Abby has an arranged marriage with one of the most prestigious gentleman bachelors in the land—until highwaymen attack and horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time. He ends up taking her the rest of the way to her betrothed with a stop along the way to pick up a child he has agreed to deliver to a friends family. A lot of action, excitement, thieves and just the right amount of romance. I may have to read this one again! I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

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.



My Thoughts: This was an interesting and well-researched book. Author Michelle Griep once again brings to her readers an exciting read! The storyline is interesting; written in the time period when women did not travel alone, much less in dangerous territory. Abby is a strong character, which has been built by years of abuse from her stepmother. This makes her a very intriguing character for this novel. I enjoyed her character and felt empathy for her in many ways. All the characters make up for a good story in this novel and are not far fetched at all. For those who like historical romances, this is the one for you. It's full of action, romance and real to life instances that make up the storyline in this novel.


Michelle Griep has written another winner.

This historical romance won't disappoint fans of Ms Griep. It's sure to garner her numerous new fans as well. Like with the other books she's written, her writing is flawless. This book has endearing characters and an engaging plot.

Loved the story of Abigail and Samuel. He is traveling with her to keep her safe while she is going to her future husband. A lot of danger along the way. Before being hired to travel with her he had found a baby. So they have Emma to care for also.

I love reading historical books. This one is set in early 1800. Things were different but feelings and concerns are the same. How to get from one place to another. How to determine what was wrong and how to treat it.

Loved how both the characters cared so much for the baby. How much they bonded. Read the book to see if they all get to stay together.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. This is my own opinion.

I was immediately sucked into the story. The story has a bit of a Cinderella vibe, as Abigail is leaving her mean stepmother to marry her prince, Sir Jonathan. Along the way, Abigail and Samuel are thrown together. Abigail needs a protector through her journey and the funds she promises would help him retire from his dangerous life. By agreeing to help her on her journey, they end up on a crazy adventure with wonderful twist to the story.

Starting this book, I didn't realize it was a part of a series. That being said, I had no problems with the story, in fact, I loved it. Abigail is a strong, determined, spitfire of a woman that I loved immediately. Her past is sad but she is determined for her future to be better. Samuel is a hero, possibly a reluctant one, but a hero all the same.

The interaction between these two characters was great fun to watch. The author did a wonderful job mixing historical, suspense, romance, and faith in the book. The book was good from start to finish. I felt a connection to these characters and couldn't wait to see how everything turned out for them.

It was a 5/5 for me. I plan to go back and read the previous books by this author.



Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Abigail Gilbert, who has much in common with Cinderella, is unceremoniously sent off to be married with only a lady’s maid for company. It’s a long trip over dangerous roads and the wicked stepmother could not spare a manservant for protection. One wonders if perhaps she hoped Abby would never make it to her destination safely…but that is not the case. Abby does make it to her fiancé’s ancestral home but is during the course of the travel when Abby comes into her own as a woman.

Abby manages to hire Samuel Thatcher, a Bow Street Runner so world-weary he is counting the days, and coins, until he can retire to a quiet life of farming. Abby has the coin and, despite himself, Samuel agrees to accompany her. Along the way, the pair acquire a baby to transport, a criminal actively seeking them, and mutual feelings for each other. It is quite the trip – lots of action and personal growth occur. I really enjoyed how well-written the story is, it kept me engaged throughout. I loved how the author developed the characters, and how persistent Abby is in pursuit of the things she wants – but always well-mannered and a lady.

I give this book 4.5/5 stars as I loved the story, the characters, and how it all developed and coalesced into a great read. I’m not generally a fan of the Christian bent to the story, but it was not in your face annoying but rather supported the story and was current with the times of the story. Despite their best attempts, Abby and Samuel are drawn to each other, and we are drawn to keep turning the pages to find out what will happen.

I love a Michelle Griep book and this one did not disappoint. From the opening pages we are thrown into Abby’s heartbreak. I couldn’t help be sense even more heartbreak and disappointment in her future. Too many things didn’t add up and seemed very suspicious.

Samuel is a wonderful hero, someone I wouldn’t mind coming to save the day for me. But Abby doesn’t trust him at first but she soon reaches a point where so has no choice but to trust him.

Adventure and danger await them but you’ll have to read the book for yourself to see what that is exactly.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. Barbour Publishing, Inc., 2019.

Abigail’s father and stepmother have passed her on to a somewhat dissipated nobleman in need of money. When they fail to provide a reliable escort, she is on her own until she meets Sam, a soon-to-retire lawman. When an old friend begs him to transport his toddler daughter to her aunt as a favour, Sam changes his mind and agrees to act as Abigail’s armed escort. The story develops as they travel.

This book was for me more like an American Western than a historical Regency-era romance set in the English countryside. Although I did not find either the characters or the story realistic enough to really engage, I did finish the book. It was ok. I'd probably give it 2.5 if I could.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of The Noble Guardian for free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Can we go ahead and establish the fact that I love Michelle Griep’s work. Good. Now that we have that out of the way, we can continue.

From tip to tail, The Noble Guardian is a journey of discovery. Everything from love to finding peace amidst the panic. No stone will be left unturned. Abby and Samuel’s faith was probably my favorite aspect of the novel. From the beginning, they had a connection with God. As the journey progressed, their faith blossomed and grew.

I’ve always felt we cannot know true love without first knowing the love of our Heavenly Father. While we experience love, our depth of understanding is a shallow pool compared to the vast ocean He is capable of providing in our hearts and lives. The Noble Guardian touches on that and brings it into Abby and Samuel’s story.

There were several periods of inaction, followed by a strong punch of danger and peril. Poor Samuel. He’s so worn out, even his aches have pains. After such a long journey in the carriage with Abby, even my backside is sore. I can only imagine how she felt.

Abby’s spunk made me laugh. I only wish she’d shown it a little more with dear Jonathan. But there is good enough reason for her to withhold her temper and sharp tongue.

I’ve always enjoyed a perilous journey, and Abby’s jaunt was nothing if not perilous. I highly recommend this novel for any fan of historical fiction. My favorite historicals are typically western, and while this one isn’t, it still filled that soft spot I have for finding love on the open trail.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This was an interesting tale that reminded me of American old west stories. A bride traveling to her intended, held up by bandits, and rescued by a young, attractive lawman. But it was so much more. Set in 1815 England, Abby is betrothed to a titled bachelor by her father and stepmother. The stepmother pretty much kicks her out of the household and sends her on her way with an older driver and lady’s maid. The driver is killed by an ambush and the maid eventually heads back home leaving Abigail. If not for the rescue of lawman Samuel she would have been left for dead. I really felt for Abby. She was alone and unloved by her family and yet she was a very strong person.
She and Samuel find themselves with a toddler to care for on the journey that needs to be with an aunt. I can’t imagine taking care of one that young with the inconveniences of the day, while riding in a coach that is horse drawn.
There is danger from a notorious highwayman seeking out Samuel. Hindrances from weather and problems with the groom to be when they arrive at the destination. Overall an exciting, action packed novel full of twists and turns that kept me reading long into the night.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

A good story with interesting characters. The plot was complex and well developed, with lots of twists and turns that kept me engaged throughout. It was well paced, both in the romance storyline, and in the building of the suspense and the conflicts. It deserves a higher rating, but the “preachy” nature of the book was a real disappointment. Several times I was tempted to stop reading, but the plot was too compelling.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This is my freely given, honest review.

I really liked this book! I liked the main characters, which is huge, because they are the focus of the story! While it does begin with the tired idea of the mean stepmother shunning the only daughter of her new wealthy husband, it doesn't dwell there long. That part of the story sets up the background, and then we move on to other issues.

Abby is a strong woman without being obnoxious about it. She doesn't actually know how strong she can be, because her stepmother wouldn't allow her to show it- not in how she reacted to persecution, not in asserting her opinions on things, and certainly not in choosing the path of her own future.

As the story unfolds, we see Abby take charge of her life, and the life of an unexpected traveling companion. The developing love story between the captain and Abby was very sweet. I enjoyed seeing them interact, and the conflict between them wasn't do drawn out through a simple misunderstanding blown out of proportion like I've seen in so many other novels. I appreciated the author making them human.

There were times when Abby had arrived at her destination that I thought she was too naive, especially for growing up in a home where her stepmother was so wicked toward her. Her interaction with the baronet made me cringe and wish she would have punched him.

While it has been less than other books I've recently read, there is a bit of descriptive romantic language that goes beyond what I am comfortable with reading in a Christian novel. I personally do not need to know every detail of how every part of a person is feeling when they experience their first kiss with a person they've admired for a long time.

I do admit to skimming through the epilogue to get to the end of the book. The main story was over, and things had been resolved well. Unless it is the last book of a long series, I am not a fan of epilogues. This was no exception.

I would definitely look for more books by this author, and I would read another in this same series if it followed the characters into their future. Wonderful story!

Michelle Griep has done it again with the final book in the Bow Street Runner’s Trilogy. With fast paced narrative and excellent description, I was immediately sucked into the story. I felt so sorry for Abigail. The poor girl had convinced herself to marry a man she’d only met once and knew nothing about, only because that seemed better than staying with a family that she didn’t care about her at all. The story has a bit of a Cinderella vibe as Abigail is leaving her mean stepmother to marry her prince, Sir Jonathan, as she continually reminds Samuel.
Abigail and Samuel couldn’t be more mix matched. They both have dreams and goals that they are using the other to accomplish, but it will take some crazy adventures for them to open their heart to a new dream that includes each other.
Samuel is not your usual hero. He is marred by scars and has a prickly personality, but he has a good heart and is fiercely loyal. Abigail is dangerously innocent, she believes the best of people, which leads her into some disastrous situations.
The Noble Guardian reminds us not to judge people by their outside. People can deceive and put on a front, but it’s what’s in their hearts that’s important. Abigail learns this the hard way when “Sir Jonathan” isn’t everything she’d hoped he’d be.
The highway man angle did make this story feel a little more violent. Do to the nature of some of the characters, there is a bit more of a “vulgarity” to some of the dialogue, not that there was swearing, but there was “almost swearing” where a character would start to swear and then would be cut off. There were also phrases like, What in tarnation, and things like that.
I enjoyed this conclusion to the series. I’ve read two out of the three books, and I strongly recommend the Bow Street Runner’s to those who love historical fiction and stories involving “lawmen.”

The Noble Guardian, by Michelle Griep, is a great read!
Favorite character: Samuel
The essence of a noble guardian was truly shown in this character. I could feel, touch, hear and often smell as I traveled the pages across England. This book is worth a re-read!
IIf you love early 1800's, you'll love The Noble Guardian.
I was given a copy by Netgalley and Barbour Books. All thoughts and comments are my own.

It seems like each time I begin reading a book by Michelle Griep, I quickly find a huge smile on my face from the colorful descriptions and fascinating language. Then I start frantically marking passages to quote and get so caught up in the narrative I realize that I missed some great ones and need to page back and re-read. . .

Abby’s journey to meet her betrothed should have been a boring jaunt north. It ended up being anything but. Highwaymen and unscrupulous men posing as protectors were just the beginning of her problems.

I love the way every time I thought Abby was going to lose it, she pulled herself together and showed such strength. Her Cinderellaesque past was lamentable yet had molded her into a woman of integrity and kindness.

One of the things I especially appreciated was the subtlety the author employed. Several events had moments she could have highlighted and emphasized to make sure they were picked up on and yet she wisely restrained assuming her readers are intelligent enough to make the connections. In a world of authors who sometimes repeat things ad nauseam to make sure they are clear, this was very welcome.

As Samuel attempted to foist Abby off on a trusted friend, things became even more complicated. The surprising change to their adventure ended up being a wonderful twist to the story.

I have no warnings for this story, only an admonition that you hurry and grab a copy. This delightful story is a must for every library!

The Noble Guardian had me at the author’s name, “Michelle Griep.” I admit I sign up for any book she writes, plus I preorder the paperback copy. And if I haven’t read the synopsis first, no harm done. It IS Michelle Griep, read “you’re gonna love it” in my language.
Taking place in England in 1815, The Noble Guardian is, alas, the last of The Bow Street Runners Series. I loved the idea of danger from the dreaded outlaws, in some small way comparable to America’s “wild west.” The idea of a stagecoach being pulled at full gallop over the empty heath, a knowledgeable scout/protector riding ahead, DREAD being the constant companion in every coach on every trip.
Then, mix in the romance, slowly at first, like flour going into a cake, little by little coming to full flavor when all the right ingredients are finally present. (Excuse me while I stop and swoon here, the hero is just perfect for his role! The cover artist helps with that fact, too, giving just the right appearance to Samuel Thatcher. He is a lawman who is bone-weary of the very wickedness he tracks in his job. Thatcher wants only to retire to a nice, safe farm, but fortunately for poor Abby, duty is stronger than the desire for comfort.
This novel kept my attention from start to finish. I smiled to see references to characters from former books of the series. Yet, it is not imperative to read the other books to understand this one.
Griep likes to encourage the reader to build up her old English vocabulary, well-setting the tone. I did find Google to be a good friend as a few words and concepts like “truncheon” and the “putrid throat” got me curious exactly what they might be. Griep does include a glossary at the end to discuss some English historical references for those of us unversed in English history.
Learning to trust God to care for those we love, and to find our ultimate value in God are some of the themes.
Funny quotes, amazingly descriptive quotes, and quotes to live by are all planted within this wonderful book.
Here are a few of my favorites:
“God had provided the captain at just the right time today. Surely he would continue to provide tomorrow.” This is a concept I am currently utilizing to encourage both young children and young adults as well as myself. If we can memorialize God’s past faithfulness, we can have faith the next time as we wait for Him to act.
“...he stockpiled regrets as avidly as some men collected fine paintings.”
“You say you’re on your way to happiness when all along it’s been right under yer very nose. The truth is, ye are wanted, by the Creator of the stars, no less. Ye don’t have to run across the country to find love when every minute of every day it’s being offered to ye in God’s wide, open arms.”
“Until ye’re fully satisfied with the love God gives ye, freely and without question, ye’ll not be satisfied at all.”
“Houses leaned one against the other, like drunken sailors holding each other upright. If one fell, the rest would lie down and never get up again.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. The complimentary copy did not influence my opinions, which
are solely my own.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is a FANTASTIC page-turner. I loved every minute of this book. The settings are vivid, the characters are tremendously endearing, and the action is non-stop. I truly could not put this book down!

Watch out ladies, Samuel Thatcher has arrived, and what a swoon-worthy hero he is! Nothing is sexier than a man who does all he mentally and physically can to protect others. Everyone knows Ephesians 5:25: Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. In The Noble Guardian, Samuel is Ephesians 5:25 personified. He literally puts his life on the line for others day in and day out. Watching Samuel do all he could to protect Abby and sweet little Emma truly made my heartstrings zing!

Both Abby and Samuel make reference to Esther 4:14 (ESV): For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? At different moments in the story, Abby and Samuel ponder this question that Mordecai poses to Esther. Have Abby’s and Samuel’s paths crossed because of God’s Will? I fully believe that God purposely puts people into our paths for a reason. Some of these divine appointments are obvious — we know why our husbands, wives, children, co-workers, and friends meet us on our paths daily. But what about the strangers we come across every day? The man you pass on the sidewalk, the mail carrier you said hello to as she dropped off your mail, the kid you saw in the aisle at the grocery store — are these people who randomly happened to cross your path, or did God put them in your path for a reason? Abby and Samuel have plans. They really work very hard to achieve their plans, but the more they spend time together, the more they struggle with the paths they thought they were supposed to travel. Did God put them together for a purpose? The fun in this story is breathlessly waiting for both of them to realize God’s true purpose for their meeting. God does not bring them together in a conventional way, but God’s purpose is perfect no matter what. And what a great reminder for me — God’s purpose truly is perfect no matter what!

The Noble Guardian is an excellent story. I had so much fun reading this book. If you are looking for a novel full of edge-of-your-seat adventure, well written and endearing characters, and timely themes then I highly recommend The Noble Guardian.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the third book in the Bow Street Runners series, however, each book stands alone with only minimal cross-over in the characters. You could read this book without starting at the beginning of the series.

I liked all three books in the series, although, I found them each quite different while all containing themes of intrigue and justice, with a bit of romance. For my part, I thought that The Noble Guardian had a lighter readability to it than the previous books. Perhaps it was also the way cynicism was challenged with genuine care and the discovery of what love actually is, but this story left me more encouraged that I expected based on the previous books. Or perhaps it was that they were on the move throughout the story. There was a clear hero, a clear villain and an (almost) epic journey. All favorable elements in my opinion.

I enjoyed the character development, though I was surprised how long it took Abby to re-frame her thinking to what seemed obvious to me. Then again, isn’t that life – none of us change overnight.

I appreciate that Griep writes real characters who have real beliefs. In her writing you will often see a character with a misunderstanding of God and the world, because that is reality. You also have the chance to see those thoughts challenged in the story, but the book never preaches and sometimes doesn’t even make it clear when the character is misled. I actually appreciate that in a novel, but I do understand that it can make some people uncomfortable so you might consider if that matters to you.

All in all, it was absolutely a story worth reading.

I received a free digital copy of this book for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars

This was an interesting and edge-of-your seat story in many parts, as a legendary robber tries to hunt down the prey his brother was hunting when the hero killed the brother in order to protect the lady. Whew...dark bad guy here. Very Dickensian sort of character, the type to fully indulge in trying to overthrow the law completely.

I very much loved how strong the Scriptural bits of the story were. Sadly, you don't see much in the way of Christian lessons in "Christian" fiction nowadays, and I loved that this story gave me some real meat to think over. That's what I want when I pick up a Christian book.

In contrast, however, it also included five actual profanities. Not euphemisms--profanity. I was hugely disappointed to find these words in a book that was also teaching a great Christian lesson. To use the name of God as an exclamation or an expression of surprise of dismay makes my soul hurt. This really dimmed my enjoyment of an otherwise excellent book.

I enjoyed Thatcher and felt drawn to Abigail, but it was sweet little Emma who really stole my heart and made me worry for the ending. What a perfect addition she was to the story!

I wish the ending hadn't come so fast, but the final glimpse was sweet.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.