Marriage Masquerade

Kennebrae Brides #2

by Erica Vetsch

Captain Noah Kennebrae can no longer deal with the shame and guilt from the wreck of his ship. So he changes his name and takes a job as assistant lighthouse keeper on Sutton Island, heedless of the marriage contract his grandfather has arranged for him. Desperate to escape the calculating grasp of her father, Anastasia Michaels leaves home to take the unlikely job of housekeeper on a remote island. Surely her father would never think to look for her there. But neither Nick nor Annie considered that God’s hand might be at work in their lives.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Novella, Inspirational, Christian

170 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspi... where she spends way too much time!

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun tale of a discouraged sea captain and a young lady fleeing an arranged marriage. They meet up at a remote lighthouse for jobs, and soon they're noticing each other in the best of ways. But Noah can't let her know he isn't "Nick," and Annie can't let him know she's actually Anastasia...the suspense is built well, with the wondering who's going to slip up first, and I could have stood for it to be even a bit longer than it was...but it was a short, enjoyable read overall.

[Olde American Spirit (Shannon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It's oat-meal." She enunciated each syllable. "Hmm." He poked the mass with his fork. "I'll have to take your word for it." 😂

This is book #2 in the Kennebrae Brides series.

The faith is less forced than in book #1.
It's less stressful than book #1.
MMC does have nightmares from what happened in the first book. Besides that, it was really cute and quite funny. Super low-key and slow. I enjoyed it.

📚 faith
📚 hidden identity
📚 remote island with a lighthouse

I'm a sucker for a clean or Christian lighthouse story.

I'd read them in order - they are very connected.

*Content: death at sea nightmares, talk about a kid drowning

⭐️ 3.75 stars

[Courtney Ranger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third novel from Erica Vetsch that I've read, and I love her writing more with each story I read from her!!!

Annie was such a sweet protagonist. I loved watching her grow to become independent and how she relied on the Lord for strength. It was beautiful watching her grow out of her fears and develop as a character.

Noah was my favorite character. Erica did a fabulous job of mixing his lighthearted humor with his deeper pain he tries to hide. It was so cool watching how he grew from where we first met him in book one to where he is at the end of book two.

The villains in this book were perfectly detestable!!!! They perfectly enhanced the tension in the story and helped the plot move along. They definitely deserved worse than they got, though...

My only complaint is there was one tiny thing during Annie and Noah's first interaction that rubbed me the wrong way. I understood why the it happened, but I still didn't love it.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next installments in the series!!!!!!!!

I received an advance copy of this book . My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

They were both running. From shame. From pressure. From the past. And yet, somehow, the road they took to escape had already been lit by mercy … leading not to a dead end, but to a lighthouse on the edge of everything… where God was already guiding, waiting, and moving.

Erica Vetsch weaves a story as steady and luminous as the lighthouse that shelters Annie and Noah. The pacing is perfect, the characters loveable in a way that lingers, and the Christian faith content? Rich, reverent, and deeply personal. This is a quiet invitation to consider what we’re running from… and who’s already ahead of us, preparing a place to heal.

Annie’s gentle strength, Noah’s quiet ache, the kindness of those who welcomed them … it all felt so real, like I was walking the island with them.

This is the heartbeat of this book: “Proverbs 18:10. ‘The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.’ I’ve read that verse over and over, and I learn something new each day about how God is a strong tower.” Not the masquerade, not even the romance … but the mercy. The oh, so precious kind that meets honesty with grace, offers safety, and never turns away the one who runs toward Him.

I loved this story. For the characters. For the way it tenderly honored what it means to walk personally with Jesus. For the steady light that points not just to love … but to the one true God who meets us where we are and calls us into something deeper, for His glory, and others’ good.

Perfect for readers who love historical romance with beautiful faith content, tender redemption, and a love story anchored in grace.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Kennebrae brother, another arranged marriage by a determined grandfather.
Annie is an heiress being forced into marriage to a man she knows nothing about. Noah is from a wealthy family and is hiding from an embarrassing accident. They meet on an Island on Lake Superior where they were hired to work at a lighthouse.
Intriguing story and a forced proximity trope with a few twists. The setting was a lighthouse and details about how it worked was interesting.
The characters drew me in. I was anxious to see how the romance and story developed.
The author kept my interest with her descriptions and intriguing plot. The faith of the characters was portrayed naturally.
I missed this series when it was first published and I am glad I got to catch up with them now.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Wild Heart Books through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Brother

I love how this romance took place! Noah and Annie had both taken to running away. They naturally fell in love with one another only to find out their marriage had been a match between Noah’s grandpa and Annie’s dad.True love at its finest!

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second book in the Brides of the West series from Erica Vetsch! The Marriage Masquerade is a fun hidden identity romance with both the FMC & MMC hiding their identities. It’s also both a runaway bride & runaway groom story full of heart, faith, & a meddling grandfather determined to see his grandson wed.

After a terrible accident, Captain Noah Kennebrae needs to get away. Though not his fault, he blames himself for what happened. When his wealthy grandfather expects him to comply with an arranged marriage, he decides to change his name & take up work at a remote lighthouse off the coast of Michigan. There he meets a beautiful woman who brings out the protector in him & charms him with her definite lack of cooking skills. But, with his troubled past & knowing he’s as good as an engaged man, he resists the urge to pursue her.

After heiress Anastasia “Annie” Michaels overhears her father arranging an engagement for her, she decides to run away. Despite her fears of the water, she accepts the first position she can find as a housekeeper at a remote lighthouse. There she meets the handsome assistant lightkeeper Nick & learns more about herself as she gains her independence while learning to bake, clean, & care for herself under her new assumed identity. As she shares her deepest thoughts & fears with Nick, she finds herself falling in love. But Nick’s hiding secrets & so is she. Can they ever find a way to be together?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It was fun knowing the identities of both main characters & realizing they were falling in love with the very person they were running away from. I enjoyed Annie’s faith journey & finding strengths she didn’t know she had. Noah’s so honorable & despite not knowing who his fiancé is, he tries to stay loyal to her. I was highly anticipating the final reveal of all the secrets! Then there’s Noah’s meddling grandfather who didn’t learn his lesson the first time. Can’t wait to read about his next match!

Highly recommend this lovely, heartfelt, inspirational romance. Though part of a series, it could be read as a standalone, but there will be spoilers for the first book. I received an advanced copy from the publisher, but also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.

[D.M. Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travel back in time to the early 20th century on the edges of Lake Superior. The craggy cliffs and lonely lighthouse on a secluded island form the dramatic backdrop of Erica Vetsch's Marriage Masquerade, second book in the Brides of the West Series. Noah and Anastasia, both escaping arranged betrothals, are circumstantially brought together as employees of the Lighthouse Board. Their initial attraction blossoms amidst the island's stark beauty, hinting at a passionate entanglement.

Haunted by shadowy pasts, a cold guilt forces both characters to hide their identity behind duplicity. Vetsch's prose keeps the reader guessing at the shared bond deeper than Noah and Anastasia realize. A faint, unsettling threat as the past's long shadow stretches toward their future looms in the background of the story. Prickling suspense crackles between the chapters as both characters, their true selves masked behind secrets, wrestle with their growing feelings.

The plot unfolds easily on the narrative’s swift current. Wonderful scenes sprinkled throughout the chapters permeate the story with descriptions of painstaking lighthouse upkeep, punctuated by calamities that bring the reader straight into the setting. Even the supporting characters, vividly drawn, feel warm and genuine, their presence adding depth to the narrative. Memorable scriptures are admirably placed in perfect context, weaving a buoyant faith thread through the fast-paced romance. A whisper of prophetic satisfaction accompanies the sweet surprise of the ending. Lighthearted and charming, this book is a joy to read for those who like historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time you mention a lighthouse, you have me hooked! They’re a bucket list item for me to go see someday, so of course I’m going to read all of the books set in or near one! That’s how I decided I had to read this one. But then I was hooked and could not have put it down if I wanted to!

The characters had taken hold of me and would not let go. Each has their problems to face and is hiding their own secrets. But what if those secrets are going to come back to haunt them and possibly thwart the very thing they’ve come to hold dear and want to keep?

This is one of those books that once you start reading, you can’t stop. Not that you won’t stop, because you might have to, but you’ll be thinking of it even when you’re away.

I love this author for giving us just the right balance of some suspense and some romance. It’s not mushy and sappy, and it’s not slowly moving along, but rather the best of both worlds and just right.

This is the second novel in the series. You don’t have to read them in order if you don’t want to. But as always, I advise you to always read a series in the order it’s meant.

Which of our two main characters will be discovered first? Each living by an assumed name. Each is actually someone they’re not. Both are determined to hide. I’m not sure who was my favorite. They’re both great characters and I can’t wait to hear what you think of them!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Kennebrae story I could hardly put down. It’s one of those stories you want to speed-read through to get to what you know is going to happen and can’t wait to see how it plays out.

Duluth, Minnesota and a lighthouse on Lake Superior.
April 1906

Main Characters
Noah Kennebrae: aka Nick Kennedy, escaping an arranged marriage with Anastasia Michaels
Anastasia Michaels, 19 yrs: aka Annie, escaping an arranged marriage with Noah Kennebrae
Hazel: Anastasia’s nanny, helped Annie escape
Ezra and Imogen Batson: Lighthouse keeper and wife
Clyde Moore: Young lighthouse second assistant
Eli and Jonathan: Noah's twin and older brother
Jasper Dillon: Insipid lighthouse inspector with small-man syndrome (my interpretation)

Brief synopsis:
Plagued by grief and guilt from a tragedy, Noah gave up his occupation as ship captain to begin a life as something completely different, and also to escape his grandfather’s plans for his arranged marriage.

Anastasia overheard an agreement her father made with an old man in a wheelchair to marry her off. That evening she made plans to run away.

Both Noah and Anastasia took on false identities so neither knew (or heard of) the other when they eventually met.

Enough said…just know this was such a fun read, and God was glorified throughout.

Can’t wait to see what Ms. Vetsch has for Eli…the last brother for whom their pushy grandfather has arranged a marriage.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting to read the next installment from this book. Noah is next in line for his grandfather’s scheme to marry him off. Oh what people will do for greed. I was so upset to learn how Noah blames himself for a tragedy. Instead of facing it, he leaves and starts a new life. We all now that things we try to hide will always be revealed. Noah finds a place to work and I liked how the couple he works with takes him in.

Anastasia is beside herself when she discovers that her father has arranged a marriage for her. She comes from a privileged family but she never uses that to her advantage. Her job as a housekeeper is way over her abilities. I can relate to her in that area. Cooking is not my best quality at all. I laughed when she made oatmeal that could have been used as glue. She also is hiding her real identity which starts to way on her as she begins to look at Noah in a different light.

I have to mention the lighthouse in the story and how much I would love to see one in person someday. The details the author gives shows great research done and gives readers a better idea of how a lighthouse works. Captains depend on them to guide them from darkness just like God does for us.

Broken hearts, forgiveness and a great ending await those who love historical books. I want to mention the couple that were in charge of the lighthouse. They bring wisdom and grace to the story and illustrate how God puts people in our path to help us find our way to back to God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch is a Christian Historical Romance. This second story in the Brides of the West series focuses on Noah Kennebrae and heiress Anastasia “Annie” Michaels. As a disgraced ship captain Noah flees his home riddled with guilt and pain while also avoiding the meddling and controlling schemes of his grandfather. He takes a job as an assistant lighthouse keeper under an assumed name. All goes well until a new resident arrives on the island.

Anastasia “Annie” Michaels, an heiress, flees from home to avoid the controlling plans of her father that include marriage to a man she does not know. She finds herself as an unlikely housekeeper on an isolated island pretending to be someone else. As time passes, she and Noah work together and start to develop feelings for each other. But their masquerade eventually catches up with them.

The author does an excellent job developing the storyline and the characters. I loved seeing how the storyline developed. Incorporating details and characters from the first book along with a look at Eli, the third brother, I quickly found myself caught up in this book.

While you might be able to read this book on its own, I definitely recommend reading the books in order for the best experience. I know I will be reading the third book when it is released.

So if you want a Christian Historical Romance, check out The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series, Brides of the West, and this is Noah Kennebrae's story. His grandfather has already picked out his bride and expects him to follow along in his older brother's example and marry the bride that has been picked for him. Again, this is great for business all around. However, Noah like his brother, is going to fight against this match after the tragedy that befell on the last ship he navigated. That tragedy haunts him, and he only wants to run away to a quiet place and regroup. Certainly not marry the woman his grandfather has picked for him.

Anastasia, who goes by Annie, is the woman picked to be the bride. She does not know Noah, nor does she want to be a business transaction for her father, who hardly has time for her in life anyway. Annie also runs away, going by a different name, to the same lighthouse Noah has found shelter at. Neither of them knows they are engaged, but through the dangers and trials of living at the lighthouse, they fall in love.

I enjoyed this story. I liked that even though they were running from each other, they ran to each other without even knowing about it. Hence the title, they are in a marriage masquerade. True love has captured the second Kennebrae brother.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage Masquerade by Barbara McMahon is an old trope made very entertaining through McMahon’s storytelling ability. It’s an old story: Gemma was the best assistant Nikos had ever had. Then one day she walks into the office and tells him she is quitting. He won’t have that, but when she explains she is pregnant and moving to a new local to regroup, he comes up with a plan: since his visa has expired and his attorney had not refiled, if she would marry him, he could stay in the US and he wouldn’t have to lose his assistant. She could live a life of luxury while awaiting the birth of her child, and be taken care of. The pregnancy would help convince the immigration people that the marriage was legitimate. It was a great plan! Gemma wasn’t as convinced as Nikos was but after thinking it over for a couple of days, agreed. Of course we all know how this will end.

Gemma and Nikos were both strong characters, well written, and sympathetic, which is McMahon’s gift. The well-known trope was made entertaining by the details that McMahon used to make it fresh again. It was a pleasant and entertaining novel. There are plenty of ways to make a family, and McMahon is exploring them all with this new series. I recommend it.

I was invited to read Marriage Masquerade by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #BarbaraMcMahon #Marriage Masquerade

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance is always an intriguing genre to read. The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 2 in The Kennabrae Brides series. I read book 1 and was excited to read this book also.

WOW, this storyline is just as interesting as the first book. The setting is 1906 in Minnesota. The 2 main characters are Noah Kennebrae and Anastasia Michaels. Noah has found a new home and assistant Lightkeeper in a Lighthouse on Lake Superior. He is determined to leave his past behind, changes his name to Nick, including an arranged marriage by his Grandfather. Anastasia, is the housekeeper at the Lighthouse, known as Annie. She has come to the Lighthouse as she doesn't want to be a part of an arranged marriage either. Nick and Annie are both instantly attracted to one another. Unbeknownst to one another, their relatives had arranged for them to be married, as they had just met. The story gets really interesting as they become closer to each other. Secrets are revealed and Annie's Faith remains strong throughout. I really enjoyed the ending especially because it truly showed how True LOVE reigns! The book is about Second Chances, Trust, Faith and LOVE. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. WONDERFUL BOOK!

[Renee Knoblauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the “Brides of the West” series from Erica Vetsch. All the books in this series stand alone.

Caption Noah Kennebrae is grieving from guilt after a terrible accident. None of it was his fault; he couldn’t help but blame himself for the accident. His other problem is that his controlling grandfather has an arranged marriage set up for him. Noah needs to get away, so he changes his name and accepts a job at a lighthouse on an Island on Lake Superior.

There, he meets Annie, a beautiful young woman. Annie, “Anastasi,” overhears her father arranging an engagement for her with someone she doesn’t even know. She decides to run away and finds herself employed as a housekeeper at a remote lighthouse.
The characters drew me in. I was anxious to see how the romance and story developed. The plot was beautifully written in this page turner. Everything flowed naturally in the story. The best part is that what they are running from is the person in front of them.
I highly recommend this lovely, heartfelt, inspirational romance.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Donna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I think you should know know:
The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch is part of the Brides of the West and the second of the Kennabrae Brides. Set in Duluth, Minnesota in 1906 this book features Noah Kennebrae, disgraced Captain. I would recommend that you start with the first book in the series The Bartered Bride as it gives you a better understanding of Noah and his situation.

What I think about this book:
Annie and Nick have a shocking meeting when Annie is knocked off the dock into Lake Superior. Annie and Nick have both fled to Sutton Island to work at the Light House in order to escape pressure from home . I loved everything about this story. I have always been fascinated by lighthouses and the strength that the keepers must have had. The author did a wonderful job describing what it must have been like to have been there. It was interesting to read about Annie learning how to take care of herself and others. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to see what happens next to the Kennebrae family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Brides of the West series, you could read it as a standalone but I recommend reading book 1, The Bartered Bride. Not only is it equally as good as The Marriage Masquerade, but each book follows one of the brothers in the Kennebrae family so we see many of the same people.

In the Marriage Masquerade we meet Noah who is trying to start over with a new name; Nick. And Annie who is hired as the housekeeper but is hiding from her father. Both are in trouble, but can they help each other?

Suspense as each hides their identity. “Nick” has a deep faith but is lost in his disgrace. Annie needs to find God for herself. I love the faith thread and the strong family relationships. Well, except for the grandfather. He is irritating while Nick and Annie are so very likeable.

The question is, can two people running from nasty villains find safety, security, and even….love? If you enjoy historical fiction then you must read it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in The Brides of the West series and I enjoyed it just as much as book one. I was excited to read Noah’s story and to see how grandfather arranged his bride. I never expected that running away could result in the path God intended all along. I loved that this one takes place at a lighthouse as you can envision the rocky slope as the waves crash around you, the ships on the water, and the beacon shining reminding you that Jesus is our light in the darkness. Although this is a quick read it shows character development and a satisfying ending. Changing names doesn’t change who we are and when secrets and lies come to light listening and understanding is imperative to go forward. A story of family, forgiveness, facing our fears, and listening to God. I must say that I really am enjoying this series and look forward to reading the youngest Kennebrae grandson story next.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/Wild Heart Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Jeannine Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author’s writing drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked the whole way through. Noah and Annie’s story is full of tension, secrets, and romance, all wrapped in beautiful prose that makes every scene feel alive.

Noah’s fight for redemption and Annie’s search for independence created a powerful dynamic that gave real weight to their love story. Their chemistry was undeniable, but what made it even more captivating was how their struggles with trust and forgiveness shaped every interaction between them.

The marriage masquerade plot added just the right amount of intrigue, balancing heartache with hope. Both characters felt flawed yet strong, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. This is a romance that blends mystery, redemption, and true love in the most compelling way.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Noah Kennebrae and Annie Michaels first meet while filling their new jobs at the lighthouse, they have no idea that they have several things in common: a controlling family member; tragedies in their past; secrets about their true identities; and another unexpected connection that they could never have imagined. Both go through a process of facing up to the past and the need to forgive themselves. There are some funny moments as Annie learns to be a cook and housekeeper; and some heart-touching ones as Noah sorts through his past. This storyline follows Noah and Annie as they rediscover faith, hope, and love—along with a future they could never have imagined.

I thought the author did a great job with the character development and the pacing of the storyline. I enjoyed reading this book, and it is a wonderful example of how good Christian historical fiction can be.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anastasia and Noah are both running from the guilt from the past and arranged marriages. As they both get work on a small island, helping to man a lighthouse, the past begins to catch up to them.

I enjoyed the opportunity to gain exposure to how the lighthouse was maintained. I could relate to Annie’s sea sickness, so I really sympathized with her there. I felt, however, that in some ways, the book left questions unanswered. What happened to Hazel? Why was Mrs. Batson always sick? After all Mr & Mrs Batson did for Annie, there was no discussion of a good bye or parting. It seemed Mrs Batson was her first adult friend, besides her governess. Seeing she helped Annie grow so much, not only in finding confidence in her duties, but also in her faith, why was there no indication they would at keep in touch?

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

With both main characters fleeing their families and living under assumed names, this story is different than others, but I enjoyed it as much as the first book in the series. Noah is a disgraced boat captain, and Anastacia is an heiress who her father is "brokering" to marry off to a businessman. Both of them take off to work on an island with a lighthouse and there they meet. I loved learning about lighthouses and the scenic area around there. Anastacia has a hard time at first because she's never done any "labor" and now she's supposed to be a housekeeper! I loved her interaction with the wife of the lighthouse keeper especially tender and sweet.
Of course, their true identities have a way of finding them and sparks fly! I liked the story, the characters and the inspirational theme that ran through the whole book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the first book from Erica Vetsch's Brides of the West series, The Bartered Bride, and was excited to have the opportunity to read the second installment, The Marriage Masquerade. I absolutely loved the story between Noah and Annie. They had wonderful chemistry. I wanted to continue reading to see what would happen to them in the end. There was a lot of adventure, action, and romance. I thought it was great.



I am going to give The Marriage Masquerade a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are lovers of clean historical romance. I look forward to the next installment of the Brides of the West series, The Engineered Engagement.



I received a copy of Erica Vetsch's The Marriage Masquerade from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marriage Masquerade (Brides of the West Book 2) by Erica Vetsch has another Kennebrae, Noah, seeking to avoid his grandfather’s marriage scheme. Until I started this series, I didn’t realize the male main characters were all related. Once again, the main characters, Noah/Nick and Annie are trying to steer clear of family arranged marriages. It is surprising how little control the men had of their future while the women’s plight of that time is well known.

These characters must overcome doubts, the past, and the lack of trust that they have. A story of friendship is formed despite hidden identities. Still God sees and knows each one, so it is an inspiring story of God’s love, provision, and plan. A historical fiction romance that readers can relate to today.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read with two distraught individuals impersonating to be someone else, and accepted jobs on Sutton Island to assist with the various duties that the Batson’s needed done as the lighthouse keeper. Nick and Annie came to enjoy their surroundings until trouble arrived on the isolated island. The Batson’s warmth, encouragement and spiritual direction made this an enjoyable read as forgiveness, new beginnings and love must be faced as only God could orchestra among the two masquerading individuals. Their families of wealth had suffered with all the drama created but time to face the truth could be healing.

I received an early copy of this book from Wild Heart Books and Celebrate Lit Tours. I have shared my own thoughts.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Marriage Masquerade" by Erica Vetsch is the second novel in this series. I really loved this story and how it ended. Annie and Noah were such likeable characters. I think readers that like stories of forced marriages will like this story. The ending certainly didn't end like I think it would when I started reading. This story kept me reading and turning the pages. This is a story of faith and trust and love. But it is also a story of greed, the love of money certainly is not pleasant for the ones that is plotted against but sometimes it does turn out better than it seems like it will.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Betti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ongoing nightmares have left Captain Noah Kennabrae with no choice but to run. The grounding of the Bethany, and the loss of a number of his crew has left him with guilt and shame that will not go away. Assistant lightkeeper at the Sutton Island Light will keep him close to the water he loves but without a crew that he could lose.

Anastasia Michaels is running from an arranged marriage. Will these two come to realize that mistakes deserve forgiveness and that second chances do exist? A copy of The Kennabrae Brides Book 2 was received through Wild Heart Books and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I liked seeing Noah and Annie grow as they tried to run away from what different family members wanted them to do. I liked how they got to know each other on a deeper level even when they didn’t know the real name of the other person. I liked how they fell in love and eventually ended up together. I liked how the misunderstandings got resolved. I also liked that Noah was made to face his fear and go back to doing what he loved.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read that's written so well that you don't want to put it down. Anastasia and Noah both come from very wealthy and very controlling families. They each escape their families and find work on the same island, never suspecting the other's secrets. They get to know each other through trials, strengthening faith and wonderful people around them. Excellent story to get lost in.

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