The Bird of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

 

Set in 1820 Bedfordshire, England, The Bird of Bedford Manor is a Regency era, Gothic, romantic suspense tale. Henry Russell is struggling to fill his father's shoes as head of the manor and in his business affairs. Being very hard on himself as he works to prove himself to his father, things are complicated by an unknown someone who is seeking to frighten, and maybe harm, his sister. Seeing to her protection and solving the mystery of her tormentor's identity, Henry feels God is providing a helper in his efforts in the form of Juliet finch, a poacher who was apprehended on his property, and one possessing skills he requires.

Michelle Griep once again rewards her readers for patiently waiting for her next novel. Her passion for this time and place, and for exposing the darkness to light, is on full display in The Bird of Bedford Manor. Obvious evil will be exposed and brought out into the open, and the darkness of one's soul will be expelled. I highly recommend this book and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

  

Our story begins on a damp night in July of 1888 among the gravestones at St. Sepulchre's in Oxford, England, perfectly setting the mood for this story, a story that involves someone known as the Shadow Broker who buys Egyptian antiquities in the shadows of the evening, someone no one would suspect of such stealth and secrecy, nor of being able to conduct business with disreputable dealers who came about their wares in less than scrupulous ways. In the brighter spots of Oxford, where men and women typically adhere to the rules of society, the author introduces us to two people who are not exactly typical, Ami Dalton who is a bit of an eccentric and Edmund Price who, while being Oxford's most eligible bachelor, avoids the feminine set who vie for his attention. While readers may think they know how historical romance books work, let me assure you finding out how these two get from point A to point B is a fun read with many unexpected turns of event, some hilarious, some angst-filled, and some quite dangerous.

Michelle Griep always provides many hours of reading pleasure with her tales that skillfully combine intrigue, humor, and light out of darkness. Of Gold and Shadows is a delightful example of this. Fans and those new to Griep's writing will be thrilled with this first book in her Time Lost Treasures series. I am grateful to have a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

   

It's been about one and a half years since we were last treated to a story about Jackson and Kit Forge. Jackson is now an over-worked chief inspector, and Kit is trying to balance motherhood and opening a new detective agency with her father. All of Kit's growing maternal instincts and feelings make it impossible to turn down the first case that comes to the new detective agency, that of a missing child, in spite of her father's objections. This lively story has more than its own share of chaos and mayhem. Even Kit and Jackson's close friends and colleagues get pulled into the maelstrom. Readers will likely feel that they've been sucked in as well. As in real life, there are lessons to be learned in the storm. Griep allows us to learn alongside her characters from the safety of our favorite reading spots as her characters face danger head on.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. In my opinion this book is quite worth the time spent between its covers. 

Man of Shadow & Mist by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

  

Rosa Edwards is on a personal mission to stamp out superstition through books and education. Then a stranger arrives in her village on an ill wind. While he always seems to be on hand to rescue Rosa from calamity, the villagers only see a reclusive man from Transylvania who avoids sunlight and whose mother is rumored to be a vampire. Rosa has sworn off marriage, seeking to be an 1890s career woman. Now she is surprisingly drawn to Sir James Morgan. Will a friendship with him endanger her, those she loves, and possibly even her father's livelihood?

Michelle Griep has gifted her readers with an engrossing Gothic tale filled with darkness and light, despair and hope, revenge and forgiveness. Through it all Griep leads readers to see God's sovereignty and goodness even when times are at their worse.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Man of Shadow and Mist from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

  

It was so much fun to rejoin Kit Turner and Inspector Jackson Forge in their many antics as they seek to bring criminals to justice in some quite unconventional ways. Set in 1885 London, the pair has a bit more leeway than today's law enforcement. The tension created in Kit and Jackson's relationship by Kit's arriving several hours late for their wedding adds additional interest to the tale. While I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining read, I must admit the ending fell a little flat, with both main characters arriving at a plan that did not match up with the conversations leading up to the climax. Nevertheless, the book is rollicking fun, and I do recommend it.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane from Barbour Publishing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

  

The theme related to where one places trust is artfully wound into this tale set in 1815, London, Linked with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Lost in Darkness guides readers to the Light. Fans of Jaime Jo Wright will be enthralled with this book by Michelle Griep, as well as those readers who may be new to either or both of these authors, but enjoy tales that tip the scale on the eerie side. Releasing in the fall season, it is the perfect read for a cool, rainy evening with a favorite hot beverage in hand.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Lost in Darkness from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

   


While it took this book a while to grab my interest, once it did I was totally hooked. The story is centered around the exploits of a rookie constable and a street swindler and con-woman who strives to stay just barely on the side of right in her efforts to care for the poor of Blackfriars. Through no desire of their own, they join forces toward a common goal, finding a missing jarvey, a taxi driver of the day in 1885 London. What caught and held my interest was the author's ability to plan out convincing cons, and her knowledge of the types of manipulation to be employed. Throughout the second half of the book, I found myself highlighting points of wisdom relating to finding and pursuing God's purpose for one's life and the positive role failure may play. I was struck by the comment that failure is but an instructor, not an undertaker.

I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane from Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley, without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

   

This excellently written story involves some weighty themes. The reader is lead to really care about the two protagonists, to care about their physical and spiritual well-being. The author creates great tension in the story as both of these things are threatened with no easy solution in sight. Readers will be challenged with the same questions as the lead characters. How do we demonstrate that we believe all life has equal value? How do we champion the poor, and how do we avoid reverse discrimination by not realizing the needs of the wealthy, different though they may be? How well do we truly know God, and how are we trying to come to know Him better? Are we honestly embracing mercy, grace, and forgiveness, both as givers and receivers? It takes a very talented writer to handle such deep thoughts while keeping her readers thoroughly entertained, and Michelle Griep is up to the task. I most highly recommend The House at the End of the Moor, and am grateful to have received a copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

     

I always look forward to historical fiction written by Michelle Griep. The Noble Guardian did not disappoint. Abigail Gilbert is left to make her way to the home of the baronet who has asked for her hand in marriage attended only by her maid. After being accosted by highway men, circumstances place Abigail under the care of Captain Samuel Thatcher of the Bow Street magistrate Their journey is fraught with danger and unexpected turns of event, both pleasant and otherwise. Griep skillfully places readers along the muddy English backroads and in the crowded, dirty coaching inns, making them even more appreciative of interstates, hotel chains, and even fast food. She will have readers emotionally involved as Abigail and Samuel struggle with their past and their present, and as they work together to care for the infant who has been placed with them and who is to be delivered to her aunt. Readers will rejoice as they see God's working in the lives of the main characters, and will grieve over the depravity of those who turn their backs on Him.

I recommend The Noble Guardian as well as all other books by Michelle Griep to fans of historical fiction. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

Ladies of Intrigue includes three separate stories all set in the 19^th Century. I requested the opportunity to read and review this book because I had thoroughly enjoyed previous books by this author. The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady and The Doctor's Woman, the first two stories were fair, but the last story, A House of Secrets, was truly intriguing. It would have been a wonderful plot to have fleshed out into a full-length novel. I was glad to have plugged through the first two stories to reach the third. In this story Amanda Carston struggles for her father's approval before marrying and beginning the next stage of her life. Unfortunately her plans for achieving this goal run counter to the plans her fiance, city attorney Joseph Blake, has for rescuing women from and ultimately closing a local brothel. Keeping a family secret bars him from sharing his efforts with Amanda, something that ultimately has dire consequences.

I would give the first two stories three stars and the final story four. I appreciate receiving a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

     Possessing an extraordinary gift of keen sight, Mercy Lytton, daughter of a captured white woman and the Mohawk sachem who rescued her from the Wyandots, now works as a scout for the English alongside her ranger friend and partner, Matthew Prinn. Before now, her assignments had never included acting a part. This assignment calls for Mercy to play the part of wife to Elias Dubois , suspected traitor, accompanied by Matthew and General Bragg’s son, Rufus, who would play the part of Matthew’s grandson. Mercy had never intended to give up her independence to any man, acting or otherwise. This “family unit” would be taking a load of gold captured from the French to another English fort through hostile territory.

     Elias agreed to accompany the gold that had been taken from him when he was labeled traitor in order to avoid the noose. In addition to the gold, Elias would be secretly transporting a new, and quite deadly, weapon along with a bevy of other secrets. The thing he wouldn’t be allowed to take along was a personal weapon of any kind. How long would he survive this trek through dangerous territory with no way to defend himself?

     The Captured Bride is a great adventure story, filled with intrigue and a bit of romance. Michelle Griep shows us how the flames of faith are fanned during adversity, and the freedom that is won through surrender. I read during every spare moment, as cliff hangers continued to appear making me quite anxious to know the outcome. I highly recommend this book, and thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for providing a review. 

The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

          The Innkeeper’s Daughter is set in Dover, England in the year 1808. Johanna Langley bears the lion’s share of the responsibility for keeping the Blue Hedge Inn open and running. Her widowed mother helps in the kitchen and with tending the rooms, while her scamp of a younger brother follows in his late father’s footsteps trying to bring in what coins he can through games of chance. The inn’s rundown appearance and lack of staff do not draw in many visitors, so Johanna must look to other enterprises in order to meet the payments required by Mr. Spurge and to avoid the work house. While a certain guest of the inn is anxious to give Johanna money, she must wonder what he expects in return.

     Alexander Moore or Morton as he has come to be called, is directed to stay at the Blue Hedge Inn  while assigned to work undercover in an attempt to ferret out a traitor. Without many clues as to the traitor’s identity and goal, Alex must be suspicious of everyone and constantly on guard. Living a life of duplicity is difficult for this man of high morals and standards, but becomes even more so when he must deny his growing affection for Johanna when his cover demands he become betrothed to another.

     Reading The Innkeeper’s Daughter was like listening to a beautiful piece of music played on a piano with a key or two out of tune. The plot was intriguing. The characters well developed. Each of the senses is piqued as characters move from inn, to waterfront, to gaming rooms, to ships’ holds. I understand that when writing historical fiction, the language of the day would be too cumbersome to today’s readers, and dialogue is often written in speech patterns more common to today; however, some modern phrases and clichés have the ability to jerk the reader out of the time period in which the story is set. For example lyrics from a popular Kelly Clarkson song are paraphrased as Johanna says, “I suppose what does not drive us into the ground only serves to make us stronger, hmmmm?” A quote originated by Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, born seventy-six years after the setting of this book. Another character refers to “doing a thorough background check,” a rather modern expression. Would I let these little annoyances keep me from reading The Innkeeper’s Daughter? Absolutely not! I enjoyed the story very much, and thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for this review.