The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

by admin | Jun 19, 2019 | Books, England, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I have enjoyed all the previous novels I have read by this author so I was excited to have the opportunity to review The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. The riveting conclusion to the author’s Bow Street Runners series, The Noble Guardian absolutely lived up to my expectations.

Heroine Abigail Gilbert has been sent across country with only her maid by her stepmother to marry the man who Abigail has met but once. The journey of several days is a rough one at best with the ever-present danger from highwaymen who prey upon travelers. When her carriage is attacked by those very outlaws, Abigail is rescued by horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher who reluctantly agrees to escort her the remainder of her journey.

I had mixed feelings about Abigail’s eagerness to set off on her own to marry a virtual stranger. Her home life must have been miserable indeed or perhaps Abigail was such a naive romantic that she believed her soon-to-be husband must be in love with her. I was pleased to discover that Abigail actually had more of a backbone than it first appeared and her character grew on me as her story progressed. Samuel came across as a fairly rough and often grouchy fellow whose inner protector instinct and caring nature began to peek out more frequently as he spent time with Abigail.

Various trials and dangers plagued Thomas and Abigail during their travels and at times it seemed as though the journey was endless. There were some plot twists and surprises along the way that I somehow expected and was therefore not disappointed. A strong thread of faith was woven throughout the story which added to my enjoyment. I recommend The Noble Guardian to readers who might enjoy a Regency novel that is quite different from most books in that genre.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: The Noble Guardian Author: Michelle Griep Genre: Christian Historical Release date: June, 2019

A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure

The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

MORE FROM MICHELLE:

Highwaymen Aren’t All Glamorous

Highwaymen are often romanticized in historical romances, but the truth is these fella’s were generally not compassionate thieves at all. They were cutthroat robbers who sometimes killed. Here’s a brief history so that you’re in the know.

The term “highwayman” simply means a thief who steals—usually at gunpoint—from travelers on the road. Not all, but some of those attacks turned deadly, the robbers not wishing to leave anyone behind who could identify them. Others wore masks for the same purpose.

Long, deserted stretches of roads that were main thoroughfares were the particular favorite haunts of these men. Criminals would choose remote highways that supplied regular traffic going to and from major destinations, such as Hounslow Heath, about fifteen miles outside of London.

To combat these villains, in 1805 the Bow Street Horse Patrol was created. There were about sixty men hired to protect travelers on the principal roads within sixty miles of London. Most of the men had served previously in a cavalry regiment. Their most successful achievement was to rid Hounslow Heath of highwaymen.

And that’s where I got the idea for my hero, Samuel Thatcher, in The Noble Guardian. He’s a rough and tumble man who’s tired of life and the wickedness of man. Mostly he’s just biding his time until he retires—that is until he rescues Miss Abigail Gilbert from the clutches of one of the worst offenders of all…Shankhart Robbins.

Sound like an adventure? It is. Settle back with your own copy and see what it’s like to ride the rugged heath in a carriage, bounding along—until you hear the crack of a pistol.

Enjoy!

BLOG STOPS:

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Noble Guardian!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e31b/the-noble-guardian-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller

by admin | Apr 4, 2019 | Books, England, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Once again I have been held spellbound by one of Carolyn Miller’s novels. It was such a joy to read as I witnessed Caroline’s transformation from the perfect society daughter to a compassionate believer who put others before herself.

The other characters were also wonderfully portrayed, even the requisite villain. Gideon Kirby was especially endearing with his willingness to give up his own life to protect his sister. The interactions between the characters were not only entertaining but very believable as well. I found the details about fossil hunting during that era to be quite interesting, especially some of the terms used to describe the process and the finds. With vivid descriptions of the Devonshire coast and a few smugglers thrown in for good measure, a bit of mystery and danger, some secrets, and of course romance, the plot held my attention until the very end when I found myself sad that it was over much too quickly.

After reading Miller’s previous novels, A Hero For Miss Hatherleigh is exactly what I expected and more. I love this author’s books and always eagerly anticipate the next one.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society–and she’s always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her–and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won’t willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister’s illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount’s daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected–especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he’s falling for in order to protect his beloved sister’s secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers’ cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences–or will the trust they’ve withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.

The Making of Mrs. Hale by Carolyn Miller

by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, England, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The Making of Mrs. Hale is one of those books readers will either love or hate. It is a given that it will offend a number of Christian readers who want the characters in the books they read to be spit shined and perfect little Christians. I’m afraid these readers need to give this particular book a pass because it is a gritty tale filled with some of the unfortunate truths about real life and sometimes that isn’t very pretty. I personally believe that the author managed to convey her story amazingly well with tactfulness and grace and a wonderful read is in store for those willing to read it with an open mind.

This book was not at all what I expected and I loved being surprised by how Julia and Thomas Hale’s story worked its way out. Many twists and surprises helped keep me guessing and I loved seeing how Julia matured into a woman who stood up for herself rather than being dominated by her mother.

The Making of Mrs. Hale is a beautiful story of redemption and faith that will bless its readers as they watch the Lord at work in the Hale’s lives. Although I read it in digital galley form, I definitely plan to purchase a bound copy to add to the rest of the series on my bookshelf.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications through Netgalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Marry in haste, repent in leisure—Mrs. Hale is about to find out how painful that repentance can truly be.

Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn’t turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn’t know where—or if he’s ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they’ll forgive her. Especially now that she might be carrying a baby from her brief marriage.

Carolyn Miller’s clean and wholesome Regency romances continue with The Making of Mrs. Hale, following familiar characters as they learn how restoration can occur by finding hope and healing through a deep relationship with God. Full of rich historical details and witty banter, this series continues to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.