The Innkeeper's Daughter

Written by Michelle Griep

Narrated by Alison Larkin

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 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Aug 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781541447714

Michelle Griep

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.   And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at [e-mail].  

Reviews for The Innkeeper's Daughter

[lcjohnson1988_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Innkeeper’s Daughter (a novel)Author: Michelle GriepPages: 320Year: 2018Publisher: Shiloh Run Press My rating is 5+ out of 5 stars.What a spectacular story is bound within the covers! Michelle Griep takes readers back in time to 1808 in London to a place called the Blue Hedge Inn where a mother, daughter and young son keep boarders, serve ale and food. They work hard in a building that is run down and about to collapse, trying hard to pay off the mortgage before they get sent to the workhouse to pay off their debt. Johanna does most of the work of the inn, and her Mam works in the kitchen. The boy name Thomas is quite the character!Besides some boarders taking off without paying, the banker is an uncaring fellow, which I easily disliked. Perhaps that was the author’s intent…maybe. Then add to the mix, Alexander Moore, who is undercover to locate those bent on sedition or other ill gains. Alexander is not a man of means, but to do his job he must put forth the appearance and behavior of a wealthy man. While doing his job, Alexander stays at Johanna’s inn and that’s where the story really gets interesting!The author wrote a novel that entails many mysteries that kept me reading for hours. When I thought the ending was near and the true culprits would be revealed, it turns out there were more twists and turns to the plot! The more pages I read, the faster my heart beat in anticipation of how the book was going to end. Would those who should be brought to justice be revealed? How was Alexander going to marry one woman while he was in love with another? Above all, I was wondering if Johanna was going to keep her inn or end up in the workhouse to pay her debts. Johanna is a brave woman who worked her heart out and underwent some very hard times that impacted her heart, body, emotions and soul. Alexander was an interesting man who tried to do the right thing, but was it to please God or man? This is one of the best of Michelle’s stories that just got richer the more I read. I sincerely hope many read and enjoy the tale as I did, including the ending that is a surprise!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Innkeeper’s Daughter is set in Dover, England in the year 1808. Johanna Langley bears the lion’s share of the responsibility for keeping the Blue Hedge Inn open and running. Her widowed mother helps in the kitchen and with tending the rooms, while her scamp of a younger brother follows in his late father’s footsteps trying to bring in what coins he can through games of chance. The inn’s rundown appearance and lack of staff do not draw in many visitors, so Johanna must look to other enterprises in order to meet the payments required by Mr. Spurge and to avoid the work house. While a certain guest of the inn is anxious to give Johanna money, she must wonder what he expects in return. Alexander Moore or Morton as he has come to be called, is directed to stay at the Blue Hedge Inn while assigned to work undercover in an attempt to ferret out a traitor. Without many clues as to the traitor’s identity and goal, Alex must be suspicious of everyone and constantly on guard. Living a life of duplicity is difficult for this man of high morals and standards, but becomes even more so when he must deny his growing affection for Johanna when his cover demands he become betrothed to another. Reading The Innkeeper’s Daughter was like listening to a beautiful piece of music played on a piano with a key or two out of tune. The plot was intriguing. The characters well developed. Each of the senses is piqued as characters move from inn, to waterfront, to gaming rooms, to ships’ holds. I understand that when writing historical fiction, the language of the day would be too cumbersome to today’s readers, and dialogue is often written in speech patterns more common to today; however, some modern phrases and clichés have the ability to jerk the reader out of the time period in which the story is set. For example lyrics from a popular Kelly Clarkson song are paraphrased as Johanna says, “I suppose what does not drive us into the ground only serves to make us stronger, hmmmm?” A quote originated by Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, born seventy-six years after the setting of this book. Another character refers to “doing a thorough background check,” a rather modern expression. Would I let these little annoyances keep me from reading The Innkeeper’s Daughter? Absolutely not! I enjoyed the story very much, and thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

[Patrice E Christie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Typically, I love all books by this author. This one was,however, at times more work than pleasure. The Nutbrown character added nothing to the book and was a huge distraction. But the book ends masterfully tied together and well worth the read in spite of the few characters that added nothing

[leann-362203 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book by Michelle Griep I have read. I have not been disappointed! This book is a love story but it is so much more! This is a Christian historical fiction novel but not overly preachy by any means. There are themes of honesty, trust, and kindness throughout.

The main character is Johanna and she is a 25 year old single woman living with her mother and brother. They run a local inn in Dover. They are struggling to keep the inn afloat and trying to find new ways to bring in lodgers to stay. They also have a tavern where they serve drinks and food. It became run down when Johanna’s father died and they are now struggling to find funds to pay the mortgage and make needed repairs. The repairs often take a backseat when funds are short. There is a classic “landlord” who is pressuring them in hopes of stealing it away from them scenario running in the background of the story throughout.

It is certainly a colorful cast or characters!

A man named Mr. Lucius Nutbrown seems to be a little strange. He carries a hand puppet around named Nixie and only seems to communicate with others using the puppet.

There is a man named Quail and he is the fiddler in a band that is hired to entertain at the inn for room and board. The problem is that none of them seem to be very good musicians and he is quite flirty with Johanna. This makes her very uncomfortable.

A gentleman by the name of Alexander Morton enters the scene with a very secretive life. He is a kindhearted man by day and a gambler by night. He carries a gun everywhere he goes and has an odd set of skills for a supposed wine importer. He seems to always have business to attend to but no one ever really knows where he goes when he leaves the inn.

There is a local viscount and his daughter that seem to provide evening gambling opportunities for several men in the area but there seems to be more to them than meets the eye.

There are nasty characters who don’t hesitate to abuse and kill if they feel the need. It is certainly not a “gentle” story in that regard. I love a good book with clear bad guys and clear good guys. I love that this one does not cross the line into confusing us on that point.

It is all very secretive and twisty! It has all the elements of a great novel for me… intrigue, romance, twisty plots, a happy ending and justice served for most of the characters. It is historically accurate with the occasional spying and intrigue going on behind the scenes. There is something big… very big… happening but Johanna is so consumed with trying to save her inn she just might miss it. The author weaves the story and characters together in a very logical fashion and keeps the story exciting right up to the last page.

I highly recommend this book for those who love a little mystery and intrigue as well as a good historical novel. I would give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. I just loved it and wanted to share it with you guys!

[jayurgal · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this as a free kindle book through Goodreads Giveaway. Overall all the story was interesting and I enjoy historical fiction. I debated on the rating (3 vs 4) and decided it was missing something or it was just too slow moving but a good story line.

[hes7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Michelle Griep writes exquisite historical fiction, and I absolutely loved the adventure and romance of The Innkeeper’s Daughter. With transporting atmosphere, the story comes to life from the very first page, and as I delved into the world of Regency-era spies, smugglers, traitors, and a very stubborn innkeeper, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s intriguing and suspenseful and an utter delight to read. I can’t recommend this book enough to readers of historical fiction and look forward to reading much more from Griep in the future. (Next up, The Captured Bride.) Thanks to Celebrate Lit, I received a complimentary copy of The Innkeeper’s Daughter and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[ladyansel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[ladyharris · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Michelle Griep is set in Dover, England in 1808. Johanna Langley helps her mother care for the Blue Hedge Inn in Dover, England as well as her mischievous younger brother. The rent payment as well as the loan payment for repairing the hearth are coming due. If Johanna cannot come up with the money in time, they will be bound for the workhouse. She is hoping the upcoming Oak Apple Day will bring in some much needed guests. Officer Alex Moore is given a special assignment by Magistrate Ford. Alex is to pose as a gambling rogue to unmask a traitor in Dover. Someone has been leaking military intelligence to the French. While staying in Dover, Magistrate Ford has arranged for Alex to lodge at the Blue Hedge Inn. When Alex meets Johanna, he feels an immediate attraction. But Alex is not free to pursue the comely Johanna while he is on assignment. Alex’s mission becomes complicated and he must enlist Johanna’s assistance if they are to bring a collaborator to justice. Come along for the adventure in The Innkeeper’s Daughter.The Innkeeper’s Daughter has an intriguing premise. The blurb for the book captured my attention and had me wanting to find out what happened to the Johanna and Alex. Michelle Griep did capture the time period with the descriptions of the buildings, clothing, people’s attitudes and behavior, the jobs available, and options for those without funds (there was a lack of historical accuracy). The Innkeeper’s Daughter had a good start, but then the plot dragged for me. There were some interesting sections, but not enough to hold my attention. I was happy to see the action pick up near the end of the book. Johanna is a hard character to like. She seemed to take the joy out of any room she entered. Johanna had a very depressing attitude. She did not like to take advice, let someone else be in charge (like Alex) and Johanna felt like a failure (which readers are reminded of often). I am surprised the inn was still open with the way it was run. The little brother is allowed to run around wild (instead of helping at the inn) and then brings in customers that end up costing them money (the mother never took charge). Overall, Johanna was a frustrating character. She never seemed to let go and trust God to provide (like Alex). There was a man with a puppet that was silly and was not needed in the story (I have a feeling he would have gotten beat up regularly). I felt the ending was a letdown and some of the subplots were confusing. I give The Innkeeper’s Daughter 3 out of 5 stars. While I did not feel Michelle Griep hit this one out of the park, I have enjoyed her other novels, and I will continue to read her works in the future.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story has romance and intrigue. I love the blend of both. The characters are wonderful. I especially loved Mr. Nutbrown and his puppet. Johanna and Alexander both need to learn many lessons. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Barbour and Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[huberk-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Johanna Langley and her mother run a decrepit inn. They have the rent due and the hearth payment due at the same time. Johanna is desperate to pay the bills, because she fears being sent to the poorhouse and her mother and little brother being homeless.Officer Alex Morton (Moore) is undercover as a gambler to catch a traitor to the crown. He finds himself falling in love with Johanna and wanting to help her and her family with their troubles.Alex has all kinds of contact with unsavory men who give him messages. He never knows who or what is next in his life.A good book, deserves a place on my favorite books shelf.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[meganleigh844 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"The Innkeeper's Daughter" by Michelle Griep is a riveting, fast-paced Regency you won't want to miss! This is the second book that I have read by this author and I am just in love with the way she writes. The first book I read by Ms. Griep was "12 Days at Bleakly Manor." Ms. Griep is a master of characters. The way she writes her characters is very Dickens-esque; she makes the traits and quirks of some characters almost over-the-top. Some of the characters are so eccentric and quirky; I had a big smile on my face every time I read about them. Even the side characters are so well written. Dickens fans especially will probably recognize some familiar character traits and eccentricities. I love the journey of faith that the two main characters (Johanna and Alex) go through over the course of the novel. Ms. Griep weaves in the themes of surrender, trusting God and rest. She also, like Dickens, shows the corruptness of the justice system and the jails. "The Innkeeper's Daughter" has intrigue, danger, mystery, secret identities, traitors and spies. What is not to love?! This book made my Dickens, Regency-loving heart happy!Content: I would give this book a PG rating for some minor content. Some examples of the content are: a character gambles; mentions that people curse, but the curse isn’t actually written; some characters drink alcohol; references to bawdy houses; a joke about a maiden on her wedding night; the word “maggot” is used; references to wenching and drinking; a man notices a woman’s curves; the word “damn” is used; a character is beaten with a whip; some violence; mention of a woman being ravished.Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars.Genre: Christian fiction; Romance, Regency; Historical; MysteryI want to thank Michelle Griep, Shiloh Run Press and Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Innkeeper’s Daughter (a novel)Author: Michelle GriepPages: 320Year: 2018Publisher: Shiloh Run Press My rating is 5+ out of 5 stars.What a spectacular story is bound within the covers! Michelle Griep takes readers back in time to 1808 in London to a place called the Blue Hedge Inn where a mother, daughter and young son keep boarders, serve ale and food. They work hard in a building that is run down and about to collapse, trying hard to pay off the mortgage before they get sent to the workhouse to pay off their debt. Johanna does most of the work of the inn, and her Mam works in the kitchen. The boy name Thomas is quite the character!Besides some boarders taking off without paying, the banker is an uncaring fellow, which I easily disliked. Perhaps that was the author’s intent…maybe. Then add to the mix, Alexander Moore, who is undercover to locate those bent on sedition or other ill gains. Alexander is not a man of means, but to do his job he must put forth the appearance and behavior of a wealthy man. While doing his job, Alexander stays at Johanna’s inn and that’s where the story really gets interesting!The author wrote a novel that entails many mysteries that kept me reading for hours. When I thought the ending was near and the true culprits would be revealed, it turns out there were more twists and turns to the plot! The more pages I read, the faster my heart beat in anticipation of how the book was going to end. Would those who should be brought to justice be revealed? How was Alexander going to marry one woman while he was in love with another? Above all, I was wondering if Johanna was going to keep her inn or end up in the workhouse to pay her debts. Johanna is a brave woman who worked her heart out and underwent some very hard times that impacted her heart, body, emotions and soul. Alexander was an interesting man who tried to do the right thing, but was it to please God or man? This is one of the best of Michelle’s stories that just got richer the more I read. I sincerely hope many read and enjoy the tale as I did, including the ending that is a surprise!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a unique work of Christian historical fiction! With “The Innkeeper’s Daughter”, Michelle Griep crafts a fascinating story that combines romance, suspense, and hardship against the backdrop of Dover in 1808. The dialect immerses the reader in this Regency world, and the realistic challenges and situations which the characters face reinforce this connection. Moral quandaries and tests of faith feature prominently and demonstrate that despite the passage of time, some things do not change. Be it two hundred years in the past or contemporary society, faith and trust in God are essential, especially in trying circumstances. “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” beautifully illustrates this through the story’s main conflict. Intrigue and adventure flow as a steady undercurrent that swells toward the end of the narrative, with no predictable ending to spoil the ride. The hero, Alexander Moore, accepts a covert assignment to get to the bottom of a deadly conspiracy and lands at the Blue Hedge Inn, which is run by the comely Johanna Langley and her aging mother. Plagued by financial difficulties and concerns for her mother and young brother, Johanna tries to take the world upon her shoulders, trusting in herself above all, as do so many of us today. Part of what makes this novel so captivating is the quirky and unusual characters. They are unlike any I have come across in other Christian fiction, especially the peripheral characters. Not only do they add depth to the story, but they also offer a perspective on physical disability and mental illness. The villains, who are not always easy to pick out here, are handled cleanly in spite of their actions. Overall, this story reminded me in certain ways of “The Scarlet Pimpernel”. Gambling played a substantial role in the narrative, and this is another example of how Griep’s book proves its distinctiveness. Rather than portraying betting as inherently evil, “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” demonstrates that it can be done honestly as long as you never gamble what you can’t afford to lose. The question becomes how far the characters are willing to go to uphold their convictions and their loyalties. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[grammy57 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I asked to read and review The Innkeeper's Daughter, by Michelle Griep, and I am so happy I was chosen to do so. My review is not based on being given this book, but my own, honest opinion, freely given.The book is set in the 1700's in England, specifically, Dover. It is a combination of a love story, and mystery/adventure, with a small amount of history thrown in. The book starts out with mystery and the mystery is woven throughout the book. It will keep you wanting to read more.The characters are fairly well developed, as in all stories, some more than others. There are a couple of characters that I wish were a little more developed, but it does not detract from my enjoyment of the story. The story flows well also. Some of the highlights are the intrigue with smuggling, the difficulty of going undercover, the hardship of not having a male head of household, just to mention a few. If you like historical fiction, Christian fiction, or mystery, you will enjoy this book.It is also a Christian book and very well done. It is not preachy in any way but shows the importance of faith. I have never read this author before but I will definitely be reading more from her. She has talent.I will give this book 4 stars out of five. The main reason for this is that there was one character in the book that, in my opinion, was not fully wrapped up at the end of the story. I felt this character needed a better closure. Would I purchase this as a gift or recommend it to a friend, yes, I certainly would. I hope whoever reads this review will be encouraged to read this book

[sandralb-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This well written novel was quick paced with quit a few twist and turns to it. It will keep you on the end of your seat and it may not end as you expect. There is lots of adventure to this tale. It has everything you could want. You have your hero and heroine, some good guys, spies, a traitor, a man in black, a few under cover agents, and a crazy puppeteer who can't talk without his puppet, just to mention a few. You are not sure who's who until the end. There are so many strong characters in this book, not just Alexander and Johanna, the main love interest. I found several funny one liners, and colloquial sayings that I just loved. The story has a serious side too. I found myself in tears in parts. When I get into a book that I am enjoying, like this one, it is hard to put it down. I though the way Ms. Griep interweaves scripture lessons through out the book was very well done. I so enjoy when the author takes the time at the end of her story to tell you the history behind it, places and things that were true. I often get so into the novel that I feel like I am right there. Ms. Griep did exactly that for me with Innkeepers Daughter. I thank Net Galley as well as Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. A review was not required, but I was happy to give my honest opinion of this great book.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Why You Should Read The InnKeeper's DaughterFirst, Michelle Griep is the author. She can be a very versatile voice, writing colonial fiction, cozies, Dickens-type mysteries, or in this case, Regency Romance. Whatever she puts her writing pen to, she's good at producing.Secondly, this novel has at least one swoon-worthy hero and the accompanying entourage of characters, yet it is a clean, inspirational read. Gamblers, pretty maidens, traveling musicians, high stakes players in a dangerous race to sell or secure a nation's safety: all combine at full throttle back and forth searching for the one ultimate traitor. Meanwhile, the romantic tension between Johanna and Alexander is sweet, taut, and ready to spring like a bungee cord.Thirdly, one singularly simple but outstanding character is quite notable. I loved the portrayal of Mr. Lucius Nutbrown, a man of slower mental abilities who talks only through his hand puppet.Quotable:"Everyone has faith, Miss Coburn. The question is, faith in what?"Many people today don't get this truth. They claim no faith but have faith in themselves, humankind, science, etc, while refusing faith in God.While Brentwood, a friend from Brentwood's Ward, is mentioned, the connection is loose. This is easily a standalone novel.I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased my own copy. This book is just that good. All opinions in this review are my own, and no positive review was required.

[thequietreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pretending to be someone else, even to uncover a plot, is the last thing Alexander Moore wishes to do. He takes up residence in a crumbling inn, and fights to keep from falling for the lovely innkeeper's daughter.It was refreshing to read about the time period that was not debutants and balls. Alex's character was intriguing, and I enjoyed seeing him try to maneuver his way through a place he'd grown up, pretending to be a different person. He had misgivings about what he was doing, and it was interesting to see him grow as a character.I'd hoped to like Joanna, but to be honest, I found her to be rather boring. She was not fun and I didn't see much growth in her character. The rest of the supporting characters were fine in their places, although several were tedious, to say the least.Overall, it was a nice story, though it did drag in the middle some. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a Christian historical romance with more emphasis on mystery and suspense.I received a free copy through NetGalley for reviewing purposes.