Cover Image: Ladies of Intrigue

Ladies of Intrigue

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Member Reviews

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Three unrelated stories in three different time periods of history. Very good. Each one had enough detail to be a satisfactory read and feel like a story told start to finish and not lacking something. Other novellas i have read seem incomplete, but these three are very good. I would recommend them to anyone. They are good, clean reads suitable for just about all ages. This book is good for times when you are in the mood to read a historical story, not hundreds of pages mostly filled with nothing but fluff.

I received an ARC of the book from the Barbour publishing through netgalley. The opinion is my own. Thanks

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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.

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Three unrelated novellas with great characters, good storylines and the enjoyable writing style all of Michelle Griep's books have. Worth the read if you love her books or historical fiction with mysteries and well written romance.

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Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery is a good read. I did find it slow at times but it quickly picked back up. I am giving it three and a half stars.

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Another fabulous book by Michelle Griep. This book showcases Ms. Griep's ability to write stories that are no less engaging for their brevity. It's a book of three novellas, all different characters, they can be read in any order, and I would be hard pressed to choose my favorite. True to her trademark style, faith in God is a central theme and a common motivation for Griep's characters. Growing in faith and learning more about God's love through the experiences they face is always central to the story. Each story has aspects of action/adventure and romance. These are very sweet romance stories, completely clean, and in my opinion, not too sappy. They're also filled with dashing rogues and gentlemen trying to do the right thing for the love of God and a good woman ; )
All three stories kept me reading, and, although shorter stories, I found them engaging and well-developed.

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Three stories with mystery and romance! My two favorite things! I enjoyed all the stories but think the first one was my favorite! A fast quick read! Thanks for the early copy!

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The Gentleman’s Smuggler’s Lady
Resplendent of a great Poldark episode, “The Gentleman’s Smuggler’s Lady” will have your heart palpitating as you ride along the Cornish seaside with Isaac Seaton and win the heart of his lady love Helen Fletcher. Meeting under less than ideal circumstances, he must untie the knot of secrets and mystery in order to impress the young lady. No easy feat when she only sees him as a scoundrel and smuggler! Ah, but you will find true love wins in the end. I loved this one and the smoldering undercurrents between these two. Isaac certainly reminded me of my favorite character in Ross Poldark and his vibrant masculinity!

The Doctor’s Woman
“You have a healing gift, daughter. It’s not for man to chide what God’s given. Never be ashamed of what you are. “

After the death of her doctor father, Emmy Nelson is called upon to nurse a soldier back to health at Fort Snelling where she meets Dr. James Clark. They have differing methods of healing that oftentimes clash and cause tension between the two. Especially when it comes to caring for Sioux Indians who take shelter within the forts walls, the exact tribe that killed her fiancé. Can these two find a way to work together? I loved this one because Emmy is a woman far advanced in the medical world with her knowledge of herbal remedies. She would have been looked down upon by society because of it. In a place where her skills are desperately needed, it matters not! James takes a while to realize she’s a valuable asset not only to his practice, but to his life. I really liked watching these two fall for each other & the promise of forever waiting at the end.

A House of Secrets
Engaged couple Amanda and Joseph have the same desire to help the poor & destitute of the city. Hers by opening a school providing much needed education to poor children and him by rescuing women who want to escape the brothel. But he holds a secret that could cost him the love of his life. Can he learn to trust her enough to tell her the truth? These were the perfect couple for each other! Both of them have big hearts and the means to help where ever needed. Joseph has more than a surface reason for helping women and he must overcome his fear to allow Amanda complete access to his heart. When it’s true love, it will cover a multitude of sins…real or imagined! I loved Amanda’s strong spirited personality and how she fought for the school. A great little story packed full of punch, a little bit of faith and a whole lot of love!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

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I purely love to read what Michelle Griep writes. She is a favorite of mine. Here are three novellas in one collection and each contain an air of mystery. All contain strong heroines and dashing heroes. Fine reading. Recommended.

*My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. A review was not required. All opinions stated here are entirely my own.

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