Michelle Griep is an author whose books I love to read. She has such a fantastic way of weaving a story- gently and gradually. I can literally feel it building and growing.

This story started out slow for me and it took me a bit of time to become invested but it did happen. I knew it would, I just had to be patient. Samuel and Abby really do frustrate each other but through that they also find respect for each other. From respect grows friendship and admiration. I loved the natural progression of feelings between them.

There were plenty of external conflicts for Samuel and Abby. For the most part it was the two of them against the conflicts. They had to work together and I liked that a lot. The ending was satisfying and I was grateful to reach a happy place.

Content: some violence, peril. Kissing. Some talk of God and praying.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A book that will knock you off your feet! Another well-written masterpiece filled with intrigue, romance, and suspense from Michelle Griep, one of my favorite authors. Her writing skills are superb. There was one sad part that tore at my heart-strings in chapter twenty-two, when Samuel Thatcher, a hero indeed, had to make a decision that practically broke his heart, and made Abigail Gilbert run out of the house.

As our story opens Abigail starts out happy and contented, but soon trouble heads her way, in bunches, as she heads out to meat her beloved. What will fate bring her in the end? This Book, THE NOBLE GUARDIAN, left a deep impact on me. There were parts that made me laugh, and some that made me so sad, I felt like crying. A beautiful book. I was taken on a journey that will stay with me for a long time. Even the cover was beautifully made. To me this book deserves five stars. I recommend this book to every person who desires a little romance in their lives.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Abigail “Abby” Gilbert hopes to one day marry “the love of her life.” She believes her chance is at hand when her cruel stepmother tosses her out, along with her maid, telling her to go to Sir Jonathan at Brakewell Hall. Even though her father arranged the marriage, Abby believed the marriage was one of love and not for money or convenience.

Captain Samuel Thatcher, requisitioned to protect travelers from highwaymen, doesn’t need to care for someone he initially believed to be an aristocratic, head in the clouds girl. However, circumstances dictate otherwise!

Griep integrates historical characters under a fictional umbrella, creating a suspenseful, hair-raising escapade for our hero and heroine. Also, she seamlessly blends her faith, illustrated through the main characters, into the story naturally and logically.

I enjoy all of Michelle Griep’s novels, and this one, like the others in the trilogy, along with her other books, didn’t disappoint!

The Bow Street Runners Trilogy concludes with The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep.

I received the book from NetGalley through Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

The Noble Guardian (The Bow Street Runners #3) by Michelle Griep is the first book I have read by this author. I can assure you it will not be the last. Even though this book is the third book in this series it can very well be read as a standalone. I did not read the first two and I feel I still got the same enjoyment from it. This book had action, suspense, adventure and was a clean romance. It was an exciting, memorable and entertaining tale. This book is very well written and enjoyable.

I have been waiting for Samual’s story ever since he first showed up in a previous book, all quiet and mysterious. His story kept me flipping the pages (digitally) late into the night. Abby was a sweet yet spunky heroine that I was rooting for all along. The story took a few twists and turns that I did not see coming and stayed fresh and interesting. There was not as much mystery in this book as the others in this series, in my opinion, but I actually really liked how it was done. There was still danger and other story lines that kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed this conclusion to the series and rate it 4.5.

Evocative. Electrifying. Suspenseful. And breathtakingly romantic—describes masterful author, Michelle Griep's new novel, The Noble Guardian! Perhaps a bit detailed and slow-moving to begin with, but hang in there. Soon you'll be frantically turning those pages trying to keep up. Definitely a just-one-more-chapter, keep-you-up past your bedtime book!

I didn't care for the seemingly cold, taciturn manner of the untamed, Captain Samuel Thatcher, NOR the headstrong heroine, Abigail Gilbert at first. Not a great start for the three of us. La! But once I caught a glimpse into the kind heart of the courageous, brooding, handsome captain, I fell head over heels. Poor Abby's decisions are ruled by a heart starving for love and I slowly began to find her less irritating. As Samuel guides Abby cross-country to marry her betrothed, dangers beset them at every turn. Especially those of the heart! Be sure to put this one at the top of your wishlist today!

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.*

Christian Historical Romance is one of my favorite genre. Author Michelle Griep has written a compelling book about Regency England that had me on the edge of my seat turning pages as fast as I could read them. This is Book Three and the conclusion to her Bow Street Runners Series. If you haven’t read the first two, this can be read as a stand alone.

The Noble Guardian was a phenomenal book. My interest was immediately piqued within the first few pages. This is the tale of Abigail (Abby) Gilbert, a lovely character. I loved her! She is feisty, sweet, considerate, and caring although a bit naive. It is so easy to connect with her. I wanted to have a pot of tea with her and ask her so many questions!

It also is the story of tall, dark, and handsome broody Captain Samuel Thatcher. “Captain” is in the horse patrol and has seen more than his share of bad things and people. He is protective and loyal. He and Abby have chemistry and tension that really make the book fun to read.

All characters are well described and easy to imagine. There is a variety of secondary ones and some were just delightful. Baby Emma provided some giggles and heartfelt moments. The kitchen ladies were all different and fun.

There were many things I learned from this novel which is something I hope for in every book. I also want to know it is a Christian novel without having to search for it. There was no question on this one. The faith theme is heavily woven throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed watching Abby’s faith journey.

This book has so much to offer. Mystery, action, inspiration, romance, history and intrigue are all within this exciting story. The author has included historical notes at the end. I highly recommend this novel and rate it 5 stars.

If you want to get a look at a different side of Regency life, then Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners trilogy will do just that. Samuel Thatcher is a captain in the Bow Street Horse Patrol, a force created in order to protect travellers from the threat of highwaymen. Abigail Gilbert, the daughter of a wealthy but untitled gentleman, is one such traveller, making her way north to marry Sir Jonathan Aberley.

In terms of its premise and the writing—with a few minor exceptions—this was exactly the kind of story I expected from Ms. Griep. The journey provided adventure and a number of obstacles for Samuel and Abigail to overcome beyond the threatened highwaymen, and I enjoyed the author’s way with words. Where I disappointed by this novel was with Samuel and Abigail themselves.

To begin with, the Abigail we’re introduced to in the first chapter didn’t feel consistent with the Abigail who travelled to Penrith. The Abigail in chapter one was unsure of herself: “Twenty years of doubting herself was a hard habit to break.” She was abused by her stepmother (slapped across the face for contradicting her) and not even farewelled by the rest of her family, her father included. “A loving family was nothing more than a concept, an idea—one she’d have to learn, for she had no experience of it.”

The Abigail who travelled to Penrith was confident, capable (even with the care of a one-year-old thrust suddenly upon her), virtually unrufflable, and in absolutely no doubt that her upcoming marriage was due to Sir Jonathan having fallen in love with her despite only having met her once—a rather idealistic belief for someone who has had no experience of a loving family. Perhaps if these qualities (with the exception of the last, which just seemed unnecessary) had blossomed during the course of the story, I could have believed it, but for Abby to present this way for the entire journey not only contradicted her backstory but also removed the possibility for what could have been a much more satisfying character arc.

Samuel Thatcher was a more believable character, but here, too, I felt there was a lack of growth for his character. In fact, I think it would have helped HIS character development to have seen Abigail’s potential and encouraged her to realise it over the course of the journey. As it was, I felt there was little more than him being impressed by the way Abigail handled herself, and Abigail appreciating his protection. Thankfully, it didn’t fall into the trap of being overly clichéd in this regard, but I still felt it missed so much opportunity, most of all in the way Samuel’s last self-imposed objection to offering for Abigail was overcome. It didn’t force him to grow, merely handed him a convenient solution on a platter.

Despite being a little disappointed with these characters, this was an enjoyable read, particularly if you’re looking for some adventure with your next Regency read.

Abigail Gilbert can’t wait to escape home, even it means a long, dangerous carriage ride to meet her affianced. Even when her stepmother arranges to send her on her journey with just a maid and a postilion. And certainly, the sting of not saying a final goodbye to her father and half-siblings will be assuaged when she marries her baronet.

Although she’s only met Sir Jonathan Aberley when they danced at a ball, she has high hopes. Hopes that she’ll find her one true love. That Sir Jonathan will cherish her and together they’ll form a family where love rules.

Bow Street runner Samuel Thatcher, hot on the trail of Shankhart Robbins, finds a young boy alive near the scene of Robbins’ latest depredation. The incident makes him sure he needs to retire to a small farm somewhere. So many years as a soldier and then a runner have torn apart his soul.

But returning to Hounslow Heath and finding Shankhart Robbins would bring more money for the farm of his dreams. And so he returns. Only to find a pair of ladies under attack. Saving them earns him a kick in the jaw.

Once the lady calms down, he offers to escort them to the next inn. Neither the lady nor her maid seems to trust him. But never mind. He has a job to do, and now that Shankhart’s younger brother lies dead, his job will only prove more dangerous.

The next day Fanny resigns her position, leaving Abigail to travel alone. Self-respecting women don’t travel alone, and Abigail offers the job of escorting her to her intended to the enigmatic Samuel Thatcher.

An Unlikely Hero

As they journey to Brakewell Hall in Penrith, disaster stalks Abigail and Samuel at every turn. Abigail’s faith in her future with Sir Jonathan Aberley sustains her. Although her growing friendship with Samuel gives her pause.

Will her life turn out as she’s always dreamed? Or does God have something better planned for her?

Readers will love the combination of romance, suspense, and intrigue that Griep weaves into her books. Unlike the formulaic Regency genre with lords and ladies and comedies of manners, Griep’s heroes come from the ranks of the working-class—giving a fresh perspective of a much-used historical time period.

This was a wonderful ending to a great series. Abigail is a very strong woman to be able to withstand all the trials that she goes through in her life. Samuel has also overcome many obstacles to get to the point in his life that he is at. I love reading about this time period even though there are few books that take place at this time. This has justthe right amount of romance and a few twists and turns. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Michelle Griep concludes The Bow Street Runners trilogy with The Noble Guardian. This historical piece takes place in Regency England. The book stays true to its focus and delivers a lot of interesting historical tidbits. The previous books are not required to appreciate this story, but they are nice to have a little more time with the male characters.

The story itself begins in a sad, but attention-grabbing fashion. Readers cannot help but feel for Abby and her predicament. Her uncaring family though is what leads to her ultimate happiness so there is something to be appreciated in their coldness. Perhaps more than anything it is appreciating Abby's inner strength and fortitude to keep going in difficult situations.

Samuel Thatcher is a faithful and dedicated lawman. His loyalty to his friends and his sense of integrity is admirable. He and Abby find themselves traveling together and encounter all sorts of situations that test and try them. Ultimately, Abby must face the realization that her dream is shattered.

This story ends in very satisfactory manner, but there were a couple of small details that would have been nice to know. Readers can decide for themselves how these turned out, but sometimes it is nice for the author to reaffirm the assumptions. Overall this is an exciting romp through historic England with danger and uncertainty throughout the novel coupled with some romance. An enjoyable read.

Book Summary (Amazon): 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... I have only read the first, and now the last, books in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy, but you don't have to read all three to follow the story in this book. I would, however, recommend them! I really love Michelle Griep's style of writing. It has a little extra edge to it than your traditional Christian fiction, which I really enjoy. When I say "edge", I mean that there was more in-depth descriptive language when it came to the danger and suspense aspect of the plot, along with the romantic aspect. This created so many more detailed pictures in my mind and made me have all the feelings that the author wanted me to have: excitement, fear, suspense, angst, romance, attraction, etc. You're also still getting the internal wrestling of the characters with their spiritual path.
Abby and Samuel's characters have a great balance. Both have had a harsh childhood and are deeply affected by it. Both have dealt with their past in different ways. Abby is determined to escape by marrying someone she barely knows, Samuel, who has been hardened by years of pursuing dangerous criminals, wants to live the rest of his days as a farmer...alone. It isn't until they meet that both of them start to envision a different kind of future than they planned on. I liked how their characters played off of each other, but my personal favorite was Samuel. Give me a strong, tough, vulnerable hero and I'm done.
I would highly recommend this book. I loved the plot twists, characters, romantic tension, steady plot, and descriptive language. I would also recommend to read all the books in this series, starting with Brentwood's Ward.

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in order to give an honest review, which I did.**

The Noble Guardian was written by Michelle Griep, and is the third and final book in the Bow Street Runners trilogy. You do not have to have read the previous two books to read this one, as it does stand on its own.
Summary: Captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abigail Gilbert from a horrific fate. Thrown together by circumstance, Samuel and Abigail must work their way across the dangerous English countryside-avoiding murderous highway robbers bent on revenge.
Will Samuel be able to deliver Abigail safely to her intended, and earn the rest of the money he needs to retire from the service and buy his farm? Will Abigail finally find the love she has been longing for her entire life in the arms of her fiance?
My Thoughts: This book was OK. I don't know, maybe I would have liked it better had I read the rest of the series? Maybe I had too high of expectations because I enjoyed the last book I read by this author so much? Not sure. The book is well-written, has an interesting storyline, is full of action and a bit of romance, but somehow it didn't quite hit the sweet spot for me.
I think it was fine overall, but maybe more of a library book read, rather than a purchase read. I am guessing it just wasn't for me, but you might very well enjoy it.
As always, I would like to thank Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with a free digitally copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

Michelle Griep has another winner with The Noble Guardian. When I see her name on a new book, I eagerly get a copy and start reading. I was not disappointed with this third book in The Bow Street Runners series set in England during the early 1800s. Adventure, danger, heartache, grief, and of course, romance—The Noble Guardian has it all. On her way to her arranged marriage to a pretty much unknown baronet, the persistent and perceptive Abigail hires Samuel to be her protector. Samuel is a man bound and determined to retire from being a lawman and he is haunted by the past. The story is action-packed—Samuel had been on some hair raising journeys but this one was figuring up to beat them all with attacks from highwaymen, broken carriages, runaway horses, and a sassy young miss to boot. The characters are strong and vibrant and are realistic—either likable, relatable, or despicable. Abigail and Samuel are especially captivating and then there is Emma, a youngling that made an indelible mark on Abigail’s heart and will touch the reader’s heart as well. Griep has a nice style of writing and kept my interest throughout the entire book with descriptive prose that made me feel as though I was right there in the scenes with the characters and dialogue that flows seamlessly without sounding forced. I liked how the author revealed Samuel’s past layer by layer throughout the story and also how faith in God was woven into Abigail and Samuel’s stories. Having come from a Cindereallesque home life, Abigail is looking for happiness in a life with her handsome fiancé only to realize that true happiness is found in knowing she is loved and cared for by her Heavenly Father. As the danger-filled journey continues Abby begins to wonder what it would be like to be loved by this untamed lawman and Samuel wonders if she would ever take a chance on a rugged life with a very broken man. But there’s the baronet to consider…Don’t miss this riveting book—I read it in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Hello! This book is absolutely fabulous! I read everything that Michelle Griep has written, and this is her best book by far. I love the Bow Street Runners heroes she has created; Samuel is the most swoonworthy, the most noble and every other superlative. The writing is superb, and the chemistry between hero and heroine is lovely. The dialogue, scenery and plot pull one in and never let go. Simply perfect! :)

Romance, clean; Christian faith elements; period
Abby and Samuel's story was a fun period read, I can't say it was historically accurate, but still a fun escape. Lots of drama and dilemmas, and a wild journey through the wilds to reach her intendeds home. The highwayman, the broken carriage, the illness, it all combined to help bind their hearts together as they journeyed. Samuel's honor, kindness, mercy, beneath his watchful, cautious demeanor as he watches for the highwayman tracking him for revenge as they journeyed. Two honest hearts, hers innocent, hurt and dreaming for kindness and love, his skeptical, worried, hurting, hoping and dreaming of a future away from the hard life he has lived as a lawman. As they are brought together and worry over Emma, their hearts gradually knit together on their journey as they nurse each other through illness, worry, their pasts, and their present. The secondary characters aren't as fleshed out, but it really was a journey for Abby and Samuel to see their hearts. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader.
Lovely, faith filled read. My favorite kind of HEA.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

I’ve read another book earlier in this series, Brentwood’s Ward, but didn’t read the second book in this series for some reason. The Noble Guardian still worked as an (almost) stand-alone.I will just put a disclaimer right off the bat here: I was sick when I read this, so I wasn’t really analyzing it that much! :)

Now, with that out of the way, I did enjoy this historical fiction novel telling the story of arranged marriage, true love, England, highwaymen, nobility, and thieves. It kept my attention well and was an easy read. It wasn’t necessarily memorable or a masterpiece, but I don’t know that it was trying to be. It was simply a good, wholesome, entertaining novel of intrigue and danger in regency England. I would recommend it. The characters were sweet and the plot believable.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Shiloh Run Press as well as Net Galley for providing with a copy of this book to read and review. I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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

There was an annoying amount of both positives and negatives, so much so that I had a hard time deciding if I liked the book or not.

I will start with the negatives:
- too much violence. Even though it was not labeled suspense, as there was no mystery, there was a killer on the loose who eventually came straight for the main characters. This is not my cup of tea. I would have appreciated a heads up, especially for the gory parts.
- One dimensional antagonists. No redeeming qualities for either of the villains.
- A lot of supporting characters that kind of blended into one another.
- Too much tension in the epilogue for the “happy ending” to feel happy enough.
- Abby's sense of propriety, which I appreciated in her, seemed to diminish as soon as she met with her betrothed. I wasn't happy with how she justified some of his passionate touches she allowed.
- I couldn't tell for sure if Abby's optimistic naivete was considered a flaw. Definitely putting all her hopes into one man and marriage was not trusting in God. But it almost seemed that Samuel's hopeless “realism” was made out to be better.

Here are the positives:
- deep main characters, both will troubled pasts that lead them to do some stupid stuff. The hero, Samuel, especially was so conflicted but always managed to keep his integrity. That's my kind of hero.
- I loved the slow romance, taking more than a month to unfold and for more reasons than just that they were physically attractive. I really liked that.
- I loved the beautiful parenting aspect brought in with their duty to take care of Emma. As a parent myself, I appreciated this without any single parenting dynamic. Well done.

(I received this book for free from the publisher on NetGalley. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)

If the cover or description doesn’t make you pick this book up, surely the author will. I was not able to put this book down. Griep had me on the edge of my seat with no clue what could possibly happen next. The Noble Guardian is the third book in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I was blessed to read the first two books, and could not wait to hear Samuels’ story. That being said you will also enjoy this story as a stand alone. Samuel seems to fit into the tall, dark, and handsome group, but his life hasn’t been easy. He is so good at his job as a Highway Horse Patrolman that many of his colleagues would say he’s the best. But being the best doesn’t come out of nowhere.

Samuel is used to being invisible. That’s often the best way to hear things and catch the criminals he’s after. He’s been at it so long that it’s second nature. A second nature he can’t wait to get rid of. Longing for a life out of danger Samuel finds it hard to say no to a pretty lady in need of an escort. Leaving someone at the mercy of the trail doesn’t sit easy with him, and when she offers compensation, there’s no way he can resist. What he didn’t plan on was Abigail and how she would affect him. Can they arrive at their destination unscathed?

There are so many things I love about this story. I loved seeing how Abby and Samuel acted towards each other and how they both fought an attraction that they thought was totally wrong. It was interesting having a heroine who was treated so poorly by her family, and I enjoyed watching her learn and grow. This story is unlike any other, and I know you will enjoy it just as I have. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical Fiction. I had a hard time putting this book down, and enjoyed every agonizing moment. There is the perfect amount of suspense mixed in, and the characters are easy to love. I received a copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Why This Book (& my thoughts on the series):
I picked up The Noble Guardian because Michelle Griep wrote it and I’ve enjoyed every book I have read by her thus far. Discovering The Noble Guardian was part of a series that included The Innkeeper’s Daughter was a delightful surprise. There is no series title, nor any numbers on these books. I think this is because each of these books reads exactly like a stand-alone novel. The only reason I recognized these books as a series is that I recognized the side characters being mentioned. There are very subtle clues referring not only to The Innkeeper’s Daughter main characters, but also to a previous story. What?! I immediately went online and discovered that The Innkeeper’s Daughter was, in fact, the second book in this series (I had no idea at the time I read it). Of course, as soon as I finished The Nobel Guardian, I immediately read Brentwood’s Ward–the first book in this series. Let me emphasize: these books read entirely as stand-alone novels and there is absolutely no reason not to read one because you haven’t read another. I truly dislike reading series out of order, but in this case, I can honestly say that I don’t feel I missed out by accidentally reading them out of order.

Opening Lines:
Southampton, England, 1815

Was it wicked to say goodbye with a smile?

First Impressions:
I was immediately drawn in by the heroine’s self-doubts and intrigued by the questions the author raised in the first few paragraphs. I had to know more. The rest of the chapter did not disappoint, nor did the pace slow.

Main Characters:
Abigail Gilbert– She is a young woman who has endured a heartbreaking childhood by clinging to the hope of a brighter future. The question of the story is whether that brighter future is as shiny as it seems. Despite her miserable upbringing, she has been sheltered from the ways of the wider world and is ill-prepared for the journey she embarks upon at the story’s outset.

Samuel Thatcher – He is a man determined to change the course of his life but waylaid at every step. He is, of course, noble–possibly to a fault–yet he is flawed as well. He takes too little regard for his own life and the suffering he has witnessed as a Bow Street Runner (law officer) has left his soul “burnt to a crisp”–his faith shaken.

Book Quote - The Noble Guardian - Promise Me

Emotional Engagement & Pacing of the Story:
Right from the start, I connected with both the hero and the heroine. Their plights engaged my emotions and I wanted to see where their stories would take them. Though I hoped for a happy outcome for both, I immediately knew the path to get there would be far from smooth (which delighted me as a reader).

The pacing of this story was brisk from page one. Each scene, each new twist, kept me turning pages until the very end. When life forced me away from reading, I found myself contemplating the world Griep had created and wondering what would happen next.

Elements I especially liked/disliked:
In hindsight, I can say that Griep did an excellent job of dropping hints throughout the story and staging things in such a way that the story’s conclusion felt entirely natural without being predictable.

Theme:
God’s plans may not be our plans, but they are always for the good of those who love Him.

Ending:
As satisfying as a perfect mouthful of the very food you’ve been craving for days.

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 stars