Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep
MY REVIEW:
I have a confession. Back in the day (way back) my sisters and I were practically addicted to the television show “Dark Shadows”. If only Barnabas Collins had been half the man Sir James Morgan was, he would have become a cult hero. Before I discovered Christian fiction I enjoyed reading gothic themed books by authors such as Mary Stewart and Phyllis Whitney. I love the fact that this genre has grown in popularity in faith based fiction and I would place Michelle Griep at the very top of my must read list.
Man of Shadow and Mist is among the absolute best of this genre I’ve read. Even the title exudes that gothic vibe and the cover art is perfect. The novel itself is filled with atmospheric mystery and intrigue aided by the author’s superb gift with words. Dialogue is vivid and at times quite witty which only adds to one’s enjoyment. Readers will find one quotable passage after another.
Lovers of Gothic literature should find Man of Shadow and Mist immensely satisfying. I loved everything about it – Rosa’s determination to educate the townspeople to overcome their fear and superstitions, James’ faith despite his health challenges. It was also fun that Bram Stoker himself as well as his manuscript were included in the story.
I think everyone will know by now that I absolutely loved this book. I will leave it up to you to discover all the riches buried within its pages.
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:
“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”
–Bram Stoker, Dracula
England, 1890
Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.
James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.
When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.
Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?
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.
And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.
MORE FROM MICHELLE:
A Visit to Whitby
Every time I skip across the pond, I make it a point to visit Whitby. What’s the draw? This northern Yorkshire town is steeped in history and is every bit as magical today as it was back in Bram Stoker’s day…when he went to visit and was inspired to set much of his Dracula tale there. In fact, that is exactly where he got the inspiration for the name Dracula when he visited the library and did a bit of research.
Sound interesting? Then come along with me on a virtual visit with pictures from my last trip.
When walking the windy, narrow roads of Whitby, you can’t help but let your imagination wander because it’s as if you’re there in the nineteenth century. Can’t you just see a long-gowned heroine glancing over her shoulder at you as she flees down this lane?
And overlooking these lanes is the infamous abbey ruins, an eerie sentinel that sits atop the cliffs. It is rumoured a ghostly woman appears in the window, but I didn’t see her.
Still in operation today is this old coaching inn, which of course I had to use in one of my scenes.
There are still fishermen who ply these waters for trade, but this harbor isn’t nearly as active as it was centuries ago.
Twice I’ve made the coastal hike from Whitby to Robinhood’s Bay. This is where I imagined librarian Rosa Edwards riding her bicycle delivering books.
And yes, indeed, the sea mists are a very real thing, sometimes so thick it’s disorienting.
So, see what I mean? Whitby is a magical place, well worth the effort to get to if you ever venture over to England. And if that doesn’t quite fit into your budget or schedule, never fear.
BLOG STOPS:
Babbling Becky L, June 29
Book Looks by Lisa, June 29
Betti Mace, June 30
Vicky Sluiter, June 30
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 1
Back Porch Reads, July 1
Daysong Reflections, July 2
Texas Book-aholic, July 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 3
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 3
To Everything There Is A Season , July 4
Cover Lover Book Review, July 4
Kristina Hall, July 4
Connie’s History Classroom, July 5
Scott’s book reviews, July 5
Lights in a Dark World, July 5
Sylvan Musings, July 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 7
Pause for Tales, July 7
Tell Tale Book Reviews , July 8
annette_reads_daily, July 8
Through the Fire Blogs, July 8
Simple Harvest Reads, July 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Blogging With Carol, July 9
Where Faith and Books Meet, July 10
Wishful Endings, July 10
For Him and My Family, July 11
Blossoms and Blessings, July 11
Holly’s Book Corner, July 12
Splashes of Joy , July 12
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!!
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/26791/man-of-shadow-and-mist-celebration-tour-giveaway
With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three-time RITA finalist and an eight-time Christy finalist.
Crystal Caudill
USA Today bestselling author Shelley Adina has written more than 50 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, Hachette, and Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk adventure and mystery; as Adina Senft, writes women’s fiction set among the Amish and other plain communities; and as Charlotte Henry, writes classic Regency romance. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK. She won the Romance Writers of America RITA Award® for Best Inspirational Novel in 2005, was a finalist in 2006, and in 2009 was a Christy Award finalist. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.
