Ladies of Intrigue includes three separate stories all set in the 19th Century. I requested the opportunity to read and review this book because I had thoroughly enjoyed previous books by this author. The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady and The Doctor's Woman, the first two stories were fair, but the last story, A House of Secrets, was truly intriguing. It would have been a wonderful plot to have fleshed out into a full-length novel. I was glad to have plugged through the first two stories to reach the third. In this story Amanda Carston struggles for her father's approval before marrying and beginning the next stage of her life. Unfortunately her plans for achieving this goal run counter to the plans her fiance, city attorney Joseph Blake, has for rescuing women from and ultimately closing a local brothel. Keeping a family secret bars him from sharing his efforts with Amanda, something that ultimately has dire consequences.

I would give the first two stories three stars and the final story four. I appreciate receiving a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

3 short stories of love and women who are strong and have faith in God and turn their life to his guidance. Wholesome tales and you can read rather quickly.

I enjoyed the writing and the stories. If you want a bit of romance that also deals with faith this might be the book for you.

Please Note: This is a previously published and re-packaged novella collection.
This is one of my favorite authors and fortunately I have not read any of these novellas before, so they were a treat for me. Each one is skillfully written so that the length of the novella does not make you feel that you are missing something or that it was too short. Ms. Griep has done an excellent job of her storytelling in small doses. Sometimes it’s just nice to just have a short novella to enjoy. So, dive into the 19th century, and enjoy a few novellas with a hint of mystery!
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady - Helen Fletcher is dispatched to care for her ailing father who is residing in the parsonage at Seaton Hall. She takes a ship that is not normally a passenger ship, but comes upon smugglers that have boarded the ship upon docking. A shocking rescue ensues and she is carried to safety by one of the smugglers. As she settles into the parsonage, she realizes that she recognizes the rescuer-smuggler. Is he what he seems, or not?
The Doctor’s Woman - Emmaline “Emmy” Nelson is mourning the loss of her missionary doctor father when she is suddenly thrust into the position of assisting the newly arrived Dr. Clark in a surgery. They find themselves working together during the Dakota uprising at Fort Snelling. Could Emmy possibly consider working for the demanding physician, or should she return to genteel society with her Aunt?
A House of Secrets - As Chairwoman of the Ladies’ Aide Society, Amanda Carston is trying to impress the members by taking on the most ramshackle building in town to provide a school for the underprivileged. She is desperately seeking the owner of the property, when she is stonewalled by her own fiancée. She is engaged to city attorney Joseph Blake and is crushed when he refuses to help her find the owner. He has his own motives for this action, but he cannot let her in on his plan due to a certain unscrupulous character in city hall.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. A positive review is not required and all opinions on the book are completely my own.

Michelle Griep has quickly risen to the top of my list of favorite authors. Her stories are romantic, intense, and quickly transport me far away from the mundane. This collection of novellas is no exception, proving that whatever time period or location she’s writing about, or even how long the story is, it will surely be outstanding.

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady

There is so much packed into this novella that I’m not even sure where to start. The swoony hero, the tenacious heroine who pretends everything is fine in order to make it so, the solid spiritual content, and the love story are all perfect. Lots of great moments in this one, which is impressive given the length.

The Doctor’s Woman

I stand corrected—the hero in this novella is even better than the last. Emmaline is no slouch herself; though not fearless exactly, she takes a stand when it matters, regardless of what it may cost her. I found much to admire and inspire in Emmy. When the two of them are on the page together, sparks fly and those around them benefit from how they drive each other to be the best they possibly can be.

A House of Secrets

I loved how some of these very minor characters are described because it helped to paint a visual picture in my mind; for example, the secretary who either sucked on lemons or the “sourness inside her refused to be kept in.” I also appreciated the tenderness between the main characters, engaged before the beginning of the story, but still learning more about each other through these pages.

Each story has something to make it unique but they are all well-written and riveting. Fans of Griep will not be disappointed, even if they don’t usually read novellas, and those who enjoy historical romance, in general, should not miss this fantastic collection.

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

For readers wanting to sample the writings of a new author or genre, novellas are a wonderful way of doing so. Each story is rich in history, adventure and action plus faith to set the tone. Great for a quick read! Recommended!

A delightful book that holds three different stories of three different women from three different time periods. A treasure to read...and savor. Enjoy three books in one.

I read Ladies of Intrigue and wished that each one was a full-length story! They were all so good! Each one was slightly different but in each the heroine was brave and lovely and in need of a hero. I would recommend this book to anyone!

With acknowledgements of influence and support to other favorite authors like Julie Klassen, MaryLu Tyndall, and recently-added favorite Shannon McNear, Michelle Griep has done it again: Crafted 3 delightful masterpieces to add to my shelf! These stories focus on two main elements: intriguing characters, and the romance that is born and blossoms as a result. The mystery element is not so much part of the genre, except in the question of the character of Isaac in the first story, and an old "haunted" house in the final story. It really has no presence in the middle story.

"The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady" -
OK, the title is a mouthful, and certainly 'intrigues' the reader as to how w have a gentleman who is also a smuggler. And that's the question Helen asks herself! Their first meeting, she is swept off her feet (literally and against her will) by this smuggler who claims to be protecting her...after threatening her first with a gun, and stealing a shipment of cargo. She's come from Ireland to care for her ailing father, and she has always gotten through the tough times by pretending everything is fine. She's determined and capable, and trusts no one. But when her second encounter with this smuggler reveals him to be a gentleman of standing, she flounders to know which person Isaac really is, while finding herself drawn to his kindness and strength. This story is one of heartache mixed with the raw beginnings of hope from ashes.

The conclusion was a bit rushed for me. I felt like the smuggler part of the story-line was never quite resolved. It left off with a hint of assuming everything worked out, but I still questioned some of Isaac's hasty actions and the repercussions. The romance, too, though gradually building through most of the story, ended up feeling crammed hastily in with the chaos of the ending. Because of the ending, I bring this story from 4 stars down to 3.

"The Doctor's Woman" -
Ah, but this one was by far my favorite!--and I'd buy the book for this one alone, even if I hadn't enjoyed the others. I loved everything about it. When I finished, I wanted to go back and read it again. James Clark is the new and temporary doctor at an Army fort in this story, while Emmy is the daughter of the recently deceased and only other doctor of the area. An accident brings Emmy to assist just as James arrives, and they immediately clash with differing ideas of medicine and treatments. But forced to work together through sickness and injury, they pull together to work side-by-side for the needs of many. Admiration and friendship grow to love, built strong through the trials of one long winter. There is tension, humor, and swoon-worthy romance. The build of their relationship is believable and solid, which not many novellas can boast--having less pages to express that journey adequately.

This one completely satisfies from beginning to end. A very enthusiastic, glittering 5 stars.

"A House of Secrets" -
Amanda and Joseph--this story begins with an already-engaged couple both on separate missions, both determined to succeed. Joseph, an attorney, is determined to shut down the city brothels, and Amanda is on a mission that revolves around the mysterious and abandoned Grigg house. She wants more than anything to please her father, and prove herself capable of great things: This means, turning the old house into a school to help the poor. But little does she know that her pursuits into the mystery of the house leads straight into the darkness surrounding her fiancé's past. A past Joseph promised to never reveal--and one he fears will tear the woman he loves most away from him.

Here is a story that mixes mystery with a delicious romantic tension. The reader doesn't get to witness the beginnings of their relationship, or who they are as that relationship grows from first meeting to proposal. But you start to learn who they are in snapshots as they pursue their missions...with a slow-build of thoughts and emotions as they proceed into danger. Another rushed ending, in that the final loose-ends were tied up through brief dialogue explaining what happened well after the fact. 4 stars.

As a combined rating, this book averages out to 4 stars, and one I look forward to displaying on my home library shelf.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book, though containing an interesting plot, was difficult to read as the writing style was so clunky it made it difficult to become engaged in the book or sympathetic with the characters. I'm all for a well placed, sparingly used, metaphor. However, this author added so many metaphors on every page, I could not wade through them without getting pulled out of the story. The imagery used in these overused metaphors causes the reader to stumble in an attempt to visualize such an unlikely comparison.

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Helen’s ship is boarded by smugglers when it docks at her destination. She eventually makes it to where her dad is on his sickbed and the adventures continue with the help of Isaac and his sister. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the story keeps you engaged throughout.
The Doctor’s Woman
Emmy is asked to come help attend an injured man at the Fort, where soon upon arrival she meets Dr Clark, who believes more of book learned medicine, then some of the natural methods she prefers. I enjoyed the interplay between these two as they went about working in situations that came up among the people. Another engaging story.
A House of Secrets
Joseph Blake has a secret he’s keeping from his fiancée Amanda. When she finds out part of it, will she ever forgive him? This one started a little slower for me than the others, but soon grabs on and won’t let go. I enjoyed the main two characters, and their respective best friends. Great conclusion to this 3 novella collection, though all books are separate.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery by Michelle Griep is a great read especially when you have a short time but want to read some romance and mystery. Pick one of the three stories to read as they are all great. My favorite was The House of Secrets, about rescuing ladies of the night from the cities infamous madame. All the stories offer a wonderful glimpse into the past. Danger, mystery and romance; what could be better. I enjoy Ms. Griep's books and look forward to more by this author.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Ladies of Intrigue contains three short stories, each centered on a woman with spirit, determination, and a strong faith at different times in the 1800's.

Although I truly enjoyed each one of these stories, I felt as if each one could have been turned into a full length novel. I didn't want them to end. I wanted them to be developed further and I didn't want to stop reading. Especially the first story, The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady. Wow!

If you are a fan of short stories about intriguing ladies with a splash of Christianity and strong men who do the right thing, this book is for you. As for me, as good as this book was, I think I preferred Michelle Griep's other full length novels. But that's just me. I never want a good book to end.

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.

I requested this book because of the author I had received a Michelle Griep book over a year ago and loved it. I an usually not into intrigue but read this because of the author and she did not let me down. I loved it and the stories. She is now one of my authors I will be looking for in the future.

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.