This was an unusual book. Amelia's brother is grotesquely disfigured but content with his hermit lifestyle. When their father dies and makes arrangement for a drastic surgery in his will, Amelia and Colin don't know what to do.

The type of doctor care Colin receives is horrific at best. It's crazy to think that this kind of thing ever happened. Dr. Peckwood and his secretive ways become more sinister as his motives are revealed.

I really liked Colin and his heart for God and for a mysterious little friend. He didn't let his disfigurement harden him in the least. He's a beautiful man as is Graham.

Interestingly, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (the future author of Frankenstein) comes to visit the countryside. It's fascinating seeing one way of how she might have been inspired for her gothic tale.

This was a fascinating book. It was a little slow at times but still a great read. Thank you to Barbour Fiction for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Normal is but a state of mind, Sister. Trust must ultimately rest on God.

London 1815 - Try to imagine what life was like at that time. Amelia Balfour is a travel writer, spending time in the most exotic places for months at a time. Enter the promise to care for her brother, and everything changes. Colin, who suffers from a grotesque disfigurement, has had a tough life thus far. Now there is hope he will be able to be seen in public, if he will just have this experimental surgery. I must admit, my hackles went up immediately as I read this, and the willingness to give this doctor some of his own medicine was very great.

The author has once again created characters to love and perhaps some to hate. Decisions, regrets, love and loss are all part of this tale of faith and forgiveness. Add a little romantic tension and suspense and you will not tear yourself away from this story until it reaches the end, when you can decide if the conclusion is what you hoped for.

This ARC was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

I love Michelle Griep and was highly anticipating this book. The cover alone is absolutely delicious, and I loved the premise. However, this story fell kind of flat for me.

I loved all the characters individually, even Peckwood had his moments. I liked that Amelia is a bit older and independent. She’s smart and driven, not an inexperienced young lady. Graham is so humble and doesn’t realize what a good man he is. That quality made him such a swoony hero. And then there is Colin who I related most to. He is so sweet and kind and really just wants to be loved. He feels a lot and you can see that in the way he treats others.

So why did it fall flat? I think I expected more tension between Amelia and Graham. There was very little conflict between them. I didn’t feel the sparks. They’re okay together, not great.

I thought there would be more suspense and really hoped Peckwood would be more nefarious than he was. This story moves pretty slow, then there’s an intense scene and that’s it. I wanted more action and grit. Still, the writing was great in the technical sense, and I look forward to more from Michelle Griep.

The two main characters in Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep are travel writer Amelia and surgeon Graham. Amelia is called home after her estranged father passes away to care for her brother, Colin, who has terrible physical deformities which resulted from an accident when he was a child. He is scheduled for surgery soon. She hasn't seen her brother for many years. The book takes place in the early 1800's and there are many dark scenes concerning medical practices at the time.

I enjoy reading historical fiction and look forward to the end of a book which shares historical facts. Some of this book is based on actual people and facts.

There is mystery and romance in the book. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Lost in Darkness had me captivated from the beginning. Reminiscent of a Frankenstein tale, its main character, Colin Balfour, is a flawed character with the heart of a child. Loving and tender, he only wishes to change his outward disfigured appearance.

The story is entertaining with a sweet building romance and is brilliantly written, typical of Michelle's unique style. It brought out many emotions as my fingers flew through the pages; tears, joy, along with tender moments of compassion.

Lost in Darkness will touch your soul and you will remember its story long after you close the last page. Another winner and not to be missed.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

As the days get colder, and the nights are longer, what better thing to do than to curl up with a gothic novel? Michelle Griep has written a terrific novel, Lost In Darkness. It is a bit darker in tone than I usually read, but I found myself caught up in the story. I really enjoyed the literary and scientific references sprinkled throughout the book. Amelia and Graham are great main characters and I liked Colin, Betsy, and Nemo. Many other supporting characters add to the story. I loved the theme of redemption and forgiveness. So brew a pot of tea, grab some cookies and settle into your favorite reading nook for a suspenseful, intriguing read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

A terrific tale with the essence of a classic! A sister's love for an ailing brother brings her back home, putting her own career on hold, until her brother heals. Medicine in 1815, England was on the edge of discoveries, yet not all healers shared the same code of ethics.

“Hope is a precious gift.”
This author creates great characters, worthy of a Dickens tale, adding in faith and hope to counter the darker elements of the plot. Cameos of historical figures lend authenticity and give it the feel of a classic. Mystery and a bit of romance round out the story, and an edge of danger kept it intriguing. The dialogue includes brief discussions of faith and spiritual struggles, leading to personal redemption. It was particularly inspiring coming from Colin who had suffered so much.
“Trust must ultimately rest on God.”
Recommend to readers who enjoy a gothic-type tale with inspiration, mystery and a bit of romance. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

The was a moving tale potent with deep themes, evocative settings, and complex characters. Definitely one of Griep's best.

Amelia Balfour, an independent travel writer in 1800s England, finds herself torn between embarking upon the adventure of a lifetime and returning home to care for her younger brother during his recovery from a much-needed surgery. Graham Lambert is a former naval surgeon now seeking to partner with another doctor in private practice. When Graham begins treating Amelia’s brother, the attraction he feels for Amelia is instant and powerful. When Graham’s medical partner, Mr. Peckwood, behaves unethically and tragedy strikes, will the love between Graham and Amelia be strong enough to weather the outcome? Find out in this intriguing novel which gives a nod to Mary Shelley, famous author of the classic, Frankenstein.

Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep is a bittersweet and gripping novel set in 1815 England. It is the story of two siblings, Amelia and Colin Balfour, bound together by an unloving father. Talented Amelia is working to establish herself as a travel writer, while Colin, due to society’s prejudices, hides away because of his disfigurement. When their father dies, Amelia and Colin are summoned to the family home. It is their father’s wish that Colin agree to a surgery that could be life changing and without prior knowledge or Colin’s consent, his father has arranged for everything. Enter Uriah Peckwood and Graham Lambert. Wanting to become a more skillful surgeon, Graham has apprenticed himself to Peckwood, a renowned area surgeon. But unbeknownst to Graham, Peckwood is greedy and power hungry with a diabolical agenda of his own.

Under Peckwood’s instruction, Graham spends time with Colin and Amelia preparing him for surgery. As the weeks go by, he becomes a friend to Colin and a soulmate to Amelia. But as the time for Colin’s surgery grows near, Graham begins to second guess Peckwood and figures him more of a charlatan than a great surgeon. In the aftermath of the surgery, Peckwood and Graham come to blows as Colin is forever changed, leaving Amelia to wonder what the future could possibly hold for any of them.

Michelle Griep's story is both suspenseful and heartbreaking. The characters are wonderfully written and Colin’s story and the fiendish Peckwood parallel Shelly’s Frankenstein so well. However, as much as I enjoyed Amelia and Graham’s story of love and faith, I really loved Colin. What a gentle giant and how heartbreaking that a father who denied him love as a child, would dictate a surgery not only barbaric, but unproven. In the end, still and all, love still conquers all.

I want to thank NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for an ARC of Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Lost in Darkness

by Michelle Griep

Barbour Publishing

Rated: 4

Back of the Book: “Even if there be monsters, there is none so fierce as that which resides in man’s own heart.
Enchanting Regency-era Gothic Romance Intertwined with Inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Travel writer Amelia Balfour’s dream of touring Egypt is halted when she receives news of a revolutionary new surgery for her grotesquely disfigured brother. This could change everything, and it does. . .in the worst possible way.
Surgeon Graham Lambert has suspicions about the doctor he’s gone into practice with, but he can’t stop him from operating on Amelia’s brother. Will he be too late to prevent the man’s death? Or to reveal his true feelings for Amelia before she sails to Cairo?”

My Thoughts: What an enjoyable reinterpretation of the Frankenstein story. This story highlighted the roles of those who suffered from physical or mental conditions, those who loved someone with such an affliction, those who were curious about people with such afflictions, and finally those who sought to “fix” those with physical or mental conditions. I myself have suffered from anxiety and depression and can’t imagine the inhumane approach to such complaints in the past. I am thankful for how much mental and physical healthcare has developed with research and time. All in all, I enjoyed the various characters and their contribution to this story.

Inspiring Thoughts: “I am sick to death of what others’ definitions of what happiness must look like.”

“He’d equated the perfection she aspired to as a monster in her heart.”

“It is God you will answer to one day, not society.”

“God is sovereign, permitting things for a reason, even if that reason is hidden from man’s eyes. Should He allow you- or Amelia- to suffer in poverty, then it is by His good plan. And if you believe that God is not only sovereign but just, then you can be sure no matter how things might look, everything will be made right in the end.”

“It is easier to borrow wise words than to come up with them myself.” - This is me always!



I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Another amazing work by one of my favorite authors. Michelle Griep writes a gripping tale that portrays greed, fear and sorrow but does not leave it at that. She also writes of love, hope and redemption as well as judgement.

The book artfully crafts characters who live in different stages of darkness without full or even any recognition of God. We then see their journey towards, or rejection of, the glorious light of the gospel of Christ and the resulting consequences.

I was enjoying it so much, and had to read well past time to go to sleep since I had some pressing obligations that forced me to put down the book during the day.

I received the book as a free ARC copy for review purposes. i was under no requirement to give a positive review and gave my own honest opinion.

Lost in Darkness is the perfect read for the spooky season while still focusing on elements of hope, love, and family. I love Michelle Griep’s writing, and her “prequel” to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is engaging and heartrending. It’s been awhile since I first read Frankenstein, but this book is equally thought-provoking. Readers don’t need to worry about this story being too dark or scary—despite its title and source material, it is definitely uplifting and satisfying. Well worth the read! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a most unusual book for me. It is a real page turning book. The storyline is very "spooky" for sure. As Amelia Balfour returns to her home after her father's death, she is asked as a last request to care for her brother, Colin, whose face and size are frightening to most all who see him. Her father had arranged for a frightening surgery to "normalize" Colin by a Dr. Peckwood, assisted by Mr. Graham Lambert.

It is a dark story about Colin's unusual life and very captivating. The characters are well developed in the story and there are those you love and fear. I felt sad for Colin and fearful of what would happen to him. Would the surgery take place? And what would happen to him? There is some romance in this book. And you will hope for a good ending.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

I was unable to download it into my device.

This is the second time I haven't been able to download this author's books into my phone.

The book cover is attractive.

~No Spoilers~

I can still remember scenes from the first time I ever watched the intriguing, horror film 'Frankenstein' as a youngster—peeking behind and between my fingers—wanting to see the colossal, terrifying monster, yet not! Michelle Griep's new Regency Era Gothic romance loosely based on this eerie classic affected me the same way—parts of it totally spooked out this Gothic fiction lover, but I couldn't turn those pages fast enough!

Told from the viewpoint of the three main characters, I became totally invested in each and every fascinating aspect of their lives. Ms. Griep definitely knows how to write well-rounded, complex, captivating characters. Although the plot is somewhat dark in spots this novel is way more than just a book about a "monster"...included is a tender romance, humor (yes, humor!), and a spiritual thread of redemption and hope throughout. If you're looking for an original, unique, out-of-the-box read, 'Lost in Darkness' will certainly fill the bill!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own and I received no monetary compensation nor requirement to write a positive review.*

Lost in Darkness (of Monsters and Men) by Michelle Griep tells a story filled with sorrow, brotherly love, tension, greed, and mystery. It is an emotional story of the love between a sister and her physically deformed brother.

Amelia Balfour is a writer dreaming of publishing a new travel manual as her publisher has agreed to send her to Cairo for research. In the midst of planning for this trip, her Father’s solicitor arrives to inform her that her domineering Father, who had sent her away from her family home, had passed away suddenly of apoplexy. Amelia feels little sadness over her Father’s death, but is shocked to learn that before his death, he left explicit directions for her to follow.

Amelia’s younger brother Colin has suffered with a growth abnormality which has led to his leading a fairly solitary, lonely life, rather than be humiliated by people’s shocked response to his frightening appearance. Unbeknown to Amelia, her Father has arranged for Colin to have a revolutionary surgery which will supposedly reverse his horrific appearance; and, upon her Father’s death, Amelia has been appointed as guardian over Colin to see that the surgery is carried out. Amelia now struggles with staying in England and taking responsibility for her brother’s surgery or going on her dream trip to Cairo. Because of her deep love for her brother, Amelia decides to be with Colin during this risky surgical procedure.

Graham Lambert is a physician having difficulty finding employment because of being recently discharged from the Navy over bogus charges made by a superior officer. He approaches Dr. Uriah Peckwood, a prominent, yet provocative surgeon, and asks to join him as an assistant. When Amelia accompanies her brother Colin to an office visit with Dr. Peckwood, she also meets Dr. Lambert. While Dr. Peckwood is excited about his revolutionary surgical procedure, Dr. Lambert discovers several unusual and controversial issues regarding Colin’s proposed surgery. What should he do with this information?

This story is filled with emotion, as a sister who loves her brother dearly would like him to be able to lead a normal life, yet understands the risks and dangers involved with this somewhat unorthodox surgical procedure. Be sure to get a copy of Lost in Darkness to see how this story unfolds.

I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to other readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I've read a lot of classics this year, thanks to Audible Plus, and as summer turned into fall and I began thinking about Halloween, I decided to read/listen to _Frankenstein_. I'd never done so, and now seemed as good a time as any. (Plus, the audiobook was narrated by Dan Stevens, and that's about reason enough to listen!)

_Lost in Darkness_ was a breath of fresh air and the perfect counterpoint to _Frankenstein_ itself. The latter, while masterfully written, is--well, a gothic horror classic, so not exactly a light and happy-ending read, eh? I was proud of myself for reading it, even more so I could "understand that reference" (#captainamerica) throughout _Lost in Darkness_ (though it's not necessary to read first/at all in order to thoroughly enjoy Griep's novel).

The work brings to light quite a philosophical dialogue and weaves in a sweet romance, along with faith, familial relationships and everything that comes with them, and wonderful word pictures of English life and locales. I particularly enjoyed Colin and Amelia's sibling relationship and how it developed and changed over time.

4/5 stars.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Lost in Darkness
by MIchelle Griep
Pub Date: November 1, 2021
Barbour Fiction

Even if there be monsters, there is none so fierce as that which resides in man’s own heart.
Enchanting Regency-Era Gothic Romance Intertwined with Inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Michelle Griep is a personal favorite! This book is a winner as well!
Thanks to Barbour Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC.

5stars

Set in England in the early 1800s, this novel is a sad story about Amelia (an intellectual and independent minded woman), Colin (her brother who suffers from disfigurement), and Graham (the doctor’s assistant who tries to help). Various secondary characters appear as well—including Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.

Amelia wants her brother to have life-changing surgery to restore him to full health and a “normal” life—so she can continue her life of travel and writing. Colin is conflicted about the surgery, but he agrees to it. Why did these two who had very little love for their father, submit to his deathbed wishes to do this surgery? Didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

As the story develops, Graham is also conflicted about the surgery as he learns more and more about Dr. Peckwood, whom Graham assists. From a 21st century medical knowledge standpoint, the book is difficult to read. I kept saying “don’t do it” to myself over and over as I continued reading the story. The story is heartbreaking on so many levels, and I kept wanting a perfect outcome—but knew all along that it couldn’t really end happily for everyone concerned. All in all, not my favorite Griep novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.