The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

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!