Ladies of Intrigue

3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery

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Pub Date 01 Feb 2019 | Archive Date 01 May 2019

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Description

3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep!
Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep!
Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?
 
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
When a prim and proper...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781683228264
PRICE $12.99 (USD)
PAGES 288

Average rating from 212 members


Featured Reviews

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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I’m learning to appreciate the novella and Ladies of Intrigues by Michelle Griep has three beautifully written historical romance novellas! The characters and settings are so well created, I would have enjoyed spending more time in each. The reader is given enough to connect to each of the lead characters but I still have questions about their background and what will happen next in their worlds! Perhaps Michelle Griep will come back and expand these stories. I have tried to choose a favourite but I keep changing my mind, each has a charm of its own. It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.

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This was a great collection of stories. Each had a heroine that was strong in character and didn't bow to anyone. Each story was a page turner and was set in different parts of the world. I liked that each story was vastly different in their characters and plots and settings. I recommend this book to those that like to have romance, intrigue and strong women characters.

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Michele Griep has again demonstrated her fantastic writing skills in the three novellas in Ladies Of Intrigue. These novellas range from 19th century England to frontier Minnesota. Each story is filled with romance and a touch of mystery. The heroines are strong women wrapped in femininity that draw the heroes to their side. The settings are diverse but very believable. I know I can never go wrong in buying a book by Ms. Griep. So grab your tea and settle in for a cozy read.

I was given a copy of Ladies of Intrigue by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

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Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep is a collection of three short stories of women who push the limits of what women are capable of achieving in the 1800’s.
The Gentle Smuggler’s Lady is set in 1815 when Helen Fletcher arrives at Port village of Treporth, Cornwall, England to attend to her ailing father. Upon docking the ship is overtaken by thieves raiding the cargo. She gets a glimpse of the man in charge. He takes her on a wild horseback ride to the local inn before she is accosted by the drunken longshoremen. What will happen when she realizes he is the benefactor offering food and shelter to her father?
The Doctor’s Woman is set in western United States in 1862. Emmy Nelson is overcome with grief at the death of her father, Dr. Edrith Nelson. She is packed up and ready to go live with her aunt when two soldiers come looking for her father. Will she defy her aunt and go the fort to assist them? Of course she does and meets the newly arrived Dr. Clark. They immediately disagree on treatment for the soldier’s leg and she does give in to the doctor. He assumes she is a nurse at the fort as they work together. She starts to leave as they finish up but he asks her to stay as he sees how accomplished she is. When his time is up what will she do next? Will Dr. Clark head back east to Harvard or has he found a higher calling?
A House of Secrets is set in 1890 St. Paul Minnesota. Amanda is engaged to Joseph who is the town attorney and always a bit late. When he finally arrives to escort her to their engagement dinner he tells her he has one stop to make on the way. They stop at a brothel where he and a police officer need to deliver a paper. Joseph’s goal is to shut down the brothel but why is he so obsessed with doing so? Amanda wants to purchase an abandoned house to start a school for underprivileged children but Joseph seems to stand in her way. Why is he not being more supportive?
I always love to read anything by Michelle Griep and this collection does not disappoint. Each story has many twists and turns to arrive at an ending you may not totally expect. I give this book 5 of 5 stars. The characters are warm and engaging and the story lines keep you reading till the end.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

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The cover is what really drew me to this book. I find I often don't enjoy novellas because you just get into the story and - bam! - it's over so suddenly but two out of three of these are well worth the read. The first story, The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady, was my favourite of the three. It's a bit of a break from the ordinary sort of story, and the main characters are highly entertaining.

The second story, The Doctor's Woman, is another neat story, this time dealing with a struggle to forgive. I found myself immersed in the story and not ready for it to end, but it did come to a satisfying conclusion. I particularly enjoyed some of the characters in this story.

The third story, A House of Secrets, sounded so interesting but I found it bogged down by way too much mushy romance. Not that it wasn't clean, it is above board that way, but there's just way too much eye-roll worthy mush thrown in, to the point that I found it most definitely got in the way of the story.... what was it about again? It would have been good with some heavy editing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I’m a faithful fan of Griep’s books. While the stories are a bit predictable, they are in such a way that I couldn’t help but smile and cheer on the three heroines. I loved the idea of three novellas as it is easier for me to digest them in separate sittings. I received an ARC from net galley and offer a review of my own willingness.

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This is a wonderful trio of *longer* short stories by Michelle Griep. Per usual, the writing is crisp, the characters are well-developed, and inspirational messages are gentle and thought-provoking. The first story is set in the Regency period, my favorite. It is set in Cornwall and concerns smuggling. That's another favorite theme and locale of mine, thanks to Daphne Du Maurier. The second one concerns a young doctor and another doctor's daughter in 19th century Minnesota. The third one is a bit different, as the main characters are already engaged. Here we have SJWs of late 19th Century America. I love Michelle Griep!

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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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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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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

There are three stories of three different women in various locations (Cornwall, the Wild West, and St. Paul, MN). Each storyline was unique. If you are a fan of Griep, you’ll enjoy this trilogy of novellas with spunky heroines and dashing heroes. I think my favorite was the Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady, but I enjoyed all three.

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I was sent a copy of this book via NetGalley and Barbour Books and have decided to leave an honest review.
The Ladies Of Intrigue by Michelle Griep has three most intriguing tales that had me wishing that there was three more to enjoy. I love this authors books especially the Christmas stories and I must say the story i enjoyed the most was 'A House of Secrets". The heroine, Amanda Carston is a women on a mission and she a women that has a mission and will stop at nothing to get her mission completed. The Hero was a very admirable one as well. I like a touch of mystery and when Michelle Griep tells a mystery story with some romance it is sure to entertain. I recommend this book and author.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!!!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I had an opportunity to read The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady once before and was pleased to find it among this collection. Helen was to travel aboard ship to help her ailing father but got much more than she bargained for. Pirates....and a handsome one at that, set her heart roiling like the sea itself. Things are not always as they seem so this story takes a surprising turn as Helen earns her niche as an intriguing lady. Sometimes a novella can be too short to capture the heart of the story but not so for The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady.


The Doctor's Woman, set in Fort Snelling is a testament of Michelle's talent as a writer of historical fiction set in military outposts in middle America. Harsh conditions tested the mettle of the men who served and the courageous women who joined their husbands far from conventions of society. The story of Emmy and James is one such story, but what sets this novella apart from others is how they came to work together. Their love was not found in ballrooms nor cotillions but among the caring way they cared for the Dakota women and children encamped at Fort Snelling. This is heartwarming and a worthy read for those who enjoy American Historical fiction.


A House of Secrets is a glimpse into the "Gay Nineties" when lovely young ladies belonged to "well intentioned" organizations based on service projects and planned social events to improve the lot of the less fortunate. By and large the members were protected from the unpleasant side of life and followed the norms of decorum of the day. Amanda Carston, new chair for the Ladies Aide Society was not so demure as to sip tea when she had goals to achieve for the annual service project. She meant to start school for the poor and was willing to go to great lengths to achieve her goal.

.

Her fiancee was involved with his own project and the timing of his plans nearly collide with hers. As City Attorney, his job was on the line and his investigation of shady characters keeps this story going. This story has seemingly complex characters but Amanda was pretty predictable, albeit sweet. She learned a lot while pursuing her service project, and found out the hard way what a dedicated man Joseph was to her. I enjoyed the way Michelle tied up the tangled web of good intentions and misunderstandings.

If you like historical fiction, I recommend Ladies of Intrigue with 4 stars. I found this collection a good traveling companion on a very long flight.

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Three very different stories spanning the 19th century offering quirky characters, romance…and mystery.

Set in Regency England, The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady offers mystery and intrigue coupled with adventure and wrapped in romance. It wasn’t my favorite story in the collection, but I did like it this novella as it offered another side of the Regency era that isn’t often featured in Christian fiction.

Book two, The Doctor’s Woman, was not my favorite. I’m not a huge fan of Civil War fiction, and so I mostly skimmed this story. The characters mostly seemed likeable, but the story just wasn’t my cup of tea.

My favorite story in this collection was A House of Secrets. I loved the characters and the mystery in this story kept me guessing. There was a slightly eerie feeling to the novella that I really liked. I also loved that it was set in late October, further lending to that spooky atmosphere and creating the perfect reading experience.

Another fun and unique set of stories from an author I am quickly coming to love. If you love historical romance with a dash of intrigue and an inspirational message, you’ll want to give this book a try.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thank you to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this delightful collection of romance and intrigue in the 19th century.

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Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep has three faith filled historical short stories. Each exciting story is set in a different time period and three very unique ladies. All the stories have a message of how God is present and working in a believer’s life. While this is a collection of short stories I felt all were complete and not too short. I especially liked the second story because of the frontier medicine. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

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This was a delightfully entertaining collection of three short stories. I have just been starting to get into historical fiction and this book definitely helped keep my interest in this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed all three of these stories and will definitely pick this book back up and do a re-read of it.

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Griep's collection of stories will hold your interest from The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady  to The Doctor's Woman and lastly  A House of Secrets.
Beautiful, dramatic settings, engaging characters, with interesting dialog between the characters and each have a lovely ending. There is a spiritual content flowing through each of these as told by a master story teller..........All opinions expressed in this review are my own.  My thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this delightful collection of romance and intrigue taking place in the 19th century.

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Three Romantic Tales Set in the 19th Century

Each of the three tales is a love story with some mystery. One couple is engaged. The other two have just met, but each couple has a complete story.

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady pairs Helen, a governess returning to England to care for her pastor father, with Issac, a smuggler. However, the smuggler is also the owner of an estate who has given her father a cottage to live in and the sustenance to care for him in his illness. Helen doesn’t want to hide a lawbreaker, but she is beholden to him for her father’s care.

The Doctor’s Woman brings Emmy Nelson, the daughter of a missionary doctor, into contact with Dr. James Clark, the new doctor at Fort Snelling. During a Dakota uprising the doctor has no one to help him except Emmy. They find a new respect for each other and love.

A House of Secrets features an engaged couple, Amanda and Joseph. Both want to help the poor of the city. Amanda, Ladies Aide Chairman, wants to start a school. Joseph want to help young women escape from prostitution. Although their aims are the same, a secret separates them.

The three stories are delightful romances. I have to admit the first was my favorite probably because of the action. However, the other two are well done with characters you can relate to and well described settings. All three are true to the era. They showcase Christian ideals and the romance is clean and delightful. If you enjoy historical romance, these are good novellas.

I received this book from Barbour Books for this review

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I've read and enjoyed several other books by the author before, but I found this one somewhat disappointing. It consists of three novellas (the first of which I had previously read in some other collection, though I didn't realise it until I started reading) that would all be great as full length books but felt rather too rushed and abrupt as the lengths they were. All in all, though each one was good as far as it went, none of them went far enough, and the last one in particular I ended up a bit confused about one scene, which a novel-length story would have been able to clarify. If you like shorter stories, these may suit you, but personally I wasn't thrilled and probably won't re-read them - though if the author ever expands them to the length they felt like they should be and publishes them, I'd happily read them.

Summary: Clean and well-written, with interesting storylines - but not meeting their full potential in any one of the three stories. 3.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

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Summary: Ladies of Intrigue is a novel containing three short stories by Michelle Griep set in the 1800s.

The first story, The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady, is set in 1815 England. Helen Fletcher is grateful, but worried. A stranger has paid her passage to be at her dying father’s bedside. Before she even arrives however, her ship is boarded by smugglers. Will she make it to her father’s bedside in time, and what kind of man is Isaac Seaton really-her mysterious benefactor?

The second, The Doctor’s Woman, is set in 1862 Dakota Territory. Emmy Nelson is struggling with the death of her doctor father, and the demands of an overbearing aunt. Her dreams have been crushed, and she has no choice but to pack her things and move away from the place she loves.

Before she can leave, she is suddenly summoned to Fort Snelling for a medical emergency. Relying on all of her father’s training, she is pushed into action to help save the patient.

But she isn’t the only one who arrives. Dr. James Clark has arrived as the new fort doctor, and has very strict beliefs in regards to medicine. Can the two work together-especially when a dangerous illness begins to spread throughout the fort?

The third story, A House of Secrets, takes place in 1890 Minnesota. Amanda Carston is happy. She is going to marry the man she loves, and as Ladies Aide Chairwoman, she has a fantastic idea to begin cleaning up downtown, and hopefully gain her father’s approval in the process. But why is her fiance so set against her plans? What could he be hiding? And will she finally be able to do something that will make her father proud of her?

My Thoughts: This book was wonderful. I was sucked in right away with The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady-the writing was fantastic (almost poetic), and it was the perfect blend of roguish Robin Hood hero, and damsel in distress. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only complaint was that I wished it would have been longer so I could keep reading! I would love a sequel starring Isaac’s sister-there could be so much more to cover. HINT. HINT. Anyway, I think you can tell I liked it.

Both of the other stories were also well-written, and had interesting characters and storylines. I very much enjoyed the book, and it is worth the read. I look forward to reading more books by Michelle Griep in the future as well.

As always, I would like to thank Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

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I enjoyed all three of the books in this collection. They were sweet, wholesome romances, with interesting characters and plot, but not too sappy to be exaggerated and overly sentimental. All set in the 1800's, each book has great character development and a bit of mystery in the plot to keep it from being predictable. Each book kept well to the period in which the setting occurs. Although each book was enjoyable, my favorite was A Doctor's Woman, the second story in the book. It appealed to me the most simply because it has a strong, female protagonist who practices medicine alongside a man she comes to love. The book is set at a military post and also has early American Indians as characters. These are some of my favorite elements in a historical novel. The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady (the first story in the book) was my second favorite and was interesting because of the secrets, mystery and elements of danger involved. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with one another. A House of Secrets was the final story in the book. Although I did enjoy it, it was my least favorite. I didn't really care for the main female character, Amanda, but found her fiance, Joseph to be very interesting. One thing that caused me to not like Amanda as much was her reaction when finding out Joseph's secret. I felt she was a bit shallow in her reaction. I won't give any more details to ruin the story, but she did (sorta) redeem herself in the end. All-in-all, I did enjoy this collection of historical novellas.

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This book was a lot of fun to read. Who doesn’t love a heroine who knows her mind? Everyone in each story is so unique and I would’ve happily read a full length novel about any of them. It’s also nice to be able to finish a story and grab another cup of coffee before you dig into the next one. Griep kept my interest the whole time, and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. Knowing your mind and letting it get you into trouble often go hand in hand. I loved seeing these ladies grow and learn to lean on others instead of just themselves. A prime example of how we are often better with a helpmate. From a nurse to a lady of society everyone can make a difference, and I enjoyed being along for the ride. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance with intrigue mixed in. Some story’s started with the main characters butting heads, while in another they were already in love, but had secrets that can hurt even the strongest bonds. I enjoyed every moment of it. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Each of these stories contains mystery and action, along with sweet romance. With well developed characters, all three stories are enjoyable reads. The stories are set in the 1800s and are true to the time. Author Michelle Griep gives us plenty of descriptions so we understand the “why” of things, along with being able to see the settings.

With faith threaded throughout, the characters learn to lean on God through the storms of life. However I would in no way call these stories preachy. I always enjoy Griep’s books, and this one doesn’t disappoint. I’m already looking forward to her next release. If you enjoy historical fiction then you’re sure to enjoy Ladies of Intrigue.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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I discovered Michelle Griep in 2018 and since then found that I enjoy her stories. She has a unique entertaining way of bringing characters to life and her characters are unique and interesting.

This was the same with this set of novellas. Each novella brought interesting characters, some mysterious event and a sweet love story. The three female characters were quite independent, feisty characters who found themselves in interesting situations where they needed a dashing hero. The plot of each novella was also interesting with some thievery, medical emergencies and a haunted house mystery.

Recommended for fans of Christian historical fiction.

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Ladies of Intrigue give us three short stories in one book. Each story is historical fiction that is primarily romance. The stories are not related and take place during different time periods and different locations. In one book, you travel from England in 1815 to the Dakota Territory in 1862 to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1890. I do not normally read novellas but when I saw the author was Michelle Griep, I knew I wanted to read this one. I have loved all her books. I enjoyed each of the short stories but still prefer reading her novels as they provide more character/plot development. If you are looking for some light, quick reading in the historical fiction genre, then pick this book.

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Three stories, involving three women with very different settings and backgrounds, yet they manage to fit together by their main character's pluck and dedication. Helen, in "The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady," has come to England to care for her ailing father, with the generosity of the Seaton family enabling her to have left her job as a governess to do so. However, she isn't sure she can trust her host, as her first experience with him has him kidnapping her off her newly arrived ship after having looted it. "The Doctor's Woman," Emmy, is just about to travel to her aunt's home after her father, the town's doctor, has died, to return to a "civilized" life of dining and dancing. Instead, she finds herself being called upon to use her medical experience within the nearby fort. A temporary doctor arrives, and together, they see to the needs of the fort's occupants, and the large group of Sioux which has been led into the fort for temporary containment. The third woman, Amanda, is happily betrothed to the city attorney, Joseph, in "A House of Secrets. Yet, as she attempts to please her father by taking on a large charity project, she soon finds that the titular house is not the only thing hiding secrets.

I enjoyed this collection of stories more than I expected, with Helen and Isaac, perhaps, being my favorite characters. I enjoyed the banter, and how the women in all three stores were strong, and spoke their minds, yet meshed well with the men who admired their spunk. All three women were looking to serve, putting others' needs above their own. The men in their lives supported and enhanced these pursuits, with encouragement and enthusiasm, rather than condescension or apathy.

I give this book 4 stars. It's really hard to feel invested in characters in such a short space, but I feel that this author did a service to her Ladies, and I wish only that there was more to their stories so I could read more about them!

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Ladies of Intrigue. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Three very different stories--filled with love, romance, and chivalry. I enjoyed all three, but I think I prefer the ones where the first meeting of the couples is a part of the events. I just love watching the chemistry bloom--or distain morph--into something more substantial. Michelle Griep is adept at this! (Because of this, my true favorite was the The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady!!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Michelle Griep for the ARC!

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Reading the three novellas, I had a question for author Michelle Griep - do you like the smell of Sandalwood? At least two of the gentlemen main characters in these novellas wore a sandalwood scent.

Michelle Griep does an excellent job of appealing to the senses - from the mention of scents to descriptions of how things looked - readers can almost see and smell what is happening in the stories. The stories appear to be well-researched. Her characters are engaging and like-able. The female main characters are strong and spur the men in their lives to do what is right. By the end of the stories you want to know what happens next, leaving room for possible continuation of each of the stories. The stories involve learning to trust those you love as well as working for what you know to be right. Faith in God is evident in these stories.  I enjoyed these three novellas, which were an easy-read.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book.

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Ladies of Intrigue is a book with three short stories by Michelle Griep. I actually am very fond of short stories, they are my favorite because they are fast paced and usually have a unique premiss, so I was very happy to receive an e-arc from Netgalley! And there is some serious cover envy going on. That blue is spectacular! Anyway, let’s get to the main feature: the words itself ;)

The Gentleman Smuggler starts of with a bang, where our two protagonists meet at opposite ends of a robbery. Though if it’s really a robbery remains to be seen. When Helen meets her gentleman robber again, she might give him in to the authorities... or maybe hear his side of the story. The idea of this story is great and I liked the writing, but i have to admit the ending fell a bit falt for me, there were a few things I thought very unrealistic, but I would be spoiling it. But it doesn’t ruin the story at all, it’s still very enjoyable! Oh, and awesome side characters!

The second story is about a doctor and the daughter of a doctor, ending up working together in a fort alongside Nativr Americans. The build up of this story is very well done, and I’ve grown to care for the characters. There was not much mystery here but enough romantic moments to make up for it!

The third story is my favorite! There are a few secrets in this one, and the question is if it will drive Amanda and Joseph apart... the romance and courtship between Joseph and Amanda is epic, I love how she can be totally herself with Joseph even though she very much seeks and is denied the approval of her father, and society. Joseph is an amazing man and tries his best to right every wrong even at his own cost. I’ve never liked a politiciam before, lol!

Overall I really enjoyed the stories. There wasn’t a dull moment, the pacing was right and the words flowed. There was much cute banter, which I adored! The only downside is that it’s more romance than mystery, though mystery is promised on the cover. For me that is not an issue, I’m not reslly a fan, but if you’re looking for a “who dunnit” story this might not be it. If you’re a fan of romance with a strong plot going on, this is totally for you!

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The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady was my favorite of the three. While all three stories were wonderful, Helen and Isaac stole my heart from chapter one. Their initial meeting was quite possibly my favorite of all time. Two things I noticed in common between the three books: grief and learning to actively trust in God. The grief was a bit more subtle in A House of Secrets but still there, in my opinion. 

It can be difficult to give your life over to God, to trust in Him despite your circumstances, but when done, it is a most treasured blessing.

As I've come to expect from Michelle Griep, the writing was poetic with a vivid clarity for detail. I love living vicariously through characters, and the adventure in Ladies of Intrigue met that need with equal parts adventure and romance. Strong female characters made better by the love and protectiveness of the men God placed in their lives made Ladies of Intrigue an absolute pleasure to read. Their growing faith in God gave the characters depth and humility as they learned to navigate a course not of their choosing but of God's.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This book contained three wonderfully different stories from the 1800s. None of the stories are related to each other but the common thread is that in each story there is a strong woman who stood up for what she believed and felt was right. My favorite of the three was the first story with the Robin Hood smuggler and his lady. All three of these stories could be developed into a full-length novel that would be intriguing stories to read.

If you are looking for a story that has suspense, romance and that keeps you up late into the night reading, this book would satisfy your need. These stories are sweet and clean stories with no foul language and in each story, the characters refer to a belief in God and it is wound into the story and doesn't feel preachy at all.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I offer my honest review willingly.

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Book Summary (Amazon):
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?

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.

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...If you like picking up a book that you can read in a day, pick up a novella. This book is a collection of 3 novellas, and only took me a few days of leisurely reading to complete. Each story was a little different, with "The Doctor's Woman" being completely different as it is set in the western US. The other two novellas were set in England.
Michelle Griep's full length novels are typically filled with exciting plot twists, romantic tension, and a nicely paced story line that will keep you reading from beginning to end. This novella collection is like three miniature versions of that. I personally liked "The Doctor's Woman" more than the other two because i enjoyed the characters and plot line a little more. The western setting is one I'm partial to as well, so I was quickly turning pages to see what would happen next. As with the nature of all novellas, you don't get all of the detail and the romantic aspect is usually sped up a bit. While there are times that I do like the long building up of tension, every so often it's nice to see things move along a little faster!

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley in order to give an honest review, which I did.**

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Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Michelle Griep offers her readers three novellas that span the 19th century and include lovely settings for all three stories that will have readers wishing each story was just a bit longer.

I was interested to see how this book would be, given the inclusion of three short stories within the covers. I’m pleased to say that I really enjoyed each book separately but wished they were each slightly longer, mainly to get more background information for the characters. I would definitely say that the first story, The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady, was my favorite given it setting and subject. Helen Fletcher has come to the Cornish coast to spend time with her ailing father. But a feud between a young business man and his former employer lead to the boarding of the vessel that brings her to Cornwall. Little realizing that the handsome smuggler is her father’s benefactor, Helen is shocked when she finds out just who Isaac Seaton really is. Struggling to reconcile the two sides of this man, Helen determines not to lose her heart unless Isaac proves his reasons for smuggling are not for selfish gain. Isaac is challenged by this kind but feisty young woman’s words and faith. He will have to determine if his smuggling reasons still matter or if there is a better way to help others out. I love the British Isles and stories set there always seem to be well done. And while it was a bit hard at first to connect with the characters, I loved the action and adventure throughout the story. And the spiritual side of things was nicely done without feeling forced or annoying. The second story was really good too, with its setting in the Dakota territory. Emmy Nelson has served Fort Snelling and the surrounding communities alongside her missionary doctor father for many years, albeit without formal training as a nurse. Her more natural methods which include some Indian medicine cause a clash between her and the new doctor at the fort. But despite a bad initial meeting, Dr James Clark recognizes Emmy’s skill and her heart to help others. Requesting that she remain at the fort as his aide means spending more time with her, and leads to a good friendship and possibly more. But James will have to decide if he still wants to return to the city or if God has called him to a greater purpose than he ever dreamed. And Emmy will have the chance to fulfill her dream of ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of those in the Dakota Territory. I enjoyed this story and felt it was the most complete of the three, even though it wasn’t my favorite one. The dialogue was good and the pacing of the story was excellent. I also liked how both main characters learned lessons and grew spiritually in a realistic manner. The third story was my least favorite because it felt the most incomplete. Amanda Carston is trying to earn respect from her friends and her father and so sets out to make a difference in the lives of the poverty stricken. Knowing there are many in the city who cannot afford to educate their children, Amanda hopes to turn a dilapidated former mansion into a school for the poor. The only problem is that she cannot discover the deed holder nor can she find anyone else who knows. Joseph Blake is Amanda’s longtime friend, new beau and the secret owner of the ramshackle mansion Amanda wants to buy. Joseph works alongside a minister to help “soiled doves” escape their terrible line of work and the mansion is key to helping these women. Hoping to find a way to shut down the largest brothel in St. Paul, Joseph keeps his secret until doing so puts Amanda in danger from an evil man. Working together will require trust and forgiveness that both Joseph and Amanda must discover for the other. So, the plot is good but the actual telling of it just seemed too rushed for my taste. I did like the outcome and the characters but would have like a little more page time for the story to play out. The spiritual side of this story was also a little lacking and could have used a bit more bite. Overall, I enjoyed these stories and will certainly recommend them to others. I’m very pleased that Ms. Griep improved her writing as compared to her last book. I’m looking forward to the next work that Ms. Griep releases.

I received this E-book free of charge from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

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I prefer full-length novels, but every once in a while it’s nice to pick up short reads (novellas) where I’m not staying up late, forcing my eyes open, to finish one more page or chapter. Ladies of Intrigue is comprised of three easy to read novellas, each of which can be read in one sitting.

I’ve read some of Michelle Griep’s previous books, so I knew I’d enjoy her writing style and voice. From the title of this one, I expected a bit more suspense, but I still enjoyed each novella.

The Gentleman Struggler’s Lady tells the story of an unlikely pair. I enjoyed the whirl of emotions and unexpected turns. I also like the contrast of loss and new beginnings.

The Doctor’s Woman is my favorite of the three stories. Emmy and James are interesting characters and the progression of their relationship is believable. I especially liked the medical knowledge Emmy gained during a period of time it wasn’t conventional.

A House of Secrets as you can guess from the title, contained the most mystery. Ugh…now I’m thinking this one might be my favorite of the three. Amanda has a good heart and I loved the romantic elements.

It’s difficult to give three stories a single rating. Although the first novella didn’t fully pull me in (3 stars) the others did (4 stars.)


Author: Michelle Griep
Publisher: Barbour
Pages: 288
Opening Line (Story 1): Recreasing a worn scrap of foolscap, Helen Fletcher tucked the paper into her valise, then snapped shut the clasp, wishing most of all she’d never received such horrid news.
I received a review copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

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Three most enjoyable stories in one cover - what a lovely way to spend an afternoon!
Set in the early 1800's, we start out in a port village in Cornwall, England. I must admit that the idea of a gentleman smuggler brought several pictures to mind, most of which were quite correct. That coupled with a staid governess and a most interesting story emerges.
A doctor with a great deal of book knowledge arrives at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. How will he fare with frontier medicine, especially when dealing with the beautiful protege of a frontier doctor? Combine that with an epidemic and native cures to indulge in a tale that ends quite unexpectedly.
Mysteries always make for a good story....at least if you are the one knowing the secret behind it. A land title, a school for underprivileged children and a boiler explosion bring plenty of questions to this storyline.
I received this lovely anthology through Barbour Publishing, Netgalley and CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.

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Michelle Griep has penned three engaging novellas in Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery. These are all previously published novellas that have been compiled in one collection. In the last year or so, Ms. Griep has become one of my favorite authors, so I was thrilled to read some of her earlier work. In my humble opinion, it is more difficult for an author to excel at world building and character development in the shorter length stories, but I find that Michelle Griep is a master storyteller regardless of length of story or historical setting.

These stories are united by a common theme of secrets or intrigue. With danger, hidden secrets, noble causes and sweet romance, each story has a strong faith element that embodies Griep's writings. I love that she gives her readers heroines with grit, who are willing to escape the confines of society's expectations for women, sometimes placing themselves in unsavory environments in order to help others.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley and the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep is a lovely, light read with three heavy messages of love, hope, and faith.
Each story is driven by romance, but there is also enough mystery or adventure to keep you turning pages and hoping that the characters open their hearts and their eyes to each other before something else goes wrong.
And I appreciated how each story’s character arc brought both the women and the men closer to God through their own stubbornness or willfulness or mistakes. It was a great reminder that God uses everything for the good of those who love Him.
If you’re looking for a read that is inspirational and charming, grab a copy of Ladies of Intrigue.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the digital copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own!

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I absolutely adored ALL of the stories in this set. You simply can’t go wrong with this clean, wholesome collection. These stories are packed with likable, interesting characters, romance, intrigue, mystery and suspense. Every single story is guaranteed to pique your interest and warm your heart.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Barbour Publishing, Inc. / Barbour Books in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.

#LadiesOfIntrigue #NetGalley

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Ladies of Intrigue is a collection of three well written historical stories. I kept saying this one is my favorite, but then the next one would be even better. Each story featured a romance with endearing characters. I loved the spunk each lady showed. Each one had determination that was a feature their prospective husbands admired in them. This is a nice collection that all lovers of historical fiction will enjoy. I will say that The Doctor's Woman stood out as one of the best stories I have read in a long time. The other two were close seconds.


I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest feedback.

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I mistakenly downloaded this book not realizing it was 3 novellas. While I prefer a full length novel I found myself enjoying this gem. Each story was enjoyable with enough plot to make it interesting and as always the bit of romance adds to the story. Along with good editing and writing the book was a pleasant surprise.

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As soon as I heard about Michelle Griep’s “Ladies of Intrigue”, I was drawn in, and I jumped at the chance to review it. Three stories from the nineteenth century, tinged with mystery? Sign me up! Despite the brevity of the stories, each one had a twisting denouement and a swift but satisfying conclusion. They could all have easily been novel-length, but as it was, the rapid pace assured that there was no lagging to the plot. “The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady”, set on the Cornish coast in 1815, reminded me of Abigail Wilson’s “In the Shadow of Croft Towers”, so readers of this short story may enjoy that novel and vice versa. From there Griep takes us to 1862 Minnesota in “The Doctor’s Lady”, which was the least mysterious of the three but full of other conflict, including that between the Indians and the United States during the Sioux Uprising and the dangers of being a single woman during that time. My favorite, however, was “A House of Secrets”, which differed from the previous two stories in both title format and writing style. This last tale was written more poetically and featured characters from the upper class in Minnesota in 1890, and it held the most secrets. Each narrative focused on the characters’ need to trust and rely on God and His provision. It was interesting to trace how women’s roles and societal expectations changed over the decades through the timeline arc of this collection. Historical fiction and romance fans will enjoy these stories, which combine love, the conventions of the past, and the necessity of faith—both then and now.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and CelebrateLit and was under no obligation to post a review.

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Michelle Griep is one of my favorite authors. I love the way she weaves words together that draw me in so quickly and make me feel like part of the story. Each of these stories are novella length but felt well developed and full. I loved them all but I think that The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady might be my favorite. Helen and Issac's first meet was fantastic. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

You honestly cannot go wrong with this book. Read them all at once, or one at a time. Either way you will find a bit of happy for your day.

Content: mild peril, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep contains three 19th century romance novellas. The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady takes us to the Cornish Coast in 1815. Helen Fletcher is rushing to Cornwall from Ireland to be by her ill father’s side. As Helen is preparing to depart the ship, a band of renegades’ attack and liberate a shipment of gunpowder. When Helen meets her father’s patron, Isaac Seaton, she is shocked when she is recognizes him as one of the smugglers. Seaton likes Helen’s fiery spirit, but he is afraid she will reveal his secret to the revenue man. Can Seaton persuade Helen to remain silent?

The Doctor’s Woman has readers journeying to Dakota Territory in November of 1862. Dr. Edrith Nelson has passed away and his daughter, Emmy is preparing to leave town when soldiers need assistance with a patient. Dr. James Clark is the new physician at Fort Snelling and, with the recent influx of Native Americans needing medical aide, can use a qualified assistant like Emmy. Emmy agrees to stay and soon clashes with Dr. Clark on their different treatment methods. Can they find a way to work together and where will it lead?

A House of Secrets takes us back to October 1890 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Amanda Carson is the chairwoman of the local Ladies Aide Society and has come up with a new project for their group. She wants to transform the dilapidated Grigg house into a school for the impoverished. Amanda’s search for the owner is met with resistance. She is unaware that her fiancé and city attorney, Joseph Blake uses the home as a safe house for woman who wish to escape from prostitution. If Joseph can just get Amanda to wait a couple of weeks, he will no longer have need of the home. Amanda, though, is a determined woman when she is on a mission. Joseph’s secret could cost him the woman he loves.

Ladies of Intrigue contains three Christian romance stories set in the 1800s. I like the three different locales and the couples in the stories. It is nice to watch the couples learn to trust each other, overcome their differences and fall in love. I thought Ladies of Intrigue was well-written with steady pacing. I did feel that The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady needed more fleshing out. The ending felt incomplete. There are smugglers, soldiers, a dedicated doctor, sick Native Americans, a haunted house, corrupt men, romance, society ladies and much more in Ladies of Intrigue. I enjoyed these three sweet romantic stories with Christian values. If you are looking for a diverting nineteenth century romantic tales, then pick up Ladies of Intrigue.

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3 stories in 1.
Loved the first story. It was cute and super fun!
The second story was sassy. The characters were cute and the banter back and forth was amazing!
The third story was interesting. I restarted that one a couple times because I wasn't sure I was following the storyline. The heroine was juvenile but came to the realization, that was nice.
Overall, it was very worth the read! Most fun I've had from Ms. Griep's books that I've read thus far (only 3)!!
I highly recommend this to everyone!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Michelle Griep amazed me as she portrayed such an amazing show of opposites attracting in her three amazing stories in one complete novel! In The Gentleman Smugglers Lady novel, in 1815, the governess is so proper nd home to assist her very sick father while she is astounded by her attraction to a smuggler who is her opposite in so many ways.

In 1862, Dr. James Clark and Emmy Nelson definitely do not see eye to eye as she goes to assist and learn from Dr. Clark, a city Doctor who is so different from what she's used to, a compassionate, caring person like her dad who is a missionary doctor. She learns a lot from Dr Clark, more than she thought she ever would.

Then there is Amanda Carston, who has her work cut out for her with the shabby housing situations in St. Paul in 1890. She sees that there is lots to clean up and what she starts off with is a well kept secret, a brothel that her beau has secretly been assisting with, women who didn't have any other means of survival and had to come to stay in this painstakingly horrendous house. She has to overcome a lot of her prejudgments but also see that there is a lot of compassion and care if she looks beyond the surface. She is these ladies last hope before they have to deal with a menacing head leader who is a lady worse than any man they've been forced to deal with.

These three tales are amazingly tied into each other as they show people having to overcome their assumptions about others . It just happens to be that they are the opposite gender in this book. What an amazing way to show how to overcome oneself and the author did it very well. I gave an honest review in exchange for this novel of three great tales! This novel gets 5 stars but wish more could be given for this great read!! It's a must-read! Can truth and love prevail when opposites collide?

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I really enjoyed this novella collection and this cover is so stunning!  Each novella had a different time period and setting which really made each story stand apart.  They all had great characters and compelling plots.  The romance in each of theses stories was really prominent, which was great!  I really enjoyed the variety that this novella collection offers to a historical romance fan!  I would definitely recommend this novella collection to readers who love leading ladies and romance!

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Whether through full-length novel or shorter novella format, Michelle Griep consistently delivers a highly entertaining read. All three stories in Ladies of Intrigue, previously published in other collections, are now easily enjoyed under one cover – also perfect for new readers. Although I try not to miss any of Griep’s writing, all three stories were new to me.

From England’s ruggedly beautiful Cornwall coast in 1815, to the Dakota Territories during the Civil War era, and then to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1890, each story features strong lead characters dealing with situations during a troubled time. The characters are fleshed out remarkably well for a novella, romantic chemistry feels real (this is Griep after all, right?), and the storylines pulled me right into the era. But my favorite part was delving into the historical detail of each story and the way the characters responded to their individual situations.

Griep gently weaves spiritual themes and insight into these stories, all reflecting on timeless themes, such as questioning why bad things happen and the need to simply trust in God’s provision and guidance. I couldn’t pick a favorite, for each story is different and moving. Recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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This is such a great set of books. The women are so strong and loving. They know what they want and go for it. They are very unselfish and live to help others. The men they love are very protective and faithful. I totally recommend this box set.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley.

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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Ms. Griep's style of writing and word usage just plops you right down in whatever setting the story takes place.
The romance happens quickly in the first two stories (in the third the characters are already engaged), but such is the nature of novellas.
I was confused by the title women of intrigue, I was expecting spy stories, they are not, but rather women of strength standing against all that life can throw at them. I love the lessons of first impressions are not always what they seem. I also loved the variety in the historical timeline. All three stories have elements of humor and adventure.
I’m not a novella fan, I always feel that the story should have been deeper and longer, but these were fun and quick. I did learn that these three stories are not new, but are repackaged from other novella collections. Since, I had not read them previously, this was not a problem for me.
My favorite story is the last one. It felt the most intriguing and kept my interest. Plus I preferred in such a short story to have to characters already "in love" than meeting for the first time.
And while the last story involves shutting down a brothel, everything is dealt with very tactfully, so I would recommend this book even for teenage readers. I think history lovers and those with only a short amount of reading time will love these novellas.

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Michelle Griep is one of my favorite authors and I was excited to read Ladies of Intrigue. Although a repackaging of previously published stories, I had not read these novellas before and am glad that I took the time to do so now. Griep has a way with words and knows well how to tell a story. I enjoy the imagery that she uses to draw a reader into her characters' stories. One example that I especially liked is, "Most of the shameless maples had already disrobed for their coming marriage to winter, but a few discreet maidens refused to shed their orange and red leaves." These three stories were set in the 1800s and spanned the globe from Cornwall, England to Minnesota in the United States. Each of the novellas has strong, vibrant characters that are likable and realistic, and is a sweet romance that is fraught with tension, a little mystery and adventure and yet has a satisfactory happily ever after conclusion. Readers who enjoy sweet romances with a touch of mystery and adventure will not want to miss this collection of romance novellas. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

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4 stars- I have enjoyed the books I have read by Michelle and was interested in reading this one. It is made up of 3 novellas all set in the 19th century, the first in England and the last 2 in Minnesota. The first novel, “The Smuggler’s Lady” had a good storyline. It captured my attention and I really liked the two main characters. But I thought the relationship between the main characters moved a bit fast for me considering they only knew each other for a very short period of time before they seemed to be “in love”.
The second story, “The Doctor’s Woman”, was a nice story. I really liked Emmy Nelson although I did think the male protagonist, Dr. Clark was a bit mule headed and close minded. Thankfully, he did seem to soften up some over time. I really liked the end and thought it was a sweet romance.
The third story, “A House of Secrets” was a good story as well. I haven’t read too many romance stories where the main characters are already engaged to each other at the start of the story. This story focused less on the characters falling in love rather than proving that love to each other. It was a well rounded story with likable characters. There was one scene in particular where I rather cringed at the choice a character made towards the end but overall it was an enjoyable story.
I look forward to reading more by Michelle Griep. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Ladies of Intrigue is a wonderful read by Michelle Griep. It features three separate stories set in the 19th century. Each story has fascinating characters and tons of mystery and romance. I really enjoyed each story, which came as no surprise coming from this amazing storyteller. I highly recommend it! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

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From Dublin to the shores of the Emerald Isle this story has mysteries, secrets and friendships that all together span two decades. I really enjoyed the stories of these three strong and determined women. . Yes, they all tied together, were wonderful stories and fascinating facts of Ireland that I enjoyed, but, I really didn’t like how often the stories jumped back and forth between the women’s lives. I was sometimes having to go back a few paragraphs to see who we had left and now we were into. I did really enjoy the story and if you enjoy history full of mysteries, secrets and strong friendships you should enjoy this one.

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Ladies of Intrigue is a collection of love stories set in the 1800s. The novella’s are cute and romantic and enjoyable. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and found each one to be brave in spite of difficulties. I like how Michelle Griep weaved the Lord’s truth throughout each story.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion.

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This is a perfect weekend read collection! I loved each of the three stories and their characters. I could have seen Helen and Isaac’s story go on for much longer! It was engaging and well written with a fun meet between the two. Emmy and James had great chemistry with snappy dialogue. The danger of the fort and Indians was a perfect setting. Amanda and Joseph each have their honorable intentions towards people they want to help, but have quite the obstacles to overcome. Great intrigue and romance in this one! A truly lovely collection that I can see myself reading over and over again. I got this from Celebrate Lit Team and was not required to write a review.

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Oh, what fun! Three of Michelle Griep’s novellas in one book! I would have finished it in one sitting if I hadn’t started the book later in the evening and had to take a break to sleep. All of the author’s trademarks that makes her books delectable are in these novellas - smooth and easy-to-read writing, descriptive historical settings, strong and lovable characters, nicely laid-out plot, and a steady current of faith infused into the characters. If you enjoy well-written historical romance, you will enjoy this collection of novellas.

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady takes place in 1815 England as Isaac works secretly as a smuggler to help his impoverished tenants and Helen accidentally discovers his identity. The Doctor’s Woman takes place in 1862 Minnesota as James starts a new position as the fort’s physician and Emmy helps as his assistant after her own physician father passes away. A House of Secrets also takes place in Minnesota but in 1890, as Joseph, the city counsel, works to covertly help women in need but the secrets become a bit too entangled when his fiancée Amanda unwittingly becomes involved in the situation. There is a bit of intrigue in each story with plenty of historical fare and sweet romance.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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I was an immediate fan of Michelle Griep after reading my very first novel of hers. Since that day, it has been my intent to read everything she writes so I was quite happy to be given a chance to review her most recent collection Ladies of Intrigue. This particular book includes three vastly different novellas with different settings and time frames. The one thing each has in common is that at least one of the primary characters hides one or more secrets from the other. With so many secrets, how can true love overcome them?

I enjoyed all three of the distinct stories and find it difficult to choose a favorite. The dark and mysterious Cornish coast with its smuggler hero had its appeal but so did the western Fort Snelling and its city doctor. Then there was the young society lady determined to prove herself by providing a home for underprivileged children whose love interest held a few secrets of his own. Each story was a delight to read and held my interest until the end. Although I usually enjoy shorter format novellas such as these, I found myself not quite ready to let them go when I reached the last page of each one. I would say that is a testament to the excellent talent of Ms. Griep. I loved this book and would recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of intrigue.

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Three wonderful historical romance novellas.

Each of these stories is set in a different time period and setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this variety. The main characters are all fantastic and well developed. The plots are all great and kept my interest.

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady - I found that this story really looks at the necessity of taking time to not jump to conclusions about a person’s character without getting to know their motives.

The Doctor’s Woman - I loved seeing how the doctor and the daughter of the missionary doctor learned to work together.

A House of Secrets - Trying to keep secrets is never a good way to treat the woman you are engaged to.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

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An enjoyable collection of stories about strong women who are treasured for their strength as well as their beauty.
I love reading about feisty women who break convention and do what is right. This collection doesn't disappoint.

Each story takes you back in history where women had a particular role to play with expected behavior. The main characters of these stories are not conventional.

I had a favorite one - The Doctor's Woman. I think it was because I love stories about the West and this fit the bill. It made me think of an old movie- Drums Along the Mohawk.

I received this free from Celebrate Lit to review.

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This was a quite enjoyable collection of novellas by Michelle Griep. Each storyline featured a strong young woman, but the similarities ended there. I can’t even say that I preferred one over the other. Each was a stand alone story and perfect for reading when I wake up at 3 or 4 am and don’t want to get out of bed.
I liked the fact that the author kept the stories clean even though there was romance involved. A great story without dirty language or sex can still be told. I would recommend this set of novellas to anyone wanting a good clean read.
I was provided an advance e- copy of this book from Net-Galley and the publisher Barbour Books.
Thank you.
Opinions are my own and hope you all enjoy this collection

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If you haven’t read anything by Michelle yet, what are you waiting for? She is a brilliant writer and I have enjoyed every book I have read by her. This collection is no exceptions.

Each story is unique, engaging and full of action and of course intrigue 🙂

From the beginning of each story you will be tossed into the meat of the plot, there is no tip toeing around to get to the good stuff, you are there from page one.

If you are looking for some short and sweet historical romances look no further than this collection of stories.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

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The title page grabbed me! LADIES OF INTRIGUE. Three amazing stories of romance and intrigue along with lively, unforgetable characters.

Our first story, The Gentleman's Smuggler's Lady, made me stop and think. This story is about smugglers, and a lady. But how will she become involved? The year is 1815, an historical year. That intrigued me too. Our story is also about an ailing father who happens to live in Cornwall, England, and a vessel named, Nancarrow. As the lady was about to disembark this vessel, one of the smugglers, holding a gun, grabbed up the lady while she was screaming, ran down the gangplank, jumped on his horse, and they were off before the captain could bat an eye. This part really excited me! Where was he taking her? Who is this man that had suddenly kidnapped her and took off with her? Was he trying to save her? If so, from whom? From what? As I read more the intrigue rose as the plot thickened. Will love bring them together,or tear them apart? What will happen next?

Our next intriguing story, THE DOCTOR'S WOMAN, made me think of a hospital and sick people. Especially when it opened up with so much sadness. That first sentence had me. Why so much sorrow? The year was 1862. Another historical story that took me back to the past. Back to another place and another time. This part touched my heart. To feel what this woman felt. To see what this woman saw.This story happened in Mendota, Minnesota, at Emmy Nelson's place of abode, and two people in her life that had slipped away. With a broken heart she didn't know how she would be able to move on and face the future. That part made me feel so sad for her in her greiving moments. Then Dr. James Clark showed up in her life. Could this be the death of a dream? Or was she about to embark on a new beginning? Only Michelle Griep, and her wonderful writing could take me on such a high adventure.

Our third intriguing story, A HOUSE OF SECRETS, gave me a lot to think about. What kind of secrets could this house hold? If it could talk, what could it tell us? And about whom? The year is 1890, another historical year. Our story takes place in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Maggie, while waiting for Joseph to get there for a dinner party, was contemplating on the new service project, and she being the new chairwoman of the Ladies' Aide Society. Plus; People say the house that she is interested in is in need of repair, and also haunted, and that some have actually heard things while inside the old house. What other secrets will the house reveal? How will this effect the project? Another blast into the past read!

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This book contains three well written novellas: The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady, The Doctor's Woman, and A House of Secrets. Although short each feels complete with good plot lines and characters that are well developed.

Filled with mystery and romance, each had a realistic hero and heroine. Sometimes at cross purposes, they still were intent on reaching the same goal. Each is a quick, enjoyable read that can be read in one sitting for most readers.

My favorite was The Doctor's Woman. Although Emmy Nelson and Dr. James Clark looked at medicine from different perspectives, they both wanted the same end result. Emmy had learned natural herbal healing from her father that often worked better than the newer, more modern methods (such as blood letting with leaches) favored by Dr. Clark. As they worked together for both the military personnel at the fort and the Sioux Indians being protected just outside the fort, they learned from one another and discovered that there was a place for each of their methods in order to achieve healing. Emmy was a lady ahead of her time when it came to doctoring. She was willing to learn new things and teach others from her knowledge.

A good read for those who like well developed novellas for a short read.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

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Wow! This one is a bit different. Like many others these stories are about strong women. These are a little less " fluffy" though, and not quite as light a read. All good, smart characters with a lot of heart. And quite interesting. It's a book that you don't want to put down!

"Those who leave everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything. . .even in man.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Ladies of Intrigue is an excellent collection of stories by Michelle Griep. I thoroughly enjoyed these three stories with mystery, danger and romance all rolled into one. It is a quick an easy read as each story is 90 or so pages and with great characters and intriguing plots, the book is hard to put down once you start it(at least it was for me!). These stories aren’t brand new as each was published before in previous Barbour novella collections but they were new to me and I loved each one of them.

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

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#LadiesOfIntrigue #NetGalley

Michelle Griep is an amazing writer. She creates world, not just stories. You feel as if you step into the past and watch the stories unfold. It is an awesome experience. This is my second novel of hers and like with the first it was wonderful. It was an escape into another time, one that is hard to put down and this one has three stories so it was very fun. I completely recommend reading this!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

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This was my first time reading anything by Michelle Griep and I was not disappointed! Michelle Griep has woven these 3 stories of mystery into an amazing collection! I went away from each of the 3 stories really wanting to know more. Isn't that the mark of a good storyteller?

While I loved each of the stories, I have to say I enjoyed the first story the most! The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady reminded me so much of the show Poldark. The scenery and the smuggling made for a mysterious setting. I highly recommend this book. I'm off to the library to look for more :-)

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I have to say I just love Michelle Grieps stories!
Her characters are deep and endearing, the plot captivating, interesting scenery, and always a dash of mystery and intrigue.
Well this was not the exception! I was not expecting well developed characters, because they were not full length novels, but I was wrong! In a short time I feel I knew this characters and was quickly rooting for them and their HEA's!
I loved each story and especially the heroes and heroines! They are all strongminded, but kind and compassionate as well. Helen and Isaac, Emmy and James, and Amanda and Joseph. All of them ready to put their heart and life on the line for others.
My favorite of all was definitely "The Smugglers Lady". I totally fell in love with Helen and Isaac. Seemed opposite but they were the perfect match, and I loved the adventurous part of the story!
I really enjoyed each one, and I have to say that I would love it if Michelle would expand them into full length novels. There's awesome material there!
A definitely must read! Totally recommended!
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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For Michelle Griep fans 4 different stories in one book! For lovers of these novellas each is has their own unique personality and perspectives.
I like Michelle's stories. They make me smile and take me away from the real world for awhile. And the best part is it doesn't cost a dime!!
The reader will be drawn into each story and won't want to emerge for awhile.
I'm guilty as charged!! I didn't even hear my husband call my name at least until the 3rd time lol
I strongly recommend this book.
I received this book from Netgalley and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!!

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I read Ladies of Intrigue, by Michelle Griep, at the request of the publisher, Barbour Publishing. This book contains three novellas about strong women ahead of their time. Each one ended too soon for me, as I was enjoying them immensely.

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady takes place on the Cornish coast of England in 1815. Helen Fletcher, a very prim and proper governess travels home to Cornwall to care for her ailing father. The ship she is on is attacked by brigands, one of whom treats her as a gentleman would treat a lady. She is furious, but curious, too.

Imagine her surprise to learn he actually is a gentleman, and a very kind-hearted man who cares deeply for the tenants on his estate. He’s gorgeous, too…

The Doctor’s Woman, a Carol Award Winner, takes place in the Dakota Territory in 1862. Emmy Nelson is the very well-trained daughter of a physician (male, of course). She is frustrated by her aunt’s efforts to keep her busy with a life of high society parties. So, when the doctor for the army camp is delayed, Emmy jumps at the chance to minister to injured and abused Native Americans taken prisoner by the army.

The doctor shows up just after she arrives, and disagrees with her treatment plan for a man whose arm she is trying to save. Turns out, she is right. The good doctor is constantly frustrated with Emmy’s independent streak, and finally realizes he loves her. Will he change his life’s plans for her?

A House of Secrets, is set in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1890. Amanda Carston, the new chair of the Ladies Aide Society, wants to restore an old, dilapidated house to be used as a school with uniforms and books provided for children of poverty-stricken families.

The problem? She has a rival in the society, and she can’t get the deed to the property. Imagine her dismay when she learns her fiancé, Joseph, is the owner of the house, and he has blocked her purchase of the property. Joe is using the “haunted” house as a safe house for prostitutes, as he helps them escape a brothel secretly supported by the mayor. Joe has a heartbreaking reason to help those women, but he is not ready to share those reasons with Amanda.

What Made This Reviewer Grumpy?

Lots of split infinitives. That’s about it.

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Danger looms for three Ladies Of Intrigue...

Over the last year or so I've really come to enjoy Michelle Griep's historical romance so when I saw Ladies Of Intrigue it was a must read for me. I was curious to see if she could write novellas as well as she does her full length novels.

While the title indicates suspense I found that Ladies Of Intrigue was more historical romance with a healthy dash of adventure. What could be more adventurous than smugglers, a Native American uprising, and a haunted house with many secrets...?

One thing that I would like to note is that those who have difficulty with smaller print will not have that problem with this book. The font size is really nice and easy to read.

I found Michelle Griep's novella collection to be a fairly quick and easy read. The settings, Cornwall, Dakota Territory, and St. Paul, Minnesota, were quite interesting. And I really liked the fact that the stories covered the length of the 1800s, 1815, 1862, and 1890. So, if you are looking for a trio of adventurous and romantic novellas from a talented author Ladies Of Intrigue would be a great choice.

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

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For their short length, these stories develop characters well. The 19th-century settings in various locales are interesting and brought to lift deftly by the author. The romance is as moving as you'll get in a novella. All together, an enjoyable read and a good sampling of Michelle Griep's talents (though I do prefer her novels).

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