If you are a Michelle Griep fan you will want to make sure you add Ladies of Intrigue to your "must read" list. This book, which comes out February 1, 2019, is a quick read because it's hard to put down.

My favourite story was the first one The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady. That one I could not put down and read it straight through. I loved the storyline and the characters and was disappointed it ended. I wonder how the author kept it to a short story as it has the potential to be a full-length novel.

Of course, the other two stories were equally thrilling and also have the potential to be full-length novels, but there was something about Isaac Seaton and Helen Fletcher that left me wanting more. Perhaps the danger involved? I hope the author brings them to life again someday.

If you are looking for some well-developed stories to get lost in, I highly recommend Ladies of Intrigue.

This compilation of three novellas of pirates, ghosts, wartime romance and an allusion to the beginnings of the fight against human trafficking was action packed! I enjoyed these stories, as each one held characters that were well developed, intelligent and easy to care about. Michelle Griep does a great job of setting the time period, using language appropriate for the setting, and using atmosphere to set the scene. I especially liked the story set in the Civil War, as it spoke against prejudice in a time when not many people stood up for those seen as enemies--the indigenous Indians. The female characters were all determined, sometimes stubborn, but always capable. The only constructive criticism I would add is that it appears all the men in these stories (even though set in different places) had a love for sandalwood cologne. ;)

I have read several of Michelle Griep's works and she is always delightful. Lots of research, great characters and solid stories. This book would be a wonderful gift for anyone who likes shorter reads or those looking for action along with romance.
I appreciated the opportunity to read early from #NetGalley and chose to leave a review. All opinions are my own.

•°o•:*:•.Danger, Intrigue, Romance.•:*:• o°•
Publisher's story synopsis followed by my thoughts.

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret?
MY THOUGHTS:
Good story, filled with danger and intrigue. I found it ended very abruptly with a question left hanging regarding some of the smugglers’ final outcome. I liked both of the main characters.
Tea Quote: “Come in, come in! Take a cup o’ nettle tea.”

The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner)
Dakota Territory, 1862
Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.
MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoyed this story with Sioux Indians, rough territory and practicing various types of medicine in the old days. It wrapped up nicely.
Spiritual Quote: “You have a healing gift, daughter. It’s not for man to chide what God’s given. Never be ashamed of what you are.”

A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890
Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.
MY THOUGHTS:
Amanda has no idea her fiancé has any connection to the house. Joseph Blake is keeping the secret to protect her and the girls, avenge his sister and also thwart an evil city councilman – who, in my mind, looked like the walrus from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland singing Cabbages and Kings.
Mental anxiety over the happenings plus romance of the sweet couple. Wrapped up nicely.
Romantic Quote: “The warmth of his brown eyes reached out and held her, cherishing her as the most valuable of God’s creations. Her. The sole focus of such tenderness. She wished she could package it up and carry it around all day.”

CAUTIONARY NOTE: A few writings might push the envelope for some, so just a head’s up. **“Thievery is wrong.” Indeed. A principle he knew as intimately as a lover – one no honest man should ever have to bed. **“half-burned timbers reached into the night sky, dark on dark, like blackened bones trying to escape from a grave.” **“bricks holding in secrets like a jealous lover, guarding rumors of foul play.”**Most shameless maples had already disrobed for their coming marriage to winter, but a few discreet maidens refused to shed their orange and red leaves.”

I downloaded a copy of this book through Net Galley via the publisher with no fee and no compensation in the hopes of an honest review.
Connect with the author at Michelle Griep dot com.

Ladies of Intrigue
By Michelle Griep
Ladies of Intrigue is a collection of three unique historical romance novellas. Each story was skillfully written with depth in characters, plot, and intrigue. I truly enjoyed this collection.

Fans of Christian historical romance will not be disappointed with Michelle Griep's collection of short stories. This is a collection of three different stories, about three intriguing women, all from three different time periods.

The first story The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady, written about the Cornish Coast in 1815. The book starts out with intrigue and suspense. Helen Fletcher is sailing from Ireland, where she worked as a nanny. She is coming home to care for her ailing father a pastor. She goes up top of the ship, thinking it is time to depart the ship and instead gets carried off by a smuggler robing them. This book had me at the heartstrings right from the first page.

The Second The Doctor's Woman was about Dakota Territory in 1862. Emmy Nelson has just lost her missionary father, who was a doctor. Her aunt has sent a carriage for her to come live with her in the big city. The wild west is no place for a lady. Emmy has loved living out west and helping her father with his medical practice. The new doctor for Fort Snelling has been delayed and the fort is at present without a doctor. Two soldiers come for her father, due to a major accident. Learning that her father has died they convince Emmy to come and take car of the patient, she is all they have. Just as she is giving instructions, in walks the city doctor Dr. James Clark. Right from the start it is obvious they have two ways of doing things. It is interesting to see who is going to learn the most from the other.

A House Of Secrets is the third story in this set, from St. Paul, Minnesota and 1890. Amanda Carston is waiting with her best friend Moe, for her fiance' to pick them up for their engagement party. He finally arrives dreadfully late with a police officer. The secrets and surprises go on and on from there. Ms. Griep is an incredible storyteller. I enjoyed this collection of short stories and think it would make a wonderful gift.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This book consisted of 3 separate historical stories. It was very interesting and a bit of a mystery, which always keeps me reading. I think that my favorite story was the second one. Really enjoyed the characters in that one. But each story was unique and interesting.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

An entertaing and fun to read collection of historical short stories.
It was an enjoyable read, very well written.
There's a religious message but it's woven into the plot and does not overcome the plots.
Recommded.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

I have enjoyed reading and re-reading these stories! If you are looking for a collection to get for a friend or family member, this would be a great choice. I'd read two of these before, & enjoyed them again the second time. Very nice stories.

I really enjoyed reading these three short stories. Each story is set in a different time and place, and are not connected in any way. The writing was excellent and they hold your attention. This is a wonderful book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Excellent read! Three short stories in one book! Three different time periods, completely unrelated stories. I enjoyed reading each story! I will probably pick this one up and read again and again through the upcoming years. Loved it!

This is a delightful collection of three short stories by Michelle Griep. Each story is unique and displays the author's keen ability to write historical fiction that draws the reader into that time period. The author‘s descriptive and poetic style weaves three engaging stories filled with suspenseful escapades and enduring faith.
Favorite quotes:
“Sometimes what we see, Miss Fletcher, and what is truth are two different things. The world is not as black and white as you seem to believe. More often it is grey.”
“You are love. Trust in that. Believe in that.”
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.