Michelle Griep once again captured my attention and held it to the end with Man of Shadow & Mist. The author weaves a tale of intrigue and romance in this second book of the Of Monsters & Men series.

The author explores many themes, from mob mentality, prejudice, the beauty of forgiveness, and accepting God's plans for us no matter how bad our situation.

Sir James Morgan is a man with the world's weight on his shoulders. He is desperately trying to find a cure for a disease that is killing his mother. A condition he also has. Unfortunately, because his illness suggests he is a vampire, the entire village where he lives has gone mad and is out to destroy him.

Fortunately, he has an ally in Rosa Edwards, who is determined to clear the gossip surrounding James, but soon finds herself falling for the enigmatic man.

I loved how this author's mind works! Taking a disease (I won't mention which one because of spoilers) and jumping from that to a vampire is brilliant! She has created a tale that informs people of this horrible condition and explores mob mentality and how dangerous prejudice is when left to grow and fester. Adding a love story and faith-based content that speaks to those suffering from debilitating illnesses will encourage many.

If you like gothic tales of romance with faith-based content, you cannot go wrong with this tale!

​I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour through NetGalley for my honest review.

This is a gothic tale of a man suspected as a vampire and the woman who defended him against the suspicions of the people of their town. Rosa works in a library and dreams of being a secretary—if she only had a typewriter. James is the brooding lord of the manor who suffers from an incurable (at that time) skin disease which keeps him secluded from others. It’s a story of superstition, greed, and ultimately second chances.

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

An excellent gothic romance, atmospheric and compelling.
I loved the atmosphere, the sense of menace and the budding romance.
The characters are fleshed out and the tightly knitted plot kept me reading.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Uniquely gothic and mysterious, this book definitely offered a spin on the tale of Dracula. The premise of this story drew me to pick it up and within the first pages I was hooked and intrigued by the characters and the plot. The author weaves the mystery and creep factor of a vampire novel within this story all the while providing a real life rational explanation for many of the assumptions attributed to the main character, James. The romance in this book was minimal at best and left me wanting more. Several instances the reader was simply told about conversations or interactions with James and Rosa and it left me feeling a bit cheated out of reading their blossoming relationship. My other main issue with this book is that the plot moved extremely slowly and it didn’t keep my interest as the book progressed. Also, I absolutely hate a plot where the villain has the upper hand for the entire story. This started as a promising read, but I just found myself wanting more. More romance. More creepiness and mystery. More movement in the plot. I think parts of this book were interesting, I just wanted to like it more than I did.

Rosa's mother may have nothing better to do than to try to marry her off, but Rosa herself has no intention of marrying. She wants to bring learning to her town through her father's library, and to travel - starting with getting a job in York. When Sir James Morgan, supposed vampire, returns to town, she has her hands full trying to fight the superstition - but not so full that she can't try to help him find a cure to the disease that plagues his family. Nor so full that she can't enjoy spending time with him. But he has enemies he doesn't realise, and there's nothing they won't stoop to to get him out of the way... Can the pair navigate the superstitious fears of the townsfolk, the disease that's killing his mother and threatening him, and the efforts of his unknown enemy - and give them any hope of a life together?

I was a little concerned as to how dark this story might be, but I always enjoy this author so I decided to give it a try anyway - and I'm really glad I did. Rosa's efforts to help her fellow townsfolk (and her faith in them under difficulties) were heartwarming, and her efforts to help Sir James were inspiring. I did find her other suitor rather unpleasant, but as I came to realise why he was that way, I at least felt sorry for him - and as for the end of his story, well, I'd better avoid spoilers, but I appreciated it. Perhaps my favourite part of this book, though, was watching Sir James gradually move from solitude and darkness into fellowship and light. It wasn't always an easy transition, but it was well worth it. All in all, an inspiring read. Recommended.

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.

This is by FAR my most favorite Michelle Griep book ever!
I literally could not put it down!
Perfectly written. Excellent characters.
I experienced so many emotions!
Clean romance and beautiful elements of faith in God.
Intriguing and mysterious storyline!
Bits of historical facts woven throughout that give depth and meaning to the story overall.
This is a book that I will read again and at a slower pace next time - to savor it better!
I was given a review copy by NetGalley, but am not required to leave a specific review.
All opinions are my own!
I highly recommend this book!
💜 💜

This was an outstanding atmospheric, mysterious gothic tale. I love Michelle’s writing, it is always vibrant and immersive. She also writes some of the most interesting and intriguing characters, both main and supporting. This book was so good. There were so many wonderful moments and encounters between James and Rosa. The budding romance and tension were superb. Definitely one of my favorite books from Michelle.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

I’ve read several books by this author and loved all of them.
Rosa is a determined, strong willed woman. She wants more for herself than to just be married. Sir James Morgan has been trying anything to save his mothers life. All while ignoring the towns claims he’s a vampire.
It’s a fast moving story. I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. It’s book two in her new series, looking forward to the next one
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I feel I should mention while I have read this author before a haven't read the first book.. The plot, with its drama and villains, kept me reading however it didn't live up to my expectations.. The setting was appropriately gloomy, and the appearance of Bram Stoker while writing his Dracula book added interest. I just didn't take to this tale it just missed something for me. It was well written so it wasn't that and the character's were likeable so it wasn't that either I just can't put my finger on it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Why I chose this book: I read Griep's first in the series and really wasn't a fan (read my initial review here). I wanted to see how the series progressed and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed this one much more.
Type of Book: This is a Christian romance set in a historical setting (1890). I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as "historical fiction" because there's not a lot of history...until you get to the historical notes and bibliography. Yes, there's a bibliography in this fiction which I really loved exploring. And yes, there really was quite a bit of history woven into the story that flowed so seamlessly I didn't really see it. I love Griep's work because of this.
Overall: Both main characters (and even the "villain") show growth. Overall, I give it 4.5 stars. Why a half-star off? There were a few times I felt like I was being told and not trusted to figure it out on my own. For example this quote from a Main Character's thoughts: "But how?" I would have asked this as a reader myself so I don't need the character asking it--always trust the reader. Also, some parts felt too spelled out: "Would he finally declare his love for her? Maybe even ask her to be his wife? Her heart soared. Oh God, make it so!" Ridiculous. (Ok, maybe if I was a love-sick tween. Maybe. But as an adult, I just rolled my eyes.) So why the 4.5-star review? Because technically the book is very sound. As an editor, I saw little that really needed to be fixed or changed; just tweaks that could have made it a little better. There are strong characters, a good character arc, a good plot, and good dialogue. This is a good book. I think you should give it a read, especially if you like the "this-could-be-how-it-happened" imaginings.
Favorite Quotes/Characters: I enjoyed Rosa's sense of self, her willingness to change a community, and her heart to reach out to others. She wants the best of people to be drawn out and seen by others. I also liked James and seeing the strength and kindness of his character. Loved Mrs. Hawkins's role in the story.
Favorite quote: "It is just so hard to understand why a good man like James Morgan must suffer so much. ...Perhaps 'tis the sufferin' what made him so good." (Amen to that.)
Bookshelf worthy?: Yes, this is a 50/50 for me. I enjoyed it but would I want to reread it? I might pass it on to a fellow reader looking for a good read.
Teenability: I think this is teen appropriate. This could also be fun if your teen has to read Dracula in school.

**I was given an advance copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review if I so chose to give it.**

Michelle Griep continues to raise the bar of excellence in her newest Victorian era novel. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of northern England, this gothic tale will transport its readers to a time where legends and superstitions rule the minds of men. It is the perfect blend of history and legend.

I was hooked from the very first scene, when a mysterious man emerged from 'shadow and mist'. The descriptive prose will appeal to the imagination, the delightfully eclectic cast of characters will appeal to the heart and the subtle faith thread will appeal to the mind. Just when one thinks there is no hope for the mysterious hero and the spunky heroine, Ms. Griep pens a delightfully satisfying ending.

Fans of gothic tales will love the nod to Bram Stoker's Dracula, but don't be deterred by the rumors of vampires, this story has just the right amount of atmospheric suspense, as our heroine hopes to put old legends to rest.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series. This story focuses on the lore of vampires and creatively includes appearances of the author of Dracula, Bram Stoker.

The first part of this story was exactly what I was looking for. It was intriguing and kind of creepy and the exact feel I was wanting. I loved the first meeting between James and Rosa and pretty much every moment they were on the page together. I felt like the middle part was a bit too slow, which kind of took me out of the story. I did enjoy how things wrapped up in the last part of the story. It answered all of my questions nicely, although I did feel some things were solved a bit too easily.

If you’re looking for a slightly creepy, intriguing story, with likable characters, Man of Shadow and Mist may be the story for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 3 stars.

This book is everything I expect from a Michelle Griep read and more! The brilliantly constructed plot, set in England in the late 1800s, drew me in immediately and kept a firm grasp on my attention for the entirety of the story. The gothic atmosphere is perfectly designed to be mysterious and suspenseful without being too dark or disturbing. I could always feel hope waiting in the shadows. The cast of characters is wonderfully diverse and well-crafted. The romance is sweet and at times bittersweet. I love strong-willed Rosa and long-suffering Sir James and the way their relationship develops despite gossip, vampire superstition, and illness which threaten to separate them. The historical element of the story evidences extensive, impeccable research. The appearances by Bram Stoker are expertly incorporated into the fictional tale. I greatly appreciate the strong faith thread woven throughout the story. This is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series but is a standalone read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book especially for fans of historical romance.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love this series of books that Michelle Griep has written that are based upon classic Gothic tales. This particular story is based upon Bram Stoker’s Dracula in which superstitious villagers are so easily swayed to believe the worst about Sir James Morgan due to the power of suggestion and unexplained events.

Rosa Edwards is a fearless heroine and a loyal and fierce defender of Sir James. She had me cheering for her throughout the story as she refused to give into fear or rumors about him and his family. Seeing her love for the people of the town and the need for everyone to enjoy reading hit a soft spot in my heart. She went well beyond just being a librarian when she chose to find patrons for those who couldn’t afford a subscription.

While I at first did not like Albin Mallow and the tactics he employed to try and turn circumstances to fit his needs, I was happy to see he redeemed himself and chose to share the truth. I actually felt sorry for him and felt better things would be in the future for him.

I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy Gothic romance stories with a thread of faith throughout the story. While it is the second on the series, it can be read as a standalone if you so choose.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

This was not what I expected, but that is honestly not a bad thing! Oftentimes I expect Christian romance to be light and fluffy, focused on making the relationship work, navigating society expectations, etc. I think is the first Christian romance I have read that feels gothic, and it just made me so giddy inside. Honestly, I was hooked and stayed up late one night to continue reading. It was a fun twist on the historical happenings when Bram Stoker was alive and writing Dracula, and he even makes an appearance! It also had a wonderful educational element of what people with rare disease went through in the past, when superstition ruled minds and formal education was not that common in rural areas. So while it starts off making you question if this is the first Christian romance with a vampire, not to worry - there are no vampires here, only a family with secrets and a young librarian determined to help.

The town has only heard rumors of the Romanian family who moved into Morgrave Manor, but they suspect they are of evil intent. After all, the mother brought cartons of earth with her on the long voyage to England, and the son will only go outside when the sun is away...or else he bundles up so much that all you can see are parts of his face. Surely, they are either cursed or at work with the devil. And when animals start being found brutally killed and drained of blood, it's not long before minds make the leap to the obvious conclusion - vampires are among us! Rosa Edwards knows this is nonsense, of course. If only her father would allow their library to be free, so that the local poor can become educated and realize not everything left unexplained is evil. When she collides with Sir James Morgan, literally, she is stunned by his handsome visage, and it's not long before she is making regular trips to his home to deliver books. He tries desperately to keep her from forming an attachment, knowing that nothing can come from their association, but Rosa can only follow her heart. When James is accused of a heinous crime, it's the ultimate test of Rosa's love...and whether or not their relationship can blossom when it's barely even begun.

I just adored both of these characters so much. James had a traumatic life, being condemned for a medical condition that would later be identified as porphyria, and he kept away from other people as much as he could. All the while, he tried to cure his mother of the same condition, thinking that her cure would also be his when he got older and began to suffer the same madness she did. Rosa, God bless her, was so patient and kind towards him, pushing a little but still allowing him space to become comfortable with making a friend. She wouldn't let him hide himself away from her, and her persistence eventually gave way to sparks between them. She struggled as well, hoping for a life beyond her little town as a secretary, but with her mother pushing marriage and her father not seeing the point in her leaving, it felt like a dream that would never come true. James changed all of that by believing in her and supporting her, even when he thought she could never be his. He risked himself for her several times, and she did for him as well, which made their romance so beautiful. They saw each other, truly saw who they were on the inside, and it felt like a genuine portrayal of soulmates.

I am surprised this is the second book in the series, since I have no idea how I missed the first! That will be rectified as soon as possible. If you like gothic romance and sweet soulmates, you'll love this book.

Michelle Griep is a new to me author. Man of Shadow and Mist is the second book of hers I have read. I was hooked from the start. Sir James is dark and mysterious and Rosa is strong willed and fearless. Michelle Griep weaves their storybook romance with superstition, vampire lore, and actual events from history. Her writing captures your attention and holds it to the very end. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.

Loved it!!! To the point of actually ignoring my chores on a beautiful spring Saturday. I could not put it down!

Man of Shadow and Mist is brilliantly written. Michelle Griep's take on the origins of Dracula and Bram Stoker is so creative! It plays a small part of the story of a misjudged and mistreated man from Transylvania who returns to England to care for his dying mother.

Set in England in 1890, this small town and superstitious community believes in the lore about vampires. Librarian Rosa Edwards tries to dispel such superstitions. "But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. " The author does a splendid job creating the atmosphere and attitudes of the time. From the very beginning, the reader feels immersed and invested in this captivating story! A thread of mystery weaves through this story as well.

A wonderful and inspirational gothic tale full of truth and superstitions, light and darkness, and, right or wrong how easy it is to follow the crowd. A sweet friendship, and a beautiful faith journey, especially learning to trust in God, play a role in the lives of both Rosa and Sir James.

A self-sacrificing hero and the spunky no-nonsense heroine had me charmed from the start! I highly recommend Man of Shadow and Mist!

Thank you to the author and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

This story is set in the small seaside town of Whitby. James has returned to care for his mother. Rosa and her parents run the subscription library along with selling her mother's medicinials. Aside from these we meet Albin and his Uncle, various townspeople, James's staff and the Parish priest. Moving story, dealing with a little known disease, that has impacted James's life greatly. Likeable main characters and enough action to not want to put this book down.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nobody does Gothic fiction quite like Michelle Griep (unless it's Julie Klassen!)—and this is no exception with its haunting mixture of Jane Eyre, Dracula, Rebecca, Dragonwick—and an eerie mansion with a secret and a dark, brooding, enigmatic hero.

Rosa Edwards, the innocent town librarian, finds herself attracted to an alluring, mysterious man who the superstitious townsfolk think is cursed, Sir James Morgan. I really liked this spunky little heroine and so does James—in spite of his many misgivings. Is their romance doomed from the start?

Griep's research is in-depth and impeccable...as is her impressive writing style and a strong faith message interspersed throughout. Nicely done!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.*

Feisty Rosa Edwards meets Sir James Morgan by Whitby Abbey. Rosa is a librarian and her main goal is to rid the town of their plethora of superstitions. The two characters are dawn together, but superstitions and enemies seem determined to keep them apart. This wonderfully suspenseful fantasy has the touch of Dracula and the darkness of the Gothic legends. Filled with a delectable romance between a bookish heroine and a brooding hero, throw in a family curse, and you have a delightful book filled with Griep's incredible writing.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.