A Path Lit by Mercy

The Marriage Masquerade

Written by Erica Vetsch

Series: Brides of the West, Book 2

Published by Wild Heart Books

Release Date: 07.08.25 (originally published 01.01.2010 The Kennebrae Brides)

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

4 Stars!

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.