In 2020, I really delved into the world of Kindle Unlimited. I downloaded so many books, reading story after story. One of the books I read was Identity by Camille Peters. While the other books drifted by, this particular story stuck with me until I caved and got the physical copy before I had even finished reading it! To this day, I read Identity at least once a year. Without further ado, let’s get into this amazing book!
Anwen’s uncanny resemblance to Princess Lavena has been a curse since the moment she entered her service, as the spoiled princess has frequently used it to her advantage by forcing Anwen to switch places with her. But Princess Lavena’s latest scheme is her worst—and most dangerous—yet: compelling Anwen to take the princess’s place in her marriage to her loathed fiancé, Prince Liam. Bound by an enchanted contract not to reveal the charade, Anwen is forced to go through with the masquerade and endure a marriage to a man who despises the woman he believes her to be. As time goes on, Anwen struggles not only to maintain her identity, but to fight her deepening feelings as she begins to fall in love with her new husband, a man who not only isn’t hers to keep, but who has no idea who she really is.
World, Characters, and Plot
The main characters, Liam and Anwen, are such deep and real main characters. Anwen is forced to wear a mask that disguises her true self, even from those she loves. She also has an unusual hobby: she loves entomology! Liam is the ideal prince: funny, sensitive, heroic… every scene with him is my favorite scene. His humor and sense of adventure add so much to the story. Since purchasing this book, I’ve reread it multiple times. I’ve always loved the story of the goose girl, and this retelling fits the feelings of the original fairy tale perfectly. Anwen and Liam develop their relationship throughout the story, and I love being able to go with them as they learn more about each other and themselves. There’s one scene in particular where the couple is searching for a haunted settee in the castle. I’ve reread that chapter more times than I can count!
PAGED IN: There is no profanity, innuendo, or violence. The Biblical connection in this book can be made through Anwen’s constant struggle with herself and the situation she’s in. She’s afraid of losing herself in her circumstances. When we feel caught in the storms of life, we can always turn to God to be our anchor. Hebrews 6:19 calls this “an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast.”
Conclusion
I now consider Identity to be one of my favorite fairy retellings I own. It’s difficult to put into words just how much I enjoyed this story. I felt every hurt, joy, and love with these characters. Every time I reread Identity, it’s equally as amazing as the first time. I will always recommend it!
You can buy Identity here.
Marie