I loved this story by Michelle Griep, she always writes such an amazing story with fun characters and witty banter.

I just reviewed Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep. #ManofShadowandMist #NetGalley
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Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep features a story alongside Bram Stroker's gothic masterpiece Dracula. Most readers are not that familiar with the actual story of Dracula. Just the folklore and remake of the story. However, I have read the original text and enjoy it when I was an undergraduate student. Griep relies on the medical diagnosis that affected the characters in her novel to create fear in the community. The plot was interesting and familiar at the same time. While readers will approach this novel with the idea of Dracula, the romance had a little bit of Beauty and the Beast to it. James, the hero, is trying to save his mother, but he is still wanting the best for Rosa, the heroine. Romance blooms and sparkles even against all the threats and dangers to their personal lives and budding romance. I do enjoy Griep's description of James' family manor. Nicely handled and spooky. I like her descriptions to bring the haunting affects to the story. Fog. Night time. Gargoyles. Overall, Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep will give a thrill to readers who enjoy a good Gothic novel, but still have the romance to spark the interest of romance lovers.

I received a complimentary copy of Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

This is my first read by Michelle Griep and I was intrigued by the storyline. Take quite a feisty heroine , a mysterious hero and Bram Stoker beginning his famous novel and we have a bit of an adventure. Not being particularly religious I found the holy/spiritual references a teeny bit irritating but that notwithstanding, this is an excellent story. I read it almost in one sitting, the medical references were interesting and made me google the symptoms mentioned which was an excellent element in the story. I would easily recommend this book, it is a fascinating view on small village gossip which hasn't changed much in some few hundred years. Well written and researched you will enjoy this lovely story. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy of Man of Shadow and Mist.

Book Blurb ; * 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 rumors. 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?*

The 2nd in the series Of Monsters and Men. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This book had themes of Dracula like the first in the series had for Frankenstein.
With the arrival of James brings the whole town into a upheaval, everyone pointing fingers and superstitions at him. When Rosa meets him for the first time she finds him to be mysterious but caring. The romance is wonderful. They have an instant connection but its not merely because of each others looks. They both have a sacrificial love towards each other that was so refreshing. And the faith content!!! They both prayed multiple times including surrendering their lives to God. And both James and Rosa have people who speak faith and hope into their lives. The theme of the hearts of men; no ne truly knows what's in someone's heart until you get to know them. James is being reviled because of rumors while there is someone else with a dark heart and intent who's thought well of. Only God knows the thoughts and intents of the hearts of men.
Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

“…the world seems full of good men— even if there are monsters in it.” -Bram Stoker, Dracula

Loved it and highly recommend it. This was mysterious, with a well put together historical story. It was realistic about the characters and problems of the time. I love MG writing and her books just keeps getting better. I always love a strong heroine and honorable hero and this had both. The Christian side of this was light and hopeful and I enjoyed that part very much. And of course I got my HEA.
Thanks Barbour Publishing via NetGalley.

If you would have told me I'd enjoy a Gothic romance, I'd have thought you were crazy. In fact, I disliked the first book in this series so much I stopped reading it. But this second installment is one I really enjoyed!

This is the second book in the series Of Monsters and Men, but it is a stand-alone novel. Good thing, too, because I suggest skipping the first book altogether and just reading this one.

This story is inspired by Dracula (kind of, you'll see) and follows three points of view: Sir James Morgan, a baronet who the community believes to be a vampire killing their livestock. Rosa Edwards, who works for her father at the library and is determined to educate the community. And Albin Mallow, the nephew of an evil shipyard owner, who sees substantial character growth throughout this story.

Each character was well developed and the story was captivating. Rosa works so hard to help those around her eliminate their superstitions. Sir James is a strong yet conflicted character who you can't help rooting for the whole time. And the romance that develops between them is sweet and adorable, if not involving several dangerous moments (Rosa finds herself in scrapes quite often).

The way the ending wraps things up is just wonderful. Even the butler of Sir James gets a happy ending and you can't help but smile for him. Content: there is one kiss that was semi-detailed that threatened to make me uncomfortable, but it ended just in time :).

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the copy of this book . I was not required to leave a positive review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the biblical truths effortlessly intertwined with this fantastical story. I laughed, I cried, I got stressed, and just HAD to know how this story ended!

I appreciated all the historical and medical research that went into this book, along with the spattering of real life people intermixed with fictional characters and events.

Man of Shadow and Mist is a story set in Whitby England during the 1890’S. Many of the people believe in spirits that come in with the fog and believe spirits of the dead may at times touch the living. Rosa Edwards runs the local lending library with her father and is trying to change the minds of the locals when it comes to such superstitions. When the baronet returns to Morgrave Manor to care for his dying mother rumors of his being a vampire surface. Many sheep in the area are being slaughtered and for many the only explanation is that Sir James is indeed a vampire. Can Rosa help him to be accepted in the community? Rosa’s parents wish for her to wed soon as she is of age. They have secured the nephew of the local shipping business but is Rosa interested?
Michele Griep tells a great story by leading the reader along path to a promising ending. One is never sure exactly where the path will lead until the end. I have read many of her books and find her writing style very satisfying. I give this book 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

If you are looking for a book that exceeds your expectations, "Man of Shadow and Mist" by Michelle Griep is that book. Dealing with superstitions fed further by lies, Sir James Morgan is a man of mystery. Rosa Edwards literally falls into his life. She is not superstitious but sometimes lies do funny things with the mind. Through a series of God-ordained accidents of nature, they are thrust together and Sir James has to decide if he can trust again. Will faith and prayer be enough to overcome in this Christian Gothic novel?

ARC provided by NetGalley.

It's a vampire story, but not because there are any vampires, but because of superstitions and the lack of medical understanding of diseases, as is common in the time period (late 19th century). What is encouraging in the story is that the 2 main characters must learn to depend on God, especially when humans are willing to believe lies to explain the unexplainable. There Iissome romance a a bit of a love triangle. I was so engaged, it was hard to put it down. Although it is a sequel, one dies not have to read book #1 to understand this one as the only thing that ties them together as a series, is that they deal with "monsters" that were written about in novels.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

What a fascinating story! I had no idea what porphyria was until I picked up this novel. I love novels more when I learn something new.
In this second gothic regency romance by Michelle Griep, readers are introduced to a lovely heroine and courageous hero. Sir James Morgan is everything good and kind, though gossip and superstitions accuse him of something more sinister that lurks beneath his pale complexion. The local librarian, Rosa Edwards believes that education is the cure to the superstitions and local folklore of her beloved town, and works hard at dispelling these tales.
Readers are treated to an educational, but delightful reader experience, as characters strive to unearth a cure for a disease that may very well take Captain Morgan’s life. The push-pull between Rosa and James is heart-breaking, as he tries to spare the woman he’s falling in love with the pain of watching him experience death. Secondary characters inflict more pain as they connive and scheme for power, dragging both James and Rosa along for the ride. But faith in God and the power of prayer carries these characters through to the end.
There’s a lot to love about this story. It isn’t as dark as the first novel of the series, so readers can safely enjoy the story into the wee hours of the morning.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

""The world seems full of good men - even if there are monsters in it."
-Bram Stoker, Dracula

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?"

Or will it end in a bonfire?

You will enjoy reading this story about a vampire - like family that lives in a small English town in the 1890's. Rose works with her father in the town's lending library/bookshop, she uses her bicycle to make deliveries when she has an unfortunate accident and she is rescued by a stranger who is dressed in black with raven - colored hair.
Thus begins a friendship that is plagued with reports of animals throats being slit, eerie screams in the night and rumors of vampires!
Rose is attracted to James, the baronet of Morgrave Manor, who has a mother who attacks him and her nurse, he cannot bear sunlight or he breaks out in scale-like sores, and who is always buying different medications to try on his mother's condition.
Alvin Mallow is attracted to Rose for financial reasons, and he and his uncle will do anything to possess Rose's fathers property - even frame James for murder!
You will have to read the book for yourself to see if James is a vampire !

A deliciously eerie, mysterious, and romantic gothic novel! Living in a town long plagued by superstition and fear, librarian Rosa Edwards is determined to dispel the stories of vampires and other fearsome myths and legends that run rampant through her town, through knowledge and logic. Rosa wants to be a secretary and leave her small town and explore the world. But her dreams and finances do not exactly line up. So, until those dreams become a reality, she works at her father’s library. One late evening, after delivering some books to a patron, Rosa has an accident with her bicycle. Unsure of where she is in the dense fog, a man appears offering to help her, then disappears into the swirling mists. Sir James Morgan is desperate to try and find a cure for the disease that is killing his mother and himself. Coming to England to take care of his mother in the old family manor is not something he wanted to do. James knows that rumors abound about he and his family and none of them are good. How can he explain to people that he is not vampire and has not been going around killing sheep in the middle of the night? The towns people are determined to blame the slain livestock on somebody, and Sir James Morgan and his “vampiric” lifestyle are the perfect scapegoat. When accusations and betrayal fall on Rosa and James’ doorstep, they must work together to find justice before they themselves lose their lives. It was so exciting to read of true-life characters showing up in this latest novel from Michelle Griep! Part Dracula, part Beauty and the Beast, readers will be swept away to 1800’s England and to a time when superstition ruled the land and love ruled the heart. I thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC of this book. I am not required to give a positive opinion. All opinions within this review are my own.

What a fun novel! I love that Michelle Griep tends to delve into the mystery and shadows of the past. She takes the spots that everyone else leaves behind and hits them hard. Who knew about this disease? And even more who knew the name? I mean, I'm a nurse and while I knew you could have this reaction to the sun I definitely didn't know the name!

Also, who still believes in vampires? They were quite the scary thought and most thought them real or at least something to fear. I so enjoyed this novel. I had to take breaks while reading because my husband was away which cut down my reading time. But I'll tell you it was worth staying up late to read.

I loved how brave and fearless Rosa was. Well, she had fear but she wouldn't let it dictate life to her. She knows her own mind and she's not about to let other people try to tell her what she wants, thinks, or should do.

Literary nerd here. I loved the addition of Bram Stoker in this novel!

Our hero is a reclusive man. He doesn't trust people. He's been burned in the past. Add in his mother suffering from a strange sickness and being mad plus dying. Oh, and she's from Transylvania.

I loved the novel. It read fast. The characters reached out and grabbed you and wouldn't let you go. You're going to be lost in this one until you're done reading and then you're going to wish for more.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

England, 1890

James Morgan is trying to find a cure for his mother who is dying of a blood disorder, but he has run out of time, the doctor has no other options for James and his mother.

Rosa works at her father’s library and this is where she meets James who is reading materials to try to help cure his mother's ailment but she doesn’t know this until later. I really liked her spunk which she had in spades. I really liked her characterization.

It is rumored that James who has property in Transylvania that he is a vampire, but he has the same ailment that his mother does and can’t be in direct sunlight.

I really liked Man of Shadow and Mist, it’s not my normal reading fare but when I see Michelle Griep’s name I know that it will be enjoyable! The romance between James and Rosa was cute and her relationship with her family was at times vexing but it was nice to see the love that they had for her.

My gratitude to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing. All opinions expressed are mine and honest.

4.5 ⭐️

This book was so atmospheric & moody! It was the perfect accompaniment to today’s blustering storm.

The Gothic intrigue is strong right from the get-go & carries through the entire story. Despite having never been to Whitby, I fell in love with the location as a child & always enjoy getting to return there through fiction. Plus, there’s a fun Bram Stoker & Dracula cameo, but it isn’t too spooky or creepy. Instead, the story reminded me of Jane Eyre, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Jaime Jo Wright’s books.

James & Rosa were lovely — the mysterious baronet & the bookish librarian. The way their stories intertwined & the progression of their relationship were beautifully done. And I loved the hint of the “fake relationship” trope.

With heart-stirring faith themes, Griep paints a poignant picture of true love and friendship while learning to trust amid the hurts & harms of superstition and gossip.


*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

A tale gripping with both historical interest and misgivings in superstition of the days, as well as adventure and romance. You definitely will not want to miss this latest release by Michelle, she definitely has a way to bring out the real monsters of the story and make it all seem so believable.
I want to thank the author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in turn for my honest opinion. This review is entirely my own.

Michelle Griep has a wonderful take on my old favorite tried and true horror/gothic stories. I love this series!
Her take on real life medical issues that when observed by uneducated and superstitious townsfolk can result in the horrendous treatment of a suffering human being.
Rosa Edwards works in her father's library renting books, watching over rare editions and helping sell her mother's tinctures and cures. It is her mission to help educate people and share her love of reading with those who can't afford books. It hurts her spirit to see the superstitions ignited by the ignorance in the village.
Sir James Morgan has returned to his Yorkshire property to oversee the care of his terribly ill mother. He is on a quest to find a cure for her. Nasty rumors born of the superstitious nature of villagers and jealousy of those who know better, spark hatred toward the man. James is accused of being a vampire who is feeding on the livestock in the area. A monster to be rid of.
Special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Michelle Griep for my advanced reader's copy of this excellent read. This is my own unsolicited opinion about it. I absolutely love how the author has taken a known and terrible medical condition and explained how easily it could be mistaken for a monstrous superstitious fantastical creature. In my opinion this is a great twist on a gothic story. And a sweet romance too!

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep, a clever telling of the root of a classic. I enjoyed it and felt it was worth the read, some of the character development felt a tad off but overall a good book.