Michelle Griep just keeps getting better and better. Her stories pull me in and keep me captivated until the very end. The twists she throws in just when I think I know where this is going entices me to look closer and enjoy the ride.

The House at the End of the Moor is no exception. What i found particularly interesting was Griep's chosen point of view. For our hero, he was written in third person, knowing his name upfront. Our leading lady however, was written strictly from first person. So each chapter flipped back and forth from first person to third person and back again. While uncomfortable at first, it was a unique way to distinguish between character point of views. Well done.

The plot was very engaging, a mystery that unraveled slowly and then all at once, pulling you deeper and deeper into all the intricacies. While at first strangers, diving deeper you find they have a hidden past, unbeknownst by them. Their fates, their retributions and penance and imprisonment are all tied by the same string.

I really have no criticisms. The hero was strong and engaging, the heroine was written well. Both had well thought out character growth. Even random, one off characters had their own story and contributed to the plot in surprising ways.

I will say that the third character POV was confusing at first, and then annoying when we just wanted our two main characters, and then satisfying at the end. He had a part to play, as unsavory as it seemed at first. All people deserve redemption, no matter how bad you think they are.

Five stars.

The House at the End of the Moor
by Michelle Griep

Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Shiloh Run Press

Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Christian
Historical Fiction
Pub Date 01 Apr 2020


I am reviewing a copy of The House at the End of the Moor through Barbour Publishing and Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley:




What is it a London Opera star, and an escaped Dartmoor Prisoner can have in common?



Maggie Lee is an Opera Star escaping her opulent lifestyle when powerful politicians who aim to ruin her opulent lifestyle. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. That all changes though when she discovers a half dead man near her house. The half dead man is escaped convict Oliver is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie.



Oliver Ward discovers some Jewels in Maggie’s possession they very Jewels, that got him convicted. So together they come up with a plan to return the Jewels so they can clear Oliver’s name, along with maintaining Maggie’s Anonymity.



I give The House at the End of the Moor five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

The detailed historical setting, the characters who come to life, the intriguing action, and the budding romance between a former opera singer and a falsely convicted prisoner on the run, all make for an entertaining story. The story could get a little confusing for me, as I tried to keep track of what was going with the jewels, but nothing too crazy. Maggie, known also as Daisy Lee, her stage name, lives a quiet life now at a house on the end of the moor when the calm is disturbed when her maid finds an injured man, Oliver Ward, who is also an ex-convict. From then on their lives are not the same as they face old foes and work together to clear Oliver’s name. It’s a wild goose chase as the prison constantly from the prison Oliver escaped from teams with Maggie’s sadistic ex-boss to nab the pair. They both have past issues they work through, as Maggie confronts the life she had before she loved isolated on the moor and Oliver works together with his father after so long. Through it all, they find a way to grow stronger in their faith, and grow closer together along the way.

I received this ARC from NetGalley. All opinions stated here are my own.

There is mystery and there is romance. The mystery was straight forward and not suspenseful. However, the development of the romance is very sweet. Slight sarcasms in the writing made for bits of humor throughout the humor. We all have inner thoughts that we don’t dare and ought not to verbalize. The author sprinkles these sarcastic, opinionated inner thoughts of the main characters throughout the story….nothing offensive but somehow their bluntness made for an entertaining read. The descriptions of the characters’ reactions and expressions (“a scowl that could blister paint”) are often accompanied by analogies that made it easy to visualize the expressions as if I was watching them in a movie. There is definitely a Christian theme in the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for a copy.

Michelle Griep has done it again! She has created a book world worthy of Charles Dickens himself. The House at The End of The Moor has all you could love — Dickensian flavor, wonderful characters, sinister villains, a twisting, turning plot, spot-on spiritual themes, and romance. I loved the setting particularly. Victorian England with all its contrasts — reform and injustice, opulence and slums — is represented well. Griep has a way of making it all come alive for the reader with her detailed descriptions. The two main characters are complexly drawn as they struggle with the need for vengeance and the necessity of forgiveness. You will love the development of their romance as well. This historical novel is also great for fans of mystery/suspense — the action is non-stop with developments you will never see coming! Schemes, intrigues, betrayals, and the ultimate mercy of God makes this novel a recommended read!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

I've read some of Michelle Griep's Christmas novellas, and I have been meaning to check out one of her full-length novels for a while. And when I saw the title of her latests release - The House at the End of the Moor - I was immediately intrigued! I also need to admit that I only briefly glanced at the synopsis so I went into this relatively blind.

I did reall like this book, and I believe I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had been in a different mood - I have a tendency to be a mood reader - and wanting to read something more light-hearted...this book is a little bit heavy. However, I did love the themes of mercy and justice and vengeance. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters throughout the novel.

First, this ended up being different from what I was expecting, namely that based on the title I expected most of the book to take place at the house at the end of the moor, however only about thirty percent of this book takes place at this location.

Second, I found the writing style to be interesting, Michelle Griep chooses to keep switching between 3rd and 1st person narration. The 1st person is used when we are getting Maggie Lee's perspective and the the 3rd preson for the other two characters whose point-of-view we get - Oliver Ward and Sebastian Barrow. There were a few times I foound this a little bit jarring, but over the ourse of the novel I grew to like it.

The plot was intersting, although, as I have mentioned before, it was very different from what I was initially expecting! There is also a full cast of characters who I enjoyed getting to know over the course of the novel, especially the three main characters.

Maggie Lee was interesting and I was intrigued to find out why she is on the run from her "old" life and how her life interesects with Oliver, even before they officially meet. I also liked how while trying to seek out justice for the wrong done to her, she still knows when to show mercy and compassion to others.

And then there is Oliver Ward, who seeks to help those in need, but yet is very critical on those who seem to put the less fortunate down. I liked how he had to lern how pre-conceived notions can be wrong and learn how to show grace, even to those who had wronged him.

Then there is Sebasatian Barrow - or Officer Barrow, as he is known to the other characters - who is so bent on justice and believers it his duty to God to doggedy pursue and punish Oliver (and other "criminals"), in order to make restitution for something he did in his past. It was interesting to see how he is an embodiment of legalism and not fully realizing the freedom we have in Christ and how we are saved by God's grace and mercy, not works.

Some other characters I enjoyed getting to know, or found interesting, were Oliver's father, Jarney and the devious Mr. Groat.

Overall, I did like The House at the End of the Moor but I would have enjoyed it even more if I was not craving a more light-hearted read when I read it. I am looking forward to reading more from Michelle Griep in the future. 3.5/5 Stars.

The year is 1862 and the place is Dartmoor Prison, Devon, England. A man wrongly imprisoned makes his escape in order to prove his innocence. His trek across the moor is a costly one and he would have died if not for a woman willing to bring a stranger into her home. The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep is a tale of justice, forgiveness, and mercy.

This is the first book I have read by Michelle Griep. I’ve heard good things about her writing, so I jumped at a chance to see for myself. They were all right! I loved this book and I especially loved the message. It’s a hard thing to show the challenges of true justice and The House at the End of the Moor takes a direct stab at it.

Oliver Ward wants justice. For himself, for his friend, for the impoverished living Corbin’s slums. Escape is the only way. Maggie Dosett is staying in a house at the end of the moor, hiding after an escape of her own. She cannot leave the half-dead Oliver on the moor to die, nor can she risk inviting the ill-tempered constable to search her house. Not only could he find the man she rescued, but he could discover the identity she has taken great pains to conceal.

As Oliver and Maggie begin to uncover the truth, they must decide how much trust to place in each other in order to accomplish their plans. Is the sacrifice worth it? Will it cost them everything? Or will the Law protect the truly guilty?

The uniqueness of Oliver and Maggie’s characters add much depth to this book. They were flawed, but in a way that made them heroes. Yet, the very thing that made them heroes may not have been the best perspective in the end. Such is the complexity of the theme. And what I loved about this book.

What I wasn’t so fond of, though I got used to it after awhile, was the change in point of view. While in Oliver’s point of view, the tense was third-person, past tense. While in Maggie’s point of view, the tense was first person, present tense. It made the voices distinct, but it was also jarring and, I thought, brought too much attention to the writing as opposed to the story.

Point of view aside, The House at the End of the Moor is an excellent book that I highly recommend reading. It would also make a good book club book because it spurs on the discussion of justice. Especially in today’s day and age of social justice and economic tension.

I hope you’ll pick up a copy of The House at the End of the Moor. It’s a fantastic read.

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I received this book free from NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Maggie Lee was a famous opera star who ran to escape her tormentor and agent after her last performance nine months ago. She ran to the moors where she could be anonymous. She did it, not only to save herself, but to save her father, as well. When a badly injured man was discovered in the moors not far from her home, she and her housekeeper, dragged him back to her home to nurse him back to health. Little did she know, at the time, how drastically this stranger would change her life.

Oliver Ward had escaped from a horrible prison and ran for his life. He had been imprisoned for nine long months. He was an innocent man who had been wrongly convicted by his enemy in Parliament who was determined to get rid of him to serve his own purposes. As he began to heal, he realized that he and Maggie were connected and in order to clear his name, he would need her help.

This was a beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, God's love and timing and the power of love. It was a clean story that was full of suspense and intrigue in a rush to clear an innocent man (or men).

Barrow was a horrible character who seemed evil and depraved but who was eventually able to see the light. The other "foul" characters, eventually got their just reward. I loved how Maggie encouraged Oliver to forgive his father and that only by doing that, would his heart begin to heal. This story is powerfully written and holds the interest of the reader to the very end.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I also own a copy, as well, and I willingly offer my honest review.

The beginning of this powerful yet heart-wrenching historical tale made me wonder just where it was going. Readers can’t help but care about the mistreated convicts at Dartmoor and the mysterious woman who feels the need to hide from society. My heart always goes out to the underdog, and these were certainly deserving of compassion. The well-woven, suspenseful story contains masterful plot layers and striking character development as it wends its unpredictable way to a conclusion—but will it be satisfying or leave a longing for justice? At the conclusion, the author ramped it up even more—I wanted to see the evil man get his just due. I won’t spoil the surprise, but it brought tears and a spiritual quickening. I would like to read more of Maggie and Oliver’s story. Such a dramatic tale brings to mind Les Miserables, so if you like that type of novel, you will enjoy this one. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

I'm a Christian, but when I realized this was a 'Christian' novel, I was nervous - so many of them are heavy-handed about it, and it usually appears very forced. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn't the case for this book. It ended up being a quick, fun read. It was just what I needed after reading some weighty non-fiction right before it. Recommended.

hat I think you should know:
The House at the End of the Moor is a Historical Christian fiction novel by Michelle Griep. It is set in 1861 England when Maggie, a famous Opera singer flees to the moor to hide from her unscrupulous manager and the unwanted advances of a patron. Oliver is a prisoner who escapes in an attempt to prove his innocence.

What I think about this book:
It was a nice twist to read about an Opera singer who has morals and is not the villain in the story. Maggie is instead a woman of faith and morals who seeks to right wrongs even if they were not of her doing. Oliver is determined to see vengeance against the man who wrongly accused him. When brought together Maggie and Oliver go on an adventure to find justice. The story has moments of mystery ,suspense and danger. It also has moments where characters face immense cruelty. Griep has written a story that is intriguing and mostly fast paced, with characters who do not always meet traditional expectations.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Michelle never disappoints. She’s one of those authors that I don’t even read to see what the book will be about. If I see her book I am reading it.
This book is full of romance, action, suspense and mystery. Things are slowly revealed about each character and what brought them to this curtain time and place.
I loved the fact hat Maggie was and opera star and had to walk away from that life. As a musician myself I can only imagine the heartache it would cause to walk away from something that is such a big part of you.
If you enjoy historical romance I have no doubt you will want to read this book.

A copy of this book was given to me by the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

Darkness is on their heels, can they find truth?

There are some historical romance authors whose books I will pick up without really reading the back cover blurb because I know I'll enjoy the story no matter. Michelle Griep has become one of those authors. I will admit to being intrigued by the title, The House At The End Of The Moor, and the mysterious cover with the lady in the red dress which is quite startling against the misty background.

As I had picked the book up without any previous knowledge of the storyline I was a bit surprised when it started out in Dartmoor Prison. A dark dank place of which I had vaguely heard of somewhere in my vast reading history. Yep, our hero is in gaol, and that is spelled correctly, for a crime he didn't commit. However, he escapes and lands on the doorstep of the one woman who can either land him back in prison or help him clear his name. But, in the meantime, they both have their secrets and they also have some unpleasant and dangerous men on their tail...

As with any of Michelle Griep's historical romances there is a strong emotional element woven through the seemingly disparate threads of the story. Both Maggie and Oliver have had difficult relationships with their fathers, something that even people today can easily relate to. Both of them will need to lean on grace and learn forgiveness for the past.

With a title like The House At The End Of The Moor you know you really can't go wrong in choosing to read it. It didn't take me long to finish it and now I find myself in the position of waiting. Waiting for the author's next release. Not very patiently waiting...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Moors are mysterious and dangerous and, apparently, the perfect place for a prison.

Maggie had let the house at the end of the moor so she could hide from society and the unwelcome attentions of the "gentlemen" who assumed that her profession as an opera singer was an indication her morals were loose. Desiring nothing more than being able to keep to herself, she lived her days in quiet and solitude.

Until.

Oliver was determined to escape from the hellhole known as Dartmoor Prison so he could prove his innocence and that of the man in the cell next to him. When he showed up, more dead than alive, Maggie couldn't help but attempt to rescue him.

The House at the End of the Moor is a delightful story, filled with twists and turns and pursuit and intrigue. And filled with Michelle Griep's wonderful caricatures that make her stories so rich and unique.

Oliver struggled with his need to seek justice for the poor and downtrodden and his relationship with his estranged father. Sebastian struggled with a need for penance, which he may just have attempted to get in completely the wrong way - assuming we need to find atonement on our own - which of course we don't.

I loved the spiritual lessons learned throughout, woven into its very fabric instead of being forced into it.

One thing that bothered me was the way Maggie's portion of the story was told in first person present tense while Oliver's and Sebastian's were told in third person past tense. The switching between present and past tense was distracting and felt wrong.

If you enjoy historical stories with the right balance of suspense and romance, you won't want to miss The House at the End of the Moor.

Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

Another good book by Ms. Griep. This is the story of Maggie who is a famous opera singer who has run away from a man who has threatened her. Then there is Oliver. He has escaped prison where he has been sentenced for stealing a necklace he didn't take. He is shot while escaping ends up at Maggies. This is their journey to freedom. I recommend this book for all mystery buffs.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

A book with as many twists, turns, and dangers as the moor itself.

This book will draw you in and keep you hooked. I read half the book in one day and finished it the next morning. I could not wait to learn what would happen next.

Michelle Griep has the magic touch for writing beautiful prose that whisks you away into a wildland of adventure and intrigue. Maggie and Oliver were superb characters with deep flaws and exceptional stories. There is never any doubt that this is a Christian book, and the spirituality is weaved into the very core of the story in such a way that it becomes seamless.

Oliver’s attitude was one more crazy experience. The shifts make sense, but talk about some fierce emotion. Whew. Maggie is a rockstar. Opera star, really, but I mean when it comes to telling things how they are, she pretty much has no fear.

I love how the story twists together, and just when things seem to be okay, you get thrown into another round. There’s a bit of mystery winding its way through the story, and the side characters become more than what you expect.

If you enjoy historical romance with a flair for drama and intrigue, you must give this one a try.

The blurb was extremely interesting _- I was chuffed to have been approved. Yet, the story didn't stretch much for me. There was a mystery and the story evolved around that - which was good. I am sitting on the fence with this book - there were parts that I liked and didn't. So, 3 stars.

I found this to be an intriguing tale. I think it's set in the regency era (I have a tendency to get the different eras mixed up in my mind), it involves some mystery and danger.

Maggie is renting the house 'at the end of the moor' because she is in hiding. I've never had the opportunity to see these moors, but the more I hear of them, the more fascinated I become. But it doesn't really sound like a place I'd want to live--alone, out in the middle of nowhere. So, when she discovers an injured man laying on the ground, I had to wonder at the wisdom of her taking him in and trying to help him.

As Oliver regains his health and consciousness, I began to find out who he was, and see what kind of man he was.

And then there's also Sebastian.

(these are the three characters who have their own POV in this story)


I had to catch on to the switching POVs, but I liked seeing what each person was thinking....

Oliver and Maggie are both trying to clear their names, seeking for freedom.

There is a ruby necklace involved. Bad guys hunting them down. Violence. Danger. Mystery.

I like how the author bit by bit reveals why these characters are hiding and on the run, and shows them facing their problems and coming to grips with who they are.

This is also a book about forgiveness, relationships, and much more.

Michelle Griep is a master storyteller when it comes to historical fiction with mystery woven in.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A little Jane Eyre meets the beginning of Sense and Sensibility reversed, this novel becomes its own tale quickly. In the Dickensesque style I've come to expect from Michelle Griep this mystery on the moor kept me up reading. I liked the literary references which made it feel a little more intellectual than some of the typical light Christian fiction books I read. It's well-written and any lover of regency books should enjoy this novel. It's pleasant, a tad dark, and at times fast paced. I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to reading more by Griep.

This book sat on my netgalley shelf untouched, which was my own fault. Wish I"d read sooner. Totally worth reading! I received this book from netgalley for my honest review.

4.5 Stars!
This was a wonderful read with a fabulous setting and characters. I was completely immersed, even when I had to set the book down due to my anxiety over the suspense elements. The main characters were unjustly accused, treated, and condemned and I was in an uproar of indignation for them. I took so many breaks just to collect myself and remember that justice would prevail.

The House at the End of the Moor was a lovely romance with exciting suspense that featured the Godly, godless, and those deceived by their own pride. I was again captivated and entertained by this consistent author of redemptive romance.