This book was so well written! Even though Rosa and James had their own different struggles, they were both very relatable and likeable characters. The underlying suspense plot kept me coming back for more. A must read for anyone who enjoys Gothic style romances!

Michelle Griep is always one of my go-to authors, and this story was no different.

I am always going to love a bookish hero or heroine. Rosa was the perfect mixture of sweet and strong. I loved her desire to get books in the hands of anyone who wanted one. This was a great glimpse into her heart and her desire for everyone to have access to knowledge.

Now James is a wonderful, brooding hero. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for the brooding hero, so I immediately loved James. But what I loved most about him was his dogged search for a cure for his mother’s illness. I have to give Griep a lot of credit here for the research she did into a disease that others would associate with the myths of vampires.

James and Rosa have such a sweet romance. I loved watching their relationship develop from acquaintanceship to friendship to romance. The obstacles between them don’t feel contrived, especially in light of James’s struggles.

I also love the nods to Dracula and Bram Stoker.

Overall, Man of Shadow and Mist is a sweet romance with a gothic flair for historical romance lovers.

(Note: I received a copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Man of Shadow and Mist is an enchanting Dracula retelling that entertains with suspense rather than horror, and is an action-packed love story that is sure to delight readers! A protective hero and bookish heroine fall for one another in a superstitious English village, while rumors of vampires run amok. I loved the constant twists and turns the story took, and I am always thrilled when there are some daring rescues thrown in! Best of all, this book splendidly proclaims the hope of the Gospel. I was inspired by James’ sacrificial love and Rosa’s faith despite the superstitions and opinions of others. Readers of Michelle Griep’s “Lost in Darkness” will thoroughly enjoy this second installment in her series of gothic novel retellings, which can all be read as standalone books. Like she always does, Michelle Griep has delivered another excellent faith-based romantic adventure you will not want to miss!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it!

Wow! More than 5 stars is deserved for this book! It is exceptional! I enjoyed everything about it: the setting, the characters, and the sweet love story! This author is being added to my favorites list! My favorite character is James- what a guy! He's committed to his mother, compassionate, someone you can really count on. The ending was a complete surprise- loved it!
I was provided a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

𝑴𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝑴𝒚 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌: 😱😨😭😔😚😍😍😍🥰😌😌😨😰💘💘

Romance with gothic backdrops have been my recent reads and 'Man of Shadow and Mist' filled the slot perfectly.
I loved how we were introduced into the book with a whole eerie and spooky background. I felt for James as he had so much on his shoulders and then the whole town was up for calling him a vampire. Rosa was a total bad-ass and I loved how her hot-headedness gave us hope when all felt lost. Rosa's father was also a welcome personality since I love fathers who support their daughters instead of being ignorant about them or act with non-chahalance.

In conclusion, "Man of Shadow and Mist" is a masterpiece that effortlessly blends the darkness of the Gothic with the tender embrace of romance. Griep's spellbinding prose and captivating characters make this novel an absolute must-read for fans of the genre. Prepare to be transported to a realm where love conquers all, even in the face of shadows and uncertainty.
I hope the next book in this instalment deals with werewolves. I need to see how a whole werewolf plot can be pulled off in Michelle's writing.
The research on history of that time and the disease were also appreciated.

I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. The entire review is my personal opinion.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect with this story. I like Lost in Darkness and other books by Michelle Griep, so I figured I would like this one also. The story grabs your attention from the beginning. The romance is steamy with a star-crossed lovers theme. I like the main characters and I even cried some at their struggles.
The spiritual message was about forgiveness and community with other believers, but it wasn’t preachy. It seemed to be woven into the story in a believable way. If I had been through what James did I would’ve written off my family and avoided society completely. But that’s not what God wants for us and it’s not what’s best for us. The compassion James has towards his mother, in spite of how poorly she treated him, is admirable. Even at the end of her life he despaired for her soul because she was unsaved. Even though James is vilified and mistreated by society, he recognizes that he still needs others in his life and that there are good people out there. These were good reminders for me because I struggle with forgiveness and trusting others too. I recommend this book.
This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

If you think of Dracula as a fantasy drama, and maybe not your cup of tea, give this book a chance anyway. I questioned if this is the type of story I wanted to read and I loved it. It also has a Beauty and the Beast feel. Michelle Griep knows how to make a story pop off the page even if it’s not the genre you typically read. The story really is more about acceptance and compassion for others. I love Rosa’s character. She is strong, determined, and wants to help those down on their luck. James has been tormented all of his life with a hereditary disease passed down from his mother. He has come to England to care for his mother in her last days. As he and Rosa continually cross paths, usually in some type of heroic event, their chemistry radiated from each other. But obstacles are constantly getting in the way. There is so much going on in the story and it flows so well, I could hardly put it down. It is an intriguing and suspenseful drama with sweet, clean romance. Obviously with a vampire backstory, there is talk of blood, murder and death. All done with great decorum. I recommend giving it a read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I always love Michelle Griep books, but I'm especially enjoying her Of Monsters & Men books, with notes of classic tales, including cameo appearances by their authors. Bram Stoker makes an appearance here, seeking editorial advice from our main character James who is rumored to be a vampire. As with Lost In Darkness, we get a rational explanation for what might appear to be the supernatural. The only real monsters here are the villains preying on the ignorant and superstitious - using fear and misunderstanding to their own selfish gain.
James knows well the sting of ridicule and the shame of the fear incited by his family. HIs Mother has done little to change public perception and relished in giving credence to the rumors of the unnatural. But when he meets Rosa, James finds a friend willing to stand by him, and to challenge society's prejudices.
Rosa has been constantly dodging her Mother's many attempts to marry her off, while chasing her own dream of becoming a secretary. But in James, Rosa finds a man unlike any she's ever met. Having spent a lifetime fighting against society's preconceived ideas, James isn't deterred by Rosa's dreams. Both of them will learn what beauty God can bring from ashes, and find that change is possible for those who keep fighting.
I especially love Michelle Griep's side characters. (My favorite is still Mr. Nutbrown & his puppet Nixy from The Innkeeper's Daughter, but I digress!) The Reverend Austen has all kinds of thought-provoking wisdom to dole out in this book. Plenty that I underlined and filed away for later.
A wonderful read, as always.

It’s a book by Michelle Griep so obviously I loved everything about it. I mean, I knew it would be a good book, but man, oh man—the tension and drama and eeriness she created in this novel was beyond what I expected. I was completely emersed in the unknown. The way she drew out dozens and dozens of tense moments is masterful! The entire book had a mysterious and dark overtone, but with faith woven throughout the entire story it was intriguing and I never felt the darkness would overwhelm. Brilliantly done! I can't believe that I haven’t read her first book in this series (but thankfully they are stand-alone novels so I didn’t spoil anything). Adding it to my TBR pile right now!

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

An amazing Gothic, Christian fiction. Vampires, religion and a library.

It's 1890 in England. Rosa and her father own the library. Sir James Morgan is believed to be cursed.

I loved the quotes from Bram Stoker's Dracula,

The BEST book I have read!!

The dark legend of Bram Stocker’s Dracula meets the unexpected romance of Beauty and the Beast in Michelle Griep’s latest novel. The characters are rich and multifaceted, the villains are despicable, and story will keep you turning pages long into the night.

If you love your historicals with a Gothic twist, then you’re going to love Man of Shadow of Mist.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rosa Edwards is on a personal mission to stamp out superstition through books and education. Then a stranger arrives in her village on an ill wind. While he always seems to be on hand to rescue Rosa from calamity, the villagers only see a reclusive man from Transylvania who avoids sunlight and whose mother is rumored to be a vampire. Rosa has sworn off marriage, seeking to be an 1890s career woman. Now she is surprisingly drawn to Sir James Morgan. Will a friendship with him endanger her, those she loves, and possibly even her father's livelihood?

Michelle Griep has gifted her readers with an engrossing Gothic tale filled with darkness and light, despair and hope, revenge and forgiveness. Through it all Griep leads readers to see God's sovereignty and goodness even when times are at their worse.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Man of Shadow and Mist from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Rumors swirl about Sir James Morgan. Is he a man or a beast? Villagers are convinced he might be one of those famous vampires who hail from Transylvania—the home of Sir James's ancestors.

Rosa Edwards doesn't believe anything of the sort. As a librarian and a champion for education, she wants everyone to understand that vampires are fictional and there is nothing to fear from Sir James. However, as she gets to know the man herself, she must admit there are more than a few strange things about him and his home that might leave people wondering.

James searches for a cure for his mother's illness while Rosa tries to fend off a determined suitor who won't take no for an answer. Can it be that the two of them can help each other through their predicaments?

I loved how Michelle Griep weaves a tale of mystery with deep layers of faith and hope. With a story that could contain such darkness, she shines a ray of light. There's still plenty of Gothic overtones, but they do not overtake the main themes. Rosa is a very determined heroine and there's a vulnerability to James despite the protective barriers he carries around his heart. You can't help but hope for the best for them all the way through to the surprising conclusion to the story.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Oh my what a book! Have you ever read a book that makes you want to just reach in to it and shake some sense into certain characters? Or have you ever been reading a book that makes you need to read another book that is mentioned in the current one you are reading? I need to read Bram Stoker's Dracula, now. This book will have you up all night reading,because you just got to find out what happens. You have a young lady who likes nothing better than to work with her father and has her own dreams. And a mother and sister who wants to marry the lady to a wealthy man, who is a thorn in Rosa's side. Then a mysterious baron who the townsfolk thinks is a vampire. As you read all about these wonderful characters, you will read about how tales can turn to into fear and how faith and prayer will overcome everything. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for approving me to read this book and this is my honest review.

Beautifully told story! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. James and Rosa face superstition, fear and hate head on. The growth and redemption of some of the characters is very moving. The faith content was inspiring. A book to be recommended highly.

I have a deep admiration for Michelle Griep, and this book has only solidified my appreciation for her work. The storyline is exceptional, featuring characters whose pain and earnest longings are palpable, set against vibrant and vivid backdrops. Her research is as impeccable as ever, and the resulting story is both captivating and filled with suspenseful tension.

In England, during the year 1890, there was a widespread belief among the uneducated population of North Yorkshire that vampires were still existing and thriving.

I was captivated by the first chapter. The atmosphere is somber, a little eerie, and romantic, depicting a town gripped by fear and superstitions.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Rosa and James, two captivating characters whom each strive for something beyond societal expectations. Rosa is a courageous book lover determined to carve her own path, while James is an upstanding yet troubled hero grappling with the emotional scars of his past and desperate to cure his ailing mother. Their stories are filled with poignant moments of hope, heartache, and yearning that indeed drew me in.

The relationship's progression from friendship to romance was enjoyable, with just the right amount of chemistry to make it feel natural. The ending was very satisfying.

"I shall miss you, James. More than you know."
"But I do know." He stepped closer. "For you see, if you miss me half as much as I you, then your heart will bleed drip by drip until there is nothing left."

I highly recommend this clean romance Christian Fiction book that has multiple points of view.

This gothic tale is exquisitely crafted and deeply moving. It explores themes of great sorrow and spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God rather than relying solely on oneself.

Thank you, NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the eARC, in exchange for an honest opinion.

You must learn to trust others, for often such are the conduits of God’s ministrations - counsel given to Sir James by the rector. However, for one who really does not trust but a very few, this sage advice is not easily accepted. Shutting yourself away doesn’t solve your problems - it only magnifies them.

Set in the late 1890’s, this wonderful gothic tale gives us a look into the world of one who suffers from a little known illness and the dreadful prejudice that goes along with anyone that is different or from a far away place. Knowledge goes a long way in changing prejudice, but will it happen in time?

As one who loves putting unexpected things together and observing reactions, Sir James’ medical solutions were fascinating, as that is the way cures are found.

An early copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Griep’s wonderfully descriptive writing had me devouring every twist and turn of this story. I could not help but like Rosa the librarian with her excitement about books and her ideas of the best use of those precious resources. She lived up to every part of beauty in this tale. At the manor house, I quickly became invested in Sir James’ mysterious ways. Together, he and Rosa hit every curve of a new unusual romantic relationship with a few extra huge obstacles for added tension. Opportunities for faith and character building were provided by unique people surrounding the couple. As in life, the hardest lessons had the deepest impacts. The nods to Dracula and using Bram Stoker as a character were marvelous. Basically, this story had everything that I look for in a book and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author. I will be recommending this book again and again. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

It is always such a pleasure to dig into any of the author’s story and this new one certainly keeps its promises.
What not to love about a young woman who has dreams outside the usual step into matrimony, who sees beyond society gossips and is not afraid to stand for herself or those in need of a helping hand.
Rosa wants more than being someone’s wife and cardholder, she wants to put her own mark on the world whatever tiny it might be. But for now, it is an inaccessible dream, still she makes progress to make it come true.
James has lived his whole life as a pariah, so much he never lets anyone come close. He ascertains this way he won’t be hurt when they leave or turn against him. But it is such a lonely existence.
Yet Rosa appears like a meteor, she barrels into his life, breaking through his defenses, giving him a taste of what light in the vicinity of a star can be, but his past can’t let him go, still dragging him down, like he has no right to feel rays of sun without immediately paying the price for it.
Still, it without counting on a young unshakable Miss who does not take no as the sole possible answer, she digs her place into his heart, if he is willing to take a risk.

How not to love this tale mixing lore, nescience, rare condition, tragedy and mystery, all wrapped into a heart wrenching romance with a young woman sets on making things right whatever the cost to her and her heart.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

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

Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored this story!
Griep is just awesome! This story will be my favorite by her! Just wow! I couldn't put down so I ended up finishing it in one day.
James is just the best! And handsome too in my opinion. "Sigh"
Rose is just so lucky! She helps to run a library with her father ( which is my dream). Books are Rosa's and my friends too!
There's a surprise in this story but I won't tell you what it is.
I highly recommend this story! Griep is the absolute best at Gothic Romance!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.