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Ladies of Liberty #2

A Lady of Hidden Intent

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He believes them to be strangers... The door opened suddenly, and there she was. Carter forgot what he was saying and simply stared at the vision before him. Hang his imagination; this woman was far more intriguing in the flesh... Yet she knows the truth... Catherine found she couldn't look away, he was so very handsome. His face had a rather rugged look, perhaps more so than she'd noticed five years ago. How strange that he'd never married... Now that their paths have crossed again, can Catherine break free from the past to embrace the chance for love?

 

A life of privilege becomes only a distant memory when Catherine Newbury's father is falsely imprisoned and she is whisked away from her home in England to America. Forced to disguise her past and create a completely new life, Catherine takes on a servant's last name and carves out a tenuous future for herself as a seamstress. Soon her dress designs are sought throughout Philadelphia. When the dashing Carter Danby accompanies his mother and sister for a design consultation, Catherine suddenly encounters her past face-to-face. Is Carter's avid interest in her genuine...or does he, as she suspects, recognize her as the young lady he met while touring England? She cannot deny the attraction, but admitting her true identity may jeopardize her father's only hope for freedom. Will Catherine be forced to sacrifice her dreams of love?

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

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About the author

Tracie Peterson

254 books3,204 followers
Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

pen name: Janelle Jamison

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5 stars
1,139 (39%)
4 stars
1,016 (35%)
3 stars
603 (20%)
2 stars
104 (3%)
1 star
26 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,294 reviews5,393 followers
Did Not Finish
November 20, 2023
DNF @ pg. 105 / 28% (middle of chapter seven)

I was trying to stick with this book after DNFing the first book in the series, but I’m calling quits. There’s head jumping, high school level pettiness with someone Catherine is working with, many mentions of women’s figures, a man making his young mistress abort their child. Despite it being shown as completely wrong, the later is the last straw for me, I hope it won’t actually happened but I don’t think my heart can take it if it does.


Main Content from what I read:
Catherine has a faith and prays, but does wonder if God has forgotten about protecting her once; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches & church going (and some just going for show).

Mentions of deaths of loved ones; Mentions of prisons/jail & slavery; Mentions of alcohol & drinking; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors.

Mentions of affairs, adultery, Carter’s father and brother each having a mistress, & getting rid of the baby if she gets pregnant (his brother says that she knew “how to prevent it” but did not; Carter views killing the child as completely wrong, but his brother is very flippant about it because it’s an inconvenience for him; it’s said that their father had this happen more than once); Many mentions of women’s figures and dresses that show off their chest (to attract men or their husband).
Profile Image for Margaret Chind.
3,213 reviews271 followers
February 19, 2020
This is book two in the Ladies of Liberty series, but these three books completely stand alone. Read them in any order and you will love the characters no matter what.

It was quite shocking to me when I first decided to jump into this book that I read several negative reviews. They called the book preachy, flat and many other comments so that I was not really excited about the read. My goodness, I am almost certain those reviewers must have been reading a very different book indeed!

Another work of fiction from Tracie Peterson that brings you into the life of a very strong woman fighting for her will to continue having hope. Trust into circumstances that she never would have thought possible Catherine presents a firm character that is very realistic in her thoughts, words, and deeds.

This is a story that shows you how callous other humans can be and how damaging one's actions can affect another life when they try with an evil intent. Issues such as politics and countries facing war to social class and standing bring to life a world not much different from current day in many situations.

God works in mysterious ways and always on his timeline and not ours. The story of dear Catherine and even a dashing fellow named Carter Danby (reminds me of Mr. Darcy) can show a reader a light into patience and peace because even the worst of times can be formed into the best of times.
Profile Image for Shirley Chapel.
733 reviews176 followers
March 10, 2018
I loved this book. I was drawn into the story from chapter one and on through the epilogue. As I neared the end of the story I found it impossible to put the book down. I enjoyed this second book of the Ladies of Liberty series much more than I enjoyed the first book. Tracie Peterson had the ability to transport this reader back to a simpler time in American history. She brings her stories to life for her readers.
Profile Image for Hannah.
3,023 reviews1,455 followers
December 21, 2025
4.5 stars

An excellent story set in 1850s Philadelphia between a seamstress who used to be a pampered English heiress, and a young architect who is determined to win her heart. I liked both characters and the side couple, his sister and best friend, and enjoyed their unusual romance. The ending was a real nail-biter even though I knew there must be a happy ending ahead!
Profile Image for Linnett.
3 reviews
February 4, 2021
It was a good book. Not my favorite, but still really good. There wasn't enough action in it for me to count it as a favorite. But I loved the way she pointed it back to God at the end. How he is making beautiful things through dark times.
Profile Image for Samanta  .
194 reviews51 followers
October 3, 2015
First, I'd like to say that I stayed up until 4 am to finish this book. I loved it even more than the first one. I found the charaters much more to my liking even though I loved the characters from the first book alot.


At the beginning of the book, Chatherine Newbury is a 17-year lod girl from a well-to-do English family, who already had her share of tragedies. At a party held by her family she meets a handsome American Carter Danby who disconcerts her but she tries to put him out of her mind. The same night another tragedy happens which changes her life forever.

Five years later, Catherine lives in America in hiding and works as a seamstress. With her creative designs she has already made a name for herself and has customers flooding to the sewing house of her boss. The very same thing brings Carter Danby in her life again and he is immediately bessoted with her even though he can't remember who she is at first. Catherine has her own plans and resists him but Carter is very persistent. Will he succeed?!

I loved Catherine's character because I could relate with her life and could understand her fears and wishes perfectly. I also loved the dresses she was making. They were described in such a manner that I could well imagine them and would love to have one for myself (altough not the pink one :)).
Carter was also a great character. A man with learning, who knows what he wants to do in life and is not afraid to oppose his father to do it. He also has a heart of gold and is quite a charmer and very persistent when he wants something. I found myself quite bessoted with him :) The only thing I did not like was the persistence of the men to dictate what their women should (not) do. I know it was normal back then but I would go crazy if someone tried to boss me around.

What I liked most about the book was that it was more bold than the first one, a little less propriety, although nothing bad. It is still a very clean historical fiction. Again, there was an accent on the devotion to God, but I found myself not minding it. I actually found myself reflecting what the charaters said in the book, altough I could not pray on every decision I make. I would have to rely on my own common sense and intelligence. Once again the story was permeated with important social issues of the time which I liked alot.

All in all, a very interesting read which might keep you too up until 4 am. :D

50 reviews49 followers
March 30, 2011
I love it. Love it. Best book ever will be one of my favorites till the end.

I wish they could write a sequel without messing with the characters romance... not possible because it is a romance.

I thought the writing was fantastic, the characters compleatly belivable, i could belive it actually happened back then.

Also because the author is writing in the past i sometimes get a bit confused with what theyr saying becasue of the language but i understood compleatly.

I love when i guy chases the girl, after theyr in love. so cute.

Again must be on my favorite list for all of eternity.
Profile Image for (Katie) Paperbacks.
1,004 reviews430 followers
April 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this sequel in the Ladies of Liberty. A reread for me, but it felt like reading it for the dirt time. I loved the characters and the setting of this great historical romance written by one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Sally Lindsay-briggs.
853 reviews58 followers
June 19, 2026
I always enjoy reading something very scriptural, enlightening, a great plot about a realistic lady who overcomes hardships and succeeds. It was all about Catherine, her father, who was wrongly jailed and then Carter appeared and fell in love with the leading lady. Loved this large print book and didn’t want it to end!
Profile Image for Valerie (Val's Vicinity).
207 reviews11 followers
March 27, 2013
I didn't really know what to expect from this book, not having read the synopsis beforehand. I simply jumped in and started reading because it was second in the series... but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself immediately sucked into the events of the story!

Catherine's story is one of riches to rags; her whole world is changed when her wealthy father is falsely accused of criminal activity, leaving her no choice but to flee the country and change her name for fear of being discovered, innocent though she is. This type of scenario generally dictates the heroine will end up working as a servant or housemaid, so I found it refreshing that Catherine ended up as a seamstress instead. And not just any seamstress, but an accomplished one, so much so that she actually gained notoriety and fame under her assumed name. She is a likable character, and though her world has been forever changed and she is often over-worked, she manages to keep a mostly hopeful outlook on life as she dreams of the day when her father's name might be cleared and she can be reunited with him.

While I liked Catherine, I have to admit that I *loved* Carter! He is just an absolute doll. I loved how even though Catherine acted standoff-ish towards him, he still continued to pursue her, even being quite persistent at times! He orchestrated clever ways to spend time with her, which was quite a feat considering they live in completely different social classes. When Catherine was vague in her conversation, Carter didn't let it deter him, often giving her a playful or flirtatious remark in response. This could make him sound like a cad, but that's far from the truth; he never acted inappropriately, he was just very honest about his intentions towards her. Sadly, Carter's family was a total mess, behaving in unlawful and immoral ways, but it was really cool to see how he strived to live a godly life even while still living under his parents' roof. He is just a gem of a character, and if I could rip him out of the pages into reality, I think I just might do so!

If there's one thing I wasn't crazy about, I'd have to say it was the character of Lydia. I was annoyed by the fact that she couldn't be content with the good situation she had; she insisted on letting her jealousy of Catherine's talents get the better of her, causing trouble for everyone in the process. Of course all stories do need an antagonist to stir up conflict, and Lydia obviously fit the role well. All things considered, she was really no more than a minor annoyance, but I just thought I'd include her to round out my review, instead of it being a total gush-fest for the story. :)

This is the second book in the Ladies of Liberty series, but it could easily act as a standalone; there is nothing that ties this book to the previous one aside from a short appearance by a minor character from the first book. I highly highly recommend this novel, especially if you are a fan of historicals. It's quite enjoyable, and one of the best historicals I've read in quite a while.
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,495 reviews
May 16, 2015
SUMMARY: When her father is falsely imprisoned for slave trading, Catherine Newbury finds her English world turned upside down. Whisked away with trusted servants to America, she is forced to disguise her past and create a completely new life. Taking on a servant's last name, Catherine becomes an accomplished seamstress whose dress designs are sought throughout Philadelphia.
Carter Danby, an architect who was touring England, met Catherine at a party in her English home the very night she was forced to flee. Five years later they meet again when his sister and mother come for a design consultation. Carter is sure he's met the dark-haired beauty before, but can't quite place her....
Drawn to Catherine, yet realizing she is hiding a painful past, Carter longs to create a future together with her. Catherine desires above all else to see her father set free--even at the cost of her own dreams. Will love be the sacrifice?

REVIEW: This is a wonderfully sweet historical romance. The interaction between the characters in this story was well developed; and the relationships between Catherine and the others she was involved with were caring, loving and supportive. She is the linchpin that holds the entire story together. What I found interesting was that none of the characters were perfect; and each had problems within their life with which they had to deal: Carter - his family; Charlotte - her father, her secret, and Felicia; Winnie - her shyness; yet they depended on God and moved forward towards better lives.

I found the storyline surrounding the "sewing house" quite interesting as that was something I had not read about before. Someone had to keep those wealthy ladies in all those fancy dresses!!

Overall a very good second book in Peterson's Ladies of Liberty series.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Carter once told me that we shouldn't fear putting the past behind us. He said that God is about doing new things--creating beauty out of the ashes of despair and defeat."

"I just don't see the faithfulness. I want to. I really do. It's just so hard to maintain your hope when everything is out of the realm of your influence. I have no chance to alter the course on my own. I have no say in the matter."

"You're a servant of the Lord. And as a servant, your must trust the Master to guide and do right by you....That's how it is when you are a servant."
195 reviews9 followers
March 6, 2017
A LADY OF HIDDEN INTENT BOOK #2 LADIES OF LIBERTY


Catherine Newbury, at her father's urging, flees to America so that she is not involved with the scandal that her father had been selling slaves ( which he is wronglfully accused of doing.

Dugan and Selma Shay, her fathers trustworthy servants, go with Catherine, and pretends that they are her parents. Catherine and the Shay's take residence at Mrs Clarkson sewing house, Catherine, as a talented seamtress and the Shay's as Mrs. Clarkson's cook and handyman. .

While working for Mrs. Clarkson, Catherine is asked to design two gowns for a Christmas party and unknown to Catherine their son, Carter has met Catherine before when she was seventeen and still living in Bath England. Catherine and Carter's sister, Winford become good friends and slowly Catherine and Carter become close.

When Carter remembers who Catherine really is, he takes steps, without Catherine knowing, to free Catherine's father from his unjust punishment.

I really enjoyed reading this book and the characters and storyline. I would highly recommend this book

Profile Image for Aspen.
34 reviews
January 25, 2015
I absolutely love this book!! The ideas and conflicts were just as I would have written in my head when I am day dreaming!
The few things I didn't like about the book and/or you might not like about it:

They kiss before their married. This personally doesn't bother me or cause me any concern; but I have a few friends who are disturbed and disgusted by this.

The author briefly mentions that one of the characters (not the main character) keeps a mistress even when he is married. Normally, I would put the book down at this. There is too much sin in this world to spend precious time reading about it; but, I didn't because the main character argues strongly when this is wrong with his family members, which I liked. Plus, it was very quick and not very detailed.

On the topic of how well it was written, I wouldn't have had Carter be so persistent when he just met Cathrine. But other than that, she is a great writer whom I enjoy reading her books.
I really enjoyed the book. It is a cute little love story. I love the friendship between Winne and Cat!
Profile Image for Mary.
396 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2013
Catherine Newberry's father took a dishonest partner into his shipping company in England when his daughter was almost grown. Because Mr. Newberry knew he was going to be accused of a crime and would also would most likely lose his wealth, he sent Catherine to America with very close servants whom were just like family. Mr. Newberry did end up in prison for a while and during that time, Catherine worked in Philadelphia. She happened to run into a young man she had met in England at a ball at her home. She tried to keep her identity hidden to be safe from the evil partner that was still running free. She never thought her life would take such a turn after five hard years, but the Lord was faithful and gave her the dreams she would cherish for the rest of her life. This is a very good story and well written. I always enjoy a good English story!
Profile Image for Kristina.
66 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2009
Reading this book was, for me, a little like eating a cake made entirely of icing. It's kind of too sweet, there's not much substance, and makes you feel a little guilty for enjoying it. Characters say things that I'm pretty sure no actual humans in history have ever said (the earnest conversations between the two men about whether they'll find love were unintentionally amusing), the plot was tied up a little too perfectly, the pages are sprinkled with morality and spiritual "lessons," everyone is either a saint or a mustache-twirling villain, etc. And yet. Who doesn't occasionally want to eat a cake made of icing? I was in the mood for a comforting, predictable, happy-ending book, and that's what I got. So I can't complain.
Profile Image for Irene.
148 reviews
September 16, 2015
(3.4 stars)

It's been some time since I've read the first book in the series, A Lady of High Regard, so I wasn't sure if I could keep up with the second novel. The worry was all for naught- I really liked how easy the reading was! And because I'm in a classic-loving kind of mood I really enjoyed the way Tracie Peterson chose to write the story. Enjoyable, near to nerve wrecking, (particularly when it involved certain-certain characters in the story) A Lady of Hidden Intent is a read I wouldn't mind visiting again.
Profile Image for Emily.
441 reviews68 followers
May 26, 2012
One of my all-time favorite books, and definitely my favorite from this author. I repeatedly checked it out from the library and re-read it, until I was finally able to procure my own copy. The characters are colorful, and I felt that the plot developed and ended finely. Catherine is definitely one of my favorite heroines, and Carter my favorite hero. He is just one of those all-around good guys. Would that there were more men like him on this planet!
Profile Image for Danica is Booked.
1,975 reviews57 followers
July 28, 2010
I have now read almost all of Tracie Peterson's books, and this series has to be one of my favorites. I loved reading about Mia and George in the first book. I loved reading about Catherine Newbury and Carter Danby as well. Catherine, like Mia, is compassionate, daring, and doesn't let hardships keep her down.

It was an enjoyable book to read.
Profile Image for Trina.
133 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the descriptions of her dress designs and how she makes something of herself through hard work. I think it really sheds a good light on America. I also liked Carter's character. He is intrigued in her and determined to have her. He also dares to be different than most of his family.
244 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2017
Sew Special

Great writing. Wonderful plot, dialog, mystery, captivating characters in a wonderfully believe able time. So looking forward to her next one. Catherine and her Mr. Danbury were great foils for each other. Scriptures relevant to the situation and masterly employed in a realistic believable way.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
45 reviews
December 27, 2017
I liked Peterson's writing and the plot of the book was interesting to me, but I didn't like the lead male love interest. Carter to me never took his "love" seriously and was very pushy with his advances towards Catherine. He wouldn't take no for an answer in many instances, which to me, is not the trait of a gentleman.
Profile Image for Jessica Hembree.
482 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2024
I hadn't read this series from Tracie Peterson before, but I recently got the first two from the Ladies of Liberty series from my local library.
I loved the twists and turns of the story and how the main characters came back to one another. Truth and trusting in God prevails in the end with a happy ending. I enjoyed this book and look forward to finding the final book in the series.
Profile Image for Teresa.
34 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2019
Excellent story that refreshes the soul of a time that boasts of purity and faith in God. Her ability to tell a love story with scriptures of hope peppered thought is uplifting. Thank you, Tracie Peterson, for bringing the message of the gospel into your novel!!!!
11 reviews
August 7, 2023
I read this book when it first came out qhen I was a teenager and absolutely loved it! I've re-read it several times since and now have the audio book and have listened to it several times as well.
Always will love this book! This series is one of my favorites!
Profile Image for Patricia.
284 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2024
I couldn't put this book down! This pre-Civil War novel, with a northern and British perspective. The clothing descriptions are superb and the characters are great. There's at least 3 villains but not a lot of outright danger. The cover art is perfect too!
Profile Image for Grab.
342 reviews
July 27, 2017
Heavy on religion and toxic masculinity with unconvincing characters and inconsistent world building.
221 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2017
As usual, Tracie Peterson tells another wonderful tale.
176 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2018
Couldn’t put it down

Tracie is a wonderful writer. Intriguing storyline, with romance and touch of history.
Loving this series. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews