The theme related to where one places trust is artfully wound into this tale set in 1815, London, Linked with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Lost in Darkness guides readers to the Light. Fans of Jaime Jo Wright will be enthralled with this book by Michelle Griep, as well as those readers who may be new to either or both of these authors, but enjoy tales that tip the scale on the eerie side. Releasing in the fall season, it is the perfect read for a cool, rainy evening with a favorite hot beverage in hand.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Lost in Darkness from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This book surprised me, it is not my go-to genre and didn't call to me, but since it was written by Michelle Griep, I had to read it. In the past, I have either loved her novels or been 'meh' about them. This one I liked more once I was really into the story, past the halfway point, then it was like a lightbulb came on and I could see so many underlying themes happening. Quite literally, the characters in this story are all lost in their own darkness, some of their choosing, some by circumstance, and some by nature. Who will find their way out and how will they change?
Though neither sibling loved their father, they carry out his wishes of Colin having a new procedure in the hopes of "what if this actually works?" Amelia wants a better life for her brother and Colin though content to live with his deformity goes along in the hopes that the procedure might work. Along the way, both will meet people that will change their lives.
Griep does so very well with making her characters have such depth you come to understand them, even the ones dubbed as evil or villains. The overarching storyline is fantastic and as mentioned, you can relate so many various themes to this story - light/dark, ethics, what constitutes beauty or ugliness, judgment, tragedy, compassion - the list goes on and on.
This story does have an underlying slow-building sweet romance but the majority of it is gothic and dark. I feel that anyone can certainly appreciate many aspects of this novel even if gothic novels are not your thing.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Awesome Regency gothic!

Colin Balfour is a monstrous sight. Disfigured by a “disease that causes abnormal growth.”
His sister Amelia is a journalist and has just landed her dream assignment, a paid trip to Cairo to write a travel journal. Unusual for 1815. Strong minded and forthright, yet she carries a black tipped ibis feather. A talisman? A superstitious journalist it seems.
At the same time as the Cairo trip news, she receives notice of her estranged father’s death and a letter from him charging her with the guardianship of her brother, seeing to the continuation of his treatment.
Colin’s doctor “Uriah Peckwood, [is] a prominent and—as some claimed—rather provocative surgeon.”
Graham Lambert, an ex naval surgeon and now Peacock’s partner, is troubled by Peacock’s treatment regime leading up to and including the operation. A procedure set in motion by the Balfour’s unlovely father.
Strange experimental hints and charlatan asylums add to the atmosphere.
For all Amelia’s compassion and strength of character, I can’t quite understand why she let Colin go ahead with the procedure. The silent Amelia does get into troubling situations as the tale progresses. Graham Lambert, first met accidentally when Colin arrives, becomes an important part of their lives.
I feel a deep sympathy with the tragedy that is Colin’s life. I felt quite bereft when Nemo and Colin are parted. Nemo is the lost abused boy Colin discovers squatting in the empty house next door. He develops a mentor type friendship with him. Nemo is not frightened by Colin’s face—he’s seen worse. Their relationship is an innocent source of acceptance for them both. The poignancy of them both exploring freedom under the cover of darkness, walking in the park, is heartbreaking. A five star compassionate optic.
I loved the inclusion of Mary Shelley as their next door neighbour. An unexpected yet intriguing inclusion. Delicious ‘What If’ possibilities of fact intruding into fiction! If Mary Shelley had based Frankenstein on Colin Balfour, what then? If she’d actually been the Balfour House neighbor what would she have garnished?
As usual Griep has woven her Christian faith throughout the story, never raucous, just abiding.
A Regency gothic tale that works with a fractured Beauty and the Beast tale twist, pointing towards who the monster really is, in the Frankensteinain depiction of Dr. Peacock as he reveals his true colors.

A Barbour Publishing ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Amelia Balfour has her life all arranged, including an all-expenses-paid trip to Cairo in her role as a travel writer. Then her father dies and asks her to do one last thing for him: finalise the arrangements for her brother to have a revolutionary operation and care for him until he's well again. Colin lives in the shadows, avoiding people because the sight of his deformed face and massive body is enough to frighten anyone out of their wits. When a doctor promises to cure him, he's hesitant but hopeful of a new life. Graham is growing increasingly suspicious of his new partner surgeon, and when the man claims he will be able to cure Colin, Graham is forced to choose between supporting someone he's no longer sure he trusts and destroying his own future by going against him. Is the cure really possible? And will Graham be able to live with himself if it fails? And what of his growing feelings for Amelia?

To be honest, I nearly didn't even pick up this book because the references to Gothic and Frankenstein made it sound like really not my cup of tea. However, this author is pretty much an automatic read for me, I decided to give it a go. And really, it wasn't as much 'horror' as I was afraid it might be, and I did enjoy it (though I'd still rather she went back to more her usual style). While there's a lot of uncertainty and trouble in the background, watching the relationships among the characters develop was well worth the read, and the growth of the characters themselves was very well painted. All in all, well written and thought-provoking read with a satisfying ending, if not a particularly light or happy story overall.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep is a beautifully written tribute to the beloved classic Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It’s a gripping story that instantly pulls you in. Griep cleverly combines age old philosophical questions and themes with a tantalizing love story. Her characters are sympathetic, endearing, and sometimes terrifying. It was definitely difficult to put down.

Amelia is a forward thinking 27 year old woman who believes love may have passed her by. She’s devoted to becoming a successful writer. When her estranged father passes away, she must choose between fulfilling his last wish and going on the adventure of a lifetime to Cairo. Her love for her younger brother and her desire to see him made whole prevails and she is able to postpone her dream for a time.

Graham who was unfairly dismissed from the navy is seeking to establish himself with one of England’s most up and coming prominent surgeons. His determination earns him an assistant position. When he tries to help a woman in distress, he’s intrigued by her and then when visiting a potential patient for surgery, he meets her again. As the two grapple with the strange revolutionary treatment suggestions from Mr. Peckwood, they forge a strong friendship and respect for one another as well as a simmering attraction.

“This need of yours to appear perfect will be your destruction. We all have monsters within. Is it not time you slay this particular dragon?” I loved the way the writer paid homage to the original classic by grappling with similar themes and questions. Some of these were: perfection, the definition of beauty, faith versus superstition, man’s will versus God’s will, the siren call of fame, and the ethics of scientific experimentation.

I loved all of the characters. They were so well drawn. At the heart of this story, is Collin. He is such a memorable character that evokes at once compassion and sorrow. I wanted so badly for him to find happiness and treatment success. Amelia and Graham were such a great compliment to each other and I loved their relationship. There is one particular swoony scene where he demonstrates a certain technique that was filled with such palpable romantic tension I thought the pages would spontaneously combust. The villain is absolutely despicable and creates a great foil for Graham.

This is one story that you won’t want to miss. Those who have read Frankenstein will have an instant connection with this amazing story. However, for those who haven’t read the classic, they will still be able to love and appreciate this well written gothic novel. Highly recommend and look forward to reading more by this author. I received an advanced ebook copy from the author and Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given. I was not required to provide a positive review.

A thrilling story, gothic style, full of suspense, mystery and intrigue. Likeable characters. An engaging story line. Full of twists and turns. Savor this novel.. You will not be disappointed. Five stars.

I have read other Michelle Griep books and really enjoyed them. I started reading “Lost in Darkness” without reading a description of the plot. As I continued reading, I became intrigued and couldn’t put it down. The characters were well written. The storyline was interesting, although not my typical genre, I wanted to know the ending. The author is a masterful storyteller and wove a suspenseful tale. Beauty and the beast meet Frankenstein. The story is a classic tragedy. I appreciated the author’s notes at the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A page turner, for sure, you will need answers, and they are forthcoming all the way to the author's notes!

We are in 1815 England, and follow Amelia Balfour as she puts her wants aside to be there for her brother, her deceased father has commissioned a doctor to operate on Colin, and now Amelia is there for him.

There is someone so sinister and dark here, how many people have lost their lives to him, and now Colin may be the next victim, can surgeon Graham Lambert, stop the madness?

There is a bit of sweet romance, and there is also compassion for those less fortunate, economically and physically, and a play on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Lost in Darkness is a beautifully written story, filled with hope and faith in the midst of a dark, suspenseful Gothic novel. This multilayered plot is reminiscent of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

This one drew me in from the very first page. All the characters are well drawn. Even the horrid Mr. Peckwood, who was a perfect villain.

Joy, sadness, suspense, and a strong spiritual thread combine to make this an excellent story. One I will remember.

Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book. The opinions are my own.

What a stunner! This book has me rethinking the usual 5 star rating system, because it certainly deserves MORE! I've loved all Griep's historical novels and read most of them more than once. This story is darker, gothic, well off my usual bookshelf. But the layered characters and fascinating research behind this tale lured me in, and though I probably gained a few more gray hairs, boy, was it worth the ride! Strong, principled protagonists, damaged and questioning their past choices. Emotional and spiritual struggles as they rethink their place in worlds temporal and eternal. A villain you'd like to slap (or push off a tall building). And not everyone gets their happy ending. Even as I was covered in goose-bumps I reveled in Griep's buttery prose that wove pathos and passion. Prayers, poetry, passages from Scripture - and every chapter foreshadowed by an appropriate quote from Shelley's Frankenstein. I couldn't decide whether to turn more pages or put it down to make it last! Amelia, Colin, Graham, and an interesting cast of supporting characters won my heart and drove me on. This book left me emotionally exhausted, yet determined to cultivate that patience and compassion and bravery I saw in the heroes of this tale. My thanks to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for an early copy of this book; I was not required to post a review, but do so heartily.

I hate horrors, books or movies, just can't stand them at all but a historical gothic tale I'll take any day. Lost in Darkness fit the bill perfectly for me, it was haunting, sad and eerie! While no blood pumping thriller, I could feel my anticipation building throughout until I was positively buzzing by the end. And what an ending! Nail-biting and unpredictable! Lost in Darkness was one of those books where they're so interesting that it almost detracts from the book. I don't know how many times I paused reading so I could quickly Wikipedia something I'd just read about; Mary Shelley, shock therapy, frontal lobs, acromegaly.....just pure fascinating! The story had such an interesting cast of characters. It reminded me of a Charles Dickens novel, how he always had such an eclectic cast of characters in his books. I'm not spoiling anything by saying I've never hated a villain so much in my life! You'll understand when you read it....Amelia is wonderfully strong and independent but not in a loud arrogant way. She's just quietly amazing yet not afraid to speak out when necessary. Graham is such a caring yet tortured soul, trying his best to right all the wrongs in the world. And that first kiss *sigh* pretty sure I saw a little waft of steam come off the pages....

“Only God heals the past, but I have learned that kindness makes the present all the sweeter.” -Amelia

What a deeply profound story. I have to say that this is Michelle Griep best work yet! She gave powerful examples of a persons strengths and weaknesses. The narrative had a strong, brave heroine who survived outside the norms of society. And an honorable, compassionate hero. I loved the relationship that developed between them with just right amount of chemistry needed for a blooming romance. The best part is that the story was held together by examples of God’s mercy and grace.
The book lived up to every promise. And I found in entertaining and encouraging. I highly recommend it.
Thanks Bourbon Publishing via NetGalley.

Michelle Griep is a true artist with words. The quality of writing in this book is absolutely excellent. The mood is dark and slightly creepy, while still feeling romantic (do note, however, that this is an inspirational romance and therefore does not cross the line for fans of this genre, myself included). I was swept away from the first chapter. In fact, I think this book tops each of her previous works that I've read to date (and I've devoured several). As expected, the characters in this novel are well crafted and complex. Even the villain was exceptionally done! I would highly recommend this book if you're in the mood for a slightly dark or creepy read. But, then again, this is Michelle Griep, so anyone who enjoys historical fiction should read this. Period.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This author Michelle Griep is on my TBR list. Her books are well written, well researched, and have interesting characters. This book is no exception. I have never been pulled to read Frankenstein, but I picked up the ARC because I like the author. This book utilizes quotes from that story and writes a story that parallels it. I thought the information on medical practices was very interesting. Most people would enjoy reading this book, but due to a death in my family, it was not the book for me. I have a very low tolerance for horror. I received a free copy of the ebook from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review.

Will this surgery answer really to all the hope they put into it…

Oh my!
What a moving heart wrenching journey the author embarked me in. I am still a bit shaken by the bittersweet ending.
Amelia while she played the perfect miss is not so flawless she lets appear. To protect herself, she left behind her family, and while she has no real affection left for her sire, she also in some way abandoned her young brother.
Now she wishes in her own way to make amends by accompanying him while he faces a life turning surgery.
Graham is a man of principles, thus how he was dismissed from the navy. So he needs now to recoup himself and set his path on a new venture. He thinks his best option is becoming the associate of a well renowned surgeon. Yet as the honorable man he is, he struggles with some of his colleague’s methods. Even more as they affect the brother of the woman he has come to cherish more than anything.
Those two are still running away from their past and the wounds they bear in their soul, they tries to assuage their guilt and correct what they see as their faults, and even if it is misguided, they think it is the right thing to do. As their feelings for one another deepen, they will have to explore the content of their heart, to determine what is worth living or leaving.

There is a third character in this tale, as while it is a romance, it is also a gothic tale, and while the beast took the feature of Amelia’s brother, Colin, he is no evil, just a young man, judged and condemned for his appearance. And not all evils present themselves as monstrous. My heart ached and broke for him, for his young life spent in hiding, for everything he was denied.
So beware, the monster is lurking in the shadow.

The author constructed a clever tale, slowly increasing the tension, darkening the shadows, tensing the atmosphere until it reached its peak.
All the while her heroes dig into their soul, questioning their actions and altering their expected course.
Be forewarned, you will shudder, shriver, weep, be devastated, be upset or angry to finally see hope at the end of the road. This is no straight lined tale, but a complex heartbreaking story of loss and love.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Barbour Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Lost in Darkness is a captivating story of cruelty and greed, love and loss, forgiveness and redemption. This tale will lead you into England 1815, where certain types of people had little to no worth. What I loved about this story is that it reminds us of God's definition of our worth, no matter our station, malformities, or health. I loved the characters of this story! From Amelia, who fled from her father's harshness, but left her brother behind in the process. To Colin, who has a physical deformity that makes him feel like a monster and scares away people. But he's so loving and gentle with so much to offer the world. Then there's Graham, who lives buried under a mountain of regret. He desperately needs to realize Christ's forgiveness and realize his own worth! What a heart-wrenching story that I'm so grateful I read!

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

This is book that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's a chilling read that will keep you guessing until the end. I don't usually read this type of book but I've loved every book I've read by this author so I requested an ARC copy. I'm so glad that I was approved because this book keep me turning the pages to see what happened next. This book might not be for everyone but I loved it. 5 stars all the way!!
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was uniquely captivating in a chilling and unexpected way. I always enjoy a plot that keeps me guessing and I truly was hanging on every word to see how this story would unfold. The characters in this book were exactly what they needed to be. Graham and Amelia were both strong characters who provided moments of lightness with their budding romance while also adding depth to this story with their individual personal struggles to overcome. Colin, sweet Colin was my favorite part of this story. The reader cannot help but become attached to this gentle soul. The entire book I was anxious about the outcome of his story and if I could change something about this book I most definitely would when it comes to Colin. The horrible villain was positively chilling and slowly reveals his character as the chapters progress. I would say this book is not for everyone as it is very gothic in feel and does have a bit of a darker tone to it, however I enjoyed the unpredictability of the unique plot and it was so well written. No spoilers, but this story doesn’t exactly tie itself up with a pretty bow in the end, but the author did a great job of concluding this tale in a realistic way.

Gothic novels are not usually my first reading choice, but I have read Michelle Griep in the past and enjoyed her books. The description, combined with the mysterious looking cover, convinced me to request this book from NetGalley.
I did enjoy the book, but this genre is still not my favorite. I like happily ever afters with sunshine, rainbows, and butterflies. Instead, Lost in Darkness is filled with sadness, depression, and pride.
The main characters are Amelia, her brother Colin, and a young doctor, named Graham. Colin is horribly disfigured to the point that he hides away from everyone or faces shouts and abuse. Graham has recently allied himself with the famous Dr. Peckwood. It was Amelia and Colin's father's dying wish that Dr. Peckwood be allowed to operate on Colin's face and hopefully let him live a normal life. But Dr. Peckwood has a secret agenda of his own that has disastrous consequences for everyone.
I liked the characters, and the author is very good at setting and describing the scene. She gives vivid glimpses into 18th century England life. I could tell that she did a lot of research to write this novel. The only thing I didn't like, besides the not so happy ending, was that Colin, who has the greatest faith in the whole book, suffered the most. I know in this world we will have troubles, but he seemed to have more than his fair share.
Though not my favorite Michelle Griep book, I will continue to look for and read her latest novels.

This Regency Era page-turner is another inspiring, entertaining gift from master storyteller Michelle Griep penned with her signature rich, expressive prose. Within the pages of this book awaits an alluring story that is bound to captivate and satisfy. The multi-layered plot is exciting and suspenseful slightly reminiscent of the classic Frankenstein. The characters are well-developed and beautifully memorable. Amelia and Garrett are a wonderfully heartwarming couple. I also loved Colin, Nemo, and Mrs. Bap. The inclusion of Mary Shelley as a character in the fictional narrative is brilliant and adds authenticity and interest. Madness tempered with faith, loss tempered with hope, and maliciousness tempered with tenderness lightened the darkness of the gothic atmosphere. I greatly appreciated the encouraging spiritual truths flowing throughout the story. The author’s historical notes at the end are an enlightening bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.