This is not a time period I generally read about, so that aspect alone was interesting. The characters were complex and wonderful. Michelle revealed bits and pieces about them a little at a time and it made me keep wanting more to the story. Why did they act the way they did? Backstory is huge in explaining why characters react the way they do and Michelle did a fantastic job with that.

On the topic of characters, Mr. Nutbrown was pretty amusing. I think if this was a movie, he'd annoy me, but he was sort of comic relief. Ridiculous man.

Ultimately, both Alex and Johanna have to wrestle with and push through their pasts and lean solely on God. They realize that they have been trying to succeed on their own strength and failing.

Alex's mission was full of surprises. Another masterful job by the author.

On the whole, I enjoyed the book. It's human, you can connect to the characters, and it has a good theme and lesson.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I must admit, it took a while for me to get into this book. However, it became interesting as the story unfolded. I felt myself waiting for the love story to enfold and couldn’t wait for Alex and Johanna to finally embrace their love.

I always appreciate it when an author puts research into their writing, and I enjoy learning a little historical facts while enjoying a lovely novel.

The Innkeeper’s Daughter offers a fresh take on Regency fiction. I’m used to reading about high society in the Regency era; Jane Austen’s world. But The Innkeeper’s Daughter details the life of the working class in the early 19th century. While at times it was refreshing to get a new perspective on this era, there were times when the book seemed to move a little slow for me. Certainly, there is a lot of adventure, and plenty of twists and turns as secrets are revealed about the hero and heroine, but there were some parts of the story that just didn’t hold my attention. For the most part I liked the hero and heroine. Each had their flaws as well as their positive attributes. I liked that they were both strong characters who put other’s needs before their own.

All in all, The Innkeeper’s Daughter is a decent Regency novel. Perhaps not my favorite sort of story, but I liked it in general.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I would have enjoyed this book more, If I had read the first in the series. I was a bit confused about who was who and what was happening. I also think I'm just burned out on Regency Novels.
I will say this novel seemed to be a lot more historically accurate than most I've read. But the characters didn't grab me, and it was ver hard for me to finish.

This was a solid book featuring romance, suspense, and intrigue set during the Regency period. When Alex, a Bow Street Runner, goes undercover at Johanna's inn, sparks definitely fly. The author really knows how to write some sizzling attraction between the main characters. However, I felt Alex wasn't quite honorable towards Johanna since his assignment required him to pursue another woman yet he seemed to lead Johanna on. Poor Johanna has a lot on her shoulders but I liked her character's journey. I appreciated the strong spiritual content and how Alex and Johanna had to learn to trust God even when circumstances seemed so bleak. For me, the story took some time to really take off but when it did, it completely kept my interest. There were some memorable supporting characters and one very quirky one. This isn't a squeaky clean book in that there are some "gritty" parts (beatings/shootings) but nothing too graphic. The mystery of the traitor kept me guessing and there were some unexpected twists. This book is loosely connected to Brentwood's Ward (about another Bow Street Runner) and Brentwood even makes an appearance here. I hope the author will write books about the other two men in this motley group of Runners, especially Thatcher!
* I received this book free of charge from NetGalley.

Michelle Griep has done it again! Captured a tale by the stroke of her pen. Alex and Johanna definitely share a bond that began when she literally landed in his arms. No small fete for this couple to meet and fall in love in the midst of a man on a particular mission. His duty to the crown was foremost on his mind yet this woman and her family captured his heart and he knew he needed to remain focused on his task.

This book has all the elements of a suspenseful thriller rivaling anything that we can see on the big screen. When I read this book I felt as if I were transported back to England in 1808. As a woman I felt powerless to try to improve the lot of Johanna and her mother as they worked their fingers to the bone to keep their ramshackle inn afloat. No matter what they did it was hard to keep up with their rent. It was a wonder why a classy gent like Alex was commanded to stay at this inn at this time. Patience, dear reader for all will be told in one neatly tied package at the end.
I think Michelle Griep created fascinating characters for this book. I was surprised to learn the identity of the traitor. There were, after all, some pretty unsavory characters in this book. You will go deep into the gaol and gamble with high stakes with a Viscount. The drudge of day to day life for those without wealth will grip your heart and hopefully make you grateful for all that you have. Alex had a deep faith and shared that with Johanna in one of her dark moments. When confronted with seemingly hopeless events, she relied on that faith he helped her reawaken. It surprised me that Alex possessed such a deep faith with all that he had been through in his life and his current lifestyle. I appreciated this book all the more with his conviction and how it truly helped them all in the end.

"From now on, you are no longer a Moore, but a Morton… You are a dealer in fine wines, a buyer and seller for your father."

"The Innkeeper's Daughter" (2018, Barbour) by Michelle Griep is a Christian Regency romance/mystery set in Dover, England in 1808. The novel is a standalone story and is at this time not officially part of a series. But the setting is definitely in the world of Bow Street runners that Griep built for Brentwood's Ward, which precedes this book. I jumped at the chance to obtain a NetGalley copy of this one because Griep is on my list of my favorite six authors!

Rating: 5 stars

The heroine: Johanna Langley, 25, along with her mother and young brother Thomas, run the Blue Hedge Inn. They are a hair's breadth away from losing the inn, which is also their home. Johanna's mother is somewhat limited by her "poor eye," and Thomas tends to get into scrapes, so a large chunk of the workload goes to Johanna.

The hero: Officer Alexander Moore has been given a special assignment by Magistrate Ford of the Bow Street Runners: "I would like you to go incognito for a while…. You will pose as a gambling rogue to ferret out a suspected traitor. A dangerous, highly connected traitor… And if this operation fails, I shall refute any knowledge of this conversation, to the point of watching you swing from a gibbet if necessary." This is quite the serious tone to take, especially when Ford had been Moore's guardian for several years!

Historical Background from Wikipedia: "The Bow Street Runners have been called London's first professional police force. The force… was founded in 1749… Bow Street runners was the public's nickname for the officers... The Bow Street group was disbanded in 1839."

Christian elements:

*Within the first few pages: "God's seen us through worse, has He not?... If we fail to trust in his provision, what kind of faith is that?"

*"At the moment, her faith felt as crumbly as the wood - which was always the best time to pray."

Is it clean/chaste? Yes. Alcohol and the inn's taproom are occasionally mentioned.

What I liked:

*The dedication is to "the Keeper of my soul."

*I really liked the character of Thatcher, another Bow Street officer. Last month, I asked Ms. Griep whether Thatcher would be getting his own book. Her response: "I'm working on it now." Woo hoo!

*I wouldn't feel funny recommending this book to men. That goes for "Brentwood's Ward" also. I know that there are men out there who read romance novels - I believe I have four male GR friends who do so - but I still do not know of any in my non-virtual world.

*Prose such as this line: "It might've been a cozy inn at some point, but now the walls leaned in toward the soot-blackened ceiling, giving the impression the entire building wanted to lie down and rest."

What I didn’t like: I don't recall anything I disliked! I did find a couple of spots that may need minor edits, but as I was reading an ARC, it's possible these have already been ironed out for the final copy.

***********

The bottom line: I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical Christian and/or clean fiction. Both the romance and mystery/spy aspects were enjoyable. The next book I read by Ms. Griep will be The Captured Bride, and this will be in the near future, as I was fortunate enough to get a NetGalley copy of that book as well!

I can't quite imagine coming up with a story like this! There were so many levels to the mystery. I could hardly put the book down. The mystery was so well-crafted that I had no idea who the “bad guy” was until almost at the end. I also enjoyed the way little bits of the main character's back story were revealed, along with his relationship to Johanna's mother. The lesson he learned, and tried to pass on to Johanna, about resting and trusting in God and not in ourselves, is one we all need to learn. I also appreciated the decision he made to no longer be deceitful at all, even to solve a case and bring criminals to justice.
I received a free ecopy of this book from Amazon and chose to write a review.

Ms. Griep captivated me with the storyline, the realistic characters, snappy but period correct dialogue, and just basic good writing.

If you want to be kidnapped, held for ransom, teased with hints of stories you might never get, and being given stories that would make Dickens green with envy, go ahead. Read the book. But you’ll regret it…

Except you won’t.

The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Michelle Griep

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Michelle Griep brings to her readers another excellent book that will make you feel you are the one on the case and just might make you wish you lived in the Regency Era.

This book was a delight to read, from the mystery that needed solving to the character’s ways of speaking, I had a really good time reading this story. I’m relatively new to Michelle Griep’s writings but I have greatly enjoyed reading her works. She has a way of weaving sarcasm into a story that keeps it freshly hilarious without coming across as mean or derogatory. I also like the way she introduces and plays out her plot – each detail is carefully crafted so the reader can really connect with the story. Ms. Griep begins this story with the Langley family who is struggling to keep their lodging inn home in the face of crippling debt. Johanna, her mother and her brother, Thomas are working hard to find boarders enough to make their payments but as travel to the village of Dover is somewhat limited given the time of year, this has proved difficult. And the one current lodger they have, Lucius Nutbrown, hasn’t paid his rent in two weeks. Determined to make their payments, Johanna begins to look for odd jobs to do around town. Enter Alexander Morton, incognito Bow Street Runner(although they preferred to be called officers), who has arrived in Dover to discover a traitor to the Crown who is selling secrets to the Napoleonic French. His presence at the Langley’s Blue Hedge Inn is a bit odd given the large amount of money he seems to possess but Johanna is not going to send him away. And, as it turns out, this will be a very good thing as Alex is able to help her out of more than one scrape during his stay. But Alex is not there just to help out his temporary landlady, he has a very serious job to do – one that will put many lives in danger if he does not succeed. Ingratiating himself to the local gentry is his first task and given his card sharp abilities that earned him a job as a Runner, he will find this an easier task than expected. Many of the titled landowners of the area enjoy all forms of gambling but the exclusive faro games are reserved for only the best players. It is this that allows Alex to initiate his investigation into the family of Viscount Lord Coburn. Alex will have few allies in his quest and should he fail he will be disavowed, but he is determined to serve his country and brings its enemies to justice. If only he wasn’t so distracted by his unexpected attraction to Johanna Langley. Johanna is also struggling with her own attraction to the mysterious Alex. A helpful and kind lodger he certainly is but why is he so secretive about his business in Dover. He claims to be a wine purchaser but there is little evidence of his work given there is no famous wine to be found in Dover that hasn’t been imported. But as time goes on and Alex finds himself in tough spots more often than not, he will have to turn to Johanna to help him reach those who can assist in his quest. And while Johanna knows there is much Alex hasn’t told her, she cannot help but do all he asks, even when it means leaving him in jail. The culmination of this story is literally explosive and action packed as Alex works to bring down the traitors and rescue Johanna. And at the end of all things, both Alex and Johanna will finally realize that who and what they have been looking for their whole lives has been right there in front of them all this time. As I said before, I loved reading this story. There were moments where there was little action happening but it didn’t feel like it slowed the story, rather it seemed to give one a chance to catch one’s breath before plunging into the next dilemma. I loved the way the story seemed to weave itself slowly outward to include a wonderful variety of characters that carried the story along. One of Ms. Griep’s lesser characters, Lucius Nutbrown, started out as a most annoying character to me but he became central to the story given his gullible nature. And I believe his constant use of his puppet to talk to others was his way of being more brave than he believed himself to be alone. It was an interesting way to portray a person with limited mental capacity and as the story went along, I began to feel sorry for Nutbrown as it seemed he couldn’t help but be taken advantage of by everyone. I was pleased with Ms. Griep’s way of having her characters constantly turn to God for help through situations in which they were overwhelmed. And as they also looked to Him for the everyday happenings this was an excellent way for them to behave. And while several were praying for rescue from a desperate situation, they still found ways to praise and thank God for what they had in spite of their circumstances. In this I was able to connect better with the characters as I have experienced some of the same circumstances. I will most certainly be recommending this book to others and will add this to my “To Purchase” list for the future. I also hope that Thatcher from this story will be getting his own book soon as I think he will be excellent as a hero for his heroine – but she will have to be one determined lady to capture his heart. Please, Ms. Griep, write his story soon!

I received this E-book free of charge from Shiloh Run Press/Barbour Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

I would like to thank the publishers for giving me a digital copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy, quick read with likable characters and a fun storyline. The writing is clean with Christian references so a good book to share and pass on to my friends and family. The story was a little predictable, but enjoyable so I found it nice as a vacation read. It was an easy book to lose myself in when I had a minute to read without having to give it a lot of attention. I enjoyed The Innkeeper's Daughter and would happily read more by this author.

Threads of undercover intrigue, working-class toil and strife, and sweet reluctant-romance are woven together in this high stakes adventure tempered with quirky characters, compassion, and faith!

Johanna Langley is plugging away with a tooth and nail determination to save her family’s livelihood by taking on more responsibility and stress than she ought. Alexander Moore (alias Morton) is used to being surrounded by lovely ladies but he never had one like Johanna land in his life before now.

Although there are connections with previously released, Brentwood’s Ward, each story also stands alone. I highly recommend both books and hope there are more stories of London’s Bow Street runners yet to be told!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Michelle Griep is set in Dover, England in 1808. Johanna Langley helps her mother care for the Blue Hedge Inn in Dover, England as well as her mischievous younger brother. The rent payment as well as the loan payment for repairing the hearth are coming due. If Johanna cannot come up with the money in time, they will be bound for the workhouse. She is hoping the upcoming Oak Apple Day will bring in some much needed guests. Officer Alex Moore is given a special assignment by Magistrate Ford. Alex is to pose as a gambling rogue to unmask a traitor in Dover. Someone has been leaking military intelligence to the French. While staying in Dover, Magistrate Ford has arranged for Alex to lodge at the Blue Hedge Inn. When Alex meets Johanna, he feels an immediate attraction. But Alex is not free to pursue the comely Johanna while he is on assignment. Alex’s mission becomes complicated and he must enlist Johanna’s assistance if they are to bring a collaborator to justice. Come along for the adventure in The Innkeeper’s Daughter.

The Innkeeper’s Daughter has an intriguing premise. The blurb for the book captured my attention and had me wanting to find out what happened to the Johanna and Alex. Michelle Griep did capture the time period with the descriptions of the buildings, clothing, people’s attitudes and behavior, the jobs available, and options for those without funds (there was a lack of historical accuracy). The Innkeeper’s Daughter had a good start, but then the plot dragged for me. There were some interesting sections, but not enough to hold my attention. I was happy to see the action pick up near the end of the book. Johanna is a hard character to like. She seemed to take the joy out of any room she entered. Johanna had a very depressing attitude. She did not like to take advice, let someone else be in charge (like Alex) and Johanna felt like a failure (which readers are reminded of often). I am surprised the inn was still open with the way it was run. The little brother is allowed to run around wild (instead of helping at the inn) and then brings in customers that end up costing them money (the mother never took charge). Overall, Johanna was a frustrating character. She never seemed to let go and trust God to provide (like Alex). There was a man with a puppet that was silly and was not needed in the story (I have a feeling he would have gotten beat up regularly). I felt the ending was a letdown and some of the subplots were confusing. I give The Innkeeper’s Daughter 3 out of 5 stars. While I did not feel Michelle Griep hit this one out of the park, I have enjoyed her other novels, and I will continue to read her works in the future.

Historical fiction at its finest. Michelle Griep is an outstanding author and storyteller...Her writing is pristine as is her attention to detail. She pens a beautifully written story of love, hurt, inspiration and courage. Looking forward to reading more of her work. Five Stars.

Title: The Innkeeper’s Daughter

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Era: Regency (1808)

Setting: Dover, England

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Source: from Netgalley (in exchange for honest, unsolicited review)

Overall Rating: 3/5 stars

Overall, this was a good novel, but I did have a couple problems with it. The primary had to do with the relationship between the main characters. It seemed to be primarily based on attraction, though I think they did eventually grow a strong relationship.

There were a couple other things, some of which affected my enjoyment of the book. There were also some content issues.

PLOT: 3/5
Overall I did like the plot. It was a wild ride with traitors and smugglers and a Bow Street Runner and the inn almost going under and Mr. Nutbrown.

However, there were a couple problems. First, I don’t think gambling is right? Pretty much ever? Especially not for high stakes. Yet it’s never really dealt with that Alex is a pretty frequent gambler.

Also, there was a lot – and I mean a LOT – of physical attraction between the main characters. Alex acts like he’s never seen a girl before Johanna, and from the moment he meets her, he seems to think she’s the most attractive creature he’s ever met. Johanna reacts in a similar manner.

I was very surprised by the ending! I really had no idea how the plot would turn out.

CHARACTERS: 4/5
The characters were very well developed. I liked Johanna a lot, though at times she was a bit stubborn, and Alex was honestly one of the coolest heros I’ve read about in a long time.

Mr. Nutbrown was a favorite minor character of mine. I wonder about his future, though … I feel that the plot concerning him wasn’t completely resolved? Thomas was also pretty awesome.

SETTING: 5/5
Very well done! I felt sucked up into the setting and era! I loved the feeling of the inn, the seaside town, etc.

WRITING: 4/5
Well done! The style was flowing and easy to understand.

CONTENT: 3/5
Language: n/a

Violence: lots of gunfights, injuries, etc. Probably mildly disturbing.

Sexual: lots of attraction between the main characters, oftentimes semi-detailed, a couple kisses described in detail.

Other: disturbing scenes at a prison with lots of filth, being trapped in a small area, etc. Drinking and gambling, not necessarily condemned.

15+ for the extreme attraction between the main characters, gambling and drinking not seeming to be dealt with properly, and some mild gore.

OVERALL: 3/5
It was an excellent concept, but there was a bit more content than I was comfortable with personally and a few plot points were left unresolved. The ending was just too sudden!

Review by Kellyn Roth of Reveries Reviews

It took a bit of time for me to be interested in what was going on in this book. I enjoyed it for the most part.

As usual, Michelle Griep takes readers on a fast-paced, intriguing adventure in The Innkeeper’s Daughter. The plot’s twists and turns and the entertaining cast of characters made the novel nearly impossible to put down. Griep uses Johanna’s desperation to keep her family out of the poorhouse, Alex’s need to complete one last mission, Mrs. Langley’s quiet wisdom, Mr. Quail’s antics, and Mr. Nutbrown’s oddities to tell a truly beautiful story. This complexity makes Johanna’s and Alex’s love story compelling rather than frustrating, and the ending very satisfying. The Innkeeper’s Daughter may very well be my favorite book from Griep yet.

Another author to add to my list! This is the first book by Michelle Griep that I have read, but definitely will not be the last. The Innkeeper's Daughter has everything I look for in a book: excellent plot, memorable characters, well-researched historical detail and a spiritual message that can relevant to the reader as well. This is a regency filled with political intrigue, smuggling and a wonderful eclectic cast of characters. Although there are references to a previous book, Brentwood's Ward, this can easily be read as a stand alone.

Some of my favorite quotes:
"If you lose what you love to gain that which you don't, merely out of a sense of duty, such an action can never be right."

" You must bring your broken heart to God-or your broken heart will make you leave Him."

"Oh, God, he gasped."There never has been anything else, was there? Only You, not me. I've been standing in the way."

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Alex Moore is a Bow Street Runner on an undercover off the record mission to track down a traitor by posing as a roguish gambler, courting the viscount's daughter. While undercover he is staying at the Blue Hedge Inn in Dover, where he meets Johanna.



Johanna Langley works hard to keep the inn afloat, worrying about the lack of customers and how to care for her family

so that they won't be forced into the poor house. Johanna can't seem to understand why she is falling for the their guest's roguish charm.



Will Alex be able to complete his mission without putting them all in danger, or losing his heart in the process?



This book was slow to start, but as it picked up momentum I really enjoyed the many characters, great dialog, faith, and action-packed conclusion.



Johanna is hardworking and faithful, trying to hold on to the only way of life that she's known. She loves her family, and she is good at carrying on.



Alex is duty bound to fulfill his mission, he wishes that he could be more honest with the woman who has come to mean so much to him, and what will she do when she finds out that he isn't who he's been pretending to be? I like how he takes a deeper look at his faith, and learns about trusting God with the outcome. Also the way that he interacts with Thomas is good for him, as he encourages Thomas to keep trying and never give up.



Johanna's mother is a lot like Johanna, and there is more to her than most people know. Thomas is outgoing, friendly, and wants to help his mother and sister make the inn a success.



Overall once it got going this was a fantastic read with great characters, who are likable, and have great chemistry.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."