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 … 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.
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I enjoy anthology books because they give you a variety of stories. It’s like getting bonus books all in one beautifully crafted work. Each story takes you right into the action and the author has done a great job of giving vivid descriptions. I loved each story and hated to see them end. It’s time to travel back in time and be introduced to characters that jump off the pages with realism.
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
I was hooked right at the beginning as a band of thieves come aboard a ship to take the cargo the ship had been transporting. To their surprise is a lady that they didn’t know was there. Helen has traveled a great distance to care for her ailing father. She is rescued by one of the thieves and taken to her father. It was easy to feel her uncertainty as Isaac became her knight in shining armor. After all he was robbing the ship she was on and that does send up red flags.
Isaac is one of those characters that may cross the line in some areas of the law, but he is doing it for the better good of people. I loved his charismatic charm and his need to help others. Will Helen be able to forget Isaac’s past and trust him? Isaac is someone I would love to have as a friend. His heart is big when it comes to those who have less than he does. I loved how he provided whatever Helen needed to care for her father. The story is enchanting and I loved how expressive the author was in describing the hearts of two people who face danger and secrets.
” We must put our trust in God alone, not in our own feeble attempts to enact justice.”
The Doctor’s Woman
Emmy has just suffered a great loss and is preparing to leave to go stay with her aunt. Her father was a well respected doctor and his loss will be felt by many. The story jumps right into action when a doctor is needed and Emmy decides she will help. I loved when she encounters the wounded soldier and suddenly is pushed aside by Dr. James Clark. They certainly don’t agree on the treatment of the soldier, but Emmy pushes her pride aside . Dr. Clark is a man who is demanding at times and very opinionated. I loved the time period and how the author blends, humor, faith and pride into a story that captures the essence of life in the late 1860s. They will encounter the Sioux Indians, soldiers and danger as they try to work together. The description of what they encounter at the internment camp overwhelmed me. Their primitive doctoring is hard to read about while thinking of our modern medicine today. I especially liked reading about the medical procedures and how dedicated they both were to saving people who others thought as animals. The relationship between Emmy and James is swoon worthy. This is one story that has everything you would expect from an author gifted in writing strong characters with a fierce determination to help others.
” Then I pray that God will bring to you a special someone. As long as you’re still breathing, there’s always hope.”
A House of Secrets
With this story, we are rewarded with how gifted the author is by writing descriptions like, “half -burned timbers reached into the night sky, dark on dark, like blackened bones trying to escape a grave.” Amanda is swept away by her fiance , Joseph to attend their engagement dinner. To her surprise the carriage doesn’t turn towards the place where the dinner is being held. I chuckled as Joseph tells Amanda they are making a detour to Hannah’s Crow, which is a brothel. Joseph has a strong determination to see this place closed down. Amanda has her eyes on a building to restore it as a school for the poor children in the area. I loved the intrigue in this story as Amanda tries to find out who owns the building she wants. What is Joseph hiding from his fiance? This story is filled with secrets, learning to trust and two people who must find their way to the truth.
” You are loved. Trust in that. Believe in that.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep is three stories of intrigue and romance set in the 19th century.
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady takes place on the Cornish Coast provides readers with glimpses of beauty and the particular peoples of the coast.
The Doctor’s Woman, set in Dakota Territory in 1862 is a harrowing tale of life in the territory with wild animals, blizzards, and grizzled untrustworthy men. And a young woman recently orphaned by a doctor father, hoping to avoid joining her snooty aunt in her home.
A House of Secrets takes place in St. Paul Minnesota in 1890 is my favorite of the three stories. Amanda Carlton is set to obtain an abandoned house to use as a school for the poor uneducated children in the city. When she discovers the owner of the abandoned property is her fiancé, she sets out to find out why he hid it from her. The answer just might be her complete undoing.
I highly recommend Ladies of Intrigue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
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.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions 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.*
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.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Ladies of intrigue
1. The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
A very interesting story. Helen is definitely not a good horse rider. She does do a good job in caring for her dying father.
2. The Doctor’s Woman
Dakota Territory, 1862
I loved the way Emmy cared for the sick even though she wasn’t a doctor or nurse. She had assisted her father and after he passed she helped the new doctor. I really enjoyed these kind of stories.
3. A House of Secrets
St Paul, Minnesota, 1890
Amanda is in search of who owns the brothel but she is definitely in for a surprise. I loved how determined she was.
Three different stories, they were all really good. I did have a favorite one but will not say which one it was. My favorite could be different from someone else’s. Read the book and see what you think.
I received an complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
This is a very good book of three separate stories. Each story is a very enjoyable historical romance . My favorite of the three was A House of Secrets. These were my favorite characters. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit and Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
My first introduction to Michelle Griep was through one of her novellas, so it’s fitting that Ladies of Intrigue is a compilation of three formerly published novellas.
Each story features women who stand for what’s good and right as well as a man who, while it takes some time, come to admire that attribute about them. From an English governess to a healer in the wilds of Minnesota to a high-society ladies’ auxiliary chairwoman, Griep quickly immerses he r readers into each of her story settings while sweeping them away in the adventures of these three couples.
I had previously read a couple of these novellas, but it was sure fun to visit those people and places again. And that is the mark of a favorite author.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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.
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.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Ladies of Intrigue is a collection of three stories written by Michelle Griep. I didn’t realize these Novellas were previously published, so I had read a couple of them already! Don’t you just hate when this happens? A new book with stories you have already read! But it was good to refresh my memory of these stories.
It starts on Cornish Coast in 1815 when the First Lady of Intrigue falls in love with s smuggler. Not exactly what she had planned to do. Then on to Dakota Territory in 1862 with the second Intrigung Lady, Emily and Dr. Clark. I’ve always enjoyed a stories set in the Dakota Territory, and I enjoyed this one, especially with the doctoring techniques of this century. And the third Intriguing Lady is found in St. Paul Minnesota and the House of Secrets. This haunted house had the worst most haunting secrets of all!
All three of these stories will sure keep your interest, from the historical fact that we always find in a Michelle Griep story to the haunting mysteries each of these stories hold. You are sure to get a taste of the exceptional writing of this author!
A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
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.
The three stories in this book were riveting, fast paced, and fun to read. Full of rich history and great characters, the stories kept my attention from beginning to end. Each one averaged around 100 pages, give or take, so they were quick reads. Good fit for short periods of reading. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The words and opinions are mine alone.
I do enjoy mysteries and the historical eras were an interesting time that the stories portrayed so well. I enjoyed each of these three well written mystery novellas. With just the right amount of romance these strong ladies in hard times, kept me wondering what they would face next. Three intriguing stories with three most intriguing ladies! Mystery, secrets and a little romance made these one setting reads! I enjoyed each one and was left wanting to have a little more of their stories. I received an arc from NetGalley my review is voluntary.
‘Ladies of Intrigue’ is a collection of three novellas that are all set in the 19th century but they each have a different location. ‘The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady’ occurs in Cornwall, England in 1815 and it is full of adventure and danger. Helen Fletcher finds herself on a ship off the Cornish Coast that has been overtaken by smugglers and suddenly the life that she had known working as a governess drastically changes. One of the smugglers captures her attention and she must decide if she is ready to give Isaac Seaton her heart.
‘The Doctor’s Woman’ takes place in the Dakota Territory in 1862 and it is my favorite of these three novellas. Emmy Nelson had learned medicine from her late father who was a missionary doctor and she now finds herself helping a big city doctor as they work to treat the soldiers at Fort Snelling and a group of Sioux Indian women and children who are now living there. Smallpox and measle outbreaks force them to work together and their initial mistrust turns into mutual admiration. Dr. James Clark finds himself falling madly in love with Emmy and I enjoyed some of the scenes that show this happening. “Miss Emmaline Nelson would be the death of him. Carve it on his gravestone, killed by a woman–a beautiful bit of a woman, all fire and passion.” And as Emmy finds herself becoming infatuated with James she realizes that she is becoming “worse than a moonstuck schoolgirl”. There are, however, many events that may prevent them from finding their happily-ever-after.
The last story finds society woman Amanda Carlson involved with “A House of Secrets” in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1890. A haunted house that appears to be a brothel and a secret involving her fiancee forces Amanda to wonder if there is a future for her and Joseph Blake.
Michelle Griep is very adept in writing stories filled with adventure and suspense and her stories often feature realistic situations when God, faith and prayer are very important. These three novellas are no exception and I recommend ‘Ladies of Intrigue’ to anyone who likes romantic suspense and Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Ladies of Intrigue is a 3-in-1 book. Each novella is a standalone story. All of them take place in the 19th century. Throughout each story there are themes of a touch of mystery, faith, and love. Michelle Griep has never left me feeling unsatisfied after reading one of her books and this time is no different. Good read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
These three novellas span three time periods, 1815, 1862, and 1890. The three ladies in each of the stories had several things in common but the strongest was their spunk. They were strong, opinionated women especially for their time periods.
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady started out with a bang. Smuggler’s boarded the ship as it came into shore and Helen was right in the middle of it. She was on a mission to care for her ailing father. So how does it all tie in to her care of her father and the smuggler?
The Doctor’s Woman begins in a sad note. Emmy loses her doctor father to death but is persuaded to go to Fort Snelling. Medical care is needed but unknown to all, Dr. James Clark has arrived. He has modern medical advances but Emmy still uses herbs and such as medicinal cures which goes against Dr. Clark’s teachings.
A House of Secrets has an added venture of a haunted house used for two purposes. When Amanda learns who the owner is of her house she wants to purchase, the knowledge is the beginning of a downward spiral. What then happens between her fiancé and herself and how is it resolved?
These were three novellas written by the same author, Michelle Grief, and each were interesting in their own right.
These were so “intriguing” that I read them in a short period of time. I enjoyed the backgrounds and the stories behind each one. A five star rating as far as I’m concerned!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I immediately loved the title Ladies of Intrigue so I couldn’t wait to read this book. I wasn’t disappointed at all! It is very good. Michelle Griep is an excellent writer. There are three separate stories that all take place in the 1800’s.
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady was the first one that captured me from the start. A governess, Helen Fletcher was prim and proper and I enjoyed the transformation being involved with Isaac Seaton, who was an amazing man. He had secrets that only Helen knew but they shared some exciting adventures!
The Doctor’s Woman was the next story of Emmy Nelson whose father taught her how to doctor and care for the sick and injured and her skills became widely known, enough for her to end up in a military fort that harbored the Indians after a battle. She was helping when along came the official doctor, James Clark. He appreciated her talent and gift for medicine so she stayed on to help him as his assistant. The trials they experienced brought them close together.
The last book, A House of Secrets involves Amanda Carson who is betrothed to Joseph Blake, a prominent young attorney who kept a secret from her. She is chairwoman of a Ladies Aide group but I think she felt undeserved and when she wanted to lead a new project, she had difficulty in achieving her goal. Her goal, however, involved her fiance which was a major complication!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
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.
Ladies of Intrigue, written by Michelle Griep does not disappoint! This book is 3 stories in one. All are historically written, mysterious page turners. 1. The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady has Helen Fletcher coming to the Cornish Coast to care for her dying father. Circumstances put her face to face with Isaac Seaton, whom she firmly believes is a smuggler. However she soon discovers that not all is as it appears. 2. The Doctor’s Woman is about Emmy Nelson who is mourning the passing of her doctor father, but is soon called to help as a nurse to Dr. James Clark at Fort Snelling. Indians attack the fort while Dr. Clark & Emmy team up to fight illness, disease & predjudice as well as their attraction for each other. 3. A House of Secrets is about Amanda Carston who is on a mission but finds herself in a house that is deemed haunted and owned by her beau. Will she be able to sort out the house secrets? All the stories in this book have lively characters, lovely historical writing, intriguing plots, twists and turns that will keep you drawn in. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
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.