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Ladies of Liberty #2
A Lady of Hidden Intent
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?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
121 people are currently reading
1407 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
252 books3,140 followersTracie 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
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
did-not-finish
November 20, 2023DNF @ 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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
May 18, 2018
loved it
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
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
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."
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."
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It was an enjoyable book to read.
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.
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.
August 14, 2012
I liked the story in this one, as well as the class differences.
July 27, 2017
Heavy on religion and toxic masculinity with unconvincing characters and inconsistent world building.
March 4, 2020
Catherine has always lived a life of privilege, until one night her world is turned upside down. Her father is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit and Catherine must flee to America with 2 of the family servants. As Catherine tries to survive in America as a seamstress, she cannot forget her father in England. When love begins to bloom, Catherine believes that she can never pursue happiness while her father suffers. However, while her identity as an impoverished lady of means has remained a secret, the time may come when she must reveal herself and face the dangerous consequences.
This was the second book in the Ladies of Liberty series and it was really good. I liked the characters very much and look forward to reading book 3...wonder if the previous characters will ever meet???
This was the second book in the Ladies of Liberty series and it was really good. I liked the characters very much and look forward to reading book 3...wonder if the previous characters will ever meet???
April 19, 2023
I can't remember where I ended up with this book on my shelf, but there it sat for months and months. Maybe at a library book sale or something? I'm somewhere between it was ok and I liked it. I felt like there were too many secrets hidden that didn't need to be hidden. Maybe I don't fully grasp the social repercussions of certain rumors, but things didn't seem like that big of a deal to me and yet she felt like they had to be kept completely hidden from all. Any why couldn't he tell her what he knew about her? Who knows? But I read it in one night. Husband out of town and all.
February 4, 2024
Not my favorite time period, but it got better as it went.
Catherine was not the typical wilting “Deb” for want of a better word at the moment. When her father is falsely accused of dealing in the slave trade, she is forced to flee. She is terrified to leave England for the newly founded America. But she buckles down and works hard. I don’t want to ruin the plot. But lots of action in the second 1/2 of the book. This was a book picked for our senior center reading club.
Not a bad choice it’s clean, not too much to offend our older group. I haven’t read any of Tracey’s books in awhile, but I used to read quite a few. Good author
Catherine was not the typical wilting “Deb” for want of a better word at the moment. When her father is falsely accused of dealing in the slave trade, she is forced to flee. She is terrified to leave England for the newly founded America. But she buckles down and works hard. I don’t want to ruin the plot. But lots of action in the second 1/2 of the book. This was a book picked for our senior center reading club.
Not a bad choice it’s clean, not too much to offend our older group. I haven’t read any of Tracey’s books in awhile, but I used to read quite a few. Good author
May 9, 2025
Pros:
*A clean read
Cons:
*It was so dull. It dragged on with little conflict or interest. I struggled to finish it.
*Insta-love. The romance seemed incredibly contrived and sudden, without any real development.
*The audiobook reader made me roll my eyes multiple times with her terrible accents, especially for Catherine, who sounded like a 50 something overdramatic cat lady.
*Everything was resolved so easily. Any conflict was quickly squashed by someone who just loved the main character and would do anything for her. Totally unrealistic.
*A clean read
Cons:
*It was so dull. It dragged on with little conflict or interest. I struggled to finish it.
*Insta-love. The romance seemed incredibly contrived and sudden, without any real development.
*The audiobook reader made me roll my eyes multiple times with her terrible accents, especially for Catherine, who sounded like a 50 something overdramatic cat lady.
*Everything was resolved so easily. Any conflict was quickly squashed by someone who just loved the main character and would do anything for her. Totally unrealistic.
March 20, 2017
This was a sweet story and I enjoyed it! I thought Catherine was a strong but sweet character who embraced her situation and make the best of things. Carter was a bit infatuated with her for not really having any full conversations really, but it wasn't completely on the level of stalker. He was a funny guy who had a good heart and was very determined. This was an easy fast paced read and who doesn't love a happy ending?
August 25, 2019
2.3
Absolutely nothing about this book was remotely believable. The characters were annoying and always had a very woe-is-me attitude. Their relationship had no real foundation and I couldn’t believe that they were “in love” so soon after meeting and interacting on a very minimal level. They didn’t and couldn’t have KNOWN each other. The external drama was way over the top and the ways that the characters dealt with it made me roll my eyes
Absolutely nothing about this book was remotely believable. The characters were annoying and always had a very woe-is-me attitude. Their relationship had no real foundation and I couldn’t believe that they were “in love” so soon after meeting and interacting on a very minimal level. They didn’t and couldn’t have KNOWN each other. The external drama was way over the top and the ways that the characters dealt with it made me roll my eyes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!
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!
Always will love this book! This series is one of my favorites!
June 18, 2024
Very cute story! Good easy read but a little too predictable for me. I knew what the ending would be very early on in the story with no twists or turns to really keep it as interesting as I would have liked BUT still a good book and good storyline.
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!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews