Ya’ll are probably getting tired of my raving about Michelle Griep books, but THIS ONE, The Noble Guardian, is my absolute favorite of hers, and I NEVER thought anything would surprise my first love of Brentwood’s Ward. Samuel Thatcher is the most swoon-worthy hero ever. Absolutely my type. Dark, brooding, protective, tough, but entirely a softy on the inside. Yes, it is one of those books that I will force everyone I know to read, and multiple copies have already been ordered for gifts–whether they want them or not. I finished this book a couple weeks ago in the midst of traveling and I’m still flying on a high. And that cover? I am not one to stare at men or think much on appearances, but I could really stare at that cover all day long. So yeah… definitely a favorite. You have to pre-order this baby. Enough gushing, on with the review!
Genre: Historical Romance, England, 1815
Plot Overview:
Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.
Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire. Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.
So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.
What I loved: This book contained everything I love: a stubborn, strong heroine; a fiercely protective hero who is mysterious (and killer-handsome); villains that make your boots shake; fight scenes which make you hold your breath; a love that blooms naturally; and surprises that make me keep turning the pages long after bedtime… even when I have to get up at a ridiculously early time.
Favorite Character and Why: Is that really a question? Samuel Thatcher is my new book boyfriend as some of my reader friends claim to have. Holy moly! That man’s character and strength are enough to make a girl fan herself. He’s not perfect, but land’s sake, he is one I enjoy reading.
Who would like this? Anyone who craves adventure and danger with their romances, strong lawmen heroes, wonderful historical details, and stories set in England.
Rating and Why: Six stars. It is a book that makes me want to go and change the few six star ratings of other books to fives. Seriously, the best book I have ever read from Michelle Griep, and the best book ever for what I would call Historical Romantic Suspense. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. Do you feel the love for this book? LOL
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. The above opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.*
Life is a never-ending cycle of run here and wait, run there and wait, etc. At least that is what it is for me. So during the running the waiting I read this book and darn Ms. Fordham’s hide, I was in the doctor’s office waiting room when I reached an emotional section and had strangers stare at me because I was crying.
This is definitely an enjoyable read with many ups and downs. The heroine and hero are delightful, and the secondary characters ones you want to call family, too.
Genre: Historical Romance, Azure Spring, IA 1881
Plot Overview:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.
For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He’s determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
What I loved: I love the sweet friendship that develops into romance between the strong, yet self-conscious heroine, and the sheriff hero. I may or may not have a weak spot for lawmen. 😉
Favorite Character and Why: Sheriff Caleb is definitely a favorite. You have the strong, action-oriented side common of lawmen heroes, but also a softer side that goes deeper than just being kind to others.
Who would like this? Anyone who loves sweet romances with a touch of danger, small town romances, or ties to orphan trains.
Rating and Why: Four stars. I enjoyed the story and would definitely read it again–preferably in one sitting. It was unique and had some twists I hadn’t expected.
*I received a copy of this book from a contest. The above opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.*
I finally had time to dig into my older books TBR pile and pulled out a favorite author. This was another great one. Michelle took the marriage of convenience trope and flipped it on its head in a satisfying way.
Genre: Historical Romance, American Frontier, 1770
Plot Overview:
The wild American wilderness is no place for an elegant English governess
On the run from a brute of an aristocratic employer, Eleanor Morgan escapes from England to America, the land of the free, for the opportunity to serve an upstanding Charles Town family. But freedom is hard to come by as an indentured servant, and downright impossible when she’s forced to agree to an even harsher contract—marriage to a man she’s never met.
Backwoodsman Samuel Heath doesn’t care what others think of him—but his young daughter’s upbringing matters very much. The life of a trapper in the Carolina backcountry is no life for a small girl, but neither is abandoning his child to another family. He decides it’s time to marry again, but that proves to be an impossible task. Who wants to wed a murderer?
Both Samuel and Eleanor are survivors, facing down the threat of war, betrayal, and divided loyalties that could cost them everything, but this time they must face their biggest challenge ever . . .Love.
What I loved: Historical details are always a favorite of mine, and I really loved how the complexities of frontier life were displayed, especially for the heroine. To change from the pampered life of England to the comparably savage struggle of the frontier was fun to live through. I learned so much, and of course, I loved the romance. The struggle between the two to learn to love and trust each other was a slow thing, like a stew cooked to perfection takes hours and hours. Love is not rushed and I really enjoy that.
Favorite Character and Why: Samuel definitely won me over. He was a complex character, a puzzle to be figured out. He was both a man you loved and accepted as imperfect. He was real.
Who would like this? Anyone who loves frontier stories, romance, action, and danger. Also, if you love marriages of convenience, this is a fun story that breaks some of the molds.
Rating and Why: Four and a half. Michelle continues to be one of my favorite authors, and this story is no different. I will certainly be reading this one again. Her details were fantastic, the plot great, and the romantic tension consistent all the way to the end.
This is a little different from the reviews I typically do as it a children’s book, but since it is a fairy tale, I thought it fit well with the historical fiction focus.
I have two sons, ages ten and fourteen, and decided to read one chapter a night to them before bed. Honestly, I was afraid they’d stick their noses up in the air and Mom would be forced to go sulk and read it alone. But they enjoyed it! Even begged each night to read more than one chapter. For this momma who realizes her days forming these sort or memories are numbered, it was something I deeply treasured. At one point in the fight scene, they grabbed their toy swords and fought each other while I read.
The story was exciting as it followed the traditional fairy tale form. You have the monstrous villain, the brave hero, and the damsel in distress. The knight was a great example in doing what is right without expectation of reward because it is the right thing to do, and the princess was smart and compassionate. Of course, you can’t have a fairy tale without some sort of battle with good vs. evil. As I stated earlier, that was my boys’ favorite part.
It is definitely a story to read aloud, as the vocabulary is a little high level for young readers. I’d put it somewhere near a middle school level, but even if the younger readers don’t know the exact meaning, they can still greatly enjoy the story.
Even though I was provided a digital copy by the author/publisher, I’ve decided to purchase a hardcover copy. It is a story I hope to pull out on occasion and read to them, and perhaps one day, to my grandchildren.
Is it worth it to pay the higher price of a hardcover picture book? Yes. The pictures were simple in design but colorful and complemented the story well. The story itself was enjoyable and something I look forward to reading with my boys again… this time not from my tiny phone screen.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher. It in no way influenced my opinion as given above.*
Blurb from Amazon
Lord Tempesto is a snake in every sense. As a human, he is slimy, deceitful, and manipulative, but when he’s denied what he wants, he transforms into a gigantic, powerful snake. He wants nothing more than to rule the kingdom himself, and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Princess Melina is meant to rule her father’s kingdom someday, but she doesn’t want to do it alone. However, the search for a noble suitor brings a monster to the palace gates. When monster Lord Tempesto captures her and threatens to devour her beloved kingdom if she doesn’t marry him, she has no choice but to submit to the repulsive monster’s demands.
James, the son of a knight, hears about Princess Melina’s plight and sets out on the long journey to rescue her. But his own skills aren’t enough to win the fight against such a ruthless, powerful monster, and it takes teamwork between the captive and her rescuer to save the kingdom from the monster for good.
The Knight in Battered Armor shows children of all ages the importance of doing what is right no matter what and not being afraid to protect what is most important.
Ya’ll, this book is one of those rare six-star gems. It was one of those books that I struggled with deciding to devour or force myself to slow down and relish every detail. This book is exactly what my little heart has been dreaming of for the Christian market and has been so difficult to find.
The danger, suspense, romance, AND history are combined in such an utterly wonderful story that I can only think of one or two books that have done it as well as in the past. Though there was not a huge “spiritual” thread as Christian authors are so often encouraged to promote, Grace managed to lace God in with a deft hand. This is going on my forever, read repeatedly, give as gifts, and force everyone I know to read pile.
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense (YES!!! IT’S FINALLY A REAL THING!!!!) World’s Fair, Chicago, 1893
Plot Overview:
While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as an exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for a bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?
What I loved: Holy cow! What did I not love? I loved FINALLY having the satisfaction of a suspenseful book with a historical setting. I loved the romantic tension, the historical details, a serial killer on the loose, mystery, danger… Yeah, I could ramble forever.
Favorite Character and Why: It’s a tie between Winnifred and Jude. I love her spunk, determination, and bravery. Jude is absolutely swoon-worthy. A family man, caring, and protective.
Who would like this? Absolutely anyone who loves romantic suspense, especially those who love historical romance but have been craving a little more danger and suspense in the writing. If you have any fascination with true crime stories, this is a GREAT story with one of my favorite true crimes in history.
Rating and Why: SIX STARS!!!!! The writing was great, the spiritual touch light but impactful, the historical details AMAZING, and the storyline something I have been craving since I first started reading Christian Fiction. It is a rare gem, that hopefully the beginning of a new trend.
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. The above opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.*
PURCHASE LINKS (YES, I COMMAND YOU, GO BUY IT RIGHT NOW!!!!)
Atoning for Ashes is Kaitlin Covel’s debut novel and a new-to-me author. Her story is robust with lots of layers to a complex plot. Eloquent descriptions help you travel to Paris, Italy, and England, and you can really tell how much she researched to get the details just right. It is a book worth reading. Although there are a few spots you may feel like putting it down, I encourage you to read to the end. There are several surprising twists that are quite intriguing.
Genre: Historical Romance, late 1700s or 1800s England (Not 100% sure)
Plot Overview:
Josie Chadwick dreams of marrying for love in Cornwall, England, but with her father’s debt threatening to destroy all she holds dear, her romantic options are dwindling. When her elder sister Delia is disowned, Josie finds herself heiress of Chadwick Park, torn between dreams and duty. After sacrificing her heart to atone for Delia’s sin, Josie clings to the hope she will learn to love a distant husband, whom she fears is incapable of requiting her affection.
Charles Radcliffe’s heart has been scarred and hardened by rejection. He fears hurting his new bride, but his fears of betrayal and rejection are stronger, making it impossible for him to trust her love―let alone the love of her God.
As Josie and Charles face their new life together, ominous events warn of dark family secrets that could shatter them both. More than a loveless marriage is at stake if they cannot stand as one. Will they learn to trust God and each other before it’s too late?
What I loved: The rich historical details were a real pleasure. I really learned a lot and could sink right into the story world. The second half of the book was my favorite. Go figure, it’s where the majority of the mystery and danger are located. 😉
Favorite Character: Esther is my absolute favorite. Although a secondary character, she was well-rounded with her own secrets. She was wise yet fallible.
Who would like this: Those who enjoy epic stories with lots of layers, stories where broken souls are restored, stories of married couples learning to love one another and break free from the hurts of the past, and those who enjoy a bit of mystery and danger.
Rating and Why: I gave this story a 3.5 because this was a story that had sections I skimmed and felt a little preachy in areas. It wasn’t enough to keep me from enjoying the story, but I did have to push myself to read to the end. The first half of the book felt like a pure romance, but in the second half my interest was really snagged by the danger and mystery.
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. The above opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.*
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