I enjoyed this story very much; it sucked me in and I had a hard time putting it down. Of course, I knew long before the end of the story how it would end, but I wanted to find out how it happened! Abigail was so desperate for love that she was blind to reality. I rooted for her all the way through, to wake up and see what was obvious. The baby was a delightful addition to this romance. The one thing I could have done without in the book was the violence. There were several violent deaths, which was probably authentic, but I don't like it. There was also a near-rape scene; in my opinion, it was handled well, without being too graphic. I appreciated the spiritual growth in Abigail through the story. About halfway through, Abigail met a woman named Wenna who showed her clearly that God loved her and wanted her. Wenna had some very wise words!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.

This book was amazing!. I read it in 48 hours, I just couldn't stop reading. I have my copy of Brentwood's Ward and The Innkeeper's Daughter, I won't say any spoilers, but those first book of this series are must be read.

So on this final book of the series, we have Samuel Tatcher, he is tired of all the ugliness he has seen this ten years in his job as a runner and now a Captian. He just wants to have a simple easy, uncomplicated life. However he needs money to accomplish his dreams, and that's were Abigail Gilbert, Abby for short. Enters, she came from a family that sadly care very little of her, she longs to be loved by who she is and she believes that the men her father arranges for her to marry are the answer to that prayer. But in her way she is attacked by highwaymen, Samuel saves her. So, we have two very different people, from different backgrounds forced to join forces. Abby for the protection Samuel offer, and him for what the payment represents for his plans and future.

As always, Michelle Griep wrote a great story with layers mixed with a profound and relatable message. You are loved, accept it just as you are. I believe that many times like in the case of Abby we try so hard to earn other people love we just don't see it and also how we may be trying for so long do things in our way without God's help and we end up tired and struggling like in the case of Samuel.

I truly loved the way the series ends it, I will say it: Well done to Michelle Griep!, So, if you like a good historical fiction, with interesting characters, great descriptions, faith, romance a second chance and many unexpected situations, this series is a winner I recommend all three books of The Bow Street Runners.

Truly grateful to Barbour Publishing for the ARC of this book.

I love Michelle Griep's ability to take you right back in time with every little detailed description and gripping story lines and The Nobel Guardian is just another example of her talent to do that. This is a wonderful story that concludes the series with a bit of everything. Complete with carriage robbers, romance, and a lot of courage, The Nobel Guardian is a solid and page turning story. I hadn't read the preceding books and had no problem catching on to the story, so it is a great standalone story. For a bit of an adventure through the English countryside in the early 1800's be sure to pick this one up!

Abigail Gilbert has been living Cinderella's life with an evil stepmother and mean stepsisters.  She is finally getting away from it all.  She is to be married to a nobleman across England. She sets out woefully unprepared for the trip.  When robbers attack carriage, she is saved by lawman Samuel Thatcher.  

Samuel wants nothing more than to purchase some land and get out of law enforcement.  He just needs the rest of the money.  Abigail offers him that to escort her the rest of the way.  

A good read with lots of bumps for Abigail and Samuel.  It is easy to see the end of this book, like most in its genre.  What keeps the interest is how they get there.  

Definitely recommend this for a pleasant afternoon read.

This is the third book in the series but reads well as a stand alone. Abby is on her way to marry a baron. Her family seem happy just to send her on her way alone. She has her maid but then Fanny leaves her too, Horse Patrol Captain comes across her in need and with his friend asking him to take his daughter to his sister as his wife has died they set out on the road together.. They come across bad guys and illness and it takes them many extra days. When they reach Abby's new home things are not as she thought they would be. Their feelings for each other and this sweet little girl have happened along the way. An interesting Christian read.

The Noble Guardian was amazing!! I was drawn to the cover of the book, than to the description. Once I was reading it I was drawn into the story.
Abby was such a wonderful lady. She had so much growing done in the pages of the story, she started out young and naive but grew into a strong and brave lady! Abby's faith in God was nothing short of amazing, watching it grow through the book inspired me to continue to grow! I loved how much Abby took care of little Emma and that she became like a mother to the child.
Samuel drew you in from the moment you met him! He is strong, brave and has a huge faith in God. The fact that he trusted God even with all the bad he saw was so inspiring. Even though he questioned things, which we all do, he never let his faith waiver!!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone! I loved it and look forward to reading more books by the author.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This was so much like a Cinderella Story! I was so mad at the family of Abby! I loved how this story unfolded and didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading more by Michelle Griep.

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

The Noble Guardian
by Michelle Griep


Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Shiloh Run Press

Christian , Romance

Pub Date 01 Jun 2019


I am reviewing a copy of The Noble Guardian through Barbour Publishing Inc/Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley:



After having lived with a family who hated her, now is finally time for Abigail Gilbert to experience love. Abby finds herself setting 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.




Samuel Thatcher a horse patrol captain arrives just in time to save Abby. She’s simply another victim in a job he has grown to despise. He has grown tired of the dark side of humanity, he has plans to buy land and retire.



Abby convinces him to escort her for the rest of the journey. He finally agrees after she offers him something she desperately needs to achieve his goal, which means money. If he delivers her safely he will have more than enough to buy property.



This begins an impossible trek for cynical lawmen and the proper lady. Each will be forever changed by the time they reach Abby’s betrothed that is if they don’t kill each other first or fall in love.



I give The Noble Guardian five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A very gripping story. I really like Michelle Griep's writing style. I can't wait to read more of her books

My heart was punctured along with Abigail Gilbert as her stepmother practically throws her out of the house to travel to meet her soon-to-be noble husband, who’s a baronet. I felt the firry darts this woman spit out as the girl left. All she wanted was to see her father before she left. She replied, “…You didn’t actually expect anyone to see you off, did you?”

…”I merely wanted to thank Father one last time for arranging my marriage to Sir Jonathan, but you can tell him for me...”

“Oh, Abigail, don’t be ridiculous. We have other things to do. Now that we have your association with a baronet, the chances of my daughters marrying better than you are within reach…”

…”Why had she been so foolish to expect anything different?” So Abigail sets off on a journey with some money and no guardian.

She doesn’t get too far before trouble finds her. It’s there she meets Captain Samuel Thatcher, a Bow Street Runner who patrols the roads to London to keep them safe. He comes to her aid. She realizes she needs help to get to Penrith; so, she hires him to be her guardian. The pathway is dangerous he knew from riding these roads and run in’s with the Highwaymen that robbed and murdered coach passengers.

There is something about Abigail that tugged at his heart, he couldn’t say no. He was tickled by how this woman carried herself. Abigail stands up strong forging ahead to be married to a man she didn’t know. Abigail says to the Captain, “May I remind you, sir, that my name is not lady, and the truth is that as a baronet, Sir Jonathan is a very busy man. He doesn’t have time to waste, so it is no surprise our courtship is a whirlwind.”

“Courtship, you say?” The captain folded his arms. “Your man is up north in Penrith. You are coming from the south. How much of a courtship could you have possibly had?”

..”It’s not the length of the relationship that matters, but the depth. Do you not agree?”

The Captain smiled, ‘I suppose you expect to live happily ever after, then.”

“I do. Oh, of course I know there shall be hardships, mind you, but with Sir Jonathan at my side, I am certain we shall face each trial as a united front.” …“What do you know of the man, other than he’s busy?”

I enjoyed these two, their crazy situation, and the wild ride neither one of them thought they’d be on. What follows is seemingly endless perils, making you wonder if they will ever reach their destination alive. This is a page-turning, nail-biting action adventure from beginning to end. I loved every minute of it. I’m sad it had to end. This is the authors best novel to date. I think this would make a GREAT MOVIE!! Just saying. It would be a wonderful book club pick too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

I didn't realize this book was part of a series when I requested it so I went back and started reading the first couple of books. However, I couldn't get into the first book so I will not be reviewing this title.

Traveling through the English countryside in 1815 was not easy, nor was it safe. Thieves and murderers, some with a strong appetite for revenge, were prowling about, looking for their next opportunities and victims.

Abby Gilbert was attempting to travel through known dangerous territory to join a man she had been promised to in marriage. Abby was anxious to leave the home she had grown up in, due to a nasty stepmother who seemed to enjoy making life miserable for her.

As Abby travels farther from the only home she has ever known, she encounters many things, including serious danger and career criminals. As lawman Samuel Thatcher is trying to rid the countryside of criminals, he encounters and rescues Abby, not once, but twice. Will he agree to be her guardian and deliver her safely to her destination?

Worrying that he will live to regret his decision and feeling like Jonah in the Old Testament, he takes on the challenge of being Abby’s guardian. What could possibly go wrong? Might things go impossibly right?

Let the adventure begin! Join Abby and Samuel , unlikely travel partners, as they journey through a not-so-peaceful English countryside. So many experiences to be had...danger, illness, trust, suspicion, uncertainty and my favorite...divine appointments.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and GoodReads. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Truthfully I've had the first books in this series on my TBR pole for as long as I can remember and not gotten around to reading them. Don't know why but I'd definitely be doing that now. The author writes superbly.

A truly awesome book with lots of twists and turns that captivate you from the start and keep you craving more all the way to the end.
Abigail leaves the home she knows where she feels no love on a journey to meet her betrothed. Little does she know that this would be the journey of her life.
Samuel Thatcher a bow runner who has lost faith in humanity and still struggles to see the good that comes with men. He stumbles upon Abby and saves her from highway men thus beginning their alliance that is filled with adventure, chases, gunfights and bits of comedy in between.
The side characters each added on the way both good and bad are a delight to the story. It's funny how Abigail never really saw through her intended until it was nearly too late.
The Christian elements are spot on too. God is in control always is and he cares about you so let go and trust him
A truly delightful read. Although it I the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone without feeling lost just a few minor spoilers from the first two books.

Looking forward to more from this author.

This story made me laugh aloud at some places. Because this is a Christian novel, no cussing is allowed. So the hero has some inventive expletives to share, and they are hilarious. Well done. Overall, the author’s humor is fun throughout.

That said about swearing, there were a few places where the prose seemed to take the Lord’s name in vain, which made me cringe. Like: “Lord, but his bones ached.” Or “Oh God, if I’d known.” These instances didn’t read as prayers. There were also phrases in the ARC (advanced reader copy) that seemed far too modern, like “crying jag” and “kicking back.”

There was a lot of melodrama in this novel. I’ve seen this in a few historicals lately. It was overwhelming at times. I ended up skimming now and then. The heroine struck me as immature, indecisive, and foolish. It was difficult to respect her because she seemed incapable of wisdom. She could be strong and brave, but her foolishness nearly canceled out those good traits. There were contrived elements in the plot, and there was a bit too much gore in some scenes.

The author did a good job with male characterization. Her hero is a “man of intention” and easily respected.

I think with less overstated emotions and descriptions, and with fewer contrived scenarios, plus a competent heroine, this book would have appealed to me more.

I loved this book!! Michelle Griep is excellent at creating characters you care for with a writing style that flows smoothly and beautifully. I particularly enjoyed seeing two characters who felt unlovable find peace in the Lord and each other!

I have read the entire Bow Street trilogy but this was my favorite!

It’s 1815 and readers are introduced to an ugly family. It’s like Cinderella, except we only meet the stepmother and Abby hasn’t quite been reduced to servant status. But she is being married off and has convinced herself that she’s in love with her intended. That’s despite meeting him only once and, when pressed, she can’t quite describe his character. She can barely remember what he looks like either. Meanwhile, those who’ve read the first two books of the Bow Street Runners trilogy will remember Thatcher as a mysterious figure who seemingly got around without making a sound. He’d appear out of nowhere to interact with the main characters and blend easily into crowds.

This was a novel where I knew what should happen by the end, but didn’t know how the narrative would get there. There was action and romance, joy and sadness, and scenes with good families and bad families. If I have one criticism, it’s that none of the wealthy characters – with the exception of Abby – were portrayed in a positive light. Getting to know Thatcher was a real treat, and I’ll probably see him differently should I re-read the earlier books. I felt bad for Abby, who was put in a terrible situation with her own reputation and life at risk. Arranged marriages were nothing out of the ordinary for this time, but the way in which this one was handled by her family was mind blowing. In my opinion, The Noble Guardian is the best book of the trilogy. But you’ll want to read the other two books first, just to really appreciate Thatcher at his most enigmatic.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for my complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of The Noble Guardian.

Y'all, I just have to start off this review by saying how much I loved this book! Oh. My. Heart! Absolutely loved it! If you're a fan of Michelle Griep, do yourself a favor and just pause everything you have going on and grab this book. If you haven't ever read a Michelle Griep book, seriously do yourself an even bigger favor and go get one of her books to read. I had been eyeing the first book in this series for a while but was unable to get it to read. Then a couple years later I happened upon a book of hers for review on NetGalley and jumped at the chance. After that I've been an avid fan of hers!

So, this is book three in the series, and the final book. I still haven't read the first book in the series. Ugh. I know. I seriously need to rectify that and read it. Because I've wanted to for years. But I have read the second book and this one and really enjoyed them. I think you'd probably be just fine reading this as a stand alone novel. There are a few moments that tie in the main characters from the first two books but the author does it in such a way that you could understand.

Abigail sets out on an epic adventure when she leaves her home to head to her betrothed to be wed. Little does she know all that is about to transpire and how she will be tested. Especially to keep her wits about her so she can arrive safely where her heart desires...with her betrothed.

Samuel is a Bow Street Runner trying to find some good and humanity in the world, trying to find hope. When his path throws him on the same path as Abigail's, he might start to see a flicker of hope.

I loved the twists and turns throughout this book. Especially the many characters throughout. There are some hardened and dangerous characters. There are some despicable characters. There are some comic relief characters. There are some characters that offer love and hope. Yes, a great and well rounded cast of characters are within these pages. There were some that I just wanted to shake. Ugh! How could they be that way???!!!!!!!!!!! There were some characters that I just absolutely adored and wanted to snuggle (you'll understand when you read it)!

Danger, heartache, carriage rides, horse chases, sneak attacks, sorrow, carriage chases, lies, laughs, deceit, marriage, evil villains, silly maids, death, new life, hope, fear, money, longing stares, love, truth, and much, much more!

This book, I really didn't want it to end. I didn't want to set it down when my reading time was up. I just wanted to keep being immersed in this world, especially with Abigail and Samuel. Oh, my! ;-)

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril and suspense. Not overly graphic. There is some death and killing. This is a Christian fiction so there is talk about God and finding Him in your lives. A couple very mild innuendos but nothing more than kissing.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

What a wonderful story! I loved the characters. They are so unique and well written. The book pulls you in quickly and doesn’t let go! It has adventure, peril, heroism, a sweet and clean love story, and a wonderful ending. This is a book that I could enjoy reading again and again. I definitely recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.

This book was received as an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. - Shiloh Run Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

The series ends on a thrilling note that will leave you breathless and speechless. The Noble Guardian continues with Abigail and the perfect life she has built for herself. About to marry one of the richest men in the town, she gets caught with some criminals and relies on a lawnman to save her and bring her back to town. Along the way, the lawnman grows fond of Abigail and their relationship starts to spark and may end up at a different direction when she returns home and she will find happiness with someone else. Christian Fiction is a popular genre with our patrons and community and I know this book will be among the most popular that gets circulated.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This book had me in a state of suspense for several chapters!
I love the historical facts woven into this story.
I love the magnetic attraction between Samuel and Abby that is strong and clean.
Samuel is a complex man. He is so good at heart, but struggles with his painful past, and so comes across as gruff and almost indifferent. But nothing could be further from the truth. He is loyal, and desires a good life, but doesn't think he is deserving of anything good - including Abby.
Abby is just an awesome woman! She is kind, brave and wants to love and be loved. She has been treated terribly by her family, and is looking forward to a 'happily ever after'...
Samuel and Abby are thrown together in the midst of extremely trying circumstances:
~ Villains, bad weather, a broken carriage, a lying scheming baronet (also a villain), and a baby to boot - among other things!
Through all of it, they are both struggling with their faith, and searching for hope. But both know down deep that trusting God is the right way to go.
One of my favorite quotes is from Abby:
"Lord, I confess I am anxious and fretting and altogether not trusting in Your great providence. It is not You who are in my debt, but I in Yours... for everything You give. .... I will trust You for the best outcome whatever that may be, for I can do no more."
The suspense is continual - wondering what will happen with the villains, and then also in wondering when Samuel and Abby will give in to loving each other!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own. I highly recommend this book! I throughly enjoyed it!