Quality, clean historical fiction is my favorite genre. I don't mind a little mystery as long as it isn't too intense. Neither some romance, as long as it remains clean. A Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep filled these requirements well!



This is the third title in The Bow Street Runner Trilogy. I have not read the first two titles, but this story stands alone and it is not necessary to have done so. I love that it is a pretty lengthy book! I love reading long books where there is plenty of time for character development.

This particular title was peril-filled! Lots of action and adventure follow the heroine and hero along the way. I did have some trouble getting a good feeling for the setting, but I think this may have had to do with the nature of travel in the book. The heroine is traveling to meet her fiance and in the process the hero must accompany her for safety reasons after she is attacked. I do think if I had read the previous novels the setting would have been a little easier to grasp.

I did like the heroine of this story. She is plucky, but also naive in many ways. At times I felt her reactions didn't match other parts of her expressed character, but then I remember none of us is able to be exactly predictable in our natures.

Like most romance stories there is a lot of will-they/won't-they play back and forth. I appreciated that it was handled well and with tact. The more "romantic" descriptions were very tasteful, but were still a little deeper than I would have my daughters read until they are older, maybe college age. They aren't interested in romance yet anyway, but I do keep that in mind as I am reading.

I was pleased with the closure. There was miscommunication and misunderstanding, not all the fault of the characters, but it was cleared up eventually and everything tied up nicely. I do not like cliff hangers or unresolved endings and I was quite satisfied with how things tied up with both of the main characters as well as the young child who plays a significant role in their story.

I would highly recommend this title, but I think going back and reading the first two in the series might be beneficial to getting the most enjoyment out of this one.

This is my first book by this author. I liked the writing and the characters. Abby was a bit naive and an incurable optimist but she also had spunk. The Captain was pretty invincible. A super hero of sorts. It seemed he could not be brought down. He was also caring and kind despite being jaded by his job. And little Emma was a cutie. I can't imagine what it would be like to take a trip like that with a young child. I think the book glossed over a lot of those difficulties but we probably didn't need descriptions for things like what they did with dirty diapers while traveling in a coach for days on end... ick.

I think the characters helped each other with traits they needed. The captain needed to be softer and learn to have faith and hope and Abby needed to gain street smarts and learn to really stand up for herself.

This is obviously Christian lit but not too over the top. Mostly they pray to God for guidance and assistance.

There was some high drama with sadistic highwaymen along with the romance. I thought it was an enjoyable read.

Sex: a couple kisses, some innuendo.
Language: a couple deities.
Violence: yes

Abby Gilbert leaves a loveless home situation with high hopes that her planned marriage to a Lord will turn out to be a love match, even though she's only met the man once. Along the way, she encounters Samuel Thatcher, a lawman with his own baggage and doubts, but one who takes his duties very seriously. As the two travel long distances through dangerous situations and complications arise such as a request to deliver a small child to her aunt, they each must face whether the holes they're looking to fill can be met by a person, themselves, or whether they need to look to Someone greater.

I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, but the more I heard about this book, the less I could resist it. I am so glad that I finally picked it up; Abby and Samuel are such compelling characters that you can't help but want their hearts to heal and for them to find their fulfillment with God. I always love when a male character appreciates the strong points of the female character, rather than just her curves or fine features, and Abby's bravery and inner strength were what drew Samuel to her over and over again.

I give this book 4 stars. It seems that this is part of a series, but it was definitely enjoyable as a standalone novel. I will be looking for the first two, though, if they're as good as this one!

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed reading Michelle Griep's new book, The Noble Guardian. It has everything a reader could ask for; a damsel in distress, a handsome rescuer, and a good plot line.

If you are a fan of historical Christian fiction, add this book to your reading list!

Thanks to Netgalley, I received a copy of The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. This was the first book I read by this author but it will not be the last! Following the adventures of Abigail Gilbert in the Regency period in England, I absorbed the culture, atmosphere, and expectations of several layers of society. This tale was so descriptive and well written - I definitely enjoyed reading it! Realizing this is part of a series, I had no trouble starting with this book and following the storyline.

With a cinderella-type backstory, Abby Gilbert leaves behind a cruel stepmother and unloving family to marry a man she's met only once, and very briefly! But she's a determined young woman, hopeful for a better life and for the love of her soon-to-be-husband. With only a maid to accompany her, the journey to this fiancé takes her across the heath--and into the path of the dangerous, murdering blackguards.

I love that we get Samuel Thatcher's story! He showed up in "The Innkeeper's Daughter" (my favorite Bow Street Runners novel) and everyone was clamoring to know more about this dark, handsomely-grim man. He's seen a lot of hell in his life and career. He moves like the shadows; his sharp, rough manners need a little work: from his 'devilish' intense stare, to his sharp, demanding tones. He always expects death to be waiting around the corner to claim him, but it won't stop him. He has a noble calling: To 'stop the wicked, and protect the vulnerable.'

It is this noble calling which leads him to the heath, drawn by a gunshot, and to Abby.

And in this headstrong, determined woman, Samuel meets his match. And dreams for an impossible future.

I sensed Samuel was a deeply intriguing character from the last book, and all I can say is my heart broke for him as I got to know him in this novel: He is my favorite. Griep made him real in a raw and tragic way that will impact and stay with you long after you close the last chapter.

I quickly connected with these two characters--their hopes, struggles, and their brave determination through it all. Moments of humor amidst the ever-shadowing danger. And moments of poignant truths and heart-felt connections. I couldn't stop highlighting in my Kindle!

I'm looking forward to adding a copy of this, another Griep masterpiece, to my bookshelf! It's high on my list, and I hope to have it soon. And what an absolutely gorgeous cover!

I received an advanced reader’s copy from the Barbour Publishing, Inc on NetGalley for an honest review.

Wow. That is what I have to say to the last book in the Bow Street Runners series. I am sorry to see it end.
I have read the other books in the series. But this can be read as a stand alone as some back story is shared in books 2 and 3. I have read several of this author's books - but this one has to be my favorite. Samuel Thatcher gets his own story. BOY what a story that is!

This book is set in Southampton, England 1815. This is not a time period that I read a lot on, so I am always excited to learn new things. The author has down careful reasearch. One of the things that I love about this author is how she creates "real" feeling characters. They are not perfect. They are flawed. Have dirt. Have secrets. Just like you and me. This book has a lot of action and you will NOT want it to end.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. All thoughts are my own.

The novel is a good romantic adventure with two memorable main characters, a wonderful villain, and an interesting secondary cast. The Noble Guardian is certainly not a Jane Austen-style Regency, but its blend of dark action, romance, and a traditional view of God and the afterlife offer an engrossing experience.

Please see the full review at AllAboutRomance.com

I used the ARC in the editing of this review.

The Noble Guardian
Michelle Griep

I had not read Michelle Griep’s work before, but her books have been well-received, so I decided to pick up her latest release, The Noble Guardian, for review. This third book in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy is a Cinderella tale played out during an arduous journey with a different slant on the fairy tale’s happy ending. When I started the book, I didn’t realize it was part of a series, but I was able to enjoy this installment without reading the first two.

The Cinderella of the story is Abigail Gilbert, who has endured a life devoid of familial support. When her wealthy father accepts an offer for her hand from a handsome baronet whose charm and attentiveness convince Abby of his future devotion. Full of hope and anticipation, she gladly leaves behind the emotional coldness of her family to travel north to marry Sir Jonathan, whose estates lie in Penrith. Everything has worked out as she believes a benevolent God would arrange, and her generally optimistic view of life is affirmed.

After five years serving England in the Nineteenth Light Dragoons, Samuel Thatcher now serves as a horse patrol captain under contract to Bow Street. Yet his heart’s desire is to retire from this wretched business filled with enough daily horrors and human distress to leave him tired and soul-sick – and if he can convince the chief magistrate to extend his contract for just one more month, he’ll have enough money to purchase a farm. On this particular day, members of Shankhart Robbins’ gang hold up a coach, killing all passengers except a small boy. In the chase that follows, Samuel confronts and kills Shankhart’s younger brother. The death effectively pins a target on Samuel’s back, and he knows it’s only a matter of time until Shankhart comes after him. Although Samuel believes in the power of the Almighty, his experience convinces him that no one is safe this side of Heaven.

Part of Samuel’s patrol route is the road going north. When traveling, all passengers must cross Hounslow Heath, the hunting grounds of the Robbins gang. At the last inn before the heath, Abby is approached by a sharpshooter who offers to act as her protector across the heath, but given the cost, she refuses. That decision proves disastrous. With only an incompetent outrider, Abby’s carriage is an easy target for the Robbins gang. Samuel comes to the rescue, and Abby offers him money to escort them to Penrith. Samuel is tempted but does not want to escort a vulnerable woman while he has Shankhart at his heels. When Abby is assaulted and robbed in the stables by an unscrupulous guard and Abby’s maid abandons her, Samuel’s honor will not permit him to leave Abby unprotected. Furthermore, he is intrigued by this woman who will not back down from his commands or scowls which have easily cowed men under his command.

Along the way north, Abby and Samuel find surprising common ground – a relationship with God. They both feel God has drawn them to this journey through their decisions and circumstances. As Abby shares more about her betrothed, Samuel questions Sir Jonathan’s intentions. After just one meeting, Samuel points out, the depth of affection Abby professes and what Sir Jonathan supposedly feels for her, are not possible. His observations reveal Abby’s feelings as possible fantasies, but she clings to her belief that everything in her life will be well if only she can reach Penrith and marry.

As the journey continues, Samuel brings out Abby’s stubborn and outspoken side, and she amuses Samuel with her spark and spirit for all that she tries to act the reserved and proper lady. The journey continues toward Penrith, both their futures wreathed in uncertainty.

The adventure elements and spiritual theme are well-balanced in this novel, and the growing awareness between Samuel and Abby is always close at hand. I particularly enjoyed the continuing mystery surrounding Sir Jonathan. Abby’s description of him seems too good to be true, and I wondered how the ultimate meeting in Penrith would work out. I was never sure, and that story question kept me turning pages.

For readers of inspirational romance, the book stretches beyond the expected in two areas. First, I consider this book fairly dark in tone. Although Ms. Griep does not use overtly gruesome language to describe the horrors Samuel encounters, she does craft the scenes of murder and drunkenness with enough detail to give the reader a true picture of what has made this dedicated law enforcement officer heart-sick. Second, although the characters do nothing more than kiss, those embraces have heat beneath them and strongly suggest more intimate touches that warrant the subtle rating.

The inspirational theme of The Noble Guardian is aligned with a classic view of the Almighty and the afterlife. God is a constant presence in the book, and the story illustrates how a person’s experience may color one’s relationship to God in either Abby’s optimistic way – that God will see things right – or with Samuel’s perspective that there is little good to be gleaned on earth before Heaven. Heaven is a real place to the characters, and the author provides examples of the peace and optimism with which life can be lived when one accepts the certainty of God’s heavenly reward after death.

The book did have some problems, though. I was sometimes irritated with Abby’s Pollyanna-ish view of life, and I felt the author did not give her a tough enough edge by the end of the book for the future she ultimately chooses. Also, the scenes with Samuel and his Bow Street companions – which I later realized probably help to tie the trilogy together – slowed the action. During the first quarter of the book, the romance is often overshadowed as the author sets up the background for both characters and arranges for the hero and heroine to begin their journey. Once they are on the road, the romantic subplot rises in prominence.

Overall, I enjoyed the novel. It’s a good romantic adventure with two memorable main characters, a wonderful villain, and an interesting secondary cast. The Noble Guardian is certainly not a Jane Austen-style Regency, but its blend of dark action, romance, and a traditional view of God and the afterlife offer an engrossing experience.

Its very rare to find a novel in this genre that shows the male hero on the front. Usually, they depict women in posh frocks, but I think the cover image fits the story. Michelle Griep doesn't write typical quaint Regencies: they usually delve into some aspect of social life, or little known historical details. In this series, its the Bow Street Runners, the forerunners of the modern police force.

There aren't many ballrooms, dances or parlours to be had here. Instead the Noble Guardian follows Daniel Thatcher and Abigail Gilbert on a journey across the country with every problem conceivable (and some more inconceivable) thrown at them along the way: bad weather, highwaymen, unreliable staff and guides. Much of the action takes places in Coaching Inns, an important part of the transport network before railways: peopled with some very colourful characters both savoury and unsavoury.

Daniel and Abby were both well written characters, a perfect contrast to each other. With Daniel's icy, no-nonsense cynicism coming up against Abby's sunny and optimistic personality.
Abby, despite her difficult family life tries to see the best in everything: although I think at time this made her too trusting and naive, even when it was obvious something bad was going to happen she's barrel straight into the situation.
Daniel I think was better developed. He could easily have become a common trope of the inspirational genre: the essentially admirable character rejected belief/lost their faith because of bad things happening and has to be bought around by the heroine. Daniel is not that. Despite being jaded, he does retain a strong faith throughout. He's just not very good with people.

Also, whilst the Noble Guardian is a rollicking good read, full of romance and adventure, the plot is sort of contrived, and there are a lot of romantic tropes, as another reviewer has mentioned. Whilst the activities of the highwaymen added excitement and drama aplenty to the story, the secondary villain was just flat. More of a caricature and it was so predictable he would turn out to be that way.

I would recommend this to fans of the author and the genre with some reservations. I think its better to read this as part of the trilogy, and not just pick this one up first.

I requested a PDF of this title from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

My thoughts:
Have you ever had a book where you just knew you were going to love it and you were only one chapter in? That is this book! Such a great read. The characters just suck you in and there is no escape. Not that you want to escape. I mean, you really don’t even want to put it down to go eat or take care of your kids.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction. While this doesn’t necessarily cover any real historical time events like a world war, it’s still a great read. You get to go back in time and that in and of itself is fun. While time traveling, take the time to imagine yourself in those clothes because we all know you’re doing it anyway as you imagine yourself the heroine.

There is just something about the past that draws me so that is always a plus for a book to be set in days gone by. Another plus in my “book” is if the writer knows what she’s talking about. I mean we don’t want hoop skirts in the Edwardian period or bustles on the pre Civil War farm ladies. With that being said I really think the author did a good job researching and knowing about the time period she’s writing in.

This is the end book of a series. Do yourself a favor and go get the other books first. You can read it as a stand-alone but why not read the whole series!? I’m a big fan of reading series works as a series and this is one that definitely makes it all that much better. You don’t have to. I can’t force you to. Just saying I think it makes it that much better!

The characters were charming. I laughed more than I probably should have as it did get my children’s attention and I had to stop reading for a bit. The main characters are so loveable and I really did feel like they were my new best friends. Best friends that definitely do not get along. . . or maybe they do.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

The Noble Guardian was an adventurous historical novel that was packed with action, surprises, and characters whose friction provided entertaining banter. Abby’s resilient spirit is one of her most admirable qualities and it is one of the things that Samuel notices and admires about her as well. Samuel is a gruff man of few words but proves his kindness through his actions. There is plenty of danger, seemingly at every turn, and the plot of this book continued to deepen as the book continued and Abby and Samuel’s journey progressed. The struggles and dangers along their way provided great opportunities for these characters to get to know each other, and I appreciate when characters have more of an established relationship before any kind of romance blooms. I was satisfied with the conclusion of this book and think that if you are someone who likes a historical romance with an adventurous flair, you might want to check this one out!

Title: The Noble Guardian

Author: Michelle Griep

Series: The Bow Street Runners book 3

Chapters: 32 Plus epilogue

Pages: 319

Genre: Christian historical Romance

Rating: 4 stars

The Noble Guardian is the third and final book in the Bow Street Runners series. I enjoyed this one more than the second one in the series but not as much as the first. I did enjoy this series about the bow street runners pretty much the forerunners to the London police department.

Abigail Gilbert thinks she's leaving a loveless home for something better but she's in for a surprise. Captain Samuel Thatcher is looking forward to his upcoming retirement when he agrees to see Abigail safe to her betrothed. But along the way danger lurks at every turn testing both in more ways than one. Both will have to learn to trust God and that His ways are not our ways.

To me this felt a bit like a Cinderella story. In which Abigail leaves a bitter step mother and a loveless home with a picture of what prince charming looks only to discover that sometimes princes charm can be found in unlikely places.

I am looking forward to the next book from Michelle Griep and would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, the late regency period and England.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I requested it because a blogger I follow had enthused about it, but I'm afraid I didn't really enjoy it. The heroine travels from Southampton to Penrith to marry a baronet she has met only once. Her evil step-mother sends her off with only an elderly coach driver and a maid who bails on her at the first sign of trouble. (All of this seems extremely unlikely). Then she is beset by highwaymen, thieves and potential rapists, and employs a Bow Street runner as a sort of escort (really?). However, he has enemies of his own, which results in countless episodes of violence on the road. Then there's the baby they have to take with them (don't ask) and the whole thing is just ridiculous and exhausting.

The heroine makes the wrong decision in every situation and misunderstands everything in a surely willfully obtuse way (there's innocent and then there's too stupid to live). I'm only giving it two stars instead of one because I could actually believe they'd be happy together.

Action, danger, suspense, intrigue, with some romance and inspiration thrown in for good measure—just what I expected from a Michelle Griep story, especially a Bow Street Runners series story! Griep knows how to build up the suspense and keep it humming while she takes her characters, and the readers, on a grand adventure.
The careful research behind the story shines through and adds authenticity to it. With a rich historical setting and multi-layered, colorful characters, this book drew me in and kept me captivated to the last page. Abby Gilbert and Samuel Thatcher were both hurting and broken, and I was cheering for them to heal and get their happy-ever-after. Thanks to the author for a wonderful wrap-up of the trilogy! I would recommend this to those who enjoy inspirational historical fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A wonderful conclusion to an amazing series. I enjoyed every aspect of this story, the history, the suspense, the drama, and the romance. Looking forward to seeing what else Michelle Griep will bring to us next.

(3 stars) – if you can overlook some rather large plot holes, you’ll enjoy the ride

The premise of this book drew me to it, and the writing is good, but there were several major questions about the plot as it developed. I’ll admit to having enjoyed the story, anyway, despite some pretty big problems with it. It was a cinderella story with a fairytale-ish superficiality to it, but then I’ve loved fairytales since I was a kid & I really enjoyed seeing Samuel get his happily-ever-after..

***SPOILERS AHEAD***
I could buy the idea that a young woman from an abusive home might naively delude herself into believing that she was going to a better situation. However, even if she were sheltered & inexperienced with life’s dangers, she would have known, from her sisters if nothing else, that it was inappropriate for women of her station to travel with only a maid, and her abusive family would have known that it would considerably damage THEIR reputation if word got out that they had done so – as it likely would because townspeople would have noted & commented on it all along the way. It would have worked better to have her sent with the necessary minimum of attendants & then be separated from them along the way so that she needed the Captain’s help.

Additionally, even if a suitor were only interested in marriage for what he could gain materially from the match, he would be interested in keeping her happy & safe at least until he had successfully gotten his hands on her money. Instead he was such a blatant scuzz that there’s no way Abby marrying him could have helped the wicked stepsisters make better matches – the family would have needed him to be someone with reasonably good “ton”. It would have worked better for him to hide his scuzziness & indifference, and have Abby find out by overhearing or accidentally seeing something.

There were other issues, but these are the ones that are the hardest to overlook.
***END SPOILERS***

Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: generic Christian, not preachy

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the final novel in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I must confess, however, a strong desire to hear more from the characters in this series, I do not believe their story is over just yet.

Worn and weary, Samuel Thatcher, now a horse patrol captain, has been saving for a dream, a dream where he can retire and purchase a small farm far away from the city, and live in peace.

Abigail Gilbert has endured more than anyone suspects. Her father seemed to have forgotten her when he remarried, leaving Abigail in the hands of a ruthless and mean stepmother. Father has agreed to marry her off to a man she has only met once, a handsome viscount. At the last moment, Abigail’s stepmother pulls the man assigned to guard her during her journey, allowing only the timid handmaid to travel along.

The road is fraught with danger, including unscrupulous highwaymen who are without conscience, robbing travelers of all their belongings and abandoning them along the highway. When Samuel Thatcher comes upon the aftermath of such a robbery, he finds a lovely and very determined Abigail Gilbert. Despite Samuel’s repeated warnings she must not attempt to go on alone, Abigail has nothing to return to so sets her determination to move forward, toward her betrothed. Abigail soon finds herself in a bit of trouble once again and who should happen to be there to rescue her, Samuel.

Samual adamantly refuses her repeated requests to escort her to her betrothed, his assignment simply does not require him to travel that far or in that direction. After Abigail promises him that her betrothed is a very rich and fine man, who will pay him handsomely for delivering her, Samuel finally agrees to be her guardian. Even though the road is still fraught with danger, the two face it together, running into more than their share of characters and mishaps.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Noble Guardian and highly recommend it along with the first two books of the trilogy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.

Though I consider myself a reader of inspirational romance, I do find it cloying at times. My rule is to keep my inspie romance reads on spare occasions … until I read Michelle Griep’s The Noble Guardian. What a refreshing voice and ethos! I want to read ALL the Grieps. (She is to historical inspie what Kara Isaac is to contemporary, breathing new life into the subgenre.) The religious element is present, but more in the characters’ personalities and actions, less in finger-wagging didacticism. In The Noble Guardian, Griep’s protagonists occasionally enjoy ale, travel together chaperoned only by a one-year-old adorable moppet, and share affection, passion, and desire that is more palpably sexy than many an explicit, pages-long love scene. There’s a shared horse ride that is sensually magnificent.

Moreover, Griep’s Regency setting, with its evil, violent highwaymen and the eponymous “noble guardian,” Samuel Thatcher, is beautifully developped. Our heroine, Abigail Gilbert, “Abby”, hires Samuel to act as protective escort on her journey to her fiancé, Sir Jonathan Aberley. They travel Regency England’s dangerous byways, sleeping in inns, deflecting dangerous criminals, braving stormy weather, and caring for a tyke named Emma, the daughter of one of Samuel’s fellow-veterans too grief-stricken over the death of his wife to care for her himself. On this at times joyful, at times sad, at times perilous journey, Abby and Samuel banter, converse, share their lives, and grow to love one another and their charge, Emma.

I loved Abby and Samuel as individuals as much as I did their growing love and friendship. They are, at first, an unlikely pair. Samuel is a hardened Bow Street runner, a man grown weary of the day-to-day confrontation with evil and violence. While he remains a man of faith, noble bearing and intent, he wants nothing more than to rally sufficient finances to buy a small farm and work the land. He is world-weary and heart-sore. Meeting Abby doesn’t result in Samuel’s sudden conversion to light and love thanks to her “specialness.” No, he notices how pretty she is, also annoying, persistent, and privileged. He comes to see her in a new light as she interacts with Emma and him, as she exhibits bravery, kindness, and intelligence. Abby, in turn, notes how attractive Samuel is, but she also finds him dour, stubborn, and rough. She too comes to recognize his qualities of consideration, affection, loyalty, and humour.

Samuel and Abby realize they have more in common than apart, given their cross-class status. Samuel came from a deprived abusive childhood. Abby has endured her stepmother’s abuse, father’s neglect, and stepsisters’ scorn. If not for her dowry, she’s Cinderella. Abby’s hopes for a life of love and family, at first, lie with her fiancé. While Samuel has to recognize that he’s worthy of Abby no matter his humble beginnings, Abby has to see that Samuel is where love, safety, and happiness lie. Their shared journey furnishes the matrix for their realizations. Griep builds her romance on compatibility, care, admiration, and desire.

What also charmed me about Griep’s Noble Guardian was her wonderful turns of phrase. Griep’s writing is elegant and her metaphors surprise and delight. I loved this description of Abby’s pride: “she lifted her chin before the trap of self-pity snapped shut.” As you know, dear readers, any heroine “chin” is fascinating and pleasing to me. I loved the metaphor of Abby contemplating bidding Samuel farewell: “But why did the thought of saying goodbye to this rough-and-tumble man feel like lightning struck her soul, leaving behind a hollowed trunk that might not stand without him?” And the banter? Sheer fun: ” ‘I did not take you for a religious man.’ ‘In my line of work, you run either from God or toward Him.’ … ‘You are a starry-eyed dreamer, lady.’ ‘And you are a dour old naysayer.’ ”

And remember when I said this was sexy? Here’s Samuel when Abby wakes him during one of their many inn nights: “The captain stood, feet planted wide and muscles straining against the thin fabric of his shirt. Dark hair peeked out on his chest, just below his collarbone, matching the dark stubble on his clenched jaw.” Also, manly-smell is done particularly well: “Strong arms broke her fall, lifting her up against a chest that smelled of leather and horses and man. Her face pressed against a warm neck, and for the first time in her life, she felt safe. Protected. As if the arms of God himself held her aloft. Ahh, but she could live here.” There’s woman-smell too!: “Though he ought not, Samuel leaned closer and inhaled her orange-water scent, the sweet fragrance mixing with the wildness of the storm. If he bent any nearer, his lips would be against the bare flesh of her neck, and the craving to taste that skin charged through him, settling low in his belly.” I’ll let you read the horse ride and the two lovely shared kisses for yourself!

Michelle Griep’s romance is wonderful from start to finish as it tells the story of two souls who help each other learn to live on love and hope, who share laughter and sorrow and can be as easily imagined as passionate lovers as they can responsible, loving parents, as they can elderly, beloved companions. The fire in the belly, the light in the heart, built on faith, hope, and love. With Miss Austen, we say that Griep’s The Noble Guardian is evidence “there is no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” Emma.

Michelle Griep’s The Noble Guardian is published by Barbour Publishing. It was released on June 1st and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-galley from Barbour Publishing, via Netgalley.

This is a completely satisfying, historical novel. There is a small modicum of romance involved necessary to the plot. The setting is Regency England and there is a bit of a Christian under note with the main characters. I found the characters to be likable, believable in their actions and enjoyable to spend time with. I would definitely read more stories of the two main characters although the story was wrapped up in a satisfying manner that didn’t feel rushed or unnecessary. I am thankful to #netgalley for the opportunity to enjoy #thenobleguardian ahead of publication.