Three different stories by the same author, with each being a third of the book, and each quickly drawing you in.
Whether we are in old England, the city of St. Paul or in a U.S. Military Fort, we are offered a story that includes a strong woman as the main character.
Of course, you can sit down and read one, and they save the next for later, but like the candy it is hard not to turn the next page.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour and was not required to give a positive review.

Ladies of Intrigue
3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery
by Michelle Griep
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Christian , Romance
Pub Date 01 Feb 2019



I am reviewing a copy of Ladies of Intrigue through Barbour Publishing and Netgalley:


In the first story The Gentleman‘s Smmuggler’s Lady we are taking to 1815 Cornwall England we meet the prim and proper governess Helen Fletcher who has returned to England to be with her dying father in order to comfort him. She does not expect to fall in love with a smuggler while she’s there but she falls in love with Issac Seaton. Will she be able keep his unusual secret?


The second story in Ladies of Intrigue is The Doctor’s Woman that takes us to the Dakota Territory where we meet Emmy Nelson, the daughter of a Missionary Doctor, and Dr James Clark a city doctor who find themselves working together at Fort Snelling during the Dakota uprising, which is where there real clash of ideals begin.


In the final story A House of Secrets we are transported back to St Paul Minnesota in 1890 where we meet Amanda Carston a ladies aide chairman whose determined to clean up St Paul’s Ramshackle housing she starts with the absolutely worst one a haunted house that is secretly owned by her beau. A home that he uses to help brothel girls escape from the hands of the most infamous madam.


I give Ladies of Intrigue five out of five star!

Happy Reading!

A really lovely collection of three Michelle Griep short stories. I’d forgotten that I’d read the first story in another anthology, and what a delight to discover it again! Each story is a standalone, and are so engaging, I wish they had been full length novels.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Overall 4.5 *

I love Michelle Griep's writing style. She's a favorite go to author for me. Whenever I see that she has a new story for me to read and enjoy, I jump on the chance to read it! This is a collection of three of her novellas that were included in three different anthologies. I actually had read one of the anthologies but not the other two. So let me just say I was pretty excited with the chance to have the other two that I had missed put into a collection of just Michelle Griep's. Woohoo!

This isn't going to be an in detail review like I normally do. Life has been busy and I'm trying to catch up. So if you're looking for a longwinded, rambling thoughts review, this isn't it. If you're looking for shorter and sweet, this is it! ;-)

Like the title suggests, there's a dash of mystery in each story, sweet and clean romance, great characters, characters learning to trust in God, pain and healing, hidden identities, hidden truths, uncovering the truths, danger, suspense, smuggling, doctoring, trickery, death, friends, and most importantly sweet love!

I liked the three couples that these stories were about. They each learned to trust and help each other as their friendships began and developed into something more.

Thanks for this great collection Michelle Griep! If any of you are fans of this author, this is a great collection for you. Three different stories to curl up and enjoy, all in one sitting, or to be enjoyed individually! Anyway you choose I hope you enjoy them as I did!

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril but nothing graphic. The characters have some kissing scenes but nothing further. The characters talk about God and turning their lives over to His guidance.

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

Happy Reading!!!

I have truly come to love Michelle Griep books. These 3 tales are very well written and informative of the times in which they take place. Very much enjoyed these tales. Highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. Opinions are my own.

A wonderful collection of well written novellas! Some of my all time favorites from previously published collections, gathered into their own book. I loved revisiting Regency era Cornwall, an army outpost in Civil War era Minnesota, and 1890's St. Paul. Great characters, some action and adventure, and a romance in each one with some sighworthy moments. "I love you more than life and air." Oh my. Major sigh.
These all have a bit of faith inserted into the plot, worked naturally into the characters' struggle. Not at all preachy, but enough to bring deeper meaning to the stories. "Why is it that good things do not always happen to good people?” None of these were light and fluffy, containing enough grit to make the setting feel authentic , and unique plots to make the stories quite remarkable. I enjoyed each one! This author is becoming one of my favorites for historical fiction. I look forward to whatever she has next in store!

Sometimes, I prefer short stories because my time is limited and I don't want to forget half the plot....this book is perfect for those times! These three short, yet related, stories set in the 19th century are stand-alone novellas that can be read separately. My favorite story was The Doctor's Woman, set in the Civil War. Short stories, in my opinion, are one of the hardest writing forms to craft, because you have to get characters, setting, and plot shoved into such a tiny set of pages....but the author does a great job of fleshing out an entire story in just a few pages. As the title indicates, each of these stories has an element of mystery, none of which are too easy to see through, and they keep the reader guessing. It is a Christian book, and there are spiritual elements included, but nothing overt or preachy.

In Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep you get three short, charming romantic stories with a bit of mystery. I enjoyed all three stories as they had wonderful, interesting characters and descriptive, immersive settings.

My favorite was the second story, The Doctor’s Woman. The growth and changes that Dr. James Clark goes through while at the Fort were compelling. His words of love and devotion to Emmy toward the end of the story were so romantic. It was also interesting to read about this period of history.

As an aside, I would like to compliment the team of designers who create Michelle Griep’s book covers. They are always beautiful, but this one is especially stunning.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC

Very disappointed that this book is simply a repackaging of three novellas already published in different Barbour historical romance collections - and that it wasn't labeled as such. I agreed to review assuming this was something new from Michelle Griep, an author I enjoy reading. But when I opened the book, I found three stories I have already read. They are good stories, but I dislike it when books are presented as something new ... and they aren't.

Michelle Griep is one of my favorite authors, and I eagerly looked forward to reading this collection of stories. I was not disappointed. These novella-length stories feature ladies that exhibit courage, strength, and faith in difficult circumstances. I loved each heroine in this book and the different historical setting for each story. The storylines were indeed intriguing and held my attention. Even though these are shorter stories, each felt complete and the endings did not seem rushed. The romances are sweet and tender, and the “heroes” are worthy of winning the hand of the heroine in their story. These stories are the perfect length to read when you need something a little shorter and lighter to read,
This is a collection I’ll be reading again. This is excellent sweet and clean Christian fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A collection of three tales of adventure and love. I read the first one as part of another collection of novellas that released two years ago. The other two were new to me. They are both fast paced and kept me flipping through the pages.
If you are looking for a quick read that pulls you in quick I would recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from the Publisher through Netgalley. My opinion is my own.

Ladies of Intrigue is a compilation of 3 19th Century romantic tales with a dash of mystery. Michelle Griep is a magnificent romance writer. She can spin a tale with a swoon-worthy hero and have you begging for more in a matter of words! Ladies of Intrigue is no exception! Plus you can read each of these novellas in a sitting. They're easy to read, will keep your interest, and have you grateful you took the time! A great way to spend your day!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I haven’t read many anthologies before so this was a nice teaser to what a full anthology of novellas would look like. I was expecting more of a mystery aspect throughout the novellas because that’s what “intrigue” made me think of, but I’m actually not disappointed that the novellas strayed from the conventional mystery. I think that would have gotten overdone after a while.

I think my favorite story was The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady. I loved all the action in that story, as well as the setting! I would definitely recommend this to someone who hasn’t encountered an anthology before. Jumping from story to story can be kind of difficult as first but this is a good foray into trying it before reading one on a larger scale.

I only recently became aware of the compelling stories Michelle Griep writes, so I love that this novella collection gives a snapshot of her abilities to write engrossing stories—no matter the backdrop.
After reading Laura Frantz’s A Bound Heart, I loved getting to dive back into a similar world with the first novella. It was a fun read, with enough twists in it to keep it interesting.
The middle novella was my favorite. I can see why this was a Carol award winner. Emmy and James clash immediately, and it was fun to see that in such a vivid way right from the start. These two characters have such a great chemistry, and the issues they each face, both without and within themselves, are so believable. Those are the kind of stories that I love, because they challenge me to change as well.
The last novella has a different flair to it. Amanda finds herself pitted against an unknown person (at least for a time) as she tries to do good in her community and gain her father’s approval. Secrets are the main problem for these two, but there are legitimate reasons behind them, rather than the sometimes cliché ‘misunderstanding’.
I enjoyed all three of these novellas, because they gave me a glimpse into the talents of Griep. Each story felt fresh and compelling, and ensured once again, that Michelle Griep will be one of my go-to authors.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This was an interesting collection of short stories, though I did expect more mystery based up on the title. The thing about short stories is that there never seems enough time for the story to be fleshed out, but such is the nature.

I liked the Doctor's Lady best. Something about Emmy and James and the work they did was really cool. I liked how Emmy felt compassion for the Indians and was able to not lump all tribes together.

A House of Secrets was next on my list, and I enjoyed a story where the MCs were already a couple. Joseph's story is sad but what it prompted him to do is quite heroic! I liked him very much.

My favorite thing about The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady was the setting. Isaac's story and struggle with vengeance was a good plot.

This 3-novella collection is a delightful addition to my personal library. I enjoy reading anything written by Michelle Griep, and I was delighted to get my hands on this collection of her stories. Each story can be read in one sitting.

Each story is a stand-alone, filled with page-turning adventure and vivid characters that you won't soon forget. These stories are filled with sweet romance a dash of mystery and plenty of witty dialogue. If I had to pick of favorite of the three it would be The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady. 

Long-time fans of Michelle Griep will want to be sure to snag a copy for themselves. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading one of Michelle Griep's stories, then this is the perfect opportunity to get your feet wet and see what you've been missing!

I give this collection 4 stars and encourage you to pick up a copy to enjoy as soon as possible! 

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Thank you to Barbour Publishing Inc., and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this book! Three short stories in one book! It takes real talent to draw the reader in and tell a complete story in just a few pages. The author did an outstanding job writing stories about three intriguing women.

Three great stories in one book! Wow! You know you're in for a treat when you see Michelle Griep's name on the cover. Seriously. And this book fits in nicely will all her others.
Here's my suggestion- start with the last story in the book and then go to the beginning and read through the middle. That way you start out great and it gets better and better. The Doctor's Woman could have been twice as long and I'd still want to know more.
Can't wait to see what Michelle comes up with next!
I was provided a copy by the publisher but as always, my opinions are my own.

Three great reads in one book. Each story can be read in one sitting. Sweet romances with suspense that left a satisfying happily ever after.
*I was given a copy of this book by Barbour publishing. I was not under any obligation to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.

A great compilation of 19th century novellas with compelling characters and great settings. These were previously published in multi-author anthologies.

The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady
What a delightful little story! I'm utterly convinced Michelle Griep can't write a bad story.
For being short, it sure packed a punch. The main characters are strong: Helen and Isaac don't meet under the best circumstances, and he doesn't leave a good impression on her. But then Helen finds out he's the landowner over the parish where her father lives. And although Helen wants to dislike Isaac, he's not the lawless smuggler she thought him to be.
Actually, I'm pretty sure Isaac Seaton is a friend of Ross Poldark. It wasn't mentioned (probably to keep Mr. Poldark's privacy), but it's hard to pretend it's not there. ;)
Beautiful, dramatic setting, engaging characters, a very sweet ending, and the kind of prose that grabs you with all the feels.
Could we perchance expect a story for Esther Seaton?

The Doctor's Woman
I read Michelle Griep's story The Doctor's Woman and loved it. Emmy is spirited and strong and she tried to do the right thing, sometimes putting herself in peril. James, well James was a great leading man and I'm glad he learned what was really more important in the end.
Although it's a novella, the characters are well developed and the story is satisfying. As usual, the imagery is fantastic.

A House of Secrets
Amanda and Joseph are engaged to be married and I liked that they already had an established relationship. Nonetheless, there are secrets Joseph believes he needs to keep that cause problems for both of them.
Joseph is a city attorney and Amanda the new chairwoman for a ladies aide society. Both of them are good persons who want to help those less fortunate and try their best at doing so. The storydoes a good job at depicting the opposite social settings between the rich and the poor, and both Joseph and Amanda have specific plans and goals to make things better.
The epilogue brought everything together and their efforts were rewarded.
Love, love, love the opening paragraph of chapter two—classic Griep imaging.

I received a copy from Barbour publishing through Netgalley and this is my own opinion.