Oliver Ward wants revenge. Revenge on the man who falsely accused him of a crime. He wants justice for himself and for the innocent man in the cell next to him. When an opportunity arises for him to escape the brutality of Dartmouth Prison, he takes it—sure God has opened a way for him.

Maggie Lee misses her father, but writing to him might reveal her hiding place at the end of the moor. Although she misses parts of her life on stage, she doesn’t miss the assumptions, innuendos, and offers that men rain upon her. She fled one horrible night and vows not to return until that man who propositioned her and threatened her father recants. Her hiding place gives her unexpected freedom and isolation from men—until a half-dead man shows up on the moor.

This book represents Griep’s best work ever. I love how Maggie speaks in the first person while we get to know Oliver through the third person. This helps the reader feel present during the scenes that Maggie relates, yet keeps what happens to Oliver from feeling overwhelming. If you’ve read Les Miserables, you might feel as if Inspector Javert haunts the book in the form of Officer Barrow.

The realistic descriptions of prison life, the treatment of poor people, and the underbelly of Bath might make readers flinch. But lovers of accurate historical fiction will appreciate the details. The beauty of Maggie’s voice and lyrical descriptions provide a counterpoint to Oliver’s experiences.

The pace of the story makes it impossible to set down, and the twist at the end provides that satisfying feeling of having read a beautiful book full of depth and meaning.

An innocent man wrongly imprisoned; not just wrongly imprisoned, but targeted and accused, in order to stall his work to improve the lives of the poor. A beautiful opera singer, propositioned with the threat of blackmail, forced to leave her gift behind and live an anonymous life on the barren moor. A daring escape, an injured stranger, a Constable bent on meting out justice, plots uncovered - in all of this, what is God's plan? Where is His justice?

There was so much action, redemption, and reconciliation in this book; it was thrilling, heartbreaking, and gripping. Yet, the dark characters and the violent evil they wrought on undeserving and unsuspecting recipients was harsh and difficult to stomach. I understand that it highlighted their depravity and lack of understanding of God's mercy and justice, but I felt that it could have been hinted at, but left a bit more off of the page.

I give this book 4 stars; I loved so much of it, it would have easily been a 5-star read without so much violence.

"Books are light and air.” This one was sweet ambrosia to my soul. It was midnight. I was just finishing Michelle Griep’s The House at the End of the Moor. All I could do was sit in my chair and grin hugely. The House at the End of the Moor was everything and more (pardon the pun) I could hope for from Griep. Firstly, the two Regency protagonists, Maggie and Oliver, are three-dimensional. They are both wonderful and flawed. And, yes, it is easy to fall in love with them as we learn more about their broken backgrounds. Griep writes with great imagery, humor, and skill. “Words stagger around on my tongue like little drunkards.” “...’ Every soul has value.’” “’ Even Barrow’s?’” “...That stung. Of course, Barrow was one of God’s creatures--but so was a rat.” (BTW, this “value” theme carries over from her last book, but yet The House at the Edge of the Moor is also a great stand-alone.) The enemies are dark, dangerous, and even described as demons. How I loved that. But how I loved, even more, the subtle thread of one very lost, dark soul beginning to hear God’s call on his life. How far is too far for forgiveness? With people? With God? The faith element is present at appropriate times. Strong, but fitting. If you can't have faith when approaching death, when can you? Does this same faith carry over into life? Greed, need of a loving father, trust, backward prejudice, judgment, and justice are all themes woven into this deliciously rich book that went down like honey into my reader’s soul. “True justice starts with repentance. How can we ask God to show justice in the world while willfully nursing our own hidden prejudices, selfishness, lusts, greed...our own broken relationships?” By the end of the novel, I had completed a romance, filled my head with beautiful words, received words of faith to consider, and enjoyed more twists than I could have imagined. Yet every twist actually was credible. Thus, I closed the book, extremely happy. If only it weren't over. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as well as from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. This in no way influences my opinions, which are solely my own. 

Having previously read books by author Michelle Griep, I was excited to start reading this book. It surpassed my expectations completely and I loved every second of this book. The House at the End of the Moor is a story of two people, two hearts, two souls, trapped not only by their outward circumstances, but by the hurt in their pasts. Thrust together in the most unseemly way, their lives are entwined in a path of secrets, lies, and hidden evils.

Maggie Lee has run away from her father, her hopes, and a successful career to find solitude, but her sudden departure has opened the door for evil to take hold of Oliver Ward and wrongfully condemn him to prison. After escaping, Oliver finds himself being cared for by the one woman who could help him restore his innocence, but is this quiet young opera singer brave enough to not only help Oliver, but to face her fears and help herself?

I immensely enjoyed this book. The switch between third person and first person POV's was a little hard to get into, but after a while you don't notice it as you get so engrossed in the wonderful story. This book held me captivated the whole way through, and I was sad to see it end, but so thankfully to see hearts beginning to heal and love and mercy and forgiveness prevail, especially in the case of Officer Barrow. Great clean read for any Historical Christian Romance lover!

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for my copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The House at the End of the Moor is Michelle Griep’s latest novel, and I must say, it’s a good one. From the moment the constable opens the door of Oliver’s cell, there is plenty of action and intrigue.

The plot itself keeps you on your toes, but it’s the characters that draw you in. Maggie is tough yet fragile. Oliver is gentle yet hard. And they each harbor secrets. Their unexpected connection surprised me, and I liked the conflict with the jewels. The characters have their flaws, but those are addressed head-on throughout the book, especially Oliver’s. Both characters are likable and relatable because of this, in addition to their positive attributes.

The romance is well-paced. I liked that it wasn’t rushed, especially since the characters had more pressing issues like finding a thief and getting their lives back.

Several moments of humor lighten up what could be an otherwise heavy book. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say some disguises are utilized as well as good old-fashioned charm.

One thing that did throw me off was the POV change. Maggie’s POV is first-person while Oliver’s is third-person, and Maggie’s is in present tense while Oliver’s is in past tense. I’m sure Griep has a reason for this. I just don’t know what it is. Although, I suppose it could show that Maggie doesn’t want to dwell in her past and has been alone for quite some time in a bubble of her own creation.

Overall, The House at the End of the Moor proves Michelle Griep knows how to write a fantastic, gripping novel. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves all things British, Jane Eyre, and mystery. Oh, and romance. Can’t forget the romance.

I enjoyed Michele's Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, and her new book, The House at the End of the Moor, is just as enthralling. The storyline is unique, involving a hidden on the moor opera singer, a wrongly accused escaped prisoner, and a ruthless, immoral, wealthy political figure. The hero and heroine of the story, Oliver and Maggie have the sweetest, slow-building romance. Themes of social injustice, reconciliation, and forgiveness are just some of what makes this novel so compelling.

The book is a joy to read, especially for those drawn to historical fiction. Inspirational and engaging, I heartily recommend it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for furnishing me with an ARC for this my honest review.

This is an astoundingly, brilliant book! Every time I read anything by Michelle Griep, I am struck by how vivid her scenes and character interactions are. It is not just the visual to which I refer, but her writing evokes all the senses...her word choice allows me to see, hear, feel, and taste whatever is affecting the characters. This book is no exception. I have loved reading Charles Dickens's books, and I feel as though I, myself, write in a similar style to that of Dickens. What I have noticed about Michelle Griep's books is that her character names reflect the look and behavior of that character...much in the way Dickens did. One only has to know the name of a character to imagine the type of person this is. I loved Oliver's and Daisy's journey from the moor and back again. Their journey was not just a physical one but spiritual as well. And so was it for the other characters in the book. The underlying theme of forgiveness played well into the Christian Fiction subject matter, and it seemed as though all characters had something they needed forgiven and something for which they needed to forgive in others. And the picture of Oliver Ward in my mind is something I will not forget. He is a quintessential hero who will go to the ends of the earth to protect those he loves. And he is super handsome. The moor, as a backdrop to much of this book, seemed symbolic for the chaos in which the character lives have gone. And so many reminders of Jane Eyre (it.). The direction of this book is as windswept as the moor, and the characters are as alive as if they have just jumped out of the book. I loved the chemistry between Oliver and Daisy...and I quite liked the sweet scenes between Oliver and his father, two powerful men at odds...as well as the amazing scenes between Oliver and Daisy as their love grows. The only issue I had was the first-person narrative for Daisy and, then, the jumping in and out to third-person narrative for the other characters. I am not always a fan of first person, so it took me a few chapters to adjust to this technique in this author's latest book. Most of hers have all been in the third person. I prefer third person since that allows an unbiased view of each character's thoughts and feelings. However, when I referenced Jane Eyre (it.) earlier, I know that is written in the first person, and that book is, of course, a classic. So it is fitting that Michelle Griep chose to set the House at the End of the Moor in the spirit of Jane Eyre (it.), one of the greatest books. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by Net Galley, and this is my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book to all! :)

In Michelle Griep’s latest novel, readers are transported to 19th-century Devon, England to follow a hero and heroine accused of crimes they never committed. In pursuit of justice, the story flows from the gray depths of Dartmoor Prison and its forgotten inmates, to the heights of high society’s glittering concert halls. One word resounds, its echo landing on each page and in both heroes’ hearts: Justice.

Haunted by accusations of her past, Margaret lives out her self-imposed banishment at Morden Hall, surrounded by the shifting skies above an endless moor. Her only companions are her mute maid, grizzled manservant, and loyal dog. Far from the glamour and fame of her past, she is happy with her companions, books, and audience of none as she sings on the open moor.

Everything changes when a man who was there on the day she fell from society’s grace appears unconscious and bleeding outside her home. Margaret is torn: Should she help the man escape the brutish prison guard chasing him, risking her anonymity in the process? Or should she stay hidden, abandoning the “stranger” to his own fate?

“Death prowled the cellblock like a dark animal seeking prey–especially the weakest. But Oliver Ward would be hanged if he’d let the beast devour the man in the cell besides him. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right.” (Line 1, Chapter 1)


Wrongfully accused and harshly punished for theft, Oliver Ward spends his nights in prison darkness and his days breaking rocks for no other purpose than to break him. He knows he has few chances for freedom, as everyone he knew before he went to trial has abandoned him. If he can just make it to the end of the moors before being captured, he knows he can find a way to prove his innocence and save his friend, Jarney, from dying in prison. When fate (or something else) pushes him across Margaret’s path, he faces his own dilemma: Is it better to grasp for justice…or to reach for revenge?

A few years ago I had the chance to stand on an English moor instead of watching it through the screen. When I did, I finally understood why it captivated the Brontës, Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden), and Daphne du Maurier (Jamaica Inn). I had always pictured it as a bleak wasteland: lifeless, cold, colorless. The real truth is a jumble of presuppositions and different realities. The ground beneath my feet wasn’t flat; instead, it was of rolling hills, each revealing elements of the landscape that had been hidden before. Long grass moved with the breeze. The wind shifted under a sky wide and changeable, storm clouds the color of pewter one day, and streaks from an artist’s palette the next. If asked now to define the word “sky,” I would say: “The view above a moor or sea.” Everything on a moor is sharp and fresh—the sights, the air—even the way you feel just a little more tangible when you leave it. Can it be bleak? Yes. But does it remain ever dark? No.

This was the same feeling I had while reading The House at the End of the Moor. The novel dealt with heavy topics, and like both the stereotype of a moor and its reality, these themes were not painted in soft watercolors, but in bold ink. Oliver Ward was physically and mentally tortured under a system of law that largely works, but as we all know, also fails. Margaret was wary of men because of their treatment—and demanding objectification—of her in the past. Both characters’ stories went beyond just being an interesting tale because their cries for justice and their struggles between hate and forgiveness is something every human faces. I was caught up in their story and in wrestling with these issues as they did, and I still find myself thinking about it days after I closed the novel.

What I didn’t like about my experience with The House at the End of the Moor was that the secrets (and there were many) were often revealed too abruptly. The lack of build-up combined with some modern, non-Regency/Victorian dialogue made me confused and disoriented for longer than I wanted to be. Because of this, it was only until 30% through that I felt immersed in the story, although the characters drew me in from page one.

Like a real moor’s landscape, there was also beauty and light across this novel’s pages. With humor aplenty and a slow-build romance, The House at the End of the Moor was as entertaining as it was thought-provoking. Margaret especially made me cheer because of her independence and bravery, and Oliver’s inherent compassion for others made me wish for more heroes to champion those who cannot speak for themselves. I highly recommend The House at the End of the Moor for your next spring read!

Maggie “Daisy” Lee lives in a house at the end of the Moor. She has a manservant and a maid that help her keep the household going. Every day she prays that the man who is looking for her will not look there. All is well until an injured man is discovered and Maggie makes the choice to help him. While recovering, Oliver sees a familiar dress and jewels. The exact jewels that he allegedly went to prison for stealing. Maggie states that they are fake but it is revealed that they are the real deal. They make a plot to find the men to who ruined their lives and to clear their names. What happens leads them to events that change their prospective and turn their lives more toward God. A great read that makes you realize who you can trust at the worst times and find your way home. Thank you to Ms. Griep, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this Christian/Historical romance.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a historical fiction novel that was part romance and part crime/mystery and I LOVED IT!!! I am so very grateful that I got to read this novel. Maggie and Oliver were great characters with a slow burn romance. The theme of forgiveness is prevalent throughtout.....between father and children, captor and prisoner, etc. The action and twists in this novel were well crafted and kept me turning the pages as this book. It might be helpful to label chapters of sections based on who is talking. I loved everything about novel and can't wait to read more by this author.

My Thoughts:
The relationship arc between Oliver and his father, as well as the redemption thread throughout, sets this story apart. I enjoyed seeing the mending of hearts and souls, the hope that underscores the whole book. Also, the themes of mercy, justice, and redemption are woven nicely into each character's arc.

Narrative Style:
I enjoyed the heroine's first person, present tense narrative, even though I usually prefer second person, past tense. I thought this was a creative approach and though I struggled reading her portions as quickly as the others at first, by the end of book, the flow became familiar.

Historical Aspects:
Michelle Griep's historical details are transportive and woven seamlessly into the story. Her historical notes at the end of the book are fascinating.

Romance Thread:
The romance between the hero and heroine felt natural, except maybe one line of the hero's introspection during the midpoint where he thinks of her in terms of love, which seemed too early based on what he knew about her (see pacing notes below about sharing backstory). Their relationship is built on shared values and admiration, and I think Oliver's grand gestures at the end of the story were particularly sweet. Maggie's boldness to encourage Oliver in his spiritual change arc shines a light on the deeper issues in the novel and moves him to address his relationship with his father, while Oliver's persistence in kindness and restraint where she is concerned endear him to her and the reader. The understated mention of Maggie's calling the barrister "father" at the end was touching as well.

Pacing & Character Motivations:
Maggie's motivation for meeting with her manager around the 70% mark was a little hard for me to believe. I could more easily see her motivated by a fear for her father's safety, rather than fear of being followed by the man she was going alone to meet. Also, it seemed the guardians at that meeting, having witnessed her manager's actions, would have taken legal action immediately, and I was left wondering why they didn't.

The hero/heroine's backstories are kept secret until 65% or after, when they might have helped with believability if they had shared those histories with one another or the reader at the 50% mark or earlier. Sometimes I see this in novels--and have done this myself--when the motivations themselves aren't overly strong, so the author leaves the reader to imagine much worse until the last possible moment. Maggie's paralyzing fear of Ambrose from across the room before she is supposed to sing was hard to believe as well. She isn't afraid to meet her manager alone even though she's felt the brunt of his cruelty, but she freezes across a crowded room at the sight of Ambrose, who propositioned her, but never physically hurt her or her father.

The hero's dressing as a footman for a disguise might have come across more believably if Maggie had helped him with stage makeup, but as is, the outcome of that scene was easily foreseeable.

Overall Impression:
The reader in me delighted in Barrow's arc, and I'm hoping to see him in another book or two. The set up definitely allows for subsequent stories, maybe even featuring the lost Marquis. The story is interesting on the whole, but feels like the polishing stage was rushed. The book might have benefited from a few astute beta readers with an eye for smoothing dialogue, strengthening motivations, and rounding out characters. Michelle Griep holds a deep knowledge of English Regency culture, and I look forward to reading more from her.

This book was filled with intrigue and twists and turns that kept me reading "just one more chapter." I loved Maggie and her fight for justice even at the peril of her identity being revealed. Oliver was a man full of integrity and heart for the less fortunate. Maggie and Oliver are joined together on a quest for the truth. Their journey is filled with mystery and danger as they are both chased while they fight for the truth to be revealed. The characters and the plot have a depth to them that continues to resonate in my mind days after finishing the book. I recommend this book to anyone that loves mystery, romance and deep truths.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

The plot of this book was very unexpected! I was completed captivated by the characters in this book. Oliver and Margaret are both in need of rescue and they find it difficult to trust anyone. Ms. Griep writes characters of incredible depth and readers will find themselves cheering for their "release from captivity". I loved the descriptions of the Moors and the sanctuary it provides to Oliver and Maggie. This book is entertaining and a lovely book to read.

The House at The End of the Moor
By Michelle Griep
4 stars

A gothic Bronte-esce atmosphere.
Our heroine, Maggie an opera singer, hiding out amongst the moors when she stumbles upon Oliver, a man terribly wounded escaped prisoner. From there Griep takes us on a thrilling adventure. There's stolen jewels, crazy villains, and eccentric characters.
I really enjoyed this book. The romance was at a good level. I felt that Maggie and Oliver really went through something together and truly had a relationship at the end. The only part I would critique is that some of the villains violence could have been toned down a bit.
Really reccomend!
I received this as a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I was thrilled to read the newest novel by an author I can’t get enough of. The cover didn’t draw me in, but the fact I haven’t been disappointed by any of this authors books made me want to read this one. The beginning was slow going as the author took her time in introducing readers to her main characters. It was a struggle as I hadn’t a clue where the author was going with the story, but it was well worth my time. Be patient, as the story picks up when the sheriff bangs on the door of the house at the end of the moor. After that I couldn’t put the book down.

I liked the fact that the author had readers discover who these characters were at the same time the characters realized who the other was. Loved that and the secrets each held close to their chest, as they tried to our smart the other in this mysterious game of chess. I enjoyed the mystery, and danger. There was a strong spiritual thread as the characters struggle with their faith and are confronted by a misguided religious bounty hunter type guy. I enjoyed the splash of romance that added to the intrigue. Maggie Lee and Oliver Ward knew that one wrong move, and they’d come face to face with the enemy and back in the prison’s they’d both escaped from.

There was a creepy dark character, Officer Barrow bounty hunter type, who imagined himself higher than his title of Dartmoor Prison, “spouting Scripture with as much gusto as a stiff eastern wind. He never got it quite right, though. A missing word. An added phrase. His own doctrines colouring God’s precepts to a cadaverous shade.”.

He’s a crazy, cruel man who is on a crusade to right the wrongs of the world so he can get his soul clean from the evil he has done. He was “Trying to mend his relationship with God – done everything in his power to remedy that single moment when he’d taken a man’s life.” seeking revenge.

I enjoyed this complex, emotionally charged novel, with well-developed characters I liked getting to know. The story is filled with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I felt for them, their situation, hurts, triumphs and events that tugged at my heart strings.

I enjoyed and learned much from the historical notes at the end of this intriguing tale. This story would work well for your next book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

#TheHouseAtTheEndOfTheMoors #NetGalley

A House at the End of the Moors, is a gothic novel, dark, with a twist of romance, forgiveness and love. Maggie's character will pull you in, she is strong in the face of opposition. Oliver breaks out of Dartmouth and finds solace in the house at the end of the moors. Well developed characters and plot. I loved this book, I'm sad that it ended.

If you are looking for a slightly post-Regency era, slow-burn, Christian romance book, then this book is a great choice. The story is interesting, if predictable, and the book is well-researched. I found it a little slow at times, with not enough drama, suspense, twists, and turns. Furthermore, the dialogue, well probably true to the era, seemed a little stilted. While these things distracted from the book's appeal to me, they might not be as much of a distraction to someone who likes that time period and book style. Apparently, I am just not as much of a fan of that time period anymore (don't tell Bronte!).

Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I can't say enough about Michelle Griep's books. She writes such heart-felt fiction, and this one is no exception.
Oliver and Maggie are both struggling with the hand life has dealt them - he's fighthing to prove his innocence, she's holding tight to maintain a quiet life of anonymity. When their worlds collide, each will risk their own hard-won ground to aide the other.
Maggie and Oliver are very realistic characters, and Ms. Griep writes male and female characters equally well.
I have to say, in this book, I was also especially impressed with the bad guy. Mr. Barrow is the worst kind of bad guy, he believes he is "righteous" in everything he's doing. The effect of his encounters with those around him and his character development throughout the story add a new perspective and dimension to the usually flat character of the typical bad guy.
Michelle Griep manages to cover so many aspects of conflict in this book - right vs. wrong, justice vs. revenge, family conflict, inner conflict with oneself, past vs. present - and manages to do them all justice in depth and genuineness.
I read all of her books and will continue to do so. You just know it's going to be good.

The House at the End of the Moor
Rating: 4 stars

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review.

This book kept me very entertained from start to finish. It was full of non-stop action, drama and a little romance. I had a hard putting it down because I really wanted to know what would happen to Oliver and Maggie. Trouble seemed to always find them. This book is not heavy on the romance, but I did like how as Oliver and Maggie spent time together their feeling began to change. They first had to clear their names before they could be together and boy did it take it a while, but it was very well worth it to see them get there.

Great story and I highly recommend it!!

Escaped Convict. Woman in Hiding. Stolen Jewelry. Treachery. False Accusations. Revenge. Justice. Trust.

I was hooked from page one. Reminiscent of Jane Eyre, The House at the End of the Moor is full of intrigue and suspense… nothing is as it appears. I honestly had a hard time putting it down!

The character development was so flawless and clever. Through her use of language, Michelle Griep made the dramatis personae come to life. I found myself desiring justice and redemption for the characters, but including the point of view of one of the villains, challenged my raw emotion and granted me a deeper understanding. Both unique and refreshing.

“How long will that angry beast living inside him continue to override his good reason?”

I look forward to reading more from this spellbinding author!

Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
*** 5 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop, Desire to Re-Read