Lost in Darkness

Michelle Griep is one of my go-to authors. So when I saw her newest book, of course, I was eager to read it, and I was not disappointed! It is another great story as the suspense and tension kept my attention throughout this historical fiction set in early 1800s London. The characters are endearing, with depth and authenticity. Colin stole my heart, and I just wanted the best for him. Amelia is strong and will do anything to help her brother, even setting aside her own dreams to follow her father's wishes. The story moves rather quickly as Griep expertly weaves faith and romance in with tender moments as well as rather shocking events. I was captivated by this Gothic story that is reminiscent of Frankenstein. Lost in Darkness is a book that lovers of historical fiction will not want to miss. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own.

Michelle Griep writes the most gripping novels, and oh my, this one grabbed me and wouldn’t let go! What an amazing, horrific, emotional story! Torn between caring for her ghastly-appearing brother and her career, Amelia feels forced to abide by her dead father’s agreement to have a questionable surgery performed on Colin in order to make him “normal”. Dr. Peckwood, the evil component in this story, is balanced by his always-questioning partner Dr. Lambert as Colin is put through horrendous “procedures”.

I found myself cheering on the relationship between Dr. Lambert and Amelia in their quest to find the truth behind Dr. Peckwood’s crazed methodologies. This is a novel with roller-coaster emotions! One of my favorite lines is “Only God heals the past, but I have learned that kindness makes the present all the sweeter.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a positive review; all opinions are my own.

This was the perfect story to read this time of year! I enjoyed learning more about the history of Frankenstein, though this is a historical fiction story. The details were well done.

If I were to describe this book in one word, it would be intense. Marvelously so. Michelle Griep has taken her writing to new levels in this gothic romance that leaves characters battling the monsters within . . . and without. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein had nothing on this story where the famed author makes several appearances. The story of Amelia Balfour, Graham Lambart, Colin Balfour, and Dr. Peckwood is sure to have your angst ratcheting tight all the way to the spell-binding ending, that while holding to magnificent gothic tradition, leaves the reader with hope for the future.

This was the most intense book from Michelle Griep that I have ever read, and to be honest, I was glad that I was listening to it as an audiobook and was forced to do thirty or fewer minute increments. The tension was so deep, so constant that my heart couldn't take it all at once. I'm looking forward to reading it again soon, this time in one fell swoop. This is an unforgettable tale that will sweep readers away to a different time to face monsters that they might even see reflected in themselves. 

I recommend this book for fans of Gothic romances, Frankenstein, obscure history, and deep truths discovered during trying circumstances.

*While I've purchased an additional copy myself, a copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher and the review above is my honest opinion of the book and was not influenced in any way.*

(Some links for the reviews have not been approved yet, but I've tried to put in what I could. I reviewed to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Christianbook, GoodReads, BookBub, and my blog which will go live on Tuesday 11/23/2021)

This was a very interesting book. I’m still processing the story. I was very intrigued by the storyline. Conflicting feelings… both sad but bittersweet. I really like the author and her writing style.

To read the synopsis follow the link: Amazon Link

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

A Regency Gothic book with a Frankenstein vibe.
This book kept me spellbound while reading it. I simply could not put it down. It also made me a bit sad. A young woman who wants only the best for her brother, she gives up a once in a life time opportunity she has worked so hard towards to be with her brother as he has experimental brain surgery to cure a deformity he has.
The sad thing is doctor's experimented on people who had no say in what happened to them like people in asylums back in the old days to get the skills needed to perform the surgeries they do today.
#LostinDarkness #NetGalley

Very different story than I usually read by a very talented author.
Looking forward to reading many more books by this author.

Pub Date: 01 Nov 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I must admit that I don't tend to read a lot of gothic novels, and lately do tend to prefer much lighter reads... and yet, I found this to be a wonderfully written story that drew me in nonetheless. Michelle Griep does a wonderful job of creating these beautiful characters that draw the reader into the story, and into this time and place quite different than our own. While the style of this book was quite different than books I had read by the author in the past, her skillful storytelling came through every bit as beautifully just the same.

While I don't believe I've ever personally read Frankenstein, I-like most- am fairly familiar with the story anyway... so seeing that this was inspired by it certainly piqued my interest. A Christian fiction read inspired by Frankenstein? Seemed interesting...and Michelle Griep truly did pull it off beautifully. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is certainly a unique read worth checking out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

A beautiful story with a strong and courageous heroine. I couldn't put this down! Beautiful writing kept me turning the pages! Thrilling and romantic!

Michelle Griep has a talent for writing raw and real gothic romance that never fails to pull me in and hold me spellbound until the very last page. Lost In Darkness definitely lived up to my expectations.

In this Frankenstein-inspired tale, Amelia Balfour receives news that brings her dreams of sailing to Cairo as a travel writer to a sudden halt. Her father has died and her terrifyingly deformed brother has a chance at a surgery that could change his life forever, but he needs Amelia's help in the weeks leading up to the very risky, and potentially fatal day. After all, nobody has ever attempted such a surgery before. Surgeon Graham Lambert has been suspicious about his boss's strange behaviour since beginning his new job as an assistant physician in the often-absent man's practice. However, he still doesn't have enough evidence to prevent the shady doctor from operating on Amelia's brother, and he definitely didn't expect to fall in love with his new patient's sister.

Lost in Darkness is an epic novel filled with heart-pounding suspense and raw emotion. Griep dives deep into the often horrific treatments of asylum patients while reminding us that there is still light to be found even in the darkest places. I really liked both Amelia and Graham and found them relatable and even heroic, but Colin was my favourite. His life had been difficult and lonely, but he still had such a big heart. He may have struck horror in the hearts of everyone who looked at him (with the exception of his sister), but he continued to trust in God and to love those who would let him in.

I would give this novel 4.5/5 stars. I loved almost the entire book, despite it being outside of my usual genre, but was disappointed with the ending. I can see why the author ended it this way, but I still wish it could have been different.

If you enjoy faith-filled gothic or historical romance, you won't want to miss Lost in Darkness.

*I received a complimentary copy of Lost in Darkness through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Michelle Griep brings a emotional gothic tale with her latest Regency romance, Lost in Darkness.

I don’t quite know where to start with this book. My emotions are still swirling inside me and have not settled. Not that Lost in Darkness isn’t good. This novel is exquisite. And I don’t use that adjective lightly. In fact, I think the fact that my emotions haven’t settled yet is due to the fact that this book is so wonderful.

With this novel, Michelle Griep delves into the human condition, specifically our desire to be loved and cared for. In a way I can only deem ironic, she takes three characters who long to find their place in the world and lodges them deeply into the reader’s heart. Or at least that’s how it felt for me. Because the moment I was introduced to Amelia, I felt for her. I understood her. When I was introduced to Graham, I was drawn to him. And when Colin stepped onto the page, my heart broke.

In a unique twist on Beauty and the Beast, Griep brings us a story about a beautiful sister and her deformed brother. But what strikes me is that Colin is beautiful on the inside, even if he’s considered beastly on the outside.

I wasn’t prepared for the ending in more ways than one. Yet when I finally turned the last page, I found that the characters stayed with me. That the spiritual arcs about God’s love and our place in His hands resonated with me in a way I hadn’t expected. And while watching Graham and Amelia’s relationship bloom was both beautiful and satisfying, it was Colin that really gripped my attention.

Overall, Lost in Darkness is a poignant story that gothic and Regency romance fans will love.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Lost in Darkness is a fantastic book! With a Frankenstein-esque feel, romance, family loyalty, and faith Michelle Griep writes a wonderfully unique tale. Graham and Amelia are great characters, but Colin steals the show. For a faith-filled yet gothic tinged story, I can’t recommend Lost in Darkness enough!

It’s the summer of 1815, and Amelia Balfour learns not only of her father’s death, but also that she is now responsible for her younger brother, Colin. Furthermore, her father has arranged for a surgeon to undertake a never performed procedure on her brother. Initially, she’s all for it while Colin is reluctant but eventually comes around. Meanwhile, the surgeon’s younger partner has his own suspicions but doesn’t want to alarm the siblings.

Lost in Darkness is a true gothic romance set in Bristol during the Regency era. It leans heavily on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and includes Mary as a neighbor of the Balfour family who is partially inspired by the stories surrounding Colin. While Shelley’s Frankenstein is an obvious influence, I also saw in Colin a resemblance to Joseph Merrick the so-called Elephant Man of the late 19th century. The horrifying surgeon, meanwhile, reminded me of Digory’s Uncle Andrew in CS Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew.

The romance, thankfully for this reader, is not overwhelming. I was more interested in the gothic nature of the tale, and the feeling the siblings had of being watched. Why did they keep finding small toys in a house without children? Who is the strange neighbor not Mary) reaching out to Amelia? This is a tale that will leave readers as it did me: breathless until the very end.

<i>Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, the opinions above are my own.</i>