Johanna is the daughter of an innkeeper. She has taken on the main responsibility for her family’s inn after the death of her father, both her mother and brother work to maintain their only source of income. Alexander Moore is a man on assignment, he incognito and working as a spy as Alexander Morton, rogue, wealthy man at leisure. When these two meet it’s an instant attraction, however, Alexander is working and is not able to tell Johanna who he is, and Johanna is trying to keep her family afloat financially. When Alexander is in danger, Johanna is drawn to him despite the danger and they both have to fight for their love and a future. Apart from the time in which the book is set it has little to do with “Pride and Prejudice” which it is compared to. This is a lovely, historical romance with an interesting adventurous story and characters that were fun to get to know.

I couldn't get into this book so I couldn't finish it. Sorry about that.

Suspenseful book kept me guessing until the end… This is the first book that I have read by this author and I absolutely loved it. I hated to put the book down. The book has traitors, smugglers, traveling musicians, mystery, romance, and Christian values. Trusting in God is a theme that runs through the book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net Gallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Johanna is struggling to pay the rent on her family's inn to keep them from the workhouse. Johanna asks her young brother to bring guests back from the ships landing. Thomas brings back guests that she doesn't expect; travelling musicians playing for their room and board, and a man who is too well dressed for the inn. Alexander Morton, an undercover Bow Street Runner, is trying to find the traitor in town. Alex was told to stay at the inn and to become engaged to Louise, the Viscount's daughter. When Johanna falls into his arms, Alex is intrigued by her. Johanna is not used to a man's attentions and is suspicious of what Alex really wants. This book is suspenseful and kept me guessing until the end. I highly recommend this book.

"The Innkeeper's Daughter" by Michelle Griep
An excellent story, well written and spell-binding. Yes, I heartily recommend this story with all of it twists and turns, romance and intrigue. Also, be sure to read the "Historical Notes" at the end.. you just might learn something you never knew or maybe had forgotten. I was gifted a free copy of this story and as you can tell. I truly enjoyed this reading adventure.

I always enjoy Michelle’s books and this one was no exception.

Can I just say I loved Alex. What a great hero and shows himself as such from the beginning with his first encounter with Johanna.

Johanna is a wonderful heroine, she is strong and determined and willing to do whatever she has to to help her family.

The other characters in this story help to round out the plot and keep things interesting, that’s for sure. Johanna’s little brother is a character and likes to get into trouble.

Overall, a great read. If you enjoy historical romance you will like this one.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

Betrayal and deception abound in this clean suspenseful, historical romance! Through it all Johanna and her family struggle to keep their family together. So many red herrings and misguided people make for an entertaining read. Nobles, mentally ill, traitors, bow street runners and smugglers fill the pages. Are there any "normal," people in the story? Loved how Johanna with all her religious beliefs was led to truly believe by someone who'd seen evil daily. Would give 4 stars but the price is too high. Voluntarily read ARC, through Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.

Ever feel like it is all up to you – that you are the source for everything in your life, as I lived much of my life? If yes, you will appreciate this novel in which one of the protagonists, Johanna, feels she must control everything – everything! And if she doesn’t, Jo, her mother, and younger brother will be in the workhouse as was common in 1808 England when folks couldn’t pay their rent. Alex, a man on a mission to flush out a traitor, feels the burden of saving England from her enemies. This talented author takes readers on a tour of Dover, including the white cliffs, during the time of Napoleon’s rule in France.

Johanna’s father died before the birth of her younger brother, Thomas. She and her mother have been run the Blue Hedge Inn since then. On the outskirts of town, it has never had the business other inns enjoy, so there is little money for repairs. This month, they might not be able to pay the rent. At least until Alexander Morton arrives, then a half-dozen itinerant musicians. Thomas promises the musicians that if they play in the tap room each night and bring in customers, particularly over the upcoming Oak Apple Festival, they could stay there for no charge.

Morton can’t believe his boss would send him to the tumbledown Blue Hedge Inn. He is in Dover to find one or more traitors communicating with the French. He will be a regular visitor at the viscount Lord Coburn’s mansion to dine and gamble. If Alex is captured by the wrong people, his boss will have to deny knowledge of what he is doing. If Alex survives and completes the mission, he will get enough money from the person funding the mission to retire on. As Alex sees the inner beauty of Johanna, the innkeeper’s daughter, he receives the worst of the assignment. He must propose marriage to the viscount’s shrewish daughter, Louisa.

The characters are drawn with care, so well that one can see Johanna’s expression when she falls, literally, into Alex’s arms, or the funny little man, Mr. Nutbrown, speaking only through his puppet. There are several memorable characters, including Johanna, her mother, and Alex. We see their circumstances through their point of view, from the humble inn to the viscount’s mansion, or when finding out they will die at the hand of a traitor. Most especially, we see the relationship struggles Johanna and Alex have with the Lord, which might mirror that of almost every reader from time to time.

There are many surprising twists throughout, from who the bad guy/ gal really is to the horror of Alex’ arrest. The political intrigue draws many unexpected and unsuspecting people into the snare of the traitor(s). The author’s research is evident regarding clothing, the countryside, and the social structure. One does not merely go to the barn, one experiences what is heard and seen on the way there. One feels the darkness and stench of gaol, or the hopelessness of the landlord coming with an order to send Jo’s family to the workhouse. This is a novel to be savored. It is also a spiritual adventure, especially as the reader finds oneself with the same type of struggle that one did in what we want to think of as a simpler time, two centuries ago, that really wasn’t simpler after all. I highly recommend this very well-written Christian historical novel!

From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and here is my review.

The Innkeeper’s Daughter is set in Dover, England in the year 1808. Johanna Langley bears the lion’s share of the responsibility for keeping the Blue Hedge Inn open and running. Her widowed mother helps in the kitchen and with tending the rooms, while her scamp of a younger brother follows in his late father’s footsteps trying to bring in what coins he can through games of chance. The inn’s rundown appearance and lack of staff do not draw in many visitors, so Johanna must look to other enterprises in order to meet the payments required by Mr. Spurge and to avoid the work house. While a certain guest of the inn is anxious to give Johanna money, she must wonder what he expects in return.

Alexander Moore or Morton as he has come to be called, is directed to stay at the Blue Hedge Inn while assigned to work undercover in an attempt to ferret out a traitor. Without many clues as to the traitor’s identity and goal, Alex must be suspicious of everyone and constantly on guard. Living a life of duplicity is difficult for this man of high morals and standards, but becomes even more so when he must deny his growing affection for Johanna when his cover demands he become betrothed to another.

Reading The Innkeeper’s Daughter was like listening to a beautiful piece of music played on a piano with a key or two out of tune. The plot was intriguing. The characters well developed. Each of the senses is piqued as characters move from inn, to waterfront, to gaming rooms, to ships’ holds. I understand that when writing historical fiction, the language of the day would be too cumbersome to today’s readers, and dialogue is often written in speech patterns more common to today; however, some modern phrases and clichés have the ability to jerk the reader out of the time period in which the story is set. For example lyrics from a popular Kelly Clarkson song are paraphrased as Johanna says, “I suppose what does not drive us into the ground only serves to make us stronger, hmmmm?” A quote originated by Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, born seventy-six years after the setting of this book. Another character refers to “doing a thorough background check,” a rather modern expression. Would I let these little annoyances keep me from reading The Innkeeper’s Daughter? Absolutely not! I enjoyed the story very much, and thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

When I first started to read this book I thought it was going to be a slow read but it didn't take me long to change my mind. A story of a Bow Street Runner (Alex), with specific instructions, was sent by the magistrate to Dover to track down a traitor to the Crown. He was ordered to stay at the Blue Hedge Inn which is where he met Johanna Langley. I could go on and on about what happened but then I would give this story away, right? I will just say this book was filled with twist, suspense, and romance. It kept me on the edge of my seat several times watching to see how it all played out. I don't think you will be disappointed in finding out who the traitor is and also how Alex and Johanna found their HEA.

A Bow Street Runner, sent to track down a traitor to the Crown, is ordered to stay at a certain inn. The innkeeper's daughter is beautiful but overworked and in desperate need of money to keep the family out of the poorhouse. Naturally, Alex falls in love with Johanna, but as part of his job he is ordered to become engaged to the daughter of a local viscount. Is she the traitor? She plans to elope with a cousin, but when the wedding is moved up, will Alex escape a most unwelcome marriage? And will the knowledge of his engagement destroy any hope he might ever have had with the innkeeper's daughter? Finally, when everything comes to a head, who will turn out to be the traitor? And will they all escape alive from the mess?

This was an enjoyable, clean and well written book, and one that I found enthralling once I got into it (especially towards the end). I did find it a bit slow at the start, but it was well worth the read. The characters were intriguing (though Mr Nutbrown was annoying), the plot intricate and with plenty of twists and turns, and the message helpful and not overdone. I find too many books overly predictable, but this kept me guessing and interested throughout. I particularly liked the whole thing with Richard Ford - but no spoilers!

All things considered, this is a book that I would enjoy re-reading, and has inspired me to look out for more by the author (this is the first I have read by her). Highly recommended.

Note that I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Johanna, the hardworking daughter of an Innkeeper, tirelessly labors in her family's inn to keep it afloat. Alexander, an undercover cop, travels to the family's inn as part of his current mission. Though spending time with the Innkeeper's daughter has nothing to do with his mission, it seems Alexander can't help but to. This story is filled with intrigue and moments I did not expect.

First of all, I really liked this book. For those interested in stories with Christianity sprinkled throughout, this one is a stand out for me in the way it acknowledges God without turning the characters into mindless waiters. Instead, the characters act and work while still believing and looking for God in their lives. For those who don't prefer stories with Christian themes, this one still could be a good book because it seems to document only the characters beliefs instead of trying to convert the reader.

The Good:
-The characters are well thought out and have lots of dimensions
-The female lead has her own thoughts and acts for herself (though there are a couple rescuing type moments)
-The romance is chemistry filled and not obnoxious
-Mostly unpredictable storyline

The Bad:
I honestly can't think of anything...


The Undecided:
-The Romance is clean. This could be good or bad depending on what you were hoping to get from the story.

This is not normally the sort of book I would read. I think I downloaded it because I was auto approved. I gave it a chance but couldn't quite get in to the story line. For now, I have put it down because I have too many books on my shelf to spend on a book I can't get into. It might be someone else's favorite book ever, but I will leave it for now.

This was a very good book. I loved the characters, Alex and Johanna, and how they developed in the story. The story was well written and kept my attention. It started out slow, but once the pace picked up, I couldn't put it down. The intrigue in the book was so mind boggling, it was hard to wrap my mind around it all. Now that I'm finished, I want to read it again to see what I may have missed in the story. I feel like there were a lot of loose ends at the conclusion of the book, but Alex and Johanna had their resolution. I recommend this book to anyone that loves romance, mystery, suspense, and a growing relationship with God.

The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep is a great read! Danger, intrigue, gamblers, bow street runners, and romance. With an ailing mother and a young brother will Johanna be able to save the Inn or will she have to go to the workhouse. Can she accept Alexander's help or will Johanna be against him because he is a gambler. Great characters and plot, and I enjoyed the writing style, it keep me turning the page. I can't wait for more books by Ms. Griep!

I received this book from NetGalley with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

The Innkeeper’s Daughter is a great getaway read that I enjoyed. The story takes place in Dover, England in 1808 and centers around Johanna Langley and Alexander Moore. Johanna with her mother and little brother are owners of an inn. Unfortunately they have fallen on hard times and are very close to losing the inn. Throughout the novel Johanna does all she can think to do to run the inn while trying to somehow earn the needed money to keep from losing it. Alex is an officer sent to Dover to uncover a traitor to the Crown. Mystery, danger, deception, suspense and surprises all happen as we follow these two characters and the people in their lives.

The Innkeeper’s Daughter has many great characters and I liked them all but my favorite character to follow was Alex. The story is told from the perspective of Johanna and Alex and whenever the story was following Alex I couldn’t put the book down. Exciting things were always happening! With the story being in the Romance genre I was surprised to like Alex. But he was funny and flawed and didn’t seem overly perfect and unrelatable. Both characters recognized their flaws and tried to overcome them.

I was ready for a light easy to read story but that also would hook me and The Innkeeper’s Daughter did just that.

I am unable to review this book as I did not read very far into it. After the first few pages I could tell that it just wasn't my kind of book.

4.5 stars rounding up

Peril, intrigue, hidden identities, shady inns, Magistrates, smuggling, danger, beating hearts, family, loss, love, hope, Dover, musicians, lost minds, puppets, friendship, death, seaside, caves, balls, gambling, trust, time and healing.

From the beginning of the book to the end, I did not want to put it down. I was very intrigued by the characters and knew there were lots of interesting backstories waiting to be revealed to the reader. All was not what it appeared to be. Especially when you're dealing with smuggling, money and slightly deranged (or mad) men.

Johanna Langley is realizing that her time is running out. She has worked and struggled and scrimped to save her mom and brother after their father's death. She's trying so hard but is met with a new struggle around every turn. Just when she feels like she is about to succeed, she is given another challenge. With her hope starting to wane, she keeps pressing forward, praying for strength.

Alex Moore has been summoned. He can't refuse. He arrives. He is told he must take this assignment and if he fails, there is no hope for him. No one will come to his rescue because of how dangerous it is. Can he survive? He's the best there is. If he does succeed, he'll get out. He'll be rich and will leave this life behind. But the ultimate test is being sent back to the area where he has worked before and he has to take lodgings in a hovel of an inn. What is the Magistrate meaning in sending him there, and in the requirements for his assignment. Surely he is joking! Yet the further in Alex gets in his hidden identity and the more he learns about those around him and those who could be connected with what he's trying to uncover, the more he realizes he's in danger. Not just his life, but his very heart.

I really enjoyed all the different characters within this novel. Many of them have many secrets, others wear their hearts on their sleeves. Some are so worn down and struggling that they turn to help in places they maybe should have avoided. But if they don't, how will they survive?

If you love a good mystery, sweet love stories and redemption, this is one that I would highly recommend. Enjoyable and great moments of suspense, having you wonder who is the real bad guy and how will everyone involved come out unscathed?

I haven't read Brentwood's Ward, but this book could be considered a companion novel to it. Brentwood is mentioned in here but it is not necessary to read that one before reading this one. Although, it is one I have had my eye on for a long time. I keep saying I'm going to read it. It's time to bite the bullet and do so. I've had my interest piqued even more so now for his story. If you are a fan of Michelle Griep's stories, you will definitely enjoy this one. I've read three of her novels and a novella and have enjoyed every one of them. I'm looking forward to her next book which is a part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series.

Content: Clean. Moments of peril, death and fighting. Not overly graphic but you know what is happening. This is a Christian fiction novel, the characters talk about giving their trust to God. I feel that it fit in perfect with the time period and what people in that time would think and do.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Treason, lies and intrigue… Oh My!!

“Tales of power and ambition and intrigue and betrayal and desire – when you’re telling those in a big way, you automatically want to go to Shakespeare.” –Beau Willimon

I loved this story that was set during the early 1800’s when Regency England battled Napoleon and his quest to conquer the world. It was full of intrigue, spy networks, treasonous characters, smugglers, and the agents of the Crown trying to thwart their nefarious plans and being them to justice. This quickly became a story that I CNPD [could-not-put-down]. I finished it in the wee hours of the morning.

Officer Alexander Moore, a Bow Street Runner and a good one, was on assignment… go undercover, find a traitor, discover their plans and bring them to justice. Part of his directive included the fact that he was virtually alone. It reminded me of the 60’s and 70’s TV series ‘Mission Impossible’ and their self-destructing tape. “Your mission… should you decide to accept it…. should you be captured… the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your existence.” Yeah, that’s a pep talk one wants to hear prior to a mission.

Johanna Langley, along with her mother and younger brother, ran the Blue Hedge Inn. It was a rundown Inn in a less than fashionable part of town and one missed payment away from closing and sending the family to the workhouse. They were desperate.

This was a clean, faith-based story. There were discussions of a character’s beliefs, appealing to a higher power through prayer, expressions of gratitude, questioning something that happened, struggles when all seemed lost, praise for answered prayer, praying, and that inner dialogue between a character in close relationship with their God. This was not preachy in any way and in context with a person of faith.

Rating: PG-17: although clean and faith-based, there is a caveat regarding violence during fight scenes, and descriptions of the brutality of man against man. It was not explicitly described, but there were scenes that [although brief], may be a bit hard for some to read. Interspersed in the drama and intrigue were scenes of comedic relief that tempered the angst and lightened the tense moments. Plus, we had a budding romance that blossomed by the end of the story. It was delightful. I loved this story. There were many surprises as the author did not reveal all the agents working for the Crown. What a surprise and that big reveal at the end was so worth it. I did not see that coming.

Alexander has a mission to accomplish and it doesn't involve helping an attractive independent woman save her families inn. However, once he meets Johanna all plans change. I found this to be an overall enjoyable read. There are a few twists to the storyline that had me repeatedly changing my mind about who was guilty and who needed saving. The story did drag for me slightly towards the beginning but recovered nicely. It's a pleasant romance with a "clean" storyline and enough intrigue to keep you guessing.

Michelle has the ability to weave an intricate tale filled out by a bounty of rich and intriguing characters. The heroes aside, you'll be left guessing about who's who, their true loyalty and the parts that they play until the very end. There are so many figures in this book falling under both law breaker and law enforcer, you'd be forgiven for getting a little lost, but no. It's written in a way that is clear and recalling all of the minor characters is not difficult. There's plenty of shady no good personalities within, and most definitely who you wouldn't want to run into in a dark and lonely alley! Most chapters end on exciting cliff hangers, meaning of course, that you will have to read 'just one more chapter'!

I like Alex. He's caught very much in a complex situation. Sent to Dover under strict orders to root out a dangerous traitor to the crown, his instructions seem to lead from one complication to another. From his early remarks in sarcasm towards his colleague Nicholas Brentwood- it's inevitable he's going to end up traveling the same path to romantic bliss.

Johanna Langley is desperately trying to hold together her family's decrepit Inn. With the misfit group of boarders staying at the Blue Hedge, she's not certain she's going to be able to keep her mother, younger brother and herself out of the Workhouse. She'll do anything for them, all the while reminding herself of her self made promise, never to get mixed up with anyone just like her Father.

Rich and detailed this story is set on the south coast of England during a time of smuggling and danger from invasion from France. As Johanna herself puts it, everyone turns a blind eye to the shady dealings going on in her town. She has one thing on her mind and that is keep a roof over their heads. Surely Alex is too good to be true. Will her heart be broken by the dashing Bow Street Runner, who just wants to complete his assignment and win the women he loves?

Hoping that Michelle has another one in store for us from either Thatcher or Flannery!

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC, this is my honest review.