The Captive Imposter (The Everstone Chronicles Book 3) by Dawn Crandall {Review}

The Captive Imposter (The Everstone Chronicles Book 3) by Dawn Crandall

Kindle Edition, 288 pages

Published April 1st 2015 by Whitaker House 

 

 

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.

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

I've been curious about Estella Everstone. She's a little intimidating because she's quiet, obviously in love with Jay, and the younger sister of all these swoony men. After a dangerous incident, Estella finds herself under an assumed identity, as a lady's companion. Through random events, "Elle" ends up at her favorite of her father's hotels, Everton. Estella needs help and Dexter, the hotel manager, comes to her rescue, befriending her. 

 

Dexter is a little rough around the edges, but he really grew on me. I admire his hard-working demeanor, as well as his obvious love of his family. He's a little oblivious at times, but such a great hero. Estella is a gentle and sweet character who only wants to be loved for herself. Don't we all?

 

There's some powerful chemistry between these two, although they each have their reasons for denying it. I love it when the tension is there, but there's also a fight, with a little give, and then more fight. I also love the relationship that Estella builds with Roxy, Dexter's sister. 

I love how each story brings a little suspense, mixed in with a great story and setting, because it enhances the romance and character growth. One thing that I always forget to mention is that I love the chapter headings. Each one is a quote from a book, author, or poet, and really ties in well with what's going on in that chapter.

Overall, this is another fantastic story to add to the Everstone collection and this family and setting have wormed even deeper into my heart.

Content: mild romance (vague talk of brothels, kissing); mild violence (threats, vague talk of suicide); mild religious elements. Clean!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A review was not required and all views expressed are my own.*

 

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About the Author:

Dawn Crandall is an ACFW Carol Award-nominated author of the award winning series The Everstone Chronicles, which currently consists of: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart and The Captive Imposter. The Cautious Maiden is her fourth book.
Apart from writing, Dawn is also a mom of two little ones and serves with her husband in a premarital mentorship program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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. It didn't take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do.
Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and an associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter. She is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.