Y'all, I just have to start off this review by saying how much I loved this book! Oh. My. Heart! Absolutely loved it! If you're a fan of Michelle Griep, do yourself a favor and just pause everything you have going on and grab this book. If you haven't ever read a Michelle Griep book, seriously do yourself an even bigger favor and go get one of her books to read. I had been eyeing the first book in this series for a while but was unable to get it to read. Then a couple years later I happened upon a book of hers for review on NetGalley and jumped at the chance. After that I've been an avid fan of hers!

So, this is book three in the series, and the final book. I still haven't read the first book in the series. Ugh. I know. I seriously need to rectify that and read it. Because I've wanted to for years. But I have read the second book and this one and really enjoyed them. I think you'd probably be just fine reading this as a stand alone novel. There are a few moments that tie in the main characters from the first two books but the author does it in such a way that you could understand.

Abigail sets out on an epic adventure when she leaves her home to head to her betrothed to be wed. Little does she know all that is about to transpire and how she will be tested. Especially to keep her wits about her so she can arrive safely where her heart desires...with her betrothed.

Samuel is a Bow Street Runner trying to find some good and humanity in the world, trying to find hope. When his path throws him on the same path as Abigail's, he might start to see a flicker of hope.

I loved the twists and turns throughout this book. Especially the many characters throughout. There are some hardened and dangerous characters. There are some despicable characters. There are some comic relief characters. There are some characters that offer love and hope. Yes, a great and well rounded cast of characters are within these pages. There were some that I just wanted to shake. Ugh! How could they be that way???!!!!!!!!!!! There were some characters that I just absolutely adored and wanted to snuggle (you'll understand when you read it)!

Danger, heartache, carriage rides, horse chases, sneak attacks, sorrow, carriage chases, lies, laughs, deceit, marriage, evil villains, silly maids, death, new life, hope, fear, money, longing stares, love, truth, and much, much more!

This book, I really didn't want it to end. I didn't want to set it down when my reading time was up. I just wanted to keep being immersed in this world, especially with Abigail and Samuel. Oh, my! ;-)

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril and suspense. Not overly graphic. There is some death and killing. This is a Christian fiction so there is talk about God and finding Him in your lives. A couple very mild innuendos but nothing more than kissing.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

What a wonderful story! I loved the characters. They are so unique and well written. The book pulls you in quickly and doesn’t let go! It has adventure, peril, heroism, a sweet and clean love story, and a wonderful ending. This is a book that I could enjoy reading again and again. I definitely recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.

This book was received as an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. - Shiloh Run Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

The series ends on a thrilling note that will leave you breathless and speechless. The Noble Guardian continues with Abigail and the perfect life she has built for herself. About to marry one of the richest men in the town, she gets caught with some criminals and relies on a lawnman to save her and bring her back to town. Along the way, the lawnman grows fond of Abigail and their relationship starts to spark and may end up at a different direction when she returns home and she will find happiness with someone else. Christian Fiction is a popular genre with our patrons and community and I know this book will be among the most popular that gets circulated.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This book had me in a state of suspense for several chapters!
I love the historical facts woven into this story.
I love the magnetic attraction between Samuel and Abby that is strong and clean.
Samuel is a complex man. He is so good at heart, but struggles with his painful past, and so comes across as gruff and almost indifferent. But nothing could be further from the truth. He is loyal, and desires a good life, but doesn't think he is deserving of anything good - including Abby.
Abby is just an awesome woman! She is kind, brave and wants to love and be loved. She has been treated terribly by her family, and is looking forward to a 'happily ever after'...
Samuel and Abby are thrown together in the midst of extremely trying circumstances:
~ Villains, bad weather, a broken carriage, a lying scheming baronet (also a villain), and a baby to boot - among other things!
Through all of it, they are both struggling with their faith, and searching for hope. But both know down deep that trusting God is the right way to go.
One of my favorite quotes is from Abby:
"Lord, I confess I am anxious and fretting and altogether not trusting in Your great providence. It is not You who are in my debt, but I in Yours... for everything You give. .... I will trust You for the best outcome whatever that may be, for I can do no more."
The suspense is continual - wondering what will happen with the villains, and then also in wondering when Samuel and Abby will give in to loving each other!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own. I highly recommend this book! I throughly enjoyed it!

Quality, clean historical fiction is my favorite genre. I don't mind a little mystery as long as it isn't too intense. Neither some romance, as long as it remains clean. A Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep filled these requirements well!



This is the third title in The Bow Street Runner Trilogy. I have not read the first two titles, but this story stands alone and it is not necessary to have done so. I love that it is a pretty lengthy book! I love reading long books where there is plenty of time for character development.

This particular title was peril-filled! Lots of action and adventure follow the heroine and hero along the way. I did have some trouble getting a good feeling for the setting, but I think this may have had to do with the nature of travel in the book. The heroine is traveling to meet her fiance and in the process the hero must accompany her for safety reasons after she is attacked. I do think if I had read the previous novels the setting would have been a little easier to grasp.

I did like the heroine of this story. She is plucky, but also naive in many ways. At times I felt her reactions didn't match other parts of her expressed character, but then I remember none of us is able to be exactly predictable in our natures.

Like most romance stories there is a lot of will-they/won't-they play back and forth. I appreciated that it was handled well and with tact. The more "romantic" descriptions were very tasteful, but were still a little deeper than I would have my daughters read until they are older, maybe college age. They aren't interested in romance yet anyway, but I do keep that in mind as I am reading.

I was pleased with the closure. There was miscommunication and misunderstanding, not all the fault of the characters, but it was cleared up eventually and everything tied up nicely. I do not like cliff hangers or unresolved endings and I was quite satisfied with how things tied up with both of the main characters as well as the young child who plays a significant role in their story.

I would highly recommend this title, but I think going back and reading the first two in the series might be beneficial to getting the most enjoyment out of this one.

This is my first book by this author. I liked the writing and the characters. Abby was a bit naive and an incurable optimist but she also had spunk. The Captain was pretty invincible. A super hero of sorts. It seemed he could not be brought down. He was also caring and kind despite being jaded by his job. And little Emma was a cutie. I can't imagine what it would be like to take a trip like that with a young child. I think the book glossed over a lot of those difficulties but we probably didn't need descriptions for things like what they did with dirty diapers while traveling in a coach for days on end... ick.

I think the characters helped each other with traits they needed. The captain needed to be softer and learn to have faith and hope and Abby needed to gain street smarts and learn to really stand up for herself.

This is obviously Christian lit but not too over the top. Mostly they pray to God for guidance and assistance.

There was some high drama with sadistic highwaymen along with the romance. I thought it was an enjoyable read.

Sex: a couple kisses, some innuendo.
Language: a couple deities.
Violence: yes

Abby Gilbert leaves a loveless home situation with high hopes that her planned marriage to a Lord will turn out to be a love match, even though she's only met the man once. Along the way, she encounters Samuel Thatcher, a lawman with his own baggage and doubts, but one who takes his duties very seriously. As the two travel long distances through dangerous situations and complications arise such as a request to deliver a small child to her aunt, they each must face whether the holes they're looking to fill can be met by a person, themselves, or whether they need to look to Someone greater.

I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, but the more I heard about this book, the less I could resist it. I am so glad that I finally picked it up; Abby and Samuel are such compelling characters that you can't help but want their hearts to heal and for them to find their fulfillment with God. I always love when a male character appreciates the strong points of the female character, rather than just her curves or fine features, and Abby's bravery and inner strength were what drew Samuel to her over and over again.

I give this book 4 stars. It seems that this is part of a series, but it was definitely enjoyable as a standalone novel. I will be looking for the first two, though, if they're as good as this one!

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed reading Michelle Griep's new book, The Noble Guardian. It has everything a reader could ask for; a damsel in distress, a handsome rescuer, and a good plot line.

If you are a fan of historical Christian fiction, add this book to your reading list!

Thanks to Netgalley, I received a copy of The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. This was the first book I read by this author but it will not be the last! Following the adventures of Abigail Gilbert in the Regency period in England, I absorbed the culture, atmosphere, and expectations of several layers of society. This tale was so descriptive and well written - I definitely enjoyed reading it! Realizing this is part of a series, I had no trouble starting with this book and following the storyline.

With a cinderella-type backstory, Abby Gilbert leaves behind a cruel stepmother and unloving family to marry a man she's met only once, and very briefly! But she's a determined young woman, hopeful for a better life and for the love of her soon-to-be-husband. With only a maid to accompany her, the journey to this fiancé takes her across the heath--and into the path of the dangerous, murdering blackguards.

I love that we get Samuel Thatcher's story! He showed up in "The Innkeeper's Daughter" (my favorite Bow Street Runners novel) and everyone was clamoring to know more about this dark, handsomely-grim man. He's seen a lot of hell in his life and career. He moves like the shadows; his sharp, rough manners need a little work: from his 'devilish' intense stare, to his sharp, demanding tones. He always expects death to be waiting around the corner to claim him, but it won't stop him. He has a noble calling: To 'stop the wicked, and protect the vulnerable.'

It is this noble calling which leads him to the heath, drawn by a gunshot, and to Abby.

And in this headstrong, determined woman, Samuel meets his match. And dreams for an impossible future.

I sensed Samuel was a deeply intriguing character from the last book, and all I can say is my heart broke for him as I got to know him in this novel: He is my favorite. Griep made him real in a raw and tragic way that will impact and stay with you long after you close the last chapter.

I quickly connected with these two characters--their hopes, struggles, and their brave determination through it all. Moments of humor amidst the ever-shadowing danger. And moments of poignant truths and heart-felt connections. I couldn't stop highlighting in my Kindle!

I'm looking forward to adding a copy of this, another Griep masterpiece, to my bookshelf! It's high on my list, and I hope to have it soon. And what an absolutely gorgeous cover!

I received an advanced reader’s copy from the Barbour Publishing, Inc on NetGalley for an honest review.

Wow. That is what I have to say to the last book in the Bow Street Runners series. I am sorry to see it end.
I have read the other books in the series. But this can be read as a stand alone as some back story is shared in books 2 and 3. I have read several of this author's books - but this one has to be my favorite. Samuel Thatcher gets his own story. BOY what a story that is!

This book is set in Southampton, England 1815. This is not a time period that I read a lot on, so I am always excited to learn new things. The author has down careful reasearch. One of the things that I love about this author is how she creates "real" feeling characters. They are not perfect. They are flawed. Have dirt. Have secrets. Just like you and me. This book has a lot of action and you will NOT want it to end.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. All thoughts are my own.

The novel is a good romantic adventure with two memorable main characters, a wonderful villain, and an interesting secondary cast. The Noble Guardian is certainly not a Jane Austen-style Regency, but its blend of dark action, romance, and a traditional view of God and the afterlife offer an engrossing experience.

Please see the full review at AllAboutRomance.com

I used the ARC in the editing of this review.

The Noble Guardian
Michelle Griep

I had not read Michelle Griep’s work before, but her books have been well-received, so I decided to pick up her latest release, The Noble Guardian, for review. This third book in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy is a Cinderella tale played out during an arduous journey with a different slant on the fairy tale’s happy ending. When I started the book, I didn’t realize it was part of a series, but I was able to enjoy this installment without reading the first two.

The Cinderella of the story is Abigail Gilbert, who has endured a life devoid of familial support. When her wealthy father accepts an offer for her hand from a handsome baronet whose charm and attentiveness convince Abby of his future devotion. Full of hope and anticipation, she gladly leaves behind the emotional coldness of her family to travel north to marry Sir Jonathan, whose estates lie in Penrith. Everything has worked out as she believes a benevolent God would arrange, and her generally optimistic view of life is affirmed.

After five years serving England in the Nineteenth Light Dragoons, Samuel Thatcher now serves as a horse patrol captain under contract to Bow Street. Yet his heart’s desire is to retire from this wretched business filled with enough daily horrors and human distress to leave him tired and soul-sick – and if he can convince the chief magistrate to extend his contract for just one more month, he’ll have enough money to purchase a farm. On this particular day, members of Shankhart Robbins’ gang hold up a coach, killing all passengers except a small boy. In the chase that follows, Samuel confronts and kills Shankhart’s younger brother. The death effectively pins a target on Samuel’s back, and he knows it’s only a matter of time until Shankhart comes after him. Although Samuel believes in the power of the Almighty, his experience convinces him that no one is safe this side of Heaven.

Part of Samuel’s patrol route is the road going north. When traveling, all passengers must cross Hounslow Heath, the hunting grounds of the Robbins gang. At the last inn before the heath, Abby is approached by a sharpshooter who offers to act as her protector across the heath, but given the cost, she refuses. That decision proves disastrous. With only an incompetent outrider, Abby’s carriage is an easy target for the Robbins gang. Samuel comes to the rescue, and Abby offers him money to escort them to Penrith. Samuel is tempted but does not want to escort a vulnerable woman while he has Shankhart at his heels. When Abby is assaulted and robbed in the stables by an unscrupulous guard and Abby’s maid abandons her, Samuel’s honor will not permit him to leave Abby unprotected. Furthermore, he is intrigued by this woman who will not back down from his commands or scowls which have easily cowed men under his command.

Along the way north, Abby and Samuel find surprising common ground – a relationship with God. They both feel God has drawn them to this journey through their decisions and circumstances. As Abby shares more about her betrothed, Samuel questions Sir Jonathan’s intentions. After just one meeting, Samuel points out, the depth of affection Abby professes and what Sir Jonathan supposedly feels for her, are not possible. His observations reveal Abby’s feelings as possible fantasies, but she clings to her belief that everything in her life will be well if only she can reach Penrith and marry.

As the journey continues, Samuel brings out Abby’s stubborn and outspoken side, and she amuses Samuel with her spark and spirit for all that she tries to act the reserved and proper lady. The journey continues toward Penrith, both their futures wreathed in uncertainty.

The adventure elements and spiritual theme are well-balanced in this novel, and the growing awareness between Samuel and Abby is always close at hand. I particularly enjoyed the continuing mystery surrounding Sir Jonathan. Abby’s description of him seems too good to be true, and I wondered how the ultimate meeting in Penrith would work out. I was never sure, and that story question kept me turning pages.

For readers of inspirational romance, the book stretches beyond the expected in two areas. First, I consider this book fairly dark in tone. Although Ms. Griep does not use overtly gruesome language to describe the horrors Samuel encounters, she does craft the scenes of murder and drunkenness with enough detail to give the reader a true picture of what has made this dedicated law enforcement officer heart-sick. Second, although the characters do nothing more than kiss, those embraces have heat beneath them and strongly suggest more intimate touches that warrant the subtle rating.

The inspirational theme of The Noble Guardian is aligned with a classic view of the Almighty and the afterlife. God is a constant presence in the book, and the story illustrates how a person’s experience may color one’s relationship to God in either Abby’s optimistic way – that God will see things right – or with Samuel’s perspective that there is little good to be gleaned on earth before Heaven. Heaven is a real place to the characters, and the author provides examples of the peace and optimism with which life can be lived when one accepts the certainty of God’s heavenly reward after death.

The book did have some problems, though. I was sometimes irritated with Abby’s Pollyanna-ish view of life, and I felt the author did not give her a tough enough edge by the end of the book for the future she ultimately chooses. Also, the scenes with Samuel and his Bow Street companions – which I later realized probably help to tie the trilogy together – slowed the action. During the first quarter of the book, the romance is often overshadowed as the author sets up the background for both characters and arranges for the hero and heroine to begin their journey. Once they are on the road, the romantic subplot rises in prominence.

Overall, I enjoyed the novel. It’s a good romantic adventure with two memorable main characters, a wonderful villain, and an interesting secondary cast. The Noble Guardian is certainly not a Jane Austen-style Regency, but its blend of dark action, romance, and a traditional view of God and the afterlife offer an engrossing experience.

Its very rare to find a novel in this genre that shows the male hero on the front. Usually, they depict women in posh frocks, but I think the cover image fits the story. Michelle Griep doesn't write typical quaint Regencies: they usually delve into some aspect of social life, or little known historical details. In this series, its the Bow Street Runners, the forerunners of the modern police force.

There aren't many ballrooms, dances or parlours to be had here. Instead the Noble Guardian follows Daniel Thatcher and Abigail Gilbert on a journey across the country with every problem conceivable (and some more inconceivable) thrown at them along the way: bad weather, highwaymen, unreliable staff and guides. Much of the action takes places in Coaching Inns, an important part of the transport network before railways: peopled with some very colourful characters both savoury and unsavoury.

Daniel and Abby were both well written characters, a perfect contrast to each other. With Daniel's icy, no-nonsense cynicism coming up against Abby's sunny and optimistic personality.
Abby, despite her difficult family life tries to see the best in everything: although I think at time this made her too trusting and naive, even when it was obvious something bad was going to happen she's barrel straight into the situation.
Daniel I think was better developed. He could easily have become a common trope of the inspirational genre: the essentially admirable character rejected belief/lost their faith because of bad things happening and has to be bought around by the heroine. Daniel is not that. Despite being jaded, he does retain a strong faith throughout. He's just not very good with people.

Also, whilst the Noble Guardian is a rollicking good read, full of romance and adventure, the plot is sort of contrived, and there are a lot of romantic tropes, as another reviewer has mentioned. Whilst the activities of the highwaymen added excitement and drama aplenty to the story, the secondary villain was just flat. More of a caricature and it was so predictable he would turn out to be that way.

I would recommend this to fans of the author and the genre with some reservations. I think its better to read this as part of the trilogy, and not just pick this one up first.

I requested a PDF of this title from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

My thoughts:
Have you ever had a book where you just knew you were going to love it and you were only one chapter in? That is this book! Such a great read. The characters just suck you in and there is no escape. Not that you want to escape. I mean, you really don’t even want to put it down to go eat or take care of your kids.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction. While this doesn’t necessarily cover any real historical time events like a world war, it’s still a great read. You get to go back in time and that in and of itself is fun. While time traveling, take the time to imagine yourself in those clothes because we all know you’re doing it anyway as you imagine yourself the heroine.

There is just something about the past that draws me so that is always a plus for a book to be set in days gone by. Another plus in my “book” is if the writer knows what she’s talking about. I mean we don’t want hoop skirts in the Edwardian period or bustles on the pre Civil War farm ladies. With that being said I really think the author did a good job researching and knowing about the time period she’s writing in.

This is the end book of a series. Do yourself a favor and go get the other books first. You can read it as a stand-alone but why not read the whole series!? I’m a big fan of reading series works as a series and this is one that definitely makes it all that much better. You don’t have to. I can’t force you to. Just saying I think it makes it that much better!

The characters were charming. I laughed more than I probably should have as it did get my children’s attention and I had to stop reading for a bit. The main characters are so loveable and I really did feel like they were my new best friends. Best friends that definitely do not get along. . . or maybe they do.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

The Noble Guardian was an adventurous historical novel that was packed with action, surprises, and characters whose friction provided entertaining banter. Abby’s resilient spirit is one of her most admirable qualities and it is one of the things that Samuel notices and admires about her as well. Samuel is a gruff man of few words but proves his kindness through his actions. There is plenty of danger, seemingly at every turn, and the plot of this book continued to deepen as the book continued and Abby and Samuel’s journey progressed. The struggles and dangers along their way provided great opportunities for these characters to get to know each other, and I appreciate when characters have more of an established relationship before any kind of romance blooms. I was satisfied with the conclusion of this book and think that if you are someone who likes a historical romance with an adventurous flair, you might want to check this one out!

Title: The Noble Guardian

Author: Michelle Griep

Series: The Bow Street Runners book 3

Chapters: 32 Plus epilogue

Pages: 319

Genre: Christian historical Romance

Rating: 4 stars

The Noble Guardian is the third and final book in the Bow Street Runners series. I enjoyed this one more than the second one in the series but not as much as the first. I did enjoy this series about the bow street runners pretty much the forerunners to the London police department.

Abigail Gilbert thinks she's leaving a loveless home for something better but she's in for a surprise. Captain Samuel Thatcher is looking forward to his upcoming retirement when he agrees to see Abigail safe to her betrothed. But along the way danger lurks at every turn testing both in more ways than one. Both will have to learn to trust God and that His ways are not our ways.

To me this felt a bit like a Cinderella story. In which Abigail leaves a bitter step mother and a loveless home with a picture of what prince charming looks only to discover that sometimes princes charm can be found in unlikely places.

I am looking forward to the next book from Michelle Griep and would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, the late regency period and England.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I requested it because a blogger I follow had enthused about it, but I'm afraid I didn't really enjoy it. The heroine travels from Southampton to Penrith to marry a baronet she has met only once. Her evil step-mother sends her off with only an elderly coach driver and a maid who bails on her at the first sign of trouble. (All of this seems extremely unlikely). Then she is beset by highwaymen, thieves and potential rapists, and employs a Bow Street runner as a sort of escort (really?). However, he has enemies of his own, which results in countless episodes of violence on the road. Then there's the baby they have to take with them (don't ask) and the whole thing is just ridiculous and exhausting.

The heroine makes the wrong decision in every situation and misunderstands everything in a surely willfully obtuse way (there's innocent and then there's too stupid to live). I'm only giving it two stars instead of one because I could actually believe they'd be happy together.

Action, danger, suspense, intrigue, with some romance and inspiration thrown in for good measure—just what I expected from a Michelle Griep story, especially a Bow Street Runners series story! Griep knows how to build up the suspense and keep it humming while she takes her characters, and the readers, on a grand adventure.
The careful research behind the story shines through and adds authenticity to it. With a rich historical setting and multi-layered, colorful characters, this book drew me in and kept me captivated to the last page. Abby Gilbert and Samuel Thatcher were both hurting and broken, and I was cheering for them to heal and get their happy-ever-after. Thanks to the author for a wonderful wrap-up of the trilogy! I would recommend this to those who enjoy inspirational historical fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A wonderful conclusion to an amazing series. I enjoyed every aspect of this story, the history, the suspense, the drama, and the romance. Looking forward to seeing what else Michelle Griep will bring to us next.