Review: "Ladies of Intrigue" by Michelle Griep

Michelle Griep has become one of my go-to authors of historical fiction, so it's pretty much an automatic "yes, please!" whenever I have a chance to review one of her books. So I'll admit that I signed up for this tour without realizing that Ladies of Intrigue is actually a book of three novellas. But that was fine by me—I love a good novella now and again!

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Three 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.

Genre: Christian Historical
Release Date: February 2019

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Sometimes, a novella is just what you need; I especially love them as palate cleansers between heavier reads. This novella collection from Michelle Griep serves that purpose perfectly.

The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady
I enjoyed this story, though I wish it would've been longer. Griep does a great job of building the chemistry between Helen and Isaac, but I couldn't help but feel that their relationship moved far too quickly. During that time, an engagement could've conceivably happened that quickly, but would they really have been that in love after such a short time? Also, the conflict resolution seemed a little too easy. As I said before, this as a full-length novel would've been wonderful. As a novella? Nice, but not my favorite. 3-1/2 stars. (Note: This novella previously appeared in the Regency Brides Collection.)

The Doctor's Woman
Though this novella was actually shorter than The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady, it felt more complete. Some of it, I'm sure, is due to the fact that it covers several months, allowing Emmy and James time to build a relationship. Their chemistry is off the charts, and I enjoyed getting to know some of the minor characters, as well. This is a great example of a novella that is perfectly satisfying in spite of the short length. 4-1/2 stars. (Note: This previously appeared in the Courageous Brides Collection.)

A House of Secrets
This novella is different from the others in that it's not as much of a romance. Amanda and Joseph are already engaged at the novella's beginning, and it's not about them falling in love—it's about learning to trust each other while fighting for the downtrodden. I enjoyed the story, and I wouldn't mind seeing the two of them pop up in future stories. 4 stars. (Note: This previously appeared in the Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection.)

Overall, this was a nice novella collection and a quick, easy read. 4 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Griep's 12 Days at Bleakly Manor (3-1/2 stars), A Tale of Two Hearts (4 stars), The Captive Heart (4-1/2 stars), The Innkeeper's Daughter (4 stars), and The Captured Bride (4 stars).

Follow the blog tour:
The Avid Reader, February 23
The Power of Words, February 23
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23
Blogging With Carol, February 24
Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 24
Mary Hake, February 24
Kathleen Denly, February 25
Genesis 5020, February 25
Splashes of Joy, February 25
For the Love of Literature, February 25
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 26
Faery Tales Are Real, February 26
Through the Fire Blogs, February 26
Blossoms and Blessings, February 26
Inspired by fiction, February 27
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 27
Back Porch Reads, February 27
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 27
A Baker’s Perspective, February 28
Andy Carmichael, February 28
Stories By Gina, February 28
Emily Yager, March 1
Multifarious, March 1
A Reader’s Brain , March 1
Baker kella, March 1
Bibliophile Reviews, March 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2
Remembrancy, March 2
Just the Write Escape, March 3
Bigreadersite, March 3
Inspiration Clothesline, March 3
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4
Vicky Sluiter, March 4
Ashley’s Bookshelf, March 4
Book by Book, March 4
Kat’s Corner Books, March 5
Inklings and notions, March 5
Living Life Free in Christ, March 5
The Morning Chapter, March 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6
Pause for Tales, March 6
Simple Harvest Reads, March 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Daysong Reflections, March 6
Texas Book-aholic, March 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7
Janices book reviews, March 7
A Humble Cup of Lukewarm Tea, March 8
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 8
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, March 8
Carpe Diem, March 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of Ladies of Intrigue!!

Be sure to comment on blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/da8c/ladies-of-intrigue-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. 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."