“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.

The Noble Guardian is the third book in the Bow Street Runners series. This was a very sweet romance, but it was filled with a lot of adventure and heartache. Our noble guardian is Samuel Thatcher, who is hired by Abigail Gilbert to take her safely to meet her betrothed. She is traveling in a very treacherous territory alone. She is initially ambushed by a group of men who Samuel saves her from. It is then that she hires Samuel to protect her. Samuel is reluctant at first but after trying to find someone to escort her without success he ends of with the job.
I really enjoyed this story!! It had non-stop adventure and a romance that almost didn't happen due to certain circumstances. Both Abigail and Samuel where very likable and strong characters.
Highly recommended!!

Abby is an endearing character who has lived a life unloved and unaccepted. Her journey begins with deep hope and anticipation of being Lord Jonathan's beloved bride. However, the path to Brakewell Hall is full of twists and turns. As a character, Abby was believable. I've known girls who are just like her--hopeful and perhaps slightly disillusioned to the truth.

The Captain, now, is one that I slightly better understand. He is stoic and unrelenting in what he believes is right. Granted, I totally don't identify with his whole theme of going after highway bandits, but I loved the action and energy those scenes exuded.

The spiritual plot was there. In the beginning, it appeared as if both characters were believers, but then at the halfway point, there were some conversations (pretty much the only solid spiritual conversations in the book) and it seems as if one of the characters gets saved at that point. I was slightly disappointed because, near the end, the entirety of the spiritual plot revolved more around the characters and their romantic desires than anything else.

Speaking of romantic desires... I don't hide that I'm not a huge romance fan. In some books, I can tolerate more than others, all depending on how it is written. This one had more description than I cared for. There is an almost-rape scene (more than just mentioned in passing--the reader gets a few details of the attack) and a couple of mentions of men's hands traveling down further than they should, etc.

I really do like Griep's writing style and her descriptions. As a writer, I can admire the style, even though the content isn't quite what I fully appreciate.

*I received this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

This was such an entertaining sweet story! I rooted for the characters and was sad to end the book. The story was engaging and I loved it

Oh, I love this book! I could have easily devoured it in one sitting if life had not gotten in the way. Samuel Thatcher is definitely my favorite Bow Street Runner. I hated to see the series end but I can't wait to see what's next for Michelle Griep.
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher, but as always, my opinions are my own.

“Was it wicked to say goodbye with a smile? Wrong to feel happy about leaving one’s family behind?” - The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

From the back cover copy I anticipated disliking Abigail, the leading lady, at least in beginning, as she’s framed as someone who is living a privileged life. However, from the opening lines of Michelle Griep’s The Noble Guardian, I immediately felt empathy for Abigail instead. Experiencing a Cinderella-like situation at home, Abigail is excited her marriage and starting a new life in which she hopes she will be loved. Setting off across England at the height of the highwaymen robberies, she swiftly lands herself in mortal danger and in need of a guardian for the journey to her betrothed.

Jaded and broken by the horrors he’s endured both in war and in the fight against highwaymen, Samuel ends up being that guardian owing to circumstances outside his control. The validity of his prejudice against Abigail is tested each day he spends with her. Together they explore the meaning of family, love and the ingredients of a happy life. They wrestle with God’s role in the hurt and pain life has brought those around them and themselves.

The adventure itself is full of so many unexpected turns, danger, and humour, I read it straight through! I loved the ending, it couldn’t have been better done! It is a fantastic historical romance but it’s more than that, it’s a reminder of the hope God gives us no matter the storms we endure and the importance of loving one another.

It’s five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended! Whilst the other books in the series are wonderful, it isn’t necessary to have read them so be sure to pick this one up!

The Noble Guardian is a fantastic end to a fantastic series, The Bow Street Runners. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and everything in between. The danger, the intrigue, the characters, and of course, the romance! I loved it all!

In this story, Abigail Gilbert is betrothed to a baronet and must travel quite a distance to get to him. After a few mishaps, she hires Samuel Thatcher to guard her on her journey. There relationship is quite fun. They have good banter, conversation, and chemistry. I really enjoyed them both as main characters. Abigail is a strong, loveable leading lady who just wants to be loved. Samuel is brooding and moody, but also reliable and a perfect hero. They work well together!

This is a great historical romance that is sure to please!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep, publisher Barbour

Abby left home to marry a man that she had only danced with once. The wicked stepmother sent her on her way with only a surry maid and made sure no one saw her off.
She was to marry Sir Jonathan Aberley, a baronet at Brakewell.
She meets Samuel, Principal Officer- working out of Bow Street.
The adventure begins. Outlaws, Highway men, Coaching Inns and romance on the way. A delightful, beautiful baby girl made reading so much fun. Will Sir Jonathan be the man she thinks she loves or will there be a change of heart. I
I absolutely loved this story and hated for it to end. I certainly will get the first two books in the series because I have not read them.
I received an ebook copy from Barbour Publishing through Net Gallery. The opinions expressed in this review is my own.

This book is responsible for my lack of sleep that’s dragging me around this morning. Michelle Griep’s latest release (coming June 2019) is a gripping, page-turning, exciting reader experience.
The story finds us following the young Abigail Gilbert, through the countryside of Regency England. Having received an offer of marriage from a baronet, Abby is more than eager to leave the cruel treatment of her step-family behind and looks toward a future of love with the handsome man, though she’s only met him once.
Samuel Thatcher is counting the days he can leave the service of being a Bow Street Runner, patrolling the notorious and dangerous stretch of highway leading to London. He longs for a life of tranquility and farming the best feed horses can have on his own farm. He needs to finish his contract and extend it by 2 weeks to finally have enough money to see his dreams come true.
What he didn’t count on was rescuing Abigail Gilbert from danger. Tired of his job and the dark side of humanity, Samuel agrees to escort Abigail to her baronet because she has money – enough to buy his farm. Well, he offers to escort her only after his own life is threatened….
Yes, this is action packed and suspense holds the reader captive until the very end.
Things didn’t appear correct with Abby’s situation right from the get-go. She is naïve but a delightfully positive character (not the annoying kind). She dreams big and wants to be loved for who she is. She believes that her baronet will give her that…yet, when danger prevents Abby from arriving on time, not a peep is heard from her intended. She truly is alone in the world.
Samuel’s character is definitely rough on the outside but his heart turns soft for the one woman who seems to understand him. Little does he know, how well she understands his circumstances. He’s an alpha male, driven by anger, but there is hope for him as we see at the end of the story. I would feel safe having him escort me through dangerous territory, but I’m not sure I’d be willing to talk to him since his appearance is…less than friendly.
A reader needn’t have read the previous two books in the series to appreciate this story.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This BOOK!
This AUTHOR!
Can I possibly give this book 100 stars? No, only 5? Well it deserves 100+ stars.
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 does work well as a stand alone as some back story is shared in books 2 and 3.
I could not turn the pages fast enough in this book, it was love at first sentence for me.
I was thoroughly engrossed in the story!
Southampton, England 1815 is the setting we find ourselves in at the start of the book.
I knew Samuel Thatcher had a story to be told when I encountered him in previous books and oh what a story it is. We meet cutthroats,scumbags,thieves,liars and the likes of those you'd never want to encounter in a dark alley if you had the misfortune to wander there.
This is by far Michelle Greip's best book to date. She is a bold writer not afraid to show a little dirt in her books to make it realistic, very realistic. We encounter mud, blood,stinking clouts and spilled stew, can't forget that spilled stew in the coaching inn. The majority of the book takes place with "Captain" escorting Abigail Gilbert to her Sir Johnathon Aberley baronet. An arranged marriage is to take place. Oh my what a wild and at times dangerous adventure is to be had along the way.
A baby who stole my heart figures into this book as well. Feeling he owes his friend to deliver the baby to her Aunt, this little mischief maker is quite the charmer as she babbles away and takes her first steps. The romance is there but it's subtle, we are not overwhelmed with it as the book concentrates on the adventure but you can feel the sizzle burning in the background.
Will that be all for the handsome and courageous noble guardian when he arrives at the mansion of her intended badly wounded as he delivers her there?
I so loved this book and didn't want it to end.
Expected publication: June 1st 2019 by Shiloh Run Press.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Michelle Griep’s latest, The Noble Guardian, is a resounding conclusion to her Bow Street Runner’s series. As I journeyed through the books in this set, I found that each one was an improvement on the last. Many series seem to dwindle with each installment – but not in this case!

From start to finish Griep engulfs her reader in the plight of Abigail and Samuel, each character trying to learn their way, face personal demons, and search for truth. Griep keeps up a steady pace, full of action, depth, and character development, which will resonate soundly with her readers.

I invite you to pick up this book, fall in love with the characters, and become part of their journey. You will not be disappointed.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Fantastic as usual for the author Michelle Griep! I have read several of her stories including the two other bow street runner stories Brentwoods Ward and The Innkeepers Daughter. Fun seeing the stories continue and both family's and happy endings multiply. The characters in this story were delightful and realistic. Their love slow and progressive, the danger giving suspense and depth to the story. Very interesting read, almost read it straight though in one sitting. I could hardly put it down! Highly recommend and will continue to look for the next no doubt wonderful story from this author!

Michelle Griep did it again! I enjoyed her last book, "Ladies of Intrigue," and I appreciate the work and detail she puts into her novels, set in Victorian times. "The Noble Guardian" is another engrossing read, filled with danger, love in the strangest of places, an unexpected child to transport and a woman running from the fractured family who raised her. I didn't realize this book was #3 in a series, as I got to read it thanks to #NetGalley, but I will be reading the preceding books after this!

Griep always gives the reader relatable characters that interact in ways that you might not expect. This novel is no exception, as Abby is a woman who is betrothed to a wealthy baronet of her father's choice, headed across the heaths of England to meet him, along with her maid. As the trip progresses, Abby's maid deserts her, and she is forced to pay for a postillion and a guardian to protect her over the harrowing journey-- one fraught with thieves and highwaymen ready to rob an unsuspecting woman.

Thankfully, she encounters Samuel, a Bow Street Runner, who begins the journey with Abby after she is physically attacked by a lecherous man claiming to be a guardian. He is not a minute too soon. Samuel knows Abby will never make it to her intended baronet, Sir Jonathan, if he does not help her. The Bow Street Runner's primary goals were to keep the roads within 60 miles of London safe for the travelers, and Samuel takes his job as a magistrate serious. He is, in fact, a good man, which Abby is not used to.

Abby enters into this agreement with the intent of it being a means to an end, but as Emma, a child with no mother, is introduced into the mix, the dynamics of the relationship between Samuel and Abby begins to change. She is thrust into the motherly role and all that it entails, including a sickness that could threaten all their lives. Samuel also has a target on his back from some especially dangerous highwaymen who would rather see him dead, making Abby and Emma precious cargo he must also protect.

The characters are well developed and the reader can't help but fall in love with each of them in their own way. Abby grows and changes throughout the story, finding strength she didn't know she had, and Samuel is working towards protecting his charges and doing what is right, both in the eyes of the law and the eyes of God. Can this ragtag group of people make it to their final destinations?
Will Abby choose her dashing baronet, or the noble guardian who has protected both her and baby Emma all the way to their awaiting new lives? Does Abby choose to trust a family who never really treated her well or a stranger willing to put himself in harm's way for her safety and welfare?

"The Noble Guardian" is so well done. Griep is an author whose work is excellent and well researched. She doesn't write in a way that lets the reader think she's neglected her homework, often leaving detailed explanations of points in history she chooses to highlight in her books at the conclusion. I can't get enough of her stories! Many thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review. If you enjoy Victorian novels with a dash of romance and adventure, do not miss Griep's work!

As always Michelle Griep gives us a story evenly balanced with everything a reader can want. History, researched impeccably. Connections to past books in the series, with characters so well developed, they feel like friends. Plot so thick you keep turning the pages, hoping that everything will work out.

With both Abby & Samuel you have two people - instantly likable, souls so desperately in need of companionship and love, yet needing to understand the great love of a God, who unconditionally loves.

So many aspects of this story that I loved. This author is a master storyteller.

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.

This was a great read! It was the conclusion of a series called Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I have missed one of this trilogy but they are individually wonderful books.

As Abby takes off across England to her forthcoming marriage to a man she barely knows, danger lurks at every corner in her travels. She hires Captain Samuel Thatcher as a guardian. Their adventures are many. It's such a page turner book! Yes, you won't want to put this one down.

And what happens with the marriage? You will definitely need to read every last page! This book is too good to put down.

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

In 1815 England travel was by chaise with a driver and usually a second man whose job was to watch for and protect from highwaymen. Abigail Gilbert is sent away from her home alone, to be married to a man she has met just once. What follows is seemingly endless perils, making one wonder if she will safely reach her destination. Along the way, her manages to hire horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher. Unfortunately the danger doesn’t end with her new guardian. Throw a twist into the trip and suddenly he has even more to protect. Advice from an old farmer - ‘Yer not God, so quit tryin’ to be’ encourages Samuel to realize that he is not alone in his protection duties! Between illness, strong storms and death, this incredible book was impossible to put down. The nail-biting action starts at the beginning and continues right to the end. You don’t want to miss this 3rd book in the Bow Street Runners series!
I received an ARC through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. A positive review was not required and all impressions and opinions are my own.

Wow! What a ride, I loved this book! I have enjoyed every one of Michelle Griep's stories, but this was (in my opinion) the best in the bowstreet runner series!
I loved how much action and danger the characters had to dodge, it felt like I was watching a movie! Samuel was a great character, bruised by a past, but faithful to his oath, he made a great good guy!
Abby was sharp and spunky, and had her own insecurities, she grew over the course of the book and I enjoyed watching it!

This book comes in to a close second to Captive Heart as my favorite from this author.
Recommended for anyone who wants a fast paced historical romance with a lot of action!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. My review is my own.

Michelle Griep’s The Noble Guardian is a fascinating, and very well done, Regency novel.

This is the first of Ms. Griep’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading, and I think I may have found a new favorite—The characters were intriguing and dynamic, the storyline was seamless and multi-faceted, and the themes were powerful and hopeful!

Samuel Thatcher is a hardened man. After years of bringing the worst of humanity to justice, he is beginning to lose faith. But beneath the hard shell and the glowering stares, there is a man of strength and goodness, kindness, and stubbornness!

And Abigail Gilbert—a woman whose life, though one of misery and hardship, has taught her to find hope in all circumstances, and seek for the best in others—including the rough Captain Thatcher.

But what happens when life doesn’t go as planned, and Abby’s carefully constructed future begins to shatter?

These two wounded souls must fight for each other, and for hope, as they travel the length of England in a perilous and mishap-laden journey. The author did a fantastic job creating a thrilling story full of faith and love! I also enjoyed learning a bit more along the way about the Bow Street “Runners”—a group of people I had never heard of before this book! ❤️

Four stars for a wonderful, entertaining, romantic read!!

This is the third book in the Bow Street Runners series. I have not read the first two books but felt that this is a good stand alone novel. I would like to go back and read the first two because I so enjoyed this one. The characters are enjoyable and the writing is very descriptive. Every scene leaps off the page and I felt truly captivated by the details.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Abigail Gilbert’s life has been so trying that she is excited to leave her family behind and go off to marry a veritable stranger. The bullying from her family has made her tough and that toughness serves her well as she travels across the country to her intended. She’s an intriguing mix of hopefulness and tender toughness.
Samuel Thatcher is a fascinating man. He has seen so much evil as he has tracked down thieves and murderers yet he has a soft spot for a woman who can’t help but attract trouble and a young child. He is a self-less servant and a noble guardian.
This book concludes the Bow Street Runners Trilogy but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The book has a nice pace and flow to it. It is peppered throughout with rich imagery. “Apparently this grand and glorious headache had unpacked its bags and moved in, settling for a lengthy stay no matter what she did to evict it” (location 1516). I enjoyed it and learned a lot about highwaymen, runners, and coaching inns. I’d recommend it.
Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Bow Street Runners Trilogy:
Book 1: Brentwood’s Ward
Book 2: The Innkeeper’s Daughter
Book 3: The Noble Guardian