The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep follows a young woman who is neglected by her family as she makes her way across the country, towards her new husband who she has dances with once. However, the road is quite perilous with highwayman, and one handsome rugged lawman comes to her aid... and more trouble arises. Wink wink. Ok, there is VERY real trouble, but tbh I lived for this very slow burn romance. It seems to me Michelle Griep’s writing grows with each novel. Not that her first novels are bad, far from it, but they’re just getting better! This time, there were many suprises for me, you think you know how the plot will go but there are some twists and turns that leave you guessing!

Also, the characters were phenomenol. Abby struggles with her past of mental abuse and if she believes in God after what she’s been through. She is very feisty and when she set her mind to something, she’ll do everything to achieve it. She has set a higher goal for herself, to be happy, to be self sufficient, which is what drives her through most of the books. To leave things in God’s hand is a bit of a struggle for her, though she accepts it more than our rugged lawman Samuel. He is weary of his job and wants to find peace. Until he finds Abby... I love how he takes her seriously and sees her not as a feeble woman, but as a person. And the main antagonist is truly very creepy! There are other creeps though that would be a spoiler, but it’s very well done. And there’s a little girl that is just extremely cute and I want to cuddle her (see, there’s a suprise you wouldn’t expect already lol!).

All in all, it is a very well written historical romance, with lots of action and feels. I very much enjoyed reading it and I suspect I will be rereading it soon in final version when it comes out (that cover is so gorgeous!!). The only thing I disliked is that the characters heard the voice of God a few times, I really dislike when that happens but it was only like 3 times so I can live with it lol!

I received a free ebook from netgalley (thanks sooo much!) in exchange for an honest opinion.

I was wondering when I started this book if it would do the action as part of the story or as a side plot. I thought it was well woven into the story with the characters. I enjoyed hearing about highwaymen and the men that tried to catch them. It was a story that I enjoyed very much.

Abby has lived a Cinderella-pre-ball sort of life - the unwanted stepdaughter who is always being maltreated in various ways, though with the difference that outwardly she has been looked after and is therefore expected to feel grateful. But now she is betrothed to a handsome baronet whom she met in London - at one ball. Glad to shake the dust of her home off her feet, she is excited and hopeful about her upcoming marriage. But her stepmother ensures that she has no escort but her maid, and when they are attacked by highwaymen, it is only the opportune arrival of Samuel that saves her from the proverbial fate worse than death. Samuel has been a Runner for ten years and is fed up with his job - always seeing the most evil side of human nature is wearing on him. He stays only because he has not yet saved quite enough to buy a farm. But when he is forced to leave the area following a threat to his life, and Abby offers him a considerable reward for seeing her safely to her betrothed's house, the two begin on a journey together that will change them both...

This is an author I always enjoy, and this book was no exception. A pair of thoroughly determined (we won't say stubborn) characters who must work together whether they want to or not, a delightful baby/toddler (I loved Emma), and a desperate villain who is out for blood - what more could one want? On top of that, the writing is good, the overall storyline well crafted, the ending highly satisfying, and the content clean (where there was violence, it was never described particularly graphically). My one quibble would be that Samuel seemed to get out of nasty situations a bit too easily at times - but it was no big deal. Note that, though part of a series, it is fine to read alone - I believe I have read the earlier books, but it was a while ago and I don't particularly remember the stories (I'll have to go back and read them again now). Recommended - 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

A quick moving, "can't put it down" conclusion to an excellent regency series. Abby grabbed my heart from the very beginning as a humble, genuine, heroine. Started to remind me of Cinderella. Don't let her humility fool you though; she's a spitfire who is perfectly capable of standing up for herself. Enter Samuel in one of my favorite introductory scenes. From that point on, a delightful push and pull relationship builds. Abby’s ability to see the best in people breaks down the rough and tough exterior of Samuel and I couldn’t help but cheer them on, even knowing she was betrothed to another. I enjoyed the glimpses at previous characters and enjoyed that the focus truly remained on Abby and Samuel. Michelle Griep is a master at Regency stories and perfectly blends romance and intrigue in this tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep is quickly becoming one of my favorite regency authors with her sense of humor and beautiful way she incorporates spiritual truths. This book had me laughing and cheering the protagonist all the way. This definitely won’t disappoint you.

Full disclosure: I haven’t read the first two books in this series. This novel is good, but it didn’t blow me away like the author’s "The Captured Bride" did. It really felt like it needed a good editing job, lots of repeat words and phrases that kept jumping out at me, and the characters were a little too predictable, a little too perfect. I may have enjoyed it more if I’d started with the first book in the series. That said, it’s still worth reading for the trip back in time and place.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the third book in the Bow Street Runners trilogy. It's a great read full of action, adventure and romance. When Abby sets out on a cross-country journey to marry a man of high esteem. She never expects to have her life threaten by highway men. She hires Samuel Thatcher to get her to new future, not knowing the danger they will be in. Many surprises along the way. An exciting story with some interesting plot twists. I love Michelle's writing. She keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. A wonderful conclusion to this series. Looking forward to her next book.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

When I think of a road trip novel, I think contemporary. But Michelle Griep busted all of those notions with this 19th c. English novel of a gruff horse patrol captain guarding a lady and a baby (neither of whom belong to him) from inn to inn across dangerous countryside.

Despite the fact that Captain Thatcher is escorting Miss Gilbert to the manor of her betrothed, as you'd expect, they grow to care for one another as they survive discomfort and peril.

All together an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending! I have not yet read the previous two books in the series, and this one can stand alone quite nicely.

This book kept me up late reading this past week, because the story line is excellent and the characters have depth.
If you are looking for a hero to admire and be enchanted with, Samuel is your man. I could feel the bullets whiz by, and feel the skull blows as he wrestled with outlaws. This book does not disappoint!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2816284109?book_show_action=false

The Innkeeper's Daughter still retains its place as my favorite book in this trilogy, but Samuel and Abigail's story is nice.

I felt really bad for Abigail while Samuel was a little bit more of a mystery to me. I mean, that's the point, but it kept me from connecting as much with him and his story. In fact, there was that bit about his sister that never got answered. I just realized that! It's not major to the story but would have been nice to know.

Probably my favorite aspect of this book was when Wenna talks to Abigail about finding assurance in God's love first and foremost before anyone else, otherwise she will never be fulfilled!! That is a truth that is sadly lacking in today's world and in our books, so THANK YOU, Michelle, for making it so clear!

The Noble Guardian is a great conclusion to this series. I loved this book! In this book, the reader meets Abigail. Abigail has been raised by her father and stepmother. Her stepmother dislikes her immensely. They have found someone who wants to marry her and send her to marry him. She is excited to start out on this journey and get away from her family. She quickly falls into danger and realizes maybe this is going to be harder than she thinks. Samuel is a lawman and he comes to Abigail’s aid. He agrees to help get her to her next stop and find someone who can help her to her betrothed. Samuel has his own problems with a gang who is after him. As more problems occur, Samuel ends up taking Abigail himself. Their journey is long and eventful. I highly recommend this book and promise you will not be disappointed! If you enjoy historical Christian fiction, this book is for you!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Romance, danger, and a handsome guardian thrown in to the mix. What a good story with like able characters except for a few. I enjoyed the story And really like this author

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is Christian Historical Fiction. It is always a pleasure to read a book full of Christian truths, principles and historical facts. Adventure, action, clean romance, and the historical details of Bow Street Runners, Medical care, arduous travel are all included in this exciting book. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about travel and law enforcement in that time period. It is always refreshing to read how the characters Christian Faith affected their lives. I have enjoyed each book in this series and hope to read more by Michelle Griep.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

“The Noble Guardian” by Michelle Griep is the conclusion to The Bow Street Runners trilogy. Abigail Gilbert is a young woman who has lived with her father, his second wife and her two daughters. She is unloved and used more like a servant than a daughter. She is delighted when she finds that a nobleman has asked for her hand in marriage and that her father agrees. She is to travel to her intendeds ancestral home with only her maid and a driver. When highwaymen attack her coach, these circumstances require her to travel alone except for the carriage driver, she enlists horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher.

Captain Thatcher is close to retiring from the patrol. All he wants is to settle on his own property and raise horses. He reluctantly accepts the position because Abby offers him money from her intended if he will see her to his home. Along the way, we are entertained by the repartee between these two strong-willed people.

After she is delivered to her “beloved”, she finds that all is not so rosy after all. Her father has in fact “sold” her to this debauched man. Now her problem is to find a way out of this cursed mess she’s in. However, never underestimate Abigail Gilbert.

I enjoyed reading this novel and was glad that I was granted a download of this novel by NetGalley.com in return for my honest review.

An exciting conclusion to the Bow Street Runners series! This is one epic road trip in Regency era England when ruthless highwaymen lurked in the shadows waiting to attack helpless travelers. Enter the enigmatic Captain Samuel Thatcher, the strong silent type hero, hired to guard a determined young woman hoping for a bright future, and wait for it...a baby. They have quite an adventure before it is all over!

Plenty of action scenes and some suspense moved the story along between frequent stops on the way. Captain Thatcher epitomized the sacrificial, stoic warrior type lawman. He was awesome and flawed at the same time. Like a John Wayne or Gregory Peck type western hero, but in a Regency setting. Getting to know and understand the characters' backgrounds as the journey progressed added depth to the plot, and made me empathize with them. Both main characters seemed so lonely under it all and unloved, adding to their lapse in faith. A lot of pride and preconceived ideas based on their pasts seemed to make them mistrustful, and think they had to be totally independent. I liked how they both began to pray and seek God's help in their difficult situations. The romance began to pick up after that, with some awkward tension building up. I was anxious to see how it would all play out, and enjoyed the wrap up.

Readers who enjoy historical adventure type romances with some faith, would probably like this. This can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the whole series! 4.5 stars

The Noble Guardian is a stirring conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I love the characters that she created - sweet but strong, Abigail Gilbert and stern but fiercely committed, Samuel Thatcher. Throw a baby in the midst and you have a sweet story that will keep you turning pages in order to take the journey across the heath with this trio. You won't be disappointed.

~ While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. The pleasure was mine. (2019)

To my surprise, it was better than I thought it would be. This is a christian regency romance.

Miss Abigail Gilbert is anxious to leave a miserable home to marry a baronet who asked for her hand. Captain Samuel Thatcher is an ex-war veteran who patrolled the roads for highwaymen. Circumstances force them to face the road and dangers to take the girl to her fiancé, while the captain has his hands full with a promise to a friend.

Adventures and slow romance follow.


The end was a bit dragged. The thing with the 'voices' /SPOILERS--->... and with that I mean the 'otherworldly voices' - I am still a bit mollified by it. I don't understand clearly such blatant expression of faith. I am more fan of the conscience type.<---SPOILERS/

The Good: I like that Abigail is not a delicate flower kind of heroine. She is able to take action despite her fears.

And Samuel is a believable tormented hero.

God, have mercy on that man’s soul . . . but even as he prayed it, Samuel knew it was too late for the black-hearted sinner— and that was a fate worse than death.
He staggered from the thought as he wiped off his knife. It was always like this, the heave of his stomach, the squeeze in his chest, every time a criminal died unrepentant, no matter how abominable their offenses.


In the other hand, I am a bit cynical about historical romances believing in real love. Until very recently, and with that I mean early 20th century, people were more practical. And in that time, as we can see in the Austen romance , the heroine ended married with the house and the title, and don't forget the connections. Well, some can say decency required but it was more public image. But for this literature be a more gullible is a must , I'd think :sigh and not-gasp: ;P

*Though is indicated as the third book of a serie, it can be read as stand-alone without problem.

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Donde Abigail se sentia la Cenicienta pero el príncipe no lo era tanto.

Abigail es una joven dama bastante ingenua que sale de un hogar hostil, con una madrastra y hermanastaras mala leche y un padre despreocupado para casarse con un baronet que pidio su mano despues de verla en un baile. Todas sus esperanzas estan puestas en este hombre buen mozo, rubio y con titulo, que la espera para casarse. Pero en su casa no le ponen guardia para el viaje, y tan solo con una sirviente por compañia para una dama sola , empiezan dificultades en el camino.

Mientras tanto, Samuel Thatcher es un exvterano de guerra, cinico y harto de matar gente y de vivir siempre en peligro, esta juntando dinero para comprarse un terrenito y retirarse con su fiel yegua. Y se encuentra con esta damisela en apuros, que lo termina contratando para que la lleve con su prometido. ]]Bueno, hay asaltantes, tormentas, accidentes, un bebe que necesita ayuda, y la vista de esta epoca bastante brutal a su manera y donde todo no era bailes de salon .

Abby va a tener que decidirse que es mas importante, y entre su idea ideal de romance y lo que va viviendo dia a dia.
Nunca habia leido a esta autora, ni esta serie. No tuve problemas para leer este a pesar de que es el tercero de esta serie de hombres de la ley de fines de 1800 que patrullaban los camiones de asaltantes de carruajes y viajeros que se movilizaban en Inglaterra durante su periodo de regencia.

Aparece indicado como un romance cristiano, pero encuentro que no es exasperante y el nivel de religiosidad es congruente con la epoca .

Es una buena historia. pero sin mayores sorpresas


Romance? Si.
Sexo? No
Animales? caballos.
Niños? Una nena de pocos meses.

Captivating Read
An incredibly sweet read that flows without the lingering of suspense just straight and to the point making this another enjoyable read by this author.

Book Title: The Noble Guardian (The Bow Street Runners #3)
Author: Michelle Grip
Pub Date: June 1, 2019

***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 3/5 A clean Christian romance novel that is the conclusion to the trilogy.

Heroine (Abigail Gilbert): 2/5 Abby is a very naive daughter of a well off family that is trying to better their station in life by marrying into the gentry. Stubborn and strong willed when she really has no right to be given that she spent her whole childhood being berated by her family.

Hero (Samuel Thatcher): 3/5 Samuel is getting ready to step out of his role as a Bow Street runner and settle down and buy a farm. He is dark and brooding and tries very hard to maintain that character even when happy for some reason.

Plot: 3/5 Abby sets out to meet her soon to be husband Sir Jonathan with only a coachman and her maid to protect her. When they get to a particularly dangerous part of their journey they try to hire a guard but none is available. They are attacked by highwaymen and Samuel happens to be patrolling that area and saves the women but kills a notorious highwayman’s brother. Samuel needs to travel north for a bit and Abby needs a guard (now that even her made has abandoned her) so they set off together. Abby learns much about Samuel and when pressed she can’t even decide on a hair color for Sir Jonathan. Will she choose the easy life of the gentry or perhaps stay with her noble guardian?

Personal Review: If I had known it was a Christian romance novel I probably wouldn’t have read it. I have no problem with religion, I taught Sunday School for eight years, but it’s not a concept I particularly enjoy when reading a romance book so I wish it was mentioned somewhere in the summary from the publisher. This pair think about and talk to God on a page by page basis that I find off putting but if Christian romance is your genre then give this book a go.

Abby tries on multiple occasions to draw Samuel into conversion but the pair don’t really work for me. Samuel is too broody for me and I’m surprised Abby falls for him. Her other choice was not the greatest guy so I would choose Samuel over Sir Jonathan too, but she falls for Samuel before they arrive.

The maid leaving her charge and heading home, what is she planning on telling the family? The family didn’t particularly love Abby but they needed her marriage to be successful and now is traveling alone. I don’t see the maid getting welcomed back into the house staff.

*thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for this free copy in exchange for an honest review*

Michelle Griep has done it again! I enjoyed the Bow Street Runners book before this one, and Noble Guardian was just as good.

I like Griep’s writing style. I will be looking for more work from her!