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. Click on the book cover for purchase link.

About the Book

Book: The Marriage Masquerade

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A disgraced captain and a runaway heiress—hiding from the past and bound by fate—will their marriage masquerade lead to true love?

Noah Kennebrae, disgraced ship captain, has escaped to a remote lighthouse to avoid his grandfather’s schemes and the ghosts that haunt him. Taking a job under an assumed name, he’s determined to start over—until he meets Annie Fairfax. The feisty housekeeper’s warmth and spirit captivate him, and he falls for her despite his best efforts. But he’s keeping secrets that could destroy her trust…and his chance at redemption.

Desperate to escape the calculating grasp of her father, Anastasia “Annie” Michaels flees home to become the unlikely housekeeper on an isolated island. Working incognito at the lighthouse, she finds solace in her newfound independence and unexpected friendship with Nick. However, as their relationship deepens, Annie’s fear of abandonment resurfaces when she learns the truth Nick has been hiding.

Caught in a marriage masquerade of their own making, Noah and Annie must navigate secrets, lies, and painful pasts in hopes of a future together.

Final thoughts from Erica

I love a hidden identity story! And in the case of The Marriage Masquerade, both the hero AND the heroine are hiding their true identities.

The Marriage Masquerade features Noah, who is running from the guilt of a mistake he feels he made that lost both a Great Lakes ship and several lives. Anastasia Michaels is running away from an arranged marriage.

They both flee to a remote lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior, he as an assistant lighthouse keeper and she as a housekeeper and cook.

The lighthouse in The Marriage Masquerade is based directly upon the Split Rock Lighthouse, one of my favorite places to visit along the North Shore. Situated on a cliff high above the lake, Split Rock is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

When I first visited this exquisite place, I fell in love. And when I fall in love with an historical site, I need to know as much of the history of the place as I can. Several of the incidents that occur at the fictional lighthouse in the story come directly from the history of Split Rock.

Filtering liquid mercury, polishing the Fresnel lens, hiding dishes in the oven when the inspector comes, and other happenings in The Marriage Masquerade actually happened in the real lives of the lightkeepers at Split Rock.

Noah and Anastasia’s story is a forced proximity romance, with a dash of hidden identity, redemption, and learning to stand on your own two feet. I hope you’ll enjoy their journey from fearful, guilt-ridden characters to healed through love, confident, and ready to embark on a lifelong journey together.

If you would like to learn more about Split Rock and see glorious photos of this picturesque site, check out: https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock