Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery

By Michelle Griep

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 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing
• Release date: Feb 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643521190

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].  

Book preview

Princess

Chapter One

1815

Port village of Treporth, Cornwall, England

Pretend I am courageous.

Pretend my heart still beats.

Pretend all manner of blissful things …

and that I shall find him alive.

Recreasing a worn scrap of foolscap, Helen Fletcher tucked the paper into her valise, then snapped shut the clasp, wishing most of all she’d never received such horrid news. No one had ever warned her about the dangers of parchment.

Pretend the world is right and well … For it would be—or she would die trying to make it so.

She rose from her sleeping berth and paced the few steps to the small mirror on the wall. Grey-blue light, the last from the end of a melancholic day, leaked through the porthole into her tiny accommodations. The vessel Nancarrow had never been meant to haul passengers, but the captain had made an exception because of her plight, thank God. Removing her hat from a hook, she did her best to pin up her dark hair beneath the brim, then tied the ribbon securely. Now that they were docked, she’d not be sorry to leave this tucked-away compartment.

Of course Father will be fine, she whispered to her reflection, taking courage in the voicing of such a hope. She lifted her chin, staring into her own eyes. And you will be too.

Whirling about, she retrieved her valise and left her sanctuary of the past fortnight. The corridor was a maze and a dim one at that. Very few vigil lanterns lit the way. She edged past stacks of crates secured against one wall, then turned sideways to squeeze through a narrow throat of a space next to a post. Though she ought be used to it by now, the tight quarters smelled of brine and dampness and overworked ship hands—an odor she wouldn’t miss.

At last she made it to the stairs leading to fresh air and England. She’d never been to Cornwall, Bath having been her home before leaving for Ireland as a governess. But as long as she was with Father, it would no doubt feel like home.

She gripped the railing with one gloved hand and ascended the wooden rungs. Her other hand held tightly to all she owned in this life, which was precious little. No matter. God would provide. He always did. Was not the very fact she’d been sent passage to attend her ailing father proof enough of God’s surprising provision?

The closer she climbed toward the top deck, the louder shouts echoed and boots thudded. Strange. When they’d set sail from Ireland’s green coast, the crew had sung ditties of brisk winds and prows cutting through the ocean blue. Ought not the ballads of mooring at a friendly port be jolly as well? She frowned. No, those rumbles and curses were decidedly not merry at all.

She cleared the last step. Three paces later, she froze. The crew stood against one rail, hands behind their heads. Two masked brigands aimed guns their way. In the center of the deck, the trapdoor of the hold flung wide with more masked scofflaws descending into it like an unholy swarm. Not far from her, the largest man of them all trained a pistol on the captain’s chest. A nightmare on the wrong side of slumber.

Captain Ogden’s gaze darted her way, the slight tip of his head urging her to retreat back below.

Too late.

Before she could consider the possibility, the scoundrel threatening the captain slipped her a sideways glance. Though brief, she’d never forget the intensity in those brown eyes, commanding her without words to stay put.

Blast! the man roared at the crew. I thought you said you cleared the cabins.

One of the men, the first in a chain of thieves leading from the hold to the gangplank, grunted as he passed a crate on to the next man. Aye, sir. I did.

Apparently, you missed one. The cloth tied over the bottom half of the big man’s face riffled with a growl. You, my lady, over here, if you please.

Though her heart beat hard against her rib cage, she got the distinct impression he meant her no harm—but that didn’t mean she’d comply. Biting her lower lip, she studied the distance between her and the side of the ship. Could she jump from railing to wharf? How big the gap? How great the fall?

And why was no one stopping these thieves? Though it was dusk, surely not all from the village could be abed. Perhaps if she merely screamed for help, there’d be no need to risk a twisted ankle … or worse.

She opened her mouth—and a glove pressed against her lips. A strong arm pulled her against the side of the man dressed in black. How had he moved so quickly?

Hush, lady. I’ll have none of that. Do you understand? His free hand yet aimed the gun at the captain, but his terrible gaze stared into her soul.

Pretend that I am brave. Pretend that fear is strength.

For her father’s sake, she had to get off this ship. Now. She blinked up at him and nodded.

His hold on her slackened.

Then she twisted and jerked up her knee, driving home a solid blow he’d remember for a very long time.

Oof!

Wind rushed out of Isaac Seaton’s lungs. Sharp, sickening pain rose up his throat.

Thunder and turf! The little spitfire. Scarcely able to breathe, he released the woman. It was either that or drop the gun, which could be deadly.

But so could the snippet of skirt who even now lurched toward the side of the boat. Blast! Sucking in salty air, he barely snagged her arm before she was out of reach. She was fast. He’d give her that.

Join the captain, he strained out, then he shoved her toward the man. Stunning, this fiend he’d become—all because of Brannigan. Thank God this was his last raid.

She stumbled forward, still clutching her valise. When she joined the captain’s side, she turned and glowered, the fury in her gaze calling down the wrath of God upon Isaac’s head.

He stifled a smile. A worthy opponent. But no time now to dally with such thoughts. Glancing past the woman and the captain, he checked on progress. Wooden crates passed from man to man, slowly filling the wagon on the wharf. Too slow. The free flow of ale at the Pickled Parrot was paid for until the last of light, at which point some very drunk dockhands could pour out the door and discover this little escapade.

Make haste, men! he barked.

God sees your evil deed. The captain’s eyes burned like embers, his glower condemning him to the pits of Sheol.

Yes, God sees. But evil deed? Beneath his kerchief, Isaac’s mouth curled into a half smile, one that tasted bitter. That’s debatable.

The lady gasped. Thievery is wrong.

Indeed. A principle he knew as intimately as a lover—one no honest man should ever have to bed. He narrowed his eyes, considering the slip of a woman who accused him. What kind of lady would speak her mind so freely while at the wrong end of a loaded pistol? She stood barely the height of his shoulder, and that with a bonnet atop her head. Brown eyes, not as dark as his own, stared back at him. She was fine of bone, almost birdlike. So slight, should a good wind come along, she might fly off.

But there was nothing fragile about the way she denounced him. Her indictment crawled beneath his skin. One man’s theft is another man’s restitution. His voice came out harsher than intended, and he cleared his throat. Tell me, is it wrong to reclaim what was yours in the first place?

The captain snorted. This shipment belongs to Brannigan, unless you wear the Brannigan crest on your finger.

You are mistaken. Part of this shipment belongs to me. The sight of a barrel—not a crate—slipped by, just past the captain’s shoulder. Isaac’s free hand curled into a fist. Blast it! Put those spirits back.

Aww, but one barrel ain’t gonna—

Do it. He growled.

Young Graham Ambler, easily distinguishable by the gimp in his step, wheeled about and disappeared into the hold.

Isaac turned back to the captain. Leastwise the blasting powder is mine. I assure you nothing more will be taken. He fumbled with a pouch tied to his belt and tossed the leather sack to the captain. For your trouble.

The man caught it, a mighty frown tugging the corners of his mouth. This does not atone for your behavior.

The captain’s words struck him as brutally as the pain left over from the woman’s knee. I don’t expect it to, sir.

A sharp thwack rent the evening as the cover on the hold slammed shut. The last of the crates hefted from man to man, until finally the men themselves emptied down the gangplank.

He whistled for Rook and Hawker to withdraw from guarding the Nancarrow‘s crew, then lowered his pistol. For future reference, Captain, I suggest you comply more agreeably should smugglers or pirates ever board one of your vessels. Others will not be as forgiving as I.

A curse flew from the captain’s mouth, tingeing the lady’s cheeks with a fine shade of scarlet.

The wagon rolled down the wharf—just as bawdy drinking songs belched out of the Pickled Parrot, farther up the shore. Clearly if Captain Ogden could not control Isaac’s band of well-intentioned smugglers, he’d not be able to contend with besotted dockhands should any decide to ramble this far.

Isaac glanced at the lady, her outline smudging into the darkness nearly upon them. It was neither safe for her to remain here nor to venture into town past those men. He huffed out a sigh at both alternatives, feeling the weight of responsibility. Bending slightly, he hooked her into his arm and up over his shoulder, like a sack of grain.

Put me down! She whapped his back with her satchel, a far cry easier to bear than her former attack.

The captain bellowed for his men to pursue—and the chase was on.

Isaac sprinted down the gangplank then swung the lady and himself onto Duchess, his dappled grey waiting where he’d left her. By the time Captain Ogden’s crew cleared the deck, Duchess was already crushing gravel beneath her hooves and tearing up toward the village proper.

The lady wriggled in his grasp. Put me down!

In due time. He flexed his arms into bands of steel as she flailed. Clearly, she hadn’t the horse sense to know she’d probably be killed if she fell from a galloping mount.

Ahh, yet he could not help but admire such pluck. A slow smile stretched across his face. He might almost enjoy this were he not posing as a felon.

He reined Duchess to a stop in front of the Candlelight Inn. Swinging his leg over, he dismounted and pulled the woman down along with him. She squirmed, and in the scuffle, his kerchief fell to his neck.

His hand shot up, about to tug the cloth into place, but as she glowered at him, he froze. Locks of raven-coloured hair had loosened, lending her a wild appearance—yet altogether lovely. The flush of fear and wind pinked her skin to a most becoming shade. Beneath the fabric of her sleeve, frailty and strength contradicted one another.

Without thinking, he pulled her close and breathed in her sweet rosewater scent—and lost any reason whatsoever. It is customary, lady, to reward a good deed with a kiss.

Good deed! You’ve taken me from the sanctity of a ship to God knows where—

The Candlelight Inn, he interrupted.

Her eyes narrowed. For what purpose I can only imagine.

For the purpose of saving you from a drunken band of longshoremen and delivering you to a coaching inn that will provide you with the means of getting to wherever it is you’re going. He retreated a step and flourished a bow. Now, about that kiss?

After delaying me from my father’s sickbed? You, sir, are a miscreant. She sidestepped him and darted toward the safety of the inn.

He watched until the hem of her skirt disappeared through the inn’s front door. Then he hoisted himself back into the saddle. Of course, he’d never see her again.

But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t like to.

Chapter Two

Helen nudged open the door to her father’s chamber, her hands full with a morning tea tray and her heart filled with a fresh hope—for Father’s smile, albeit weak, greeted her from across the room. She’d been hard-pressed to decide which had frightened her more these past two days: her disturbing encounter with smugglers or the deadly state of her father’s health. But perhaps today would be the day he turned the corner toward healing.

Pretend it will be so.

Good day. Her father’s words wavered on a wheezing breath, ravaged by age and dropsy.

It is a good day, for you are awake. She set the tray on a bedside stand and pulled over the only chair in the small room. I am glad of it.

And I am glad for another day, Daughter.

So should we all be, hmm? Now, let’s prop you up. Sliding her hand behind his shoulders, she lifted him and his pillow, choosing to ignore the swelling in his neck and fluttering breath.

Once settled, she retrieved the mug of tea and bottle of chamomile syrup, stirring a spoonful of the tincture into his drink. Here you are.

Some of the mixture leaked from the sides of his mouth, and she snatched a coarse cloth from the tray, the cheap fabric a bit rough for his frail skin. She frowned. Would that I had been a son, and a prosperous one at that.

Pish! His bare head, long removed of the dark hair she remembered, shook against the cushion. I couldn’t have hoped for a better daughter. Nor a better patron.

"Forgive me, Father. I did not mean to sound ungrateful. I am thankful for the Seatons’ generosity, and I shall let them know how much as soon as you are on the mend."

He reached for her hand, his fingers swollen to the size of sausages. There will be no mending. Not this time. My breaths are numbered, and the sum is small.

Do not speak so. You must live, for me, for your congregation.

We are all mortal, Daughter.

She patted his hand, unwilling to acknowledge the grotesque changes destroying his body. It benefits no one to accept defeat, even death, and so I shall endeavor to fight against it—for both of us, if need be.

This is not your fight.

She squeezed his hand, then let go of his hold and his words. I will not concede. You are all I have left.

"No, child. There is always God."

Yes, of course, but … She sighed. Why could doubts not be as easily exhaled?

But what?

Well, I know in my head God is always present, but in my heart? I cannot credit it.

A sliver of morning light angled through the single window, washing her father’s face in a pool of yellow light. You keep your heart too well guarded, I fear.

Of course she did—and always would. There was no better protection against hurt. In the homes where I’ve served, I’ve seen what men do to women’s hearts.

You can’t judge all men by the actions of a few. Did you ever stop to think that by shutting off your heart from man, you’ve closed the door to God’s love as well? Those who leave everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything … even in man.

A rap at the front door jarred her as much as her father’s words, and she patted his shoulder. I shall return.

Exiting his chamber, she crossed the small main room and opened the door. An angel of light appeared—or so it seemed.

Sunshine haloed a woman slightly taller than herself, but judging by the smoothness of her skin and brilliance of eye, she was roughly the same age as Helen. The visitor was dressed in an emerald pelisse devoid of any decoration or embellishments. Blue skirts peeked out beneath, their former brilliance subdued by several years of wear. But whatever elegance the lady’s clothing lacked, her lovely smile more than made up for it. Portrait artists would pay dearly to capture a beauty such as this.

Good day, she said. Are you Helen Fletcher?

Yes. Helen nodded at the wicker basket clutched in the woman’s grasp. And you must be the good fairy who’s left food at our door the past two days.

"I am Esther Seaton, but I adore the alias Good Fairy. She angled her face, and a true pixie could not have looked more mischievous. Mind if I borrow it sometime?"

Not at all. Come in. Helen stepped aside, allowing the lady to pass and setting her offering upon the table at the center of the room.

Welcome to Treporth, Miss Fletcher. I trust you are settling in well. The lady swept out her hand, encompassing the interior of the small cottage. Then slowly her fingers dropped, as did her smile. I heard of the scuffle at your arrival, and for that, I apologize. Truly, the folk around here are not a bad sort, and I am sorry for the impression you must have.

It was harrowing, but I will not allow one bad experience to taint my opinion of all.

Miss Seaton’s grin returned in full, and she crossed the room to gather Helen’s hands in her own. I have the feeling we shall be the best of friends.

A cough rattled out from Father’s chamber, and Esther’s gaze drifted toward it. How is your father today?

Shame tightened Helen’s throat. Had she not moments earlier begrudged the roughness of a cloth, given along with a roof overhead and food for their bellies? She squeezed the lady’s fingers then pulled back. He is rallied this morn. I am hoping he shall be on his feet in no time.

Really? I’d been led to believe otherwise. The lady’s brow knit together but unraveled as quickly. Still, I am glad of your report.

And I am glad for your provisions. You have been more than generous.

A delicate shrug lifted Miss Seaton’s shoulders. Do not thank me. I merely deliver. It is my brother who provides.

Then I hope to meet him someday and thank him in person.

Miss Seaton arched a brow. Would you?

Of course.

Then come to dinner this evening at Seaton Hall. There’s a government official recently arrived, and the conversation will no doubt turn tedious. Politics is not my topic of choice. She leaned closer. I am sure you and I can find much to divert ourselves. Do say you’ll come.

Helen bit her lip. Should she spend an entire evening away from Father? Somehow, it did not seem right, for he was the sole purpose she’d come here. I am grateful for your invitation, Miss Seaton, but—

Esther, please.

She couldn’t help but smile at the warmth in the woman’s voice. Very well, Esther, I should like to go, but—

Your father wishes you to go, child. The words traveled out the open door of her father’s chamber.

There you have it. Esther grinned. Will you?

Helen studied the worn floorboards, as if an answer might be found on the swept wood. She hadn’t left Ireland for socializing, but this would be a prime opportunity to thank their benefactor. What was the right thing to do?

Slowly, she lifted her head. "My

Reviews for Ladies of Intrigue

[alekee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Three different stories by the same author, with each being a third of the book, and each quickly drawing you in.Whether we are in old England, the city of St. Paul or in a U.S. Military Fort, we are offered a story that includes a strong woman as the main character.Of course, you can sit down and read one, and they save the next for later, but like the candy it is hard not to turn the next page.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour and was not required to give a positive review.

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

Ladies of Intrigue includes three separate stories all set in the 19th Century. I requested the opportunity to read and review this book because I had thoroughly enjoyed previous books by this author. The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady and The Doctor's Woman, the first two stories were fair, but the last story, A House of Secrets, was truly intriguing. It would have been a wonderful plot to have fleshed out into a full-length novel. I was glad to have plugged through the first two stories to reach the third. In this story Amanda Carston struggles for her father's approval before marrying and beginning the next stage of her life. Unfortunately her plans for achieving this goal run counter to the plans her fiance, city attorney Joseph Blake, has for rescuing women from and ultimately closing a local brothel. Keeping a family secret bars him from sharing his efforts with Amanda, something that ultimately has dire consequences. I would give the first two stories three stars and the final story four. I appreciate receiving a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

[meganleigh844 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery” by Michelle Griep has been a much anticipated read for me as I love Ms. Grieps’ books! This particular book is a collection of three of her novellas. Each novella can be read as a standalone, but you might as well read them all since each one is amazing!The Gentleman Smuggler’s LadyFans of “Poldark” will swoon over this novella that takes place on the Cornish Coast and deals with smuggling. I love the main character, Helen, and her spunk. She may seem like a fragile governess, but she quickly shows that she has another side to her personality. I appreciate the moral dilemma that Isaac (our hero) runs into concerning smuggling. Both characters learn about trusting in God’s provisions. Isaac needs to try to not enact his own justice but to leave it to God. Helen learns about surrendering instead of just pretending. This was my favorite of the novellas because I love the setting and time period.The Doctor’s WomanI like the hate-to-love story between the two main characters (Emmy and James) in this novella. Ms. Griep does a great job with the setting and time period (Dakota territory, 1862). Emmy and James both let emotion get the better of them at times and run ahead to help, instead of waiting for God to lead. This often leads to dangerous situations. The characters learn to believe that God is in control.A House of SecretsI really enjoyed the cute romance in this story. It also has a nice message that the only good opinion we need is God’s and that we are loved by Him.Content: Overall, I give this collection a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: Mention of people cursing, but the word isn’t actually written; mention of ale and drunkards; the word “Sheol” is used; men sing bawdy drinking songs; the words “hell” and “devil” are used; some medical descriptions of blood and gore; Native Americans are referred to as “Injuns;” mention of harlots and brothels (in the 3rd novella).Rating: I give this book 4 stars!Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Novellas; RomanceI want to thank Celebrate Lit, Michelle Griep and Barbour Books 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.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Ladies of Intrigue collection combines three of Michelle Griep’s historical novellas, and it is fun to read. Blending romance, mystery, and adventure, it is perfect for readers of historical fiction.Each novella delves into a different time period and setting, but despite these differences, their stories read well side-by-side as they feature strong women and the pursuit of truth and sweet, sweet romance. They may be short, yet the way Griep writes each story proves captivating and enjoyable.So, if you’re in need of a quick historical read, definitely check out Ladies of Intrigue. Thanks to Celebrate Lit, I received a complimentary copy of Ladies of Intrigue 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.

[sn11386 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ladies of Intrigue 3 Tales of 19th- Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery by Michelle Griep. It contains three of her novellas. Each novella can be read one at a time. The Gentleman Smuggler’s LadyEvery character in this book is believable and relatable. Helen and Isaac meet in bad circumstances leading to a poor impression on her. Will Helen get over it and like Isaac? Or will things still make her have a bad impression on him? This story reminds me of the TV show “Poldark”. The Doctor’s WomanThis is a novella with well-developed characters and story. It focuses on a strong spirited woman Emmy and the leading man James both learn some important things by the end of the story. Michelle did a great job of describing the settings and time period. This story took place in the Dakota Territory in 1862. Just warning you Native Americans are referred to as “Injuns”. It is that time when they used it, but if you have a really big issue with that I would not recommend reading the book. It did not use a lot in the book. A House of SecretsThis is one of my favorite of the three stories. Amanda, a new chairwoman for a ladies aid society and Joseph, a city attorney, is engaged with a very strong relationship. However, there are secrets Joseph has causing problems for both of them. These stories contain common themes- danger, hidden secrets, romance, faith, and noble causes. She gives women strong, smart and rulers. Her women are able to escape the confines of society’s expectation for women. Even though there is a lot of faith brought into these stories it isn’t preachy. I really enjoyed these stories. I would defiantly read more from Michelle Griep.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Three most enjoyable stories in one cover - what a lovely way to spend an afternoon! Set in the early 1800's, we start out in a port village in Cornwall, England. I must admit that the idea of a gentleman smuggler brought several pictures to mind, most of which were quite correct. That coupled with a staid governess and a most interesting story emerges.A doctor with a great deal of book knowledge arrives at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. How will he fare with frontier medicine, especially when dealing with the beautiful protege of a frontier doctor? Combine that with an epidemic and native cures to indulge in a tale that ends quite unexpectedly.Mysteries always make for a good story....at least if you are the one knowing the secret behind it. A land title, a school for underprivileged children and a boiler explosion bring plenty of questions to this storyline.I received this lovely anthology through Barbour Publishing, Netgalley and CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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 LadyI 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 WomanEmmy 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 SecretsWith 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.

[ladyofthelodge · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“Ladies of Intrigue” features three different stories about courageous and competent women. These ladies range from a governess to a physician to a society gal, each with her own special qualities of spunkiness and a desire to get things done. The Christian message comes across in each lady’s desire to serve God, rather than being overt and preachy. The title might lead some readers to think these are mysteries. However, I would classify them as historical novelettes with adventure and romance. Readers who desire a series of quick reads will enjoy hearing more about the ladies and their adventures. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[grammy57 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Barbour Books through NetGalley allowed me to read and review this ebook, a compilation of the novellas. The opinions are my own and not required. The book is Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep. I do not give a synopsis of a book in my reviews, you can read that in a lot of other places. I do give my honest opinion. In my opinion, this is a 3-star book. the reasons are below. The main reason I give only 3 stars is that the first novella was very disorienting. I felt like I was plopped into the middle of a book, that the beginning and ending were missing. There was no reason given why the heroine's father had moved to the location of the story. The ending wasn't done well either, it just stopped. The other two novellas were better in explaining things, the stories seemed more complete. This is a Christian book and that was very well done. It is not pushy but does show how a Christian lives. The characters were well developed also for a novella. Other than the first story, the plot flowed well also. The editing was fairly well done as well.

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

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.

[robbyefaye · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pretend I am courageous.Pretend my heart still beats.Pretend all manner of blissful things...And I shall find him alive.So begins the first story in Michelle Griep’s three novella book, Ladies of Intrigue.I enjoyed this collection of novellas. I sometimes prefer novellas with a common thread. However, Michelle Griep’s novels of three different locations and times were perfect.Each story’s heroine has obstacles to overcome where she must rely on her faith in God, her wits and her intuition.The stories are perfect for a quick read, especially as winter seems to be dragging on, for these stories are lively and well-paced.I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As soon as I heard about Michelle Griep’s “Ladies of Intrigue”, I was drawn in, and I jumped at the chance to review it. Three stories from the nineteenth century, tinged with mystery? Sign me up! Despite the brevity of the stories, each one had a twisting denouement and a swift but satisfying conclusion. They could all have easily been novel-length, but as it was, the rapid pace assured that there was no lagging to the plot. “The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady”, set on the Cornish coast in 1815, reminded me of Abigail Wilson’s “In the Shadow of Croft Towers”, so readers of this short story may enjoy that novel and vice versa. From there Griep takes us to 1862 Minnesota in “The Doctor’s Lady”, which was the least mysterious of the three but full of other conflict, including that between the Indians and the United States during the Sioux Uprising and the dangers of being a single woman during that time. My favorite, however, was “A House of Secrets”, which differed from the previous two stories in both title format and writing style. This last tale was written more poetically and featured characters from the upper class in Minnesota in 1890, and it held the most secrets. Each narrative focused on the characters’ need to trust and rely on God and His provision. It was interesting to trace how women’s roles and societal expectations changed over the decades through the timeline arc of this collection. Historical fiction and romance fans will enjoy these stories, which combine love, the conventions of the past, and the necessity of faith—both then and now.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and CelebrateLit and was under no obligation to post a review.

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

Ladies of Intrigue contains three Christian romance stories set in the 1800s. I like the three different locales and the couples in the stories. It is nice to watch the couples learn to trust each other, overcome their differences and fall in love. I thought Ladies of Intrigue was well-written with steady pacing. I did feel that The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady needed more fleshing out. The ending felt incomplete. There are smugglers, soldiers, a dedicated doctor, sick Native Americans, a haunted house, corrupt men, romance, society ladies and much more in Ladies of Intrigue. I enjoyed these three sweet romantic stories with Christian values. If you are looking for a diverting nineteenth century romantic tales, then pick up Ladies of Intrigue.

[huberk-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In this grouping of 3 romance stories, by Michelle Griep, called The Ladies of Intrigue, all three stories are complete. Once you start reading, you want the individual novels to go on forever.The intrigue is a nice mystery that goes with each story. They are each solved, before you go onto the next one.Very enjoyable.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing with no obligation to post a review.