Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep

Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep

by | Nov 23, 2021 | Book Reviews

Lost in Darkness

by Michelle Griep

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.*

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Era, England

Plot Overview:

Even if there be monsters, there is none so fierce as that which resides in man’s own heart.

Amelia Balfour has one dream . . . to tour Egypt as a travel writer. But when her wish is finally within reach, her father dies, and her malformed brother, Colin, depends on her to arrange for a revolutionary surgery. Amelia returns home, hoping he’ll recover before the ship sails for Cairo.

Former Navy surgeon Graham Lambert is sick–of traveling, loneliness, and especially the injustice of the world. Leaving behind the military, he partners with a renowned surgeon, the man who promises new life to Amelia’s brother.

But just as the operation begins, Graham suspects the surgeon is a fraud. After a botched procedure, Colin goes mad and escapes, terrorizing their neighbor, author Mary Godwin–planting the seed for her greatest creation, Frankenstein.

Can Amelia and Graham stop Colin before he destroys everyone in his path and find the tender soul still trapped inside . . . or will they be too late?

What I loved: The storyline that so well reflected Frankenstein while bringing spiritual depth that it will long live in my mind.

Favorite Character and Why:  There was such a fantastic cast of characters that it is so hard to tell. Aside from Amelia and Graham, I loved Nemo and Mrs. Bap. Nemo was an adorable child, and Mrs. Bap’s wisdom and positive outlook were the perfect addition to the story.

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

Rating and Why: Five stars. This story was amazingly written, intense, and impactful. It will live in my mind for a long time to come, and I will be rereading it when I have some free time in my reading schedule.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon     Barnes and Noble     BooksAMillion     Book Depository     Bookshop.org     Christianbook.com

 

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear

by | Jun 23, 2020 | Book Reviews

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear

This book is part of Barbour’s The Daughters of the Mayflower series and is set during the Civil War. Shannon McNear’s letter to readers in the front of the book was amazing at setting the tone for the story and the historical research/details. If you choose to read the book, DO NOT miss that letter. It really spoke to some of the complexities of the Civil War.

The story itself was less action-packed or suspenseful than I thought it would be based on the description, however, it did pick up in the last quarter of the book. Reading this story gave me a look at the life of those forced to house and nurse those considered to be the enemy and all the complexities involved. The interactions between characters were believable, the love story sweet and slow, and the history was well researched.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy Civil War stories that focus on a look at the homefront, complex family situations, and slow romances born during times of personal stress and growth.

Genre: Historical Romance, Battle of Chickamauga, 1863

Plot Overview:

Can Love Form Amidst Tensions of War?

During the clash between Union and Confederacy, quiet Tennessean Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to nurse both Rebel and Yankee wounded who seek refuge at her family’s farm. She is determined to remain unmoved by the Yankee cause—until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee. The MacFarlane family fits no stereotype Joshua believed in; still he is desperate to regain his footing—as a soldier, as a man, as a Christian—in the aftermath of his debilitating injury. He will use his time behind enemy lines to gather useful intelligence for the Union—if the courageous Rebel woman will stay out of the line of danger.

What I loved: History is always a key element for me. However, what really grabbed me was actually the author letter in front of the story. It really spoke my heart about the complexities of the Civil War which is often painted in broad strokes of black and white, right and wrong.

Favorite Character and Why: I enjoyed all the characters, but I think the dad was my favorite. He was a sweet old man who loved the Lord and extended that love willingly to the enemies living in his house.

Rating and Why: Four stars. It was a little slower paced than I expected, and though very well written, it was a story I could set down, walk away from and come back to later. I will, however, likely read it again when in the mood for a story of that pacing.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon.com       Baker Bookhouse        Barnes and Noble        Book Depository      Christianbook.com

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