Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep
This was the only book from Michelle Griep that I was hesitant to buy. Why? Because I already own the three novellas separately in the collections they originally showed up in. However, I am glad I ended up doing it anyway. It was so much nicer to just be able to pick up this collection and know that all the stories I love from her on in one place and easy to find.
Although I owned all of them previously, I’d only actually read one of the collections. So by having it all in one place, I was able to read the other two without feeling guilty about not reading all the other books in the collections. (Reader’s guilt is a real thing, ya’ll. Either that or I’m just so OCD that I can’t not finish an entire book–and that is an even more likely explanation.)
Genre: Historical Romance, 1815 England, 1862 Minnesota, and 1890 Minnesota
Plot Overview:
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.
What I loved: I loved having all three books in one easy place to grab. It has been especially helpful as I’m studying how to craft a novella, and who better to study but one of my favorite authors? The writing is as magnificent as ever, the stories engaging and gripping, and the heroes swoon-worthy.
Favorite Character: The female characters are all spunky. I love their vitality and grit. It is hard to pick a favorite. Hero-wise, Isaac Seaton stuck out as my favorite. Call me a bad girl, but I love the dark, rugged characters with hearts of gold that grow and change.
Who would like this: If you love stories with romance, great historical details, and a dash of mystery, you’ll love these stories. They are especially great for those who need a quick read.
Rating and Why: Five-stars because the writing and stories are still great, even though they are novellas. It’s hard to have a novella feel complete and satisfying in just around 100 pages each story.
I thoroughly enjoyed theses little gems. It was nice to be able to read one and lay the book down and go back to it later. I enjoy that with novellas!
Mary
Mary, I completely agree. Being able to read one, take a break, and then come back was great. Sometimes a novella is all my brain can handle.