WOW! This is the third and final book in the series of Bow Street Runner novels. What a great finale! Action, suspense, romance or maybe not romance, highwaymen up to no good, a damsel in distress over and over again, and a Bow Street Runner who could make a girl swoon all make for an exciting, entertaining and memorable tale. I breathed a heavy delighted sigh when I finished this book. I fully intend to read the whole series again just in case I might have missed anything. Michelle Griep is one of my favorite authors.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. Thank you Barbour for publishing such quality books.

The Bow Street Runners series hasn't been a complete win for me. I really enjoyed Brentwood's Ward, but The Innkeeper's Daughter was a disappointment. I wanted to put off reading The Noble Guardian mostly because I needed a change in genre, but the publication date was quickly approaching so I decided to go ahead and read it.

I could quickly tell that the story and characters would be more interesting to me than The Innkeeper's Daughter. Abby's struggle with her family was heartbreaking from the beginning. Her determination to remain strong and her hope for a bright future despite her past was what really pulled me in.

Thatcher took a bit more convincing to be Abby's guardian than I expected. I guess my ignorance of what would be involved in being a traveling guardian came out here because I was expecting Thatcher to ride in the carriage with Abby so they could have all kinds of great conversations. It makes sense that this wouldn't be the case as the culture of the day wouldn't have really allowed it, plus you can actually guard better OUTSIDE of the carriage I suppose. I had no real complaints about Thatcher himself. Maybe a little more backstory besides him having been in the military and having lost a sister when he was younger. Not much else was explored.

I never even thought about the difficulties of transporting a baby in a carriage for long distances. Man, this was an interesting addition. Emma's part of The Noble Guardian was bittersweet. She was endearing, and as a mother of two young children, I can completely understand how draining it must have been to look after her in a confined space without the safety features we would have today.

Favorite quotes:
-"In my line of work, you run either from God or toward Him."

-"Past hurts often lose their sting when shared with others."

-To be driven to such extremes, loving wholeheartedly and desperately wishing for a minute alone? Or was she being selfish? Either way, God bless each and every self-sacrificing mother on the planet.

-"Life is more than good ideas. It's the risks that return greater results."

The Noble Guardian was more what I've come to expect from Michelle Griep. I was interested in and invested in the characters' well-being and happiness. While Thatcher was definitely involved in law-keeping and guarding, he had much less of a mystery to solve than the prior two books in this series. Personally, I was glad for that. The Noble Guardian gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Noble Guardian? What did you think? Let me know!

"The Noble Guardian" is one of my favorite books I have read all year. Not only is this a fantastic conclusion to The Bow Street Runners trilogy, it is an exquisite book in its own right.



A typical formula for a Regency romance is a beautiful debutante and a dashing blue-blooded man coming together for adventures and ending in love, marriage, and baby. There are a few deviations in one way or another, but that's the typical formula because it works so well. This trilogy does not rely on that formula, and instead brings something completely different to the table. And it is so good!



Rather than a peer of the realm, our dashing hero is a hard-working, down-to-earth law enforcement officer who spends his days tracking down ruthless criminals and saving the lives and property of as many civilians as he can. Samuel Thatcher is ex-military, scarred from his time in the service, and working hard to achieve his dream. His dream being land of his very own, that he can work with his hands, and live in peace on. He is a shadow in this world, in so many ways. He is soft-footed, sneaking up on everyone without even trying and scaring the daylights out of people who swear he wasn't there a second ago. He is a minimalist in conversation, allowing people to assume what they will, and often interrogating through fierce expressions alone. No threats or cajoling necessary. He believes in God, but is struggling with the sheer volume of evil he sees in the world. All he wants is to save enough money to buy his farm and live quietly the rest of his days.



Our beautiful debutante is stunning and in the marriage market, but she enters the story after a husband has already been secured for her. She meets Samuel on her way across the heath to wed her intended, a titled peer of the realm that she has met once. She is convinced her fiance must love her dearly already, because he asked for her hand after just one meeting. All Abby wants in the world is to be loved and cherished. After her mother passed away when she was a child, her father remarried to a woman who is the quintessential wicked stepmother. The woman favored her own children over Abby in all ways, and went out of her way to be vicious to the little girl who just wanted a mother. By the time Abby sets off across the heath, she is so desperate for acceptance that she never questions what might inspire a virtual stranger to ask for her hand in marriage.



Danger lives on the heath, though, of which Abby knows nothing. One issue after another results in her alone, and almost falling into the hands of an unscrupulous man. Samuel comes to her rescue and ends up becoming her guard as she continues her travels. The idea is to drop her off with a trusted friend of his and get back to work hunting down a gang of highwaymen. Instead, Samuel and Abby pick up an extra passenger and continue across the heath together.



What follows is an epic tale of daring, friendship, compassion, and faith. What Abby and Samuel go through together is incredible. The dialogue between them is highly entertaining and endearing, and the character development is excellent.



I loved every page of this book, and finished it in a single sitting. I will absolutely be returning to this book again and again for a lovely weekend read.

"Jaded" would be the word to describe Samuel Thatcher, Bow Street officer and Captain of the Horse Patrol. He's seen too much of the dark side of humanity, and wants nothing more than to leave the force and become a farmer. But standing between him and that goal is an evil gang of highwaymen and a lack of finances.

Abigail Gilbert finally has a chance to be free of her stepmother's scorn and abuse, and the family who never loved her. She is betrothed to a baronet whom she has only met once. Things are looking up, or so she believes. On her journey to wed, her carriage is attacked by highwaymen.

Captain Thatcher shows up just in time to save Abby, and she convinces him to escort her the rest of the way on her journey. The payment he will receive will at last give him the money he needs to buy his own land and leave the force for good. But highwaymen are hunting him. There's also the matter of a promise he made to an old friend, to safely bring the man's baby daughter to her aunt.

Thatcher is used to the gratitude of people he has rescued, and he never allows it to become anything more than that...but somehow Abby is different. She stubbornly and persistently looks beneath the dour surface of the Captain, and sees his compassionate heart. But she is promised to another...

I devoured this book, staying up far too late reading it. I couldn't put it down, and when it ended, I was sad that it was over. The prose was witty, the characters deep and real, and the author, Michelle Griep, made me really care about what happened to them. Samuel Thatcher was dour and jaded, but beneath that exterior he had a compassionate and loving heart. Abby was desperate to be a part of a loving family, and that desperation almost entangled her in a snare that looked lovely on the outside, but on the inside was empty and cold. Thank goodness that God had other plans, and that Abby and Samuel were open to his leading! This book had its nail-biting moments, unexpected twists, and a highly satisfactory ending. I loved this whole series so much, and it's a series that I would read again and again, which is saying a lot! I highly recommend The Noble Guardian, and the previous two books in the Bow Street trilogy as well.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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

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

Oh my heart! The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the latest installment (and last if I’m not mistaken) of The Bow Street Runners series. Previously I said that The Innkeeper’s Daughter was my favorite of the series. Y’all this one blows that one out of the water! All the feels! My heart can’t take it. Samuel Thatcher’s and Abigail Gilbert’s story will stick with me for a long time.

Abigail Gilbert, or Abby for short, is leaving her home for her betrothed. Heading across England, through dangerous lands with naught but a maid and hired postillion. Abby is naive, kind, and an eternal optimist. Her life to this point had been bleak, but she chooses to look on the bright side. Hoping that the life awaiting her at the baronet’s is everything she could have asked for. My heart ached for Abby, and I couldn’t help but love her. She’s fiesty and determined when needed, yet kind and gentle the rest of the time. Honestly she’s a perfect match for the dour runner.

Samuel Thatcher is captain of a small band of horse runners who keep the roads safe from highwaymen. His current assignment is to find and take down Shankhart Robbins, a notorious thief and murderer. If you’ve read the previous books, you’ll remember him as the ghost contact Moore has with Ford in The Innkeeper’s Daughter. I was intrigued by him them, but I fell head over heels for the guy in this book. The captain is a devout man, but oh so bitter at the opening of the story. Several years have passed since the second book. He no longer finds joy in what he does as a runner and has been saving to buy his own small piece of land. This assignment is to be his last, his contract up in three weeks. When he rescues Miss Gilbert and inadvertently kills one of highwaymen associated with Robbins, the captain takes on the role as guardian of Abby, hoping to deliver her safely to the baronet. What he doesn’t count on is the woman herself.

Each book in this series has interwoven fact with fiction. That is the case here. The author creates Robbins and his gang after a real gang on a real highway in England. Everything else is fiction. Unlike the previous two books where the runners are investigating, Thatcher is protecting. He isn’t hunting anyone, instead he becomes the hunted. The added suspense of this plot made for a fast-paced read. I read it lightening quick, not wanting to sit it down. Abby and the captain’s chemistry is also off-the-charts compared to the last two couples. I love their banter and how they complement each other. Her hopeful nature balances his negative outlook on life.

Overall I really enjoyed The Noble Guardian. It is going down on my favorites list for sure! Abby and the captain tugged at my heartstrings that I’m not ashamed to admit left me in tears more than once. And little Emma….I didn’t mention her in the review but she was a perfect surprise! If you enjoy Christian romance or historical romance, I highly recommend you add this book to your reading list. While it is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone with minor spoilers to the previous books.

What a wonderful story this is. I loved the adventure the author took us on and how vivid the details were. Abigail has never really experienced true love most of her life. I was appalled at how dismissive her family was to her. They couldn’t get rid of her fast enough and to a complete stranger at that. Her family didn’t care about her safety as was quite evident when she ventured out on her own.

A prearranged marriage to a Baron was awaiting her and she was excited to be wanted by someone. When Abigail hires Samuel to see her safely to her destination, the journey began. I can’t forget to mention how much I liked Samuel. He is strong, hard headed and true to his word.

I really enjoyed reading about the long journey they took and the dangers they faced. It was not an easy trip and there were times I wasn’t sure if they would make it. I kept thinking how odd it was that Abigail was traveling to marry a man she didn’t really know. What would this man called Sir Johnathan gain by marrying Abigail? Along the way they also have to deliver a child to someone that Samuel promised he would do. The place he was to leave little Emma was not fit for anyone to live in. Emma stole my heart and I loved the addition of her to the story.

The author delivers a wonderful story that takes us across miles of land and danger that surrounds the main characters. The banter between Abigail and Samuel at times is hysterical. I could see right through them and knew there was an attraction brewing between them. They both adored Emma and as they drew closer to Abigail’s destination, you could feel the emotions overflowing. Is it possible that Abagail has already found love?

I did not like nor trust Sir Johnathan at all. He was rude, untrustworthy and really just a mean person. His dislike for Emma is obvious and that didn’t set well with Samuel or Abigail. He is definitely hiding something and I didn’t feel like he was marrying Abigail for love. Will Abagail trust God to guide her? Don’t miss this beautifully written story of finding love and happiness.

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

Abigail Gilbert is putting all her hopes that her fiancé will give her the love that her family hasn't. Her family has sent Abigail and her maid in a rented carriage without a guard. When their carriage is stopped by highwaymen, Captain Samuel Thatcher rescues them. When Abigail's life is endangered again, Samuel will guard her until she reaches her fiancé. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Even though this book was a little slower book to read, I enjoyed getting to really know Abigail and Samuel. Abigail never wants to go back to a family that doesn't want her and will take risks to reach her fiancé’s home. Even though Samuel is rough around the edges and is intimidating to most people, Abigail sees the noble man that he is. This book is enjoyable as a standalone read. Since Samuel is wanted dead by a fierce bloodthirsty highwayman, there are many suspenseful scenes. I recommend this Christian historical romance.

Be prepared to be pulled into this amazing story on the first page and not let go until the end! Michelle Griep has created a brilliant journey with the handsome, brooding, Bow Street Runner, Samuel Thatcher. But make not mistake, he is a little broken on the inside by all that he has endured and witnessed with humanity and needs to retire to a place of his own. He was "Tired from a sleepless night. Tired from humanity. Tired of Life." Plus he is desperately trying to find the highwayman who has been leaving victims in his wake!
Abigail Gilbert felt she was finally going to marry and hopefully have happiness in her life, which had been sadly lacking. An arranged marriage with a Baron far away from her terrible family, set her on a journey to his home.
But fate was about to have these two wounded souls collide as Samuel rescues Abby from an attack by some of the gang he was trying to catch! Desperate, she convinces him to escort her to the destination of her bethrothed. Thus the adventure begins!
The author's rich prose and descriptions made me feel I was there with these wonderful characters! Suspense, intrigue, humor, faith and love, all wrapped up together and much more, that make this a story that warmed my heart and I could only smile at the end... I highly recommend and cannot wait to read more by this author who is now on my must read shelf! Thank you so much for letting me read and review this story!!

A Regency Romance Filled with Highwaymen and Danger

Abigail Gilbert hopes that her life is finally turning around. The daughter of a well-to-do merchant and his first wife, she has been treated in a Cinderella-like manner by his second wife. Unexpectedly she has caught the eye of a baronet, one of the best catches in England. However, the marriage is to be at his estate. Angrily, Abigail’s stepmother sends her off on a journey across England with only her maid and a driver.

The trip, although tiring, is proceeding according to plan until the coach is attacked by highwaymen on Hounslow Heath. Luckily a troop of Bow Street Runners sees the altercation, and Abigail is rescued. Captain Samuel Thatcher, leader of the troop, finds it hard to believe that her parents sent Abigail on such a journey with hardly any protection. He’s tired of crime and wants to retire to a farm, but he needs money to buy land.

Abigail is not deterred from her wedding journey, but she needs protection. She convinces Samuel with the promise of money to protect her on the remainder of her journey to the baronet. The is the start of many trials as the pair journey together and who know what they will find at their destination.

This is the last book in the Bow Street Runner’s Series, however, it can be read as a standalone. Abigail and Samuel are strong characters who exhibit their Christian faith without being overbearing about it. They have both been tested by life, and it stands them well as they face the perils of the journey.

Although I liked Abigail and Samuel, my favorite character was the baby Samuel and Abigail agree to deliver to her aunt. Her antics provide a needed touch of fun to the book. If you enjoy a Regency romance with plenty of action, you’ll enjoy this book.

I received this book from Shiloh Run Press for this review.

If Michelle Griep wrote it, I want to read it. No questions asked. I first discovered her writing last year, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This is one author whose works I would read regardless of what they were about. “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” introduced me to the Bow Street Runners trilogy, and I was intrigued by the whimsical characters and the undeniable plot tension. I did not think that these details could be matched, but I was wrong. Michelle Griep does it again, and even better, in the trilogy’s conclusion!

Set in Regency England, “The Noble Guardian” turns a cross-country road trip into a breathtaking, spinetingling trek. What would seem to be a rather straightforward journey becomes a prolonged adventure with unrelenting suspense and a beautiful tapestry of faith unfolding throughout. The book cover alludes to this as well. At first glance, the commanding sight of Samuel Thatcher astride a horse catches the eye, but a closer look reveals a carriage enshrouded in a layer of fog. Indeed, within the story itself, circumstances are often not clear-cut, and neither are the characters themselves. The reader is challenged to view things from a different perspective and to learn along the way.

Griep excels in both scenic description and character development. Readers ride along in the cramped, bumpy carriage through rather desolate environs and with occasional stops at roadside inns. The issue of propriety and its importance with regard to a woman’s reputation is a point that is made evident, contrary though it may be to twenty-first-century sensibilities. The villains are ruthless and lend a continuous air of danger, while the protagonists have their own personal issues to work though. A scene at a country fair, reminiscent of a circus, adds some levity and offers a connection between Regency and contemporary society. The narrative progresses via the shared third-person omniscient viewpoint of Abigail (Abby) Gilbert and Captain Samuel Thatcher. Abby is naïve and yet she possesses amazing fortitude and a compassionate heart: “She’d learned long ago while enduring the hurts of her stepmother that only through prayer would she find peace.” Samuel has a jaded worldview shaped by his years as a lawman and culminating in his role of protector. Both experience an emotional faith journey that speaks across the centuries to the hearts of readers today, reminding all of us who “The Noble Guardian” truly is.

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

4.5 stars- This is the third book in Michelle’s “Runners of Bow Street” series but is a stand-alone novel. I have not yet read the first two books and had no trouble following along with this book. Nor did this book give anything away from the plots of the first two books. I plan to go back and read the rest of the series soon.
Michelle Griep is fast becoming one of my new favorite authors. I have read several of her books and each of them has been an intriguing story full of romance and adventure. This book was no different. Abigail Gilbert comes from a very unloving family that is all too eager to send her off to the other side of England to marry a baronet. And Abby is certainly not sad to go. This is her chance at a new start in life with someone that will love and cherish her.
Samuel Thatcher is saddled with the job of protecting travelers along the infamous Hounslow Heath from highwaymen, particularly his nemesis Shankhart Robbins. When Abby’s carriage is attacked, Samuel rescues her and their paths cross. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.
The chemistry between Abby and Samuel was electric. Samuel is a classic good guy- tough on the outside but a total softy on the inside, ruggedly handsome and a man of integrity. He and Abby’s journey to her betrothed is a whirlwind of adventure and romance. I think Abby should have just thrown in the towel from the beginning! LOL There were moments of tension and moments of incredible sweetness and moments where I was questioning their choices. It was a great read that kept you guessing of what would happen next. I look forward to checking out the first two books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Noble Guardian
by Michelle Griep
Book 3 in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy
Rating: 4.5/5

Abigail Gilbert is finally free! She is leaving her family who hates her and is going to meet her beloved fiancé and live happily ever after with someone who actually wants to be with her. However, highwaymen run rampant on her journey and threaten her life.

Captain Samuel Thatcher is in charge of keeping the roads safe from highwaymen and steps in to save Abby’s life. The captain is close to retiring but begrudgingly agrees to escort Ms. Gilbert to her destination in exchange for money from her fiancé for her safety.

Unfortunately, this harrying journey is more than either expected. Together they must find a way to coexist and not kill each other as they face many trials and heated discussions.

This fast-paced story is everything you’d want and more. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started reading this story but I knew it would be good because of Michelle Griep’s ability to weave a fun and provocative tale. When I first started to read, I wasn’t aware it was part of a trilogy. It can definitely be read as a standalone book. After realizing it was part of a trilogy, I found that I had read the previous books but didn’t realize it because that first book was from back in 2015. I will have to revisit those other two books in the series to jog my memory but that isn’t necessary to appreciate the wonders of Griep’s gripping action. The characters are lovely and you feel their tension and conflict. Very well written and highly recommended.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

My Review:

Genre: Historical, romance, fiction.

My Rating: 5 stars.

My Recommendation: 16 up for romance and slight violence.

My Favorite Character/s: Wow, well, I enjoyed getting to read about each of these characters and Samuel is my favorite with Emma and then followed by Abigail. Samuel may be my favorite male lead in the whole Trilogy, though seeing as I haven't read the first book I can not say that . . . Samuel was a character with a hard harsh "protective wall" that hid the real heart behind the character. And I loved him with little Emma. They're so cute!

My Verse for Samuel is John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (King James Version.)

My Thoughts: This was a wonderful story that I read in one sitting one morning. (Skipping school . . . Eh, all right I wasn't skipping really, just putting it off.) Anyway, the opening was a little slow but it quickly got to the point I had to know what happened and that ending? Was. So. Sweet.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it!

Review to publish here: http://kayleeskindofwrites20.com/2019/05/18/the-noble-guardian on June 1st!

I was given my copy of this book through NetGalley. My opinions listed below are mine. This type of book is well liked at our library. This book is well written and enjoyable. I will recommend it to our patrons.

The Noble Guardian
By Michelle Griep
4.5 stars

The third book in the Bowrunner series comes to an exciting and satisfying conclusion. This was a page turner about a young woman trying to get to what she believes she wants only to have God put a dashing, noble, guardian in her path. I thoroughly enjoyed the immersive english countryside and the gray downtrodden parts of London. Lots of action and sweet romance with just the right amount of faith thrown in.

I received this book through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was an interesting mix of genres: romance, Christian literature, historical fiction, adventure. It was not what I expected but it was a good story nonetheless. I couldn’t help liking Abby, The Captain and Emma and hoping it would all work out for them to be together.

This is by far the best book in this series. The action, suspense, and plot keep my heart racing and me reading throughout the entire book. It took everything in me to set the book down to go to sleep last night. This book had me hanging on to every word.

I think this was the first book I've read that the MC had the same name as me. I really liked Abigail's character. She had the spunk and wit that made this book very entertaining to read. Even though, I couldn't relate to her on some things that happened in her life, there were a few things that she goes through that I do understand. I really enjoyed seeing her character develop.

I also really liked Samuel's development. I remember reading about him in the Inn Keeper's Daughter.....I didn't know how I would like him as a main character. However, his true colors shown throughout this book and I loved his character!!

Baby Emma stole the show though! If we all are being honest though any time there is a baby, they always steal the show!!!

This book had me sitting in the edge of my seat from the beginning. The action started rather really in the book and has amazing pacing throughout the entire story. Ms. Griep's writing style is so lovely and what makes this book, and series so amazing. I don't think it would be the same series without her amazing writing skills.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this story and series!

*I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All thought are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.*

This is a wonderful Regency romance. The story is so well written that even though I received an arc copy to read and review, I bought my own copy to keep in my library.

Samuel Thatcher is a very cynical lawman who has grown weary of his job. He has lived a hard life chasing criminals and highwaymen. He had been saving his money to buy a piece of land and get out of the business and live a simple life farming. He had run away from his abusive father as a very young boy and had never had the ideal family life so many had. Not that he would ever find a woman to put up with him and his acerbic ways but he could live a solitary existence in peace.

Abigail Gilbert's father had remarried after her mother's death to a horrible woman who belittled and abused Abigail at every turn. Her two step-sisters were cut from the same cloth. Her marriage had been arranged by her father's to a baronet some distance away and she was finally on her way to become his wife. She dreamed of a forever kind of love; someone who would love her deeply. At the very beginning of her journey, she met Captain Samuel Thatcher, who came to her rescue. With reluctance, he agreed to be hired as her guardian. Their journey was a treacherous one with murderous highwaymen dogging them. Along the way, they gained a small traveling companion, as well. Would they arrive at their final destination and find that the result lived up to their dreams or would those dreams become nightmares? Was it possible for there to be a happy ending?

I absolutely couldn't put this book down and enjoyed reading ever last page. While there was danger and death and violence, there was no foul language and no detailed sex. I appreciated the author's ability to write an engaging story and one that held your attention without those things to detract from the wonderful story.

“Even half-dead, Samuel could tell a lot about a man by the way he handled three things: old age, trousers that wouldn’t stay up, and strangers.”

Ah, Michelle Griep. Such captivating Regency novels does she write. I have high expectations whenever I pick up this author’s book and she has never disappointed. This newest offering, which is book 3 in the Bow Street Runners series, will surely capture your heart and mind with a beautifully written plot and wonderfully engaging characters. Reading the first two books, Brentwood’s Ward and Innkeeper’s Daughter, prior to this book will enrich the enjoyment of the story and appreciation of the secondary characters, but is not absolutely necessary. With clever and witty prose and dialogue, a dash of danger and suspense, several plot twists, a damsel in distress, and a rugged and protective but emotionally broken hero, the story has every ingredient blended perfectly together to create a delectable treat you won’t be able to put down.

Samuel is a wearied lawman who can only see the darkness and evil in his fellow man and desperately wants to leave Bow Street for solitude on a farm. Yet his sense of justice, loyalty, and need to right the wrongs of others constantly pull him into danger. Abby is a woman whose only goal in life is to be loved and cherished. She leaves the home where she’s unwanted and sets out to marry a baronet but meets unexpected trouble with highwaymen and needs the protection that Samuel can provide. As Samuel reluctantly escorts Abby to her betrothed, they are threatened by a crazed gang of bandits bent on revenge and murder, loved by an adorable infant who isn’t related to either of them, crushed by witnessing the sorrow brought on by poverty and alcohol, and drawn irresistibly together.
It’s a memorable journey as Samuel and Abby both learn about faith, hope, and love.

I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.