by Misty M. Beller
I love a heroine in disguise! It’s one of my favorite tropes, but I don’t often get to write stories with that plot. It adds so many interesting and funny moments to the storyline—especially in historical fiction, where societal norms and expectations often necessitated creative solutions for women seeking independence or adventure.
In my latest novel, Rocky Mountain Journey, I had the pleasure of exploring this trope through the character of Faith, who goes undercover as a man named "Frank" to ensure her safety while traveling with a group of trappers to reach her destination.
Faith's decision to disguise herself as a man is a clever one, as there was safety in numbers when traversing the wild and untamed landscapes of the American West. However, her disguise is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to the development of her romantic relationship with the hero, Grant Allen.
Grant, being the observant and perceptive man he is, is the only one in the group who notices the uncanny resemblance between the young "man" riding with them and the woman he met earlier by the waterfall—a memory that lingers with him and grows stronger each time he looks at Frank.
I can sometimes relate to the desire to don a disguise as Faith did. In our daily lives, we often find ourselves putting on metaphorical masks when interacting with certain groups of people. Whether it's at work, in social settings, or even with family members, we may feel the need to hide our true opinions, emotions, or even our true selves to fit in or avoid conflict. This subtle form of disguise can be exhausting and emotionally taxing as we monitor our words and actions to maintain the façade.
It is in these moments that we truly appreciate those rare individuals with whom we can be completely authentic. These are the people who accept us for who we are, flaws and all, and provide a safe space for us to express ourselves without fear of judgment or rejection.
In Rocky Mountain Journey, Faith experiences this liberation when Grant discovers her true identity. His acceptance and understanding allow her to shed the disguise and be herself, fostering a deeper connection between them.
In the same way, the freedom that comes with being able to drop our disguises is immeasurable. It allows us to form more meaningful relationships, build trust, and experience a sense of belonging. In a world that often pressures us to conform and hide our true nature, finding individuals who encourage and celebrate our authenticity is a true gift.
As you read Rocky Mountain Journey, I pray you enjoy following Faith's journey as she navigates the challenges of her physical disguise while learning to embrace her true self as God made her. May her story inspire you to seek out those special connections in your own life, so you can remove your mask and revel in the joy of being unapologetically yourself.
About the Author
Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is a USA Today bestselling author of over 40 Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simple life by writing historical novels that display God's abundant love through twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
About the Book
Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins follows a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the woman who saved her father’s life. Grant Allen joins the same band of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother's location. Soon Grant realizes there's a woman hiding among the men, and he's determined to keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.
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