I was captivated! A true page turner and my initial draw to the book and author was justified tenfold with The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. I selected to join this book tour because of my experience with Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep and because I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. (Read my review of that book here.) However, I cannot review this book as a conclusion to the Bow Street Runners Trilogy series by Michelle Griep as I haven’t yet read all the books.  As a master of details and depth I couldn’t miss out. The Noble Guardian did not disappoint, even reading it stand alone. I love the dichotomy of good and evil, how Griep weaves faith, romance, and suspense together so beautifully and you cannot help be drawn along on the spiritual journey of the characters.

I am particularly partial to stories that bring you along as characters grow in their faith. Additionally the masterful weaving of this regency novel is everything I love of the era! Plus the characters and dialogue are entirely realistic. I love Griep’s dedication to detail and also to tackling challenging topics like the effects of abuse. That takes courage as an author and it’s something I have come to appreciate in Griep.

I hope you will grab a copy of the book, maybe the entire series! I know I’ll be returning to read both Brentwood’s Ward and The Innkeeper’s Daughter.

“It’s more noble to love, even if it’s not returned, than to live without it.”

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book, all these opinions are my own.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is a historical romance page-turner! The book itself is packed with excitement, romance, and suspense! Abigail and Samuel have such great chemistry together that it makes the book that much more enjoyable to read. Whenever you try to put the book down for a break, something exciting happens! I highly recommended this book if you are looking for a historical romance with some exciting twist and turns! 
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loved the cover of this book. It was what first pulled me to it unlike other romance novels where the female is half naked, this was intriguing. You can tell the author did a lot of research about the time period and the jobs and lives if the Bow Street Runners. From the start this novel was gripping. So much action! I have never previously read anything by Michelle Griep however I saw in the numerous reviews that people loved her writing and now I can see why. She writes very vividly, you can truly visualize the places and experiences she writes. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I really liked Captain Thatcher’s character and oddly enough at first I didn’t but he grew on me. Abby and Samuel’s romance is obvious (not graphic) but the author lets you imagine more rather than writes it for you. The religious inferences are subtle but have a way of leaving a lasting impression. Overall I would highly recommend this novel and I look forwards to exploring more Michelle Griep novels. I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

The noblest heart birthed from a wounded heart.

I will admit, I choose this book to share with you without even reading the synopsis. All I saw was Michelle Griep’s name and I signed up to review the book. I am glad I did.

The Noble Guardian is a tantalizing mix of romance, adventure, suspense, and just the right amount of Biblical inflection to make this a gripping tale. (Another confession – I read it in less than 24 hours , staying up much later than I should have in a Sunday night.)

Who wouldn’t want a man like the Captain in your corner, even if trouble followed him rather closely? His brooding behavior only brought on by his constant watchfulness and only alleviated by the sweet Abby and tiny Emma. His dream for something better in life was understandable after witnessing so much torment and death.

All Abby wanted was someone to love her and cherish her. Your heart will ache for her situation as she puts on a brave face but inside she just cries to be loved. Abby is the poster child for so many young ladies in today’s world.

With all the sadness, the glimmer of light was sweet little Emma. She was such a joy to read and clearly she brought joy to the uncertain journey.

If you can’t already tell, I loved this story and found myself gripped and focused, ignoring my family on a rain Sunday afternoon. (Thank God for an understanding husband.)

**I was gifted a copy of The Noble Guardian by the publisher through CelebrateLit so that I could give an honest review of this story.

This is the third in the Bow Street runner series. I read the second book and really enjoyed it so was excited to read this third and final book of the trilogy. 
The story is about Abby, a woman engaged to a man who lives cross-country. Because of some family drama, she sets out on the journey without a guardian and runs into trouble, which is where she meets, Samuel, a Bow Street runner. 
The story was a little slow to start but picked up towards the end. I felt like I really knew the main characters well and I enjoyed the author’s writing style. I felt that the voyage dragged on at some points but I really enjoyed the story when they arrived at their destination.  I preferred the second book in the series a little more but this story was still enjoyable and I liked the little references here and there to the other books. You could definitely read this as a stand-alone book but I recommend the series. 
I received a copy from Netgalley but opinions are my own.

From a color scheme standpoint, I think Michelle Griep’s The Noble Guardian has one of the most appealing covers of the year.

This is the third and final book in the Bow Street Runners series. Set in 1815, it involves Captain Samuel Thatcher and Abigail Gilbert, the soon-to-be bride of an earl, as they travel across England for her wedding.

Abby is essentially driven from the home she grew up in by her stepmother (giving the reader a Cinderella-like comparison) and pledged by her father to wed Sir Jonathan. She’s launched on her journey to the man’s estate with nothing but a personal maid as her companion.

Samuel is tired of the seedier side of humanity and looks forward to retiring from his life as a runner to become a farmer on his own land. However, he needs a little more money for the venture, along with the competence to survive the vengeance of the criminal he’s tracking. Then he comes upon a damsel in distress – a damsel in need of feeling loved.

I enjoyed Samuel’s complex character – world-weary and tactiturn, yet with a moral compass that won’t let him pass anyone needing his help.

Abigail was a harder character to get behind. Not at all unlikeable, she was fine in the beginning and I could sympathize with her need to feel as though someone loved her. As the story went on, however, I felt her personality and actions were not always consistent, even allowing for character growth. Also, she had an attitude toward her upcoming marriage that came across as immature and naive. Seriously, did she not once wonder why her beloved hadn’t come to get her himself? And I would have liked a scene with the father (and, maybe, the stepmother) in the end – a portion of her life that went over a plot cliff, never to be heard from again.

The Noble Guardian is chock-full of danger, action, and adventure on the English moors. Did I mention the one-year-old girl? So sweet.

I’m giving the book 4 stars due to the things that bothered me. For the rest of the story, it’s well worth the read for those who like their Regency romances a little wilder than a plot filled with balls, debutantes, and pursuing the approval of the ton.

At first it took me a while to get into this story, but the Cinderella story with a twist quickly grabbed my attention.

On top of the historical rich story, filled with interesting characters and a Noble hero, and a bit naive still feisty young lady, I was taken on an adventurous ride where the action had no ending, with the highwaymen out for revenge.

Michelle Griep's books was only a recent find, but I enjoy her writing style.  She has a unique way of describing things which I find quite entertaining.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a bit of suspense and romance, be sure to try this author's books, especially this series.

This book by this author as usual was fantastic. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend you read it too. As always it was well written and the story was intriguing. I am looking forward to the next one! Loved it! What else can I say?

I am a reader of MIchelle Griep.  I even selected one of her previous books as our Christmas book club selection.  Her books have a bit of a dark side to them but also they have happy endings which I expect when I am reading a Christian book.  And this was no exception.  I don't know what I would do if I fell in love with someone when I was promised to another person.  On the other hand, I would be the kind of person who took off on a journey without giving the best of thought as to what could be encountered if I thought there was to be a good outcome at the end.  While others may be disconcerted by people being injured, it does not effect my reading pleasure.

This is the conclusion to the Bow Street Runners series by this author and not having read the first two did not create a sense of confusion on my part.  But now I must go back and read the first two in the series to see what I may have missed and if any of the characters in this book are carryovers.  But the story itself is clearly stand alone. 

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.  The review is my own.

“Life is more than good ideas. It’s the risks that return greater results.”
England, 1815. Abbey is a combination of an extreme optimist and pure ignorance. She's very unhappy at home, and after her father arranges a marriage with a man that she met once, she's off to meet her groom to be. Unescorted except for a maid, because her family couldn't be bothered to spare anyone to go with her. The maid isn't up for as much adventure as what they're put through and goes back shortly after leaving. Even this didn't prompt her family to send someone to help Abbey. She is so frustratingly ignorant, but it adds to the constant tension of the story, mixed with the dangerous, life threatening storyline. She's also a sweet girl who has been mistreated, and you want to root for her.
Samuel is a Bow Street Runner Horse Patrol Captain who runs into Abby's carriage after a massacre. Their situations bring the two of them together, an unlikely combination, and it brings out lots of feelings in both of them, especially to the surprised Samuel. Quite a cynic, he struggles with not having enough money, she with not being loved by her family after her mother died. Both have lived a hard life. It's quite an adventure, leaving you holding your breath, wondering what will happen next. But you have to know what will happen to this girl. Knowing that most of her optimism comes from her deep faith helps to explain a lot. A good read! Don't you just love the cover? It's nice to see men on the cover - shows how appealing it can be, even with their shirt on!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#NetGalley #TheNobleGuardian #MichelleGriep #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #5Stars

The Why:
Samuel Thatcher's character seized my curiosity when he was first introduced in this series about the "Bow Street Runners," a group of men who have been called London's first professional police force. Thatcher is a quiet one, and the quiet ones intrigue me. His story reveals much simmering beneath the surface.

The Main Characters:
Samuel and Abby are a well-matched leading lady and man. Their strengths bring the other's weaknesses to light, while they challenge one another to become stronger. Abby is a sweet, Cinderella-type character with underlying mettle. She is highly naive to the world and quite the optimist, while Samuel is jaded, world-weary from his wartime in India, and a pessimist without much hope. Baby Emma, the young ward they are charged with delivering to a relative, is simply precious. She charms the reader on every page she graces.

The Faith Element:
Both characters learn to look to God for hope when all seems lost. And the story gives them plenty of occasions to lean on this hope. The hero's unwavering faith in God is refreshing and gives his character a multifaceted depth that shows all Christians need encouragement and reminders of hope. We're all susceptible to the weight of this life, no matter how strong our faith. The heroine goes from a knowledge of God to a dependent love for God and multiple times shares the message of Christ's sacrifice, even though characters sometimes mock her beliefs.

The Romance:
I like the way these characters come to care for each other by recognizing dearly held values played out in the other's actions, whether wielding courage in the face of death, caring for the helpless, or showing generosity. Besides mutual love for baby Emma, Samuel's quiet integrity and Abby's courageous and candid ways draw them to one another. A word to sensitive readers: one kiss between the hero and heroine, when she is days from marrying another man, grows a bit fierce.

The Stakes:
Life and death stakes carry the reader all the way up until around the 3/4 mark, when the focus turns to matters of the heart. I wondered if the fiance might be revealed as the true mastermind behind the earlier villains, which would have carried the stakes even higher until the ending. At this point, the story and characters I'd loved so far grew rather stagey for me, the heroine's motives cloudy. And although the story resolution didn't fully result from the character journey-struggles, I was happy to see Samuel receive a good ending after all he'd been through.

Overall Impression:
Love the characters, the setting, description, beautiful language, and the theme of hope. This is a satisfying glimpse into the character of Samuel Thatcher, whom we meet earlier in the series. I recommend reading the series in order, though it's not necessary. This story transports the reader to a living, breathing 1700s England full of intrigue and danger and love while giving us a deeper look into the lives of men who paved the way for the modern police force.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

After listening to the first two books on audio, I decided to actually read this one with my own eyes and I am so glad I did.  I've enjoyed the series - but I have most enjoyed this last one.  Michelle Griep is a new (to me) author and I look forward to reading more of her books.  Great narrative and character development.  Plot may be somewhat predictable but there are enough twists and turns and unpredictable moments to be interesting and made me think twice before just skimming along.  I laughed outloud, got angry (along with the character) and experienced sorrow. 
I will say - it isn't entirely necessary to have read the previous two books in this series.  There are some characters mentioned from the previous two books but there is little interaction between them (if any at all) and you won't feel lost if you begin with this one. 
I was given a free digital copy of this book through NetGalley.  The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I enjoyed this story very much; it sucked me in and I had a hard time putting it down. Of course, I knew long before the end of the story how it would end, but I wanted to find out how it happened! Abigail was so desperate for love that she was blind to reality. I rooted for her all the way through, to wake up and see what was obvious. The baby was a delightful addition to this romance. The one thing I could have done without in the book was the violence. There were several violent deaths, which was probably authentic, but I don't like it. There was also a near-rape scene; in my opinion, it was handled well, without being too graphic. I appreciated the spiritual growth in Abigail through the story. About halfway through, Abigail met a woman named Wenna who showed her clearly that God loved her and wanted her. Wenna had some very wise words!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.

This book was amazing!. I read it in 48 hours, I just couldn't stop reading. I have my copy of Brentwood's Ward and The Innkeeper's Daughter, I won't say any spoilers, but those first book of this series are must be read.

So on this final book of the series, we have Samuel Tatcher, he is tired of all the ugliness he has seen this ten years in his job as a runner and now a Captian. He just wants to have a simple easy, uncomplicated life. However he needs money to accomplish his dreams, and that's were Abigail Gilbert, Abby for short. Enters, she came from a family that sadly care very little of her, she longs to be loved by who she is and she believes that the men her father arranges for her to marry are the answer to that prayer. But in her way she is attacked by highwaymen, Samuel saves her. So, we have two very different people, from different backgrounds forced to join forces. Abby for the protection Samuel offer, and him for what the payment represents for his plans and future.

As always, Michelle Griep wrote a great story with layers mixed with a profound and relatable message. You are loved, accept it just as you are. I believe that many times like in the case of Abby we try so hard to earn other people love we just don't see it and also how we may be trying for so long do things in our way without God's help and we end up tired and struggling like in the case of Samuel. 

I truly loved the way the series ends it, I will say it: Well done to Michelle Griep!,  So, if you like a good historical fiction, with interesting characters, great descriptions, faith, romance a second chance and many unexpected situations, this series is a winner I recommend all three books of The Bow Street Runners.

Truly grateful to Barbour Publishing for the ARC of this book.

I love Michelle Griep's ability to take you right back in time with every little detailed description and gripping story lines and The Nobel Guardian is just another example of her talent to do that. This is a wonderful story that concludes the series with a bit of everything. Complete with carriage robbers, romance, and a lot of courage, The Nobel Guardian is a solid and page turning story. I hadn't read the preceding books and had no problem catching on to the story, so it is a great standalone story. For a bit of an adventure through the English countryside in the early 1800's be sure to pick this one up!

Abigail Gilbert has been living Cinderella's life with an evil stepmother and mean stepsisters.  She is finally getting away from it all.  She is to be married to a nobleman across England. She sets out woefully unprepared for the trip.  When robbers attack carriage, she is saved by lawman Samuel Thatcher.  

Samuel wants nothing more than to purchase some land and get out of law enforcement.  He just needs the rest of the money.  Abigail offers him that to escort her the rest of the way.  

A good read with lots of bumps for Abigail and Samuel.  It is easy to see the end of this book, like most in its genre.  What keeps the interest is how they get there.  

Definitely recommend this for a pleasant afternoon read.

This is the third book in the series but reads well as a stand alone. Abby is on her way to marry a baron. Her family seem happy just to send her on her way alone. She has her maid but then Fanny leaves her too, Horse Patrol Captain comes across her in need and with his friend asking him to take his daughter to his sister as his wife has died they set out on the road together.. They come across bad guys and illness and it takes them many extra days. When they reach Abby's new home things are not as she thought they would be. Their feelings for each other and this sweet little girl have happened along the way. An interesting Christian read.

The Noble Guardian was amazing!! I was drawn to the cover of the book, than to the description. Once I was reading it I was drawn into the story. 
Abby was such a wonderful lady. She had so much growing done in the pages of the story, she started out young and naive but grew into a strong and brave lady! Abby's faith in God was nothing short of amazing, watching it grow through the book inspired me to continue to grow! I loved how much Abby took care of little Emma and that she became like a mother to the child. 
Samuel drew you in from the moment you met him! He is strong, brave and has a huge faith in God. The fact that he trusted God even with all the bad he saw was so inspiring. Even though he questioned things, which we all do, he never let his faith waiver!!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone! I loved it and look forward to reading more books by the author.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This was so much like a Cinderella Story! I was so mad at the family of Abby! I loved how this story unfolded and didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading more by Michelle Griep.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The Noble Guardian
by Michelle Griep


Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Shiloh Run Press

Christian , Romance

Pub Date 01 Jun 2019


I am reviewing a copy of The Noble Guardian through Barbour Publishing Inc/Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley:



After having lived with a family who hated her, now is finally time for Abigail Gilbert to experience love. Abby finds herself setting 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.




Samuel Thatcher a horse patrol captain arrives just in time to save Abby.  She’s simply another victim in a job he has grown to despise.  He has grown tired of the dark side of humanity, he has plans to buy land and retire.



Abby convinces him to escort her for the rest of the journey.  He finally agrees after she offers him something she desperately needs to achieve his goal, which means money.  If he delivers her safely he will have more than enough to buy property.



This begins an impossible trek for cynical lawmen and the proper lady. Each will be forever changed by the time they reach Abby’s betrothed that is if they don’t kill each other first or fall in love.



I give The Noble Guardian five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!