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.
more
This is the second book by Michelle Griep that I’ve read and to be honest . . . with each book I like her a little more. She is definitely an author that I want to keep my eye on. She gives engaging main characters with lots of annoyingly endearing character traits throughout the cast. I have to say annoyingly because while there are so true to life and real if I had to deal with them day in and day out in real life I’d probably have to smack them. Legit, there’s a grown man who talks through his puppet. Yes, I gave you a spoiler. But for all the buckets of gravy it is a real thing. The characters in this book? Way nicer than I might be.
I have to tell you how much I appreciate that for once there was not a romance that went off the rails because one character could not see past their own insecurities. Yes it was pretty much instalove but there was so much going on that it didn’t feel like instalove and I was so not bothered by it. I think that’s two in a row for something that I find completely over the top unrealistic. Either I’m going soft or I’m just reading amazing authors who can spin a story that detracts from this huge pet peeve of mine. However, there is a reason I feel like this book I really loved only is 4 star worthy. There were holes. Holes that I never felt were truly filled in. Mostly in relationship to secondary characters but they matter because of the interactions with the main characters. I actually had to check and see if I had somehow missed that this book was part of a series and I was late to the came. I wasn’t. But there is definitely room for this to be part of a larger series. Hint. Hint.
I have to admit I was kept pretty close to in the dark as to who the bad guy (or guys or gals or well groups?) were. To be fair though I didn’t really understand the way it was even working. I mean frames? This can’t be a spoiler as I still don’t understand frames. I just keep picturing crates and piles of picture frames. I mean I know that’s not what it is but I’m thinking there will be some convoluted Google time in my near future. I didn’t have to understand the intrigue to be drawn into and be taken by a few different surprises it was all unraveled. This book has it all with a solid romance, strong characters, some espionage, and even some fun side stories. However, I’m still completely on board for a prequel (hello Ford and Mam have a story to tell) and a sequel or two (I need happily ever after and what about poor Thomas’ future?!?). Michelle has drawn me into her worlds and I need to get my hands on more of her books. Sooner rather than later!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Such an interesting story! A lot of mystery, intrigue, espionage and just the right amount of danger and romance. I enjoy strong leading characters and a plot that moves right along and this book was interesting from cover to cover!
She clasped her hands in front of her, a strange tension lurking behind her beautiful facade. He got the distinct impression that laughter was a friend who rarely came to call on her. What would it take to cause a genuine smile? How would it feel to be the recipient? A foreign urge ran through his veins to be the man – the only man – to make her laugh.
Don’t you just love the way the words in that paragraph were joined together? This is typical of the prose you can expect throughout The Innkeeper’s Daughter. It is so beautifully written. It brought me to a different time and place, seeing and smelling and experiencing things in a new way. Though the author’s writing style is much easier to read than his, the descriptions, especially of the characters, reminded me of Charles Dickens’ novels.
There were so many fascinating characters in this story. Mr. Nutbrown and his puppet, Nixie, were so well developed! This simple-minded man who loved yellow stockings played a fairly large role in the book. Mr. Quail and his rag-tag musicians who were perhaps tone-deaf were some more of the colorful people who brought this story to life.
I really liked the way that Alex was so conflicted about having to tell lies in order to help protect his country. He would not have been such an honorable man if that came easily to him. The way that Alex treated Johanna’s little brother, Thomas, so kindly was endearing.
The story brings readers on a journey from the dining rooms and gaming parlors of the rich to the humblest of inns, to the gaol, and to places I won’t mention so I don’t spoil the story. With more of a focus on the humbler places instead of the aristocratic ones, the story made Dover and its environs come to life. This is a rich adventure that is a pleasure to read, with some surprises along the way.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads. Visit the post on http://www.amongTheReads.net to learn more about Oak Apple Day
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
The Innkeeper’s Daughter by author Michelle Griep is set in Dover, England in 1808. The main character, Johanna Langley is working very hard to keep the rent paid on the Blue Hedge Inn. She worries about her hardworking mam and her ten-year-old brother, Thomas. The current boarder has neglected to pay his bill, and that means Johanna has no way to pay the current rent. The Oak Apple Soiree or Festival is coming in the next week, and she is asking God to help the Inn have paying customers.
Meanwhile, Alexander Moore is meeting secretly with the magistrate about an undercover mission. He is asked to pose as a gambler and a wine merchant in order to make a connection to Viscount Lord Coburn. This should lead Alex to find out who the traitor is within their military and has been in communication with the French. He will receive very limited support, and no help if there arises a problem and his assignment or true identity becomes known.
Little Thomas is a scamp full of life and schemes, until a horrific accident. This adds much worry and more work for poor Johanna. As you read more of the story you will be drawn into more secrets and unexpected twists among the characters.
I won’t post spoilers, but The Innkeeper’s Daughter is a very good story with likable characters. You will cheer for the characters who want to do good, be truthful, but have a certain objective to be met.
I really like the faith-based story!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
If you are looking for something a little different with quirky characters and even characters with disabilities then look no farther. Mr. Nutbrown seems to only be able to speak through a puppet and you want to empathize with him even though he can have a darker side. At times you want to shake Johanna as she thinks everything she does displeases God and that’s why bad things happen. I love the resounding theme that God is in control of our lives if we relinquish the reins to Him. This is not a fluffy read, but has grit and shows the rougher side of life. The author digs deep into the thoughts and emotional turmoil of her characters. Well written and an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Lots of mystery. Lots of intrigue. Lots of romance. There were new twists and turns just about every page turn. I sometimes had a hard time keeping up, especially the last 10 chapters or so.
One thing I especially liked was that Johanna and Alex both had to learn to depend on God instead of themselves. One of my favorite lines – After all, if God went through the trouble of opening the door, she probably should go through it.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
It is 1808 in Dover, England and a young woman is desperately trying to save her late father’s inn and provide a home for her mother and young brother. Her struggle is witnessed by a visitor to the run-down inn who longs to help her but he is involved in a struggle of his own. What follows is a tale of spies, intrigue, danger, death and a threat against the English crown but it is also a story filled with hope, love, family, faith and forgiveness.
Michelle Griep has created several memorable characters for The Innkeeper’s Daughter and her attention to historical detail makes this an enjoyable and entertaining read. I especially recommend it for those who love the Regency era.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
If you love Regency and Spies, then I highly recommend this book!
This was a very well written book. It had me hooked from the beginning! I ended up reading it in one day. I just had to find out what was going to happen. She had me constantly guessing who was the one committing treason. It was such a good book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Thrilling adventure awaits! Right from the very first chapter, I was captivated. This delightful story holds many exciting twists and unexpected surprises. The characters are dynamic and realistic. I didn’t want to look away from one moment! This is a stand-alone novel, however, savvy readers will recognize a few familiar characters from Brentwood’s Ward.
Alexander Moore is a handsome, smooth-talking hero with a heart of gold. He may be undercover, but his true character still shines through. When Alex discovers that the stakes are higher than even he imagined, will he be able to stay true to himself, or will he lose all he holds dear?
Johanna is a spunky young woman who is strong-willed and independent. Since her father’s death, she has taken on the role of trying to keep the family inn afloat and keep her mother, little brother and herself out of debtors prison. I love the fact that Johanna grows and learns to let go of the worry and give it to God. This is something that I’m sure we all struggle with from time to time.
This story has something for everyone. A hunky hero, a strong heroine, unique, vivid secondary characters, a fast-paced plot with surprises around every corner, characters with genuine faith and a gentle reminder that we must take our burdens to the Lord and he will be faithful to see us through any hardship or trial.
I highly recommend this fantastic story and give it 5 enthusiastic stars! Grab yourself a copy today!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Betrayal and deception abound in this clean suspenseful, historical romance! Through it all Johanna and her family struggle to keep their family together. So many red herrings and misguided people make for an entertaining read. Nobles, mentally ill, traitors, bow street runners and smugglers fill the pages. Are there any “normal,” people in the story? Loved how Johanna with all her religious beliefs was led to truly believe by someone who’d seen evil daily. Would give 4 stars but the price is too high.
Voluntarily read ARC, through Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.
3.5 stars
Johanna Langley detests liars; Alex Moore—aka Morton—must go undercover to expose a plot against the king, thus forcing him to pose as someone he’s not. Placing his faith & trust firmly in the Lord, he’s determined to stay the course until the beautiful daughter of the Innkeeper derails his plans. Can he convince her that underneath his bluff, lies a true heart that beats only for her?
High stakes adventure, intrigue, a bit of danger and a few quirky characters all rolled up to bring the reader a most excellent read. I found myself trying to figure out who the real smuggler was along with Alex and rooting for Johanna as she struggles to keep the inn afloat & pay off her debts. Plenty of action and multiple points of view add layers to this story. It’s packed full to keep the reader invested in the story and characters! I loved the faith elements in here too; no matter what happened, Alex kept true to his trust in God and he reminded Johanna over and over again of her worth in Him. I also loved how the romance played out between these two and the journey they took to find their happily-ever-after!
A couple of things for me that I didn’t like, the pace seemed a bit slower than Michelle Grieps other novels and took me longer to read than normal. Some of the characters I didn’t care for or connect as closely with as I would have liked to. This is in no way a reflection of the author herself or her writing as I’ve enjoyed her other books. It’s just my own personal observation and other readers may not find these to be true for themselves. I still highly recommend it!
Favorite lines:
“There is nothing more—nor less—than trusting in God. Therein surrender, and you will find rest.” ~Alex Morton~ (page 204)
“Are you under the impression that what you have or have not done is what gives you worth? Because that is nothing but a vile lie. God stamps His value on everyone—on you– by virtue of His grace.” ~ Alex to Johanna~ (page 209)
*I received a complimentary copy by the publisher on behalf of the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *
I really enjoyed every book in this series. While there is a small connection with the book (previous H’s make cameos in the each other’s books) this can be read as a stand alone. In fact I read out of order by mistake and didn’t ruin my enjoyment. There is a faith element woven into the story but not preachy and it’s just a part of the characters. I liked the H & h. The dialogue and characters were well written. There was a mystery to the story that had me guessing. While the mystery was complex it was written and unfolded in a understandable way that didn’t distract but added to the story. I thought the story was well thought out. I listened to this as audio and thought she was great. This author has been added to my fav auhors list.
A dilapidated inn in Dover, England 1808. I enjoy reading about this era in time and especially Ms. Griep’s telling of the tale. It’s a little like taking off on a roller coaster ride slowly up the hill as she builds the storyline slowly and carefully. But not so slowly that the story loses the momentum and the reader gets bored or the story gets stalled. Not at all! She allows you to get to know the characters and once you become thoroughly invested in them, the plot thickens. There is a quirky little puppeteer, a Bow Street Runner undercover, a traitor, wacky musicians, smuggling, kidnapping, and a viscount trying to marry off his spoiled daughter. There were just so many interesting characters and plot twists that kept me riveted to the book. Can Johanna and Alex survive the intrigue and danger that confronts them in an elaborate plot? I don’t even think that Alex saw the depths of the web of deceit that they were swept into.
I received this book complimentary as an advance review copy from the author. The opinions are completely my own regardless of the receipt of the free advance copy of the book
Alex was sent to Dover undercover to search out a traitor. Johanna helped her mother run their struggling inn. Little brother, Thomas, came up with various money-making schemes so long as it was not work. How will Alex find his man? What will Johanna do to meet financial commitments? Will Thomas’s schemes be helpful or create trouble?
This is an uplifting read with spiritual maturing along the way. Disappointed that discussion questions did not folllw.
I really enjoyed The Innkeeper’s Daughter! The intrigue in this novel was very well written and kept me guessing throughout the entire story, the romance between the two main characters was interesting and had me smiling, and the faith elements made my heart happy! The theme of putting your full trust in God ran from beginning to end, and I loved it!
I received a complementary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Innkeeper’s Daughter #2 The Bow Street Runners by Michelle Griep
Dover, England 1808… Intrigue, subterfuge and espionage bring danger and mystery to Blue Hedge Inn and beyond. Who can be trusted is a challenge for Johanna, one she doesn’t need on top of a more imminent situation; and she certainly doesn’t want or need a romantic suspenseful relationship. Her young brother, Thomas, bring humor and laughter to the story. He is charming, mischievous and adorable. Shady characters add tension to an already tense situation. Some of the characters I didn’t care for, one being Mr. Nutbrown. I had a hard time with him and his shenanigans. I do like the setting and time frame of the story, 1800’s England. The descriptions of the area were easy to follow and believable. I enjoyed the historical notes by the author at the end of the book. An intriguing story.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/Barbour publishing (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
The Inn Keepers Daughter is a English historical romance with colorful characters that kept me interested. The story line had lots of action and intrigue that kept me reading. I enjoyed this book.
Alexander Moore is going deep undercover. His assignment? To lodge at the Blue Hedge Inn in Dover, engage himself to a viscount’s daughter, and apprehend a traitor to the Crown. The one difficulty is that it isn’t the viscount’s daughter who’s caught his eye, but the innkeeper’s daughter instead.
Ever since her father’s death and her mother’s injury, Johanna has been trying to keep the inn afloat on her own steam. But with a rascal younger brother to care for and few paying guests, it’s getting harder and harder to pay the rent. When a handsome wine merchant calling himself Alexander Morton rents a room, Johanna finds herself irresistibly drawn to his broad shoulders and kind generosity. But what are his motives for helping her? And can he be trusted to tell the truth?
This unequivocally Christian historical romance is set during the Regency period of England (although few of its elements besides the Bow Street Runners felt specific to the Regency time period). It features murderous smugglers, sadistic rope makers, crazy ventriloquists, and more people with secrets than just Alexander Moore. It was a little confusing at parts and a little predictable at others, but it was also one of those books that kept you reading, despite the romantic cliches and convoluted mystery. Alex was a likable hero and out of the supporting cast, I was most interested in learning more about his ghost-like associate Thatcher. I was intrigued to see the author’s portrayal of Sir Richard Ford since he also features in my Pevensey novels, albeit as a much different character.
The Innkeeper’s Daughter can stand alone, but I believe it is loosely connected to Griep’s earlier book Brentwood’s Ward, which features another one of the brotherhood of Bow Street Runners.
I can count on one hand the number of Christian Historical fiction authors who can capture me completely, take me to another place and time, and not let go until the end. Michelle Griep is one of these authors as I always see a little of Charles Dickens, my favorite childhood author, in her storytelling. This time Michelle not only gave us a romance between Johanna Langley (the Innkeeper’s daughter) and Alexander Moore a.k.a. Alexander Morton (? You will have to read the story to know more) but also a peek at another between Eliza (Johanna’s mom) and Sir Richard Ford, plus lots of intrigue and mystery throughout.
Michelle’s characters of which there are many are all well developed each with very distinct personalities. I would have to say my two favorites were Thomas (Johanna’s little brother) and Mr. Nutbrown (a patron of the inn) as both made me smile. My least favorite character was Mr. Spurge not because of Michelle’s writing but because of the person he was. Shall we just say he took after Mr. Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
I did not realize when I chose to read this book that it was a sequel to Brentwood’s Ward, however it can be read as a stand-alone. Overall I enjoyed reading The Innkeeper’s Daughter and would recommend this faithful, and at times sit-on-the-edge of your seat story of the impoverished devout working class of the regency period in England.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
How great to read a book that puts God into it, but doesn’t preach. You really get a feel of the period and how hard life was. The main characters are strong and must deal with many difficulties. Alex is put in a hard place and must decide whether to serve his country or just himself. The “Innkeeper’s Daughter” is a strong woman, faced with many hardships, and feels she must take care of them herself, finding ways that often get her into trouble. AND Mr. Nutbrown, aaaah, he is such a wonderful character! He adds a bit of humor to the story. Yes, he does! Read this and enjoy!!!