of.
I laugh with them, cry with them and hold my breath to read what happens next. Thank you Elizabeth/ Anita
December 24, 2025
It wasn’t bad it was just…….so long…. And it kept going. Forced myself to finish this one.
June 19, 2015
This is one of the best books by this author that I’ve read. She always writes great romantic suspense with complex characters and plots that pull and sometimes cut through your heartstrings. Yet this tale of Abbi and Cameron blew me away with its complexities. I thought the book was finished and was trying to just read through to the end so I could go to bed, yet then I realized a whole new layer of complexity had just been revealed and sadly, I had to go to bed because my body needed rest and I had to leave poor Abbi and Cameron for another day, which made me toss and turn and think about them in my dreams all night. I love books like this that just work their way into your heart and capture your whole soul. These characters are amazing. They definitely have faults, but that’s what makes their lives so fun to read in these books, seeing how their faults make them fail, but eventually lead them to great success as they learn to overcome and temper their weaknesses. This book has everything you can imagine. It delves deeply into the inner workings of the psyche and heart and made me understand myself even better (although I’m nothing like either of these characters and hope to have a much calmer life than them too); but watching them grow through their struggles pounds into me even more the realization that trials and problems and weaknesses in our life aren’t reasons to curse God. He doesn’t give these horrible things to hurt us; it’s part of life, and if we turn to Him in our troubles, He can make miracles happen in time and mold us into glorious creatures.
October 28, 2015
This was a wonderful story! I felt like I really knew the characters well. The politics were not confusing at all, and I felt like I had a good grasp of what was going on to put these characters in their situation. The growing relationship between the main characters was very well written and didn't move too fast, as some stories seem to go, although that's not always a bad thing. It was nice to see how they fell in love with each other and learned to trust and communicate. Very nice!
As these two learned that love and trust they had some very emotional scenes. I love emotional scenes, but even for me there were a lot of them and, by the end, I was ready for the crying to stop. It wasn't enough to put me off the book and I would definitely read it again, so no big deal. I didn't even take off any stars for it!
As these two learned that love and trust they had some very emotional scenes. I love emotional scenes, but even for me there were a lot of them and, by the end, I was ready for the crying to stop. It wasn't enough to put me off the book and I would definitely read it again, so no big deal. I didn't even take off any stars for it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews