A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king–and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm. All Johanna wants is to keep the family … wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse–where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.
Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission–finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown–must come first, or they could all end up dead.
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Treason, lies and intrigue… Oh My!!
“Tales of power and ambition and intrigue and betrayal and desire – when you’re telling those in a big way, you automatically want to go to Shakespeare.” –Beau Willimon
I loved this story that was set during the early 1800’s when Regency England battled Napoleon and his quest to conquer the world. It was full of intrigue, spy networks, treasonous characters, smugglers, and the agents of the Crown trying to thwart their nefarious plans and being them to justice. This quickly became a story that I CNPD [could-not-put-down]. I finished it in the wee hours of the morning.
Officer Alexander Moore, a Bow Street Runner and a good one, was on assignment… go undercover, find a traitor, discover their plans and bring them to justice. Part of his directive included the fact that he was virtually alone. It reminded me of the 60’s and 70’s TV series ‘Mission Impossible’ and their self-destructing tape. “Your mission… should you decide to accept it…. should you be captured… the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your existence.” Yeah, that’s a pep talk one wants to hear prior to a mission.
Johanna Langley, along with her mother and younger brother, ran the Blue Hedge Inn. It was a rundown Inn in a less than fashionable part of town and one missed payment away from closing and sending the family to the workhouse. They were desperate.
This was a clean, faith-based story. There were discussions of a character’s beliefs, appealing to a higher power through prayer, expressions of gratitude, questioning something that happened, struggles when all seemed lost, praise for answered prayer, praying, and that inner dialogue between a character in close relationship with their God. This was not preachy in any way and in context with a person of faith.
Rating: PG-17: although clean and faith-based, there is a caveat regarding violence during fight scenes, and descriptions of the brutality of man against man. It was not explicitly described, but there were scenes that [although brief], may be a bit hard for some to read. Interspersed in the drama and intrigue were scenes of comedic relief that tempered the angst and lightened the tense moments. Plus, we had a budding romance that blossomed by the end of the story. It was delightful. I loved this story. There were many surprises as the author did not reveal all the agents working for the Crown. What a surprise and that big reveal at the end was so worth it. I did not see that coming.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC [advanced reader copy] of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expected publishing date… March 1, 2018.
Thank you to the sponsors of the Goodreads giveaway where I won this delightful, Regency story by Michelle Griep. Ms. Griep is a ‘new to me’ author and I found myself completely enchanted by her characters, Johanna, Mam, Thomas, Alex, and puppet-wielding Mr. Nutbrown. The intrigue and suspense were well balanced with faith, romance, and humor. I admit that I did not figure out who the ‘bad guys’ were until the very end. I would have liked more closure for Alex and Johanna, (Did they marry and rebuild the inn? Did Mr. Nutbrown put on Punch and Judy shows for them?), but perhaps I will catch glimpses of them in future books, because I will be keeping this author on my book radar.
“If September were welsh and blood, it would look exactly like the man holding her.”
Whew! Such a beautifully written book of faith, love, and intrigue in 1808 England! I have read 12 Days at Bleakley Manor by Michelle Griep previously and enjoyed that book but this novel totally blew me away! The writing is very witty and clever and the plot is tightly knit and fast-paced with tons of intrigue, mystery, and danger. The romance is achingly sweet and the dialogue is wickedly funny. The characters are amazingly lovable and memorable and the strong thread of faith even in the midst of uncertainty is made real through the characters’ actions and maturation. It is a totally engaging book from page one and wondrously delicious. Anyone who enjoys Michelle Griep’s historical fiction will love this one; even if you’ve never read any of her books, you’ll fall in love with this book.
Alex is a lawman going undercover to find a threat to the Crown. He is sent to Dover and housed at an inn where he meets the innkeeper’s daughter Johanna. Johanna is a stubborn and proud, yet tender and compassionate, woman struggling to keep up the inn with her ailing mother and a young, trouble-magnet brother. Alex meets her head-on with his own sense of loyalty, compassion, and tender care but cannot reveal his true self since he is undercover. Twists and turns in the plot bring them together and then pull them apart as double-crossing and triple-crossing occur left and right across the pages. In the midst of all this action and head-spinning intrigue, Alex and Johanna also find the meaning of faith and what resting in His grace and providence means.
Oh, I wish Michelle Griep would write a sequel to this story!!! I so would like to read more about some of the secondary characters, like Johanna’s mother and Alex’s colleagues.
I also learned quite a bit about how the Bow Street Runners began its illustrious career and about the Congreve rockets during the Napoleonic Wars.
I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comment and opinions are solely my own.
Welcome to the early 1800’s and we are in England, and staying at the local pub, and don’t be surprised if you have to share your bed with a stranger, that is what happens to Alex, our undercover officer of the Crown.
This is real look into history, and what life was like back at a different time, and we get an up close and close look at the big difference in society and those that have and the chances of going into debtor prison. While life struggles are evident, and we are on the lookout for a traitor, and boy will your guess change and then change again, and even then, you are probably wrong.
Life has a funny way of circling around and the fate of the inn is on the owner’s daughter Johanna, and you will cringe at some of the abuse she takes to keep her family going.
If you love BBC drama’s and maybe a bit of Charles Dickon’s with the little scamp of a brother, this is a book for you, but be warned it quickly becomes a page turner, and then will linger with you.
I received this book through the Publisher Barbour and their Review Crew, and was not required to give a positive review.
The Innkeeper’s Daughter, by Michelle Griep, is a well-crafted historical fiction novel that thoroughly entertained and thrilled me with its creatively unique story. Brimming with surprises and unexpected twists, this memorable novel is genuinely captivating and intriguing. Like a warm, woolen shawl, this book wrapped me snuggly within its knitted threads of descriptive storytelling, and I nestled there wholly contented and satisfied. Ms. Griep has written a colorful and engaging novel filled with beautifully written sentences that beg to be noticed like the capricious hues of a winter sunset.
Like a current moving steadily across the sea, the swiftly paced plot flowed smoothly through elaborate scenes of adventure, suspense, mystery, danger, faith, romance, sacrifice, and redemption. The characters, authentic and multifaceted, were the jewels within this treasure of a novel. Their idiosyncrasies, motivations, fears, desires, convictions, and actions sparkled brightly with meaning and value.
Within its pages, The Innkeeper’s Daughter offers the reader a moment of escape into an engaging, fictional world formed entirely from words woven together with skill, humor, and passion. It is a novel worthy of sincere praise and thoughtful attention. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
The Innkeeper’s Daughter (2018) by Michelle Griep is a fantastic stand-alone novel, but it does reference characters from her novel Brentwood’s Ward. This story is available in all forms including eBook, and is 320 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy five-year old, this book took me four days to read. I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from Barbour Publishing. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I was under NO obligation to post a review. I give this book 5+++ STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance set in Dover, England in 1808.
The Innkeeper’s Daughter is a wild ride. It is a fast-paced page turner that I hated to put down. It has everything a reader could want in a story: a James Bond-esque hero, a beautiful but downtrodden heroine, unique and diverse secondary characters, murder, intrigue, and romance. What more could you ask for in a book?!
Johanna, the heroine of The Innkeeper’s Daughter, is my fictional soul sister. She hates numbers. I hate numbers. She believes the lie that she has to work non-stop to fix all her past mistakes, and that she is undeserving of God’s love because of her past fails. I, too, believed this once upon a time. Seeing myself in her character made Johanna a very realistic heroine. She is tough and strong, especially in her moral code. I really like that about her. Johanna is also selfless to a fault. She will often work herself to past exhaustion in order to shoulder all of the burdens so her mother’s and ten-year old brother’s needs are met. Johanna really is an excellent heroine, and she managed to worm her way into my heart. I often wanted to hug her hard, and then find a way to shoulder some of her burdens for her…the girl really needed a break! Even in this, though, I found I could relate. There are a couple of times where Johanna is at her breaking point, and she wants help, but she doesn’t even think to trust in God. She just barrels her way through things trying to fix and do and go on her own. I have done this many times in my life. It’s not that I mean to forget about God. I just get so caught up in my life I get tunnel vision.
The absolute best part of this book for me is the hero, Alexander Moore. He is SO cool. He’s the Regency-era version of James Bond or Jason Bourne. He is smooth, smart, strong, and a keen observer. He knows when to fight and when not to, but when he does fight an opponent he does so in such a smart, efficient, and super cool manner. Let me give you a small taste:
“Well then,” the fellow lifted the barrel of his gun. “Like my friend said, be on yer way.”
[Alex] faked a hiccup, then swiped his mouth and held up his hands. “Ay now, no harm. I’m off.”
[Alex] lurched around, giving the fellow enough time to lower his guard, then swung back around with a kick to the man’s arm. Bone cracked. The gun dropped. The bullet went wild. Horses took off, and before the other fellow could draw his pistol, Alex aimed two guns at him. “Disarm. Now!”
Seriously, Alex may be one of the coolest heroes I’ve read in a while. He’s just so capable. And the best part about him — he genuinely loves God and he immediately wants to protect Johanna. These two things alone make him a #1 hero in my book. Many times throughout this story, Johanna wants to give up. And, I don’t blame her. She is so done with the cards that have been dealt her. But, Alex schools her. Time and time again, he reminds her that she needs to put her trust in God. He even admits that things may not get easier in her life, but when we go through life with God life is doable. When we let God have at our burdens, He grants us a peace that helps us get through anything. Not only is this a great reminder for Johanna, but it’s a great reminder for me.
One small note before I wrap up — the suspense in this novel is stellar. Twice things happened that I just did not see coming. At one point, I actually gasped loud enough to make my husband ask if I was ok. It’s been a long time since a story has made me gasp out loud in shock. Also, there are two characters — Mr. Quail and Mr. Nutbrown — who I just could not figure out. I was all over the place with my suppositions, and I was wrong most of the time. It was so refreshing to read a book that kept me guessing and kept me on my toes. I think I love the book the most for this reason. I very much interacted with this book and its characters, and I love, love, love when a book allows me to do that!
The Innkeeper’s Daughter is a fantastic read. I am very sorry that my time with this book is over, and I look forward to a third book in this series. If you are looking for a book that has it all — murder, suspense, romance — then I cannot recommend this book enough. Run to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed that you did!
Ever feel like it is all up to you – that you are the source for everything in your life, as I lived much of my life? If yes, you will appreciate this novel in which one of the protagonists, Johanna, feels she must control everything – everything! And if she doesn’t, Jo, her mother, and younger brother will be in the workhouse as was common in 1808 England when folks couldn’t pay their rent. Alex, a man on a mission to flush out a traitor, feels the burden of saving England from her enemies. This talented author takes readers on a tour of Dover, including the white cliffs, during the time of Napoleon’s rule in France.
Johanna’s father died before the birth of her younger brother, Thomas. She and her mother have been run the Blue Hedge Inn since then. On the outskirts of town, it has never had the business other inns enjoy, so there is little money for repairs. This month, they might not be able to pay the rent. At least until Alexander Morton arrives, then a half-dozen itinerant musicians. Thomas promises the musicians that if they play in the tap room each night and bring in customers, particularly over the upcoming Oak Apple Festival, they could stay there for no charge.
Morton can’t believe his boss would send him to the tumbledown Blue Hedge Inn. He is in Dover to find one or more traitors communicating with the French. He will be a regular visitor at the viscount Lord Coburn’s mansion to dine and gamble. If Alex is captured by the wrong people, his boss will have to deny knowledge of what he is doing. If Alex survives and completes the mission, he will get enough money from the person funding the mission to retire on. As Alex sees the inner beauty of Johanna, the innkeeper’s daughter, he receives the worst of the assignment. He must propose marriage to the viscount’s shrewish daughter, Louisa.
The characters are drawn with care, so well that one can see Johanna’s expression when she falls, literally, into Alex’s arms, or the funny little man, Mr. Nutbrown, speaking only through his puppet. There are several memorable characters, including Johanna, her mother, and Alex. We see their circumstances through their point of view, from the humble inn to the viscount’s mansion, or when finding out they will die at the hand of a traitor. Most especially, we see the relationship struggles Johanna and Alex have with the Lord, which might mirror that of almost every reader from time to time.
There are many surprising twists throughout, from who the bad guy/ gal really is to the horror of Alex’ arrest. The political intrigue draws many unexpected and unsuspecting people into the snare of the traitor(s). The author’s research is evident regarding clothing, the countryside, and the social structure. One does not merely go to the barn, one experiences what is heard and seen on the way there. One feels the darkness and stench of gaol, or the hopelessness of the landlord coming with an order to send Jo’s family to the workhouse. This is a novel to be savored. It is also a spiritual adventure, especially as the reader finds oneself with the same type of struggle that one did in what we want to think of as a simpler time, two centuries ago, that really wasn’t simpler after all. I highly recommend this very well-written Christian historical novel!
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and here is my review.
Johanna Langley runs the Blue Hedge Inn along with her mum and young brother. They are barely making it from one loan payment to the next. Her young brother is tasked with bringing in new clients.
Alexander Moore is a Bow Street Runner assigned a new under cover job to find traitors.
Michelle Griep has done a wonderful job with this book. There were so many twists and turns. Alex may not have been the only one to go under cover.
The biggest thing that I got from the book was no matter the situation, always put you faith in God.
I received an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Bow Street Runners series. Undercover setting was well done. Scene description, especially the scary ones, placed me right there. Very well done. Another winner for this author. I am very much looking forward to book three! Highly recommend!
Mystery and intrigue swirl around innkeeper Johanna embodied in the form of Alex Morton. Colorful characters, vivid settings, and overwhelming obstacles combine to make this a page-turner. Truly stellar historical romance.
Really enjoyed this book!! I’ve gotten away from adventure because many of them are not very well written. This book, however, is an exception, and it the characters were clear, but very unpredictable. It was easy to follow, and a real page turner for me.
Charming, nicely paced story. I enjoyed the twists and turns the author cleverly delivered. Good book.
I loved this book!!! The characters are well developed and the story is well told. There is action, drama, tragedy, and comedy…so something for everyone. Set in 1808, the heroine is a young woman who is struggling to keep the family inn from going under. Enter a dashing young undercover officer who turns her world upside down. I thought this was a great story with just the right amount of intrigue and romance…and a happy ending!!
I really liked this story once it got going!! Michelle Griep does an excellent job researching the historical facts and background of the time period, the amount of detail included was awesome. I also valued how the story comes full circle, there’s suspense, action, romance and intrigue. A struggling Inn Keeper’s daughter faced with trying to stay afloat financially and an Undercover Officer trying to sniff out a traitor. Fate brings them together and they learn valuable lessons from their journey and each other.
*Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, opinions are my own.
This is another wonderful book by Michelle Griep and is the second book I’ve read. In this book, we find Nicholas Brentwood’s friend and co-worker from “Brentwood’s Ward,” Alexander Moore, going on a mission to Dover where he comes across Johanna Langley, the daughter of the proprietor of the Blue Hedge Inn. Alex is supposed to be staying there as the son of a wine connoisseur intent on wooing and becoming engaged to the local Viscount’s daughter to find a traitor to the Crown.
The relationship between Alex and Johanna begins to grow over time. What will they do when Alex has to tell Johanna he is already engaged to be married?
This book is full of intrigue, angst, love and danger. Will there be a real relationship between our dear friends, or will Alex be forced to marry the Viscount’s daughter the way he was ordered to do by his boss? Will Alex find who the traitor is? Is the traitor on to Alex’s true identity? Read this heartwarming story for yourself and you will find out.
I received an ARC from the publisher Barbour Publishing for an honest review. The words stated are purely my own and I was not compensated for this review.
This was a heartwarming Christian romance novel set in the early 1800’s.
Alexander is a Bow Street Runner and is sent on a secret mission to try and route out a criminal. While he is playing the part of a character, he falls in love with the woman who runs the Inn that he is staying at. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two of them and their relationship with each other. He knows her feelings about dishonesty and is worried if she finds out who he really is, she will not be happy with him.
I enjoyed all the other side stories going on with all the different characters and the mystery of who the criminal is. There was just enough happening to keep it entertaining. It wasn’t too “preachy” and was a nice clean read. This is the first book I have read from this author but am now interested in reading more. This is a stand alone novel, but a companion book to a previous book about another Runner named Brent. It’s on my list to read now too!
Where do I begin?? I loved this book! From the first page it had me hooked. I was already telling my family to read this book while I was still in the second chapter! Michelle Griep has a way with words. I really enjoyed how all her characters were different, and they stayed different throughout the whole book instead of blending together towards the end like some stories do. And then, you think you’ve figured it all out, but nope! Miss Michelle throws another curve! It was awesome! This story was filled with lots spiritual content, intrigue, suspense and plenty of laugh out loud moments! I really didn’t want this book to end!
Note: There were a few fighting scenes that could be a little much for some people and some comments hinted at things I wasn’t comfortable with. But I still loved this story! Miss Michelle is an author I definitely want on my shelf!
He has one job to do…then he met her…
Where to begin? The Innkeeper’s Daughter is only the second Michelle Griep book that I’ve read but it quickly shot to favorite so far status. If you are looking for a run-of-the-mill fluffy Regency story with endless white dresses and parties, look elsewhere. If, like me, you absolutely love a story with lots of danger, intrigue, and adventure with a healthy dash of romance, The Innkeeper’s Daughter should be right up your alley.
I enjoyed this story immensely! It had everything necessary to keep me glued to the page. I really thought that it would take me a bit to finish The Innkeeper’s Daughter but I just couldn’t seem to put it down. Michelle Griep brought the Regency Era vividly to life – from working class innkeepers to the glittering upper crust of society.
I did notice that a previous story was referred to a few times, I’m assuming Brentwood’s Ward, but it really didn’t detract from my enjoyment of The Innkeeper’s Daughter. It just made me want to go back and read the previous book.
Faith and family are an integral part of this story in addition to the adventure and intrigue, a mix that I thoroughly enjoyed. Loved this book and I can’t wait to read Michelle Griep’s next release!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The story finds us in England during 1808 with an adventure as well as secrets and danger. I liked Johanna right away. Trying to keep her family’s inn open has become a difficult task. It is not the most attractive place with repairs needed . I loved reading how close she is to her family. She seemed to be quite a strong woman and willing to find a way to overcome the fate of the family’s inn.
Alex is a bit of a mystery to people he encounters. Why would someone who seems to be wealthy decide to stay at Johanna’s less than attractive inn? He has been sent on a secret mission that could put him in danger. It was fascinating to read the banter between him and Johanna. I did kind of laugh when they seem to disagree on things. Is someone playing hard to get? The story takes a dark turn when Alex finds himself locked up and desperate to escape from his captors. I loved when I read, ” If we fail to trust in God’s provision, what kind of faith is that? It is hard to keep your faith strong when you find yourself in a seemingly hopeless position.
The author allows readers to feel the desperation in Johanna as she shares her feelings of being a failure to Alex. I hurt for her as she tells Alex how she can’t hold it together anymore. She carried a lot on her shoulders and it has all started to drain her. Do you remember a time when you felt the weight of the world on your shoulders? Johanna must reach deep inside her and hang on to her faith and allow God to provide for her. The story is full of intrigue and a masterfully written adventure that captures the history eloquently. I loved reading about the attire people wore during that time period wore and their polite way of talking . It is easy to picture the story as the author describes in detail the surrounding landscapes, inns and ships docked with mysterious cargo.
Once again the author brings a wonderful story that is a page turner. This is one book you don’t want to miss. Will Alex be able to complete his mission without being discovered who he really is? Can Johanna find a way to save the inn? The ending is very tense and I loved the action it provided as the characters race against time to pursue their goals. Thank you for a wonderful story and historical facts that made the book very realistic.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Full of mystery and intrigue, author Michelle Griep has written a book that will keep you in suspense! Vivid descriptions and quirky characters that you will either love or hate make this an attention-grabbing read.
I really appreciated that throughout, we are reminded that we are not our source and can’t rely on our own strength. We need to trust God with our lives. That forgiveness and redemption is always possible.
Regency England was well researched for this novel. Spies abound; who can you trust? Add in some romance and you have the recipe for a really good historical novel. If you enjoy history, romance, espionage, and humor then this is a book you’ll want to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.