Vampyres and other things!

A romantic gothic Victorian novel featuring the recluse Sir James Morgan who owns property in Whitby, England and in Transylvania. He suffers from the rare skin disease Porohyria, as does his dying mother. Indeed a “man of shadow and mist.” He prefers to go out in the twilight, overcast days and is always muffled up completely. His arrival back in Whitby coincides with the community having some of their animals brutally attacked by something that tears their throats out—giving rise to talk of vampires. Whispers follow to to ugly supposings.
Rosa Edwards is a determined young woman working in her family’s bookshop and lending library. Her father stocks general works but his true passion is rare books. The rare books can only be used in the library. The library is close to the shipyard. Rosa has an unwanted suitor, Albin Mallow, whom her mother’s all a flutter about, inventing occasions to bring them together—alone. Albin is nephew to a powerful and villainous man who unknown to the family wants the land their library stands on, at any cost. Rosa’s marriage to Albin would bring that about. Albin all but accuses Morgan of being a vampire in public when Morgan thwarts him from getting Rosa by herself for a carriage ride, something that all and sundry would see as a declaration.
Rosa starts to let Morgan have some rare works that are relevant to his research. Imagine my surprise when a Mr. Stoker does research for a novel he’s working on at the library in the rare book collection.
Rosa feels people won’t be as superstitious if they can be educated. Hence her efforts at persuading James Morgan to subsidize borrowing fees for others.
The story builds rapidly as Rosa suffers through pursuit by an unscrupulous party, growing feelings of attraction for the lonely lord, local superstitions becoming unbridled fears that descend into mob violence, all balanced against some good people who realize “every one of us needs a God who is bigger than we credit, else ’e’ood not be God.”
A fantastic weaving of all things known and unknown into a satisfying storyline with Stoker and his ‘vampyre’ writings being a brilliant yet unwitting lodestone in the background.
I was totally caught up in the events as they unfolded. Enthralled and intrigued I kept reading!

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

This is another great read in the "Of Monsters and Men" series. Though this is technically a series, the books are their own stories - connected only by theme, as far as I can recall. So, this could definitely be read on its own. This book hints at the legend of Dracula, complete with a reclusive man from Transylvania who can't be in the sun. When mysterious livestock deaths begin right after he appears in Whitby, England, talk of vampires runs rampant. For Rosa Edwards, it is one more reason to attempt to educate the masses out of her father's library. When her path crosses with the so-called vampire, it seems that he does have a hypnotic effect on her after all. Complete with a guest appearance of Bram Stoker, this one had all of the fun elements of the first book in the series.

This book had something for everyone. A look at history for those who enjoy historical fiction, a sweet romance for those who enjoy that genre, a mystery for those who enjoy that, a thwarted diagnosis for those who enjoy medical dramas, and of course the legends of monsters - not only vampires, but the Bargheust Hound as well. In addition, there was a solid faith thread (which you would not typically expect in a gothic "monster" novel), a strong feisty heroine that you couldn't help but cheer for, and a swoony hero. Plus a redemptive tale for one who seemed a villain for much of the story. I would also recommend reading the author's notes at the end that speak to some of the historical facts, the unusual terminology, and the unfamiliar legends. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and one I'd heartily recommend to most anyone. Special thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Michelle Griep has done it again.

Romantic, mysterious, and brimming with atmosphere, this book completely captivated me.

James may not be the vampire that the townsfolk of Whitby believe he is, but he is carrying dark secrets.

Rosa does not share her neighbor's superstitions and is inexplicably drawn to the dark, handsome, brooding man who has returned to his family's estate. When she insists on being James' friend despite his efforts to stay aloof, feelings soon ignite on both sides but their happily ever after is doomed from the start.

What I loved:
Victorian era
Dual POV
Gothic vibes
Bookish heroine
Grumpy/sunshine
Beauty and the Beast vibes
Medical talk/research
Dramatic, fast-paced plot
Vivid setting
Great tension and chemistry
Suspenseful intrigue
Homage to Dracula/Bram Stoker
The rescue
"I do not need a happy ending. I just need you."

Michelle Griep's ability to stage an atmospheric and vivid setting is unreal - I could practically feel the chill of the fog as it rolled in and perfectly imagine the gargoyle keeping watch in James' manor. It's like I am there in the book and it completely immerses me inside the story.

This plot is incredibly unique but the story is timeless: acceptance and tolerance, taking chances on love, and ultimately, hope and redemption.

This is one you are going to have to trust me on, my friends. This was a 5-star read for me and one I plan on re-reading every year.

TW: mental health/illness, talk of blood/needles/disease

A historical romance with a Gothic twist!

James was quite the brooding, tormented fellow. I wouldn't have wanted to live in 1890s England with his medical condition, but the parts about his condition were pretty fascinating. Rosa frustrated me at the beginning of the book. She kind of hated on wives and moms because she wanted to be a secretary instead. She did kind of change over the course of the book though, and I liked how she worked in a library and tried to get the townspeople to stop being so superstitious. Those townspeople ...

I was't completely sold on James and Rosa's romance. At one point, James tried to physically intimidate Rosa, and Rosa romanticized it. That was not cool!

The plot, with its drama and conniving villain, kept me reading right along. The setting was appropriately gloomy, and I found the addition of a well-known author intriguing.

Overall, I found Man of Shadow and Mist to be an entertaining read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and historical romance.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Man of Shadow and Mist is the second installment from Michelle Griep’s Of Monsters and Men series. I loved the first book, Lost in Darkness, and as if it were possible, I love this one even more. James and Rosa’s story was one that had me engaged right from the start. It was not one that I could predict the ending. I thought it was a fabulous tale to spend a rainy and stormy afternoon.

I am giving Man of Shadow and Mist five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Of Monsters and Men series to see where Michelle Griep will take her fans and characters to.

I received a copy of Man of Shadow and Mist from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This book was absolutely charming from start to finish. I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the story! There was romance, intrigue, action, and on top of that, a glorious display of God and his love for his children. I cherished every minute that I was reading the book and I plan on reading more of the author’s books as soon as I get my hands on them.

Very atmospheric. I didn’t connect to it as much as I did to Lost in Darkness, the authors take on the Frankenstein story. But if you’re looking for a good Christian gothic tale, this one’s for you!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

** “God is not so limited that He cannot act outside the boundaries of physical law, for it is He alone who decides where those boundaries lie. Think of it … turning water into wine, feeding a multitude with naught but a few fish and some loaves.” **

Michelle Griep delivers an incredible story filled with historical facts and characters and a vampiric undertone in “Man of Shadow and Mist.”

Rosa Edwards works with her father in their lending library all while dreaming of one day becoming a secretary — and eradicating everyone’s beliefs in silly superstitions. But when the mysterious Sir James Morgan comes into town, she finds herself needing to defend him from the town’s belief that he is a vampire.

As Rosa grows to know Sir James — and the reasons behind his mysterious actions — they find themselves falling in love, all while trying to save his reputation as well as strengthen his attempt to save his mother and himself from their rare ailment.

Griep creates an amazing story that is truly hard to put down. She develops deep and enigmatic characters, including the plucky Rosa, the intriguing Sir James, her inspiring father and a recognizable author named Stoker.

She also fills “Man of Shadow and Mist,” which is due out June 1, with several great themes, like knowledge is power; the power public opinion can have; we need a God bigger than we credit; and God has a will and plan for us (“I know yer fearful, child, but fear or not, all will be accomplished in God’s timing, not yours. His will — and His goodness — cannot be thwarted.”)

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

This was a great juxtaposition of dark, Gothic themes with the light and hope of Christianity! Plot wise I feel like there was always something happening to keep the narrative going - whether between Rosa and her family or prospective suitors, Rosa and James, James and his mother, the townspeople and their superstitions - so many obstacles had to be overcome by our MC's and the pacing of the story was really well done with all that was happening. I enjoyed the scenes with Rosa and her father at their library too; it was interesting to learn more about lending libraries in the late 1800s. The cameos from Bram Stoker were also really cool and it is fun to imagine how he came up with the idea for Dracula and the research he did on Transylvania.

Fans of literature and historical fiction will love this novel set in 1890 England. With nods to Dracula, Beauty and the Beast, and maybe a tiny bit of Jane Eyre, I was immediately pulled into the story. The characters are likeable (well, most of them), and there is a nice bit of redemption at the end (no spoilers). The book does have religious themes, but they are woven well into the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this free e-arc and will recommend it to others.

Where do I even begin? This book was so good! It's the kind of Gothic yet faith-filled read that I can never get enough of. And what a wonderful homage to Dracula! Since Dracula is one of my all-time favorite books, I loved all the nods to the classic. I had to smile every time I noticed a familiar name or place.
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I liked James and Rosa right from the start. Rosa's the kind of bookish, spunky, and determined heroine that I love reading about. James was charming, chivalrous, and just an all-around good guy. He was the very definition of swoony. I really felt for him, though. The way others treated him with suspicion and superstition regarding his health condition infuriated me. I didn't know much about porphyria beforehand, so it was really interesting learning about it.

I can't say enough good things about this book. It's one of the best I've read this year. If you're a fan of Gothic historical romance, you're sure to love it too. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

"Maybe, just maybe, not everything could be explained--leastwise on this side of heaven."

Another terrific story reminiscent of a classic, with a brushstroke of faith and tender romance. Set in 1890's England, this engaging and well-written tale, with a nod to the original classic, includes a few plot twists adding faith and hope. The main characters are hit by a tidal wave of trouble created by superstition, gossip and greed. Their integrity, kindness, compassion and faith help them rise above the difficult circumstances. Forgiveness and mercy also shine through the darkness.
"Hope is a precious commodity."
This author really knows how to pull the reader into the story. The emotional tension felt very real, especially toward the end as it grows, making the prayers of James particularly heart rending. I wanted to weep for him. The ending is worth all of the angst. The author notes were interesting, highlighting the real history included.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy a historical tale with a tender romance and a bit of faith. Solid 5 stars!

The grip of superstition and old wives tales is strong in Whitby. With the shipyards and the European weather, it spells an ill wind no matter what the weather seems to hold. Rosa and her father seek to dispel the superstitions and falsehoods with their subscription library, but it seems not even book knowledge can prevent sinister happenings in this story. A tale of vampires, monsters, disease, trickery, and death is woven with truth, perseverance, faith, and love to form a story worth reading. Who can be trusted? Who is the real enemy? Nothing is as it seems at some point or other in this tale. A bit on the darker side, with rumors of vampires and such, this story is still a satisfying read for any reader, even those who prefer things a little less sinister. I highly recommend this book, but if you are a sensitive reader, maybe just read it in the daylight. :)

I requested and received a copy of this book for review. The words and thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

Sir James Morgan has long been the victim of stigma and abuse. Between his origins in Transylvania and a disease that makes him sensitive to sunlight, many believe he is a vampire. His mother suffers from advanced stages of the same disease and is mad, often attacking those around her. But Rosa Edwards is enthralled by the man who has come to her rescue repeatedly. She does not believe in superstitions and seeks to clear his infamous name, even as he is accused of slaughtering local livestock and even accused of murder.
I was blessedly granted an ARC from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. And my honest opinion is that I love, love, LOVE this! An instant favorite! Very brooding and reminiscent of Dracula, yet powered with live and truth. Can't recommend it enough. Get it. So cool. Couple weird spellings like "faery" and "daemon." Unsure if they are legit variants. I also never think it healthy when one person declares another to be their whole world. Other than that? Book is darn near perfect. Comes out in June.
P.S. Why do characters always give cats milk? They're lactose intolerant.

Man of Shadow and Mist is so well written! Michelle Griep’s creative take on the historical beginnings of Dracula and Bram Stoker is brilliant. A perfect blending of gothic and inspiration. Rosa and James are both solid, powerful characters who bring balance to each other. Light and dark. Truth and superstition. I loved the way the fear of the village people is captured and portrayed. Rumors are so quickly fed and festered when based on fear and half-truths. Each chapter begins with a line from Bram Stoker’s writings, which help set the stage for the content. Rosa is determined to bring the truth to light and expose the lies behind the superstitions. James is just tired of all and wants to live in peace. The sense of urgency and foreboding is well conveyed. Together, their chemistry is compelling, and I could not help but want to fight for both of them. I would highly recommend this to all lovers of historical fiction with a blend of romance, mystery, and inspiration.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Man of Shadow and Mist
By Michelle Griep
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Series: Of Monsters and Men, Book 2
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or Buy
Back of the Book: “England, 1890
Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.
James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.
When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.
Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?”

Impressions: This was a fun story inspired by the classic Dracula. I was pleasantly surprised at how well faith, romance, and gothic themes merged into such a wonderful story. The plot and characters were easy but exciting to follow making this an enjoyable read. I was drawn to the mystery of medicine during this time period as the characters studied Porphyria. Although this is book 2 in its series it can easily be read as a standalone novel.

Quotes: “‘I lost hope in religious people a long time ago.’ ‘Bravo!’ The rector clapped his hands, the loud report shocking in the small room. ‘I salute you, Sir James. For you see, man is not meant to find hope in anything of this world, but rather to lose hope in all things worldly.’” -I’m studying Philippians right now and this went along perfectly with what Paul is trying to tell the Philippians. Rather than seeking what the condemned of the world seek, when we seek Jesus we find hope.

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://thebluestockingbooknook.wordpress.com

Rosa Edwards embarks on a one-woman crusade to enlighten the townsfolk of her little hamlet, one book at a time. She bases her fight against superstition on facts and has no place in her life for the unexplainable. While she loves working in her father’s subscription library, Rosa can’t stand the constant stream of suitors her mother invites over. Even her older sister ignores Rosa’s desires and wants to see her happily wed.

Rosa has her own plans, and none of them involve a husband. At 26, she longs to leave her overprotective parents and the backward villagers of Whitby, England. When she crashes at the feet of a handsome stranger one evening, she has no idea her life will change dramatically.

Sir James Morgan’s tormented and dying mother brings him to the family home in Whitby, but he has no intention of staying. When a lovely young woman tumbles at his feet upon his arrival in England, James feels an instant attraction. James knows he will never experience the joys of falling in love, marrying, and raising a family. He has never questioned his choice and has lived without friends for most of his 32 years.

Miss Rosa Edwards defies his wish to keep himself remote, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship. A friendship tested by the superstitious gossip of the villagers, who claim James is nothing more than a vampire who comes ashore to suck their blood. They have proof, don’t they? Sheep with their throats ripped open, and their bodies left intact. Surely the work of a vampire.

Can love flourish in a town filled with suspicion and hate?

What I Loved About This Book

Griep offers yet another gothic Victorian tale ripped from the pages of literature –this time, Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Readers will love how the protagonists struggle to do the right thing—even if it’s not in their best interest. The well-rounded characters bring dramatic tension to the story—especially the interactions between Rosa and her mother and Rosa and the villain. If you enjoyed Griep’s first installment in the Of Monsters and Men series, Lost in Darkness, you won’t want to miss this one!

A gothic tale married to worthy principles and a nod to Dracula. I thought the imagery was great and atmosphere was well done. A favorite line "He smelled of the sea, this man. Of distant shores and foreign places." The opening had me from the start and I wanted to clear my schedule. A real world builder. The tone and setting was immediate. Being a Christian story there are a few discussions of hope, faith, and belief. I found this inclusion to be natural to the story and characters and not forced or awkward. I felt the writing in of tender merices and God being aware of us was written in seemesly. (As an fyi I'd say Christian theme is part of the story but not the whole story. It isn't heavy handed nor a story written just to dispaly faith.) The h and H were both set in their ways and beliefs. I enjoyed seeing them thaw, work together and grow. It was a pleasure to read. Good character dynamics and character themselves. Each person added well to the story and the dialogue was strong.
I only wondered at became of the second suitor to the h, Rosa. We can kind of determine the end for others but not him. I had wished for a line or even better maybe a future story of him!

I came into this one not being too familiar with Michelle Griep's writing, as I'd only read one of her titles prior, and that was several years back. However, I ended up adoring this one, and found it to be completely unlike anything I was expecting, or like I'd ever read before. I picked this one up on a day that was blistery, snowy and cold in our region, and the atmospheric, moody setting that overlays the entire story matched the weather perfectly.

A few years back when I still read quite a bit of secular fiction, I wholeheartedly enjoyed several vampire titles. It was such a sweet treat to find a "vampire" book within the Christian book world that truly isn't about "vampires" themselves. Rather, this title focuses around the superstitions and stereotypes that existed in earlier times about anyone who was different than the norm, and the many prejudices they faced on account of these differences.

I love picking up historical fiction titles period, but I especially enjoy when I learn something new from reading them. I left this book with knowledge of a disease I knew nothing about prior, and also, I loved getting to learn about the origins of libraries, and how they were often only for wealthy patrons as they were the only ones who could afford to use them.

Rosa and James were both believable and endearing main characters, and the road to their happily ever after was paved with many obstacles, including a rumor mill that's expanded upon by many of the residents of their small community with nefarious intentions.

Above all, the couple is determined to stay true to each other, and to their faith in their Heavenly Father, and that was probably my most favorite part of the story of all.

A wonderful plot, beautiful prose, likeable main characters, a spooky and atmospheric "vampire setting", a realistic faith element, and an admirable romance all worked together to make this one a winner in my eyes, and I can't recommend it enough.

I also have to quickly mention, without spoiling anything, that I adored the inclusion of Bram Stoker as a character! Such a fun surprise, and another way the author was able to add an extra element to an already wonderful story.

Final Rating: 4/5.

I'd highly recommend this one, and I can't wait to read more of this author's books in the future.

Thanks so much to Barbour for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

Man of Shadow and Mist is the second book in the series, Of Monsters and Men, by Michelle Griep. Her skill with words is always amazing and magical. This story was no different with its plot and superstitions. My emotions seesawed between fear and angst for the main characters. This is a must read. Bravo Michelle!!

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