If you want to get a look at a different side of Regency life, then Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners trilogy will do just that. Samuel Thatcher is a captain in the Bow Street Horse Patrol, a force created in order to protect travellers from the threat of highwaymen. Abigail Gilbert, the daughter of a wealthy but untitled gentleman, is one such traveller, making her way north to marry Sir Jonathan Aberley.

In terms of its premise and the writing—with a few minor exceptions—this was exactly the kind of story I expected from Ms. Griep. The journey provided adventure and a number of obstacles for Samuel and Abigail to overcome beyond the threatened highwaymen, and I enjoyed the author’s way with words. Where I disappointed by this novel was with Samuel and Abigail themselves.

To begin with, the Abigail we’re introduced to in the first chapter didn’t feel consistent with the Abigail who travelled to Penrith. The Abigail in chapter one was unsure of herself: “Twenty years of doubting herself was a hard habit to break.” She was abused by her stepmother (slapped across the face for contradicting her) and not even farewelled by the rest of her family, her father included. “A loving family was nothing more than a concept, an idea—one she’d have to learn, for she had no experience of it.”

The Abigail who travelled to Penrith was confident, capable (even with the care of a one-year-old thrust suddenly upon her), virtually unrufflable, and in absolutely no doubt that her upcoming marriage was due to Sir Jonathan having fallen in love with her despite only having met her once—a rather idealistic belief for someone who has had no experience of a loving family. Perhaps if these qualities (with the exception of the last, which just seemed unnecessary) had blossomed during the course of the story, I could have believed it, but for Abby to present this way for the entire journey not only contradicted her backstory but also removed the possibility for what could have been a much more satisfying character arc.

Samuel Thatcher was a more believable character, but here, too, I felt there was a lack of growth for his character. In fact, I think it would have helped HIS character development to have seen Abigail’s potential and encouraged her to realise it over the course of the journey. As it was, I felt there was little more than him being impressed by the way Abigail handled herself, and Abigail appreciating his protection. Thankfully, it didn’t fall into the trap of being overly clichéd in this regard, but I still felt it missed so much opportunity, most of all in the way Samuel’s last self-imposed objection to offering for Abigail was overcome. It didn’t force him to grow, merely handed him a convenient solution on a platter.

Despite being a little disappointed with these characters, this was an enjoyable read, particularly if you’re looking for some adventure with your next Regency read.

Abigail Gilbert can’t wait to escape home, even it means a long, dangerous carriage ride to meet her affianced. Even when her stepmother arranges to send her on her journey with just a maid and a postilion. And certainly, the sting of not saying a final goodbye to her father and half-siblings will be assuaged when she marries her baronet.

Although she’s only met Sir Jonathan Aberley when they danced at a ball, she has high hopes. Hopes that she’ll find her one true love. That Sir Jonathan will cherish her and together they’ll form a family where love rules.

Bow Street runner Samuel Thatcher, hot on the trail of Shankhart Robbins, finds a young boy alive near the scene of Robbins’ latest depredation. The incident makes him sure he needs to retire to a small farm somewhere. So many years as a soldier and then a runner have torn apart his soul.

But returning to Hounslow Heath and finding Shankhart Robbins would bring more money for the farm of his dreams. And so he returns. Only to find a pair of ladies under attack. Saving them earns him a kick in the jaw.

Once the lady calms down, he offers to escort them to the next inn. Neither the lady nor her maid seems to trust him. But never mind. He has a job to do, and now that Shankhart’s younger brother lies dead, his job will only prove more dangerous.

The next day Fanny resigns her position, leaving Abigail to travel alone. Self-respecting women don’t travel alone, and Abigail offers the job of escorting her to her intended to the enigmatic Samuel Thatcher.

An Unlikely Hero

As they journey to Brakewell Hall in Penrith, disaster stalks Abigail and Samuel at every turn. Abigail’s faith in her future with Sir Jonathan Aberley sustains her. Although her growing friendship with Samuel gives her pause.

Will her life turn out as she’s always dreamed? Or does God have something better planned for her?

Readers will love the combination of romance, suspense, and intrigue that Griep weaves into her books. Unlike the formulaic Regency genre with lords and ladies and comedies of manners, Griep’s heroes come from the ranks of the working-class—giving a fresh perspective of a much-used historical time period.

This was a wonderful ending to a great series. Abigail is a very strong woman to be able to withstand all the trials that she goes through in her life. Samuel has also overcome many obstacles to get to the point in his life that he is at. I love reading about this time period even though there are few books that take place at this time. This has justthe right amount of romance and a few twists and turns. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Michelle Griep concludes The Bow Street Runners trilogy with The Noble Guardian. This historical piece takes place in Regency England. The book stays true to its focus and delivers a lot of interesting historical tidbits. The previous books are not required to appreciate this story, but they are nice to have a little more time with the male characters.

The story itself begins in a sad, but attention-grabbing fashion. Readers cannot help but feel for Abby and her predicament. Her uncaring family though is what leads to her ultimate happiness so there is something to be appreciated in their coldness. Perhaps more than anything it is appreciating Abby's inner strength and fortitude to keep going in difficult situations.

Samuel Thatcher is a faithful and dedicated lawman. His loyalty to his friends and his sense of integrity is admirable. He and Abby find themselves traveling together and encounter all sorts of situations that test and try them. Ultimately, Abby must face the realization that her dream is shattered.

This story ends in very satisfactory manner, but there were a couple of small details that would have been nice to know. Readers can decide for themselves how these turned out, but sometimes it is nice for the author to reaffirm the assumptions. Overall this is an exciting romp through historic England with danger and uncertainty throughout the novel coupled with some romance. An enjoyable read.

Book Summary (Amazon): The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: 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.

My thoughts... I have only read the first, and now the last, books in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy, but you don't have to read all three to follow the story in this book. I would, however, recommend them! I really love Michelle Griep's style of writing. It has a little extra edge to it than your traditional Christian fiction, which I really enjoy. When I say "edge", I mean that there was more in-depth descriptive language when it came to the danger and suspense aspect of the plot, along with the romantic aspect. This created so many more detailed pictures in my mind and made me have all the feelings that the author wanted me to have: excitement, fear, suspense, angst, romance, attraction, etc. You're also still getting the internal wrestling of the characters with their spiritual path.
Abby and Samuel's characters have a great balance. Both have had a harsh childhood and are deeply affected by it. Both have dealt with their past in different ways. Abby is determined to escape by marrying someone she barely knows, Samuel, who has been hardened by years of pursuing dangerous criminals, wants to live the rest of his days as a farmer...alone. It isn't until they meet that both of them start to envision a different kind of future than they planned on. I liked how their characters played off of each other, but my personal favorite was Samuel. Give me a strong, tough, vulnerable hero and I'm done.
I would highly recommend this book. I loved the plot twists, characters, romantic tension, steady plot, and descriptive language. I would also recommend to read all the books in this series, starting with Brentwood's Ward.

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in order to give an honest review, which I did.**

The Noble Guardian was written by Michelle Griep, and is the third and final book in the Bow Street Runners trilogy. You do not have to have read the previous two books to read this one, as it does stand on its own.
Summary: Captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abigail Gilbert from a horrific fate. Thrown together by circumstance, Samuel and Abigail must work their way across the dangerous English countryside-avoiding murderous highway robbers bent on revenge.
Will Samuel be able to deliver Abigail safely to her intended, and earn the rest of the money he needs to retire from the service and buy his farm? Will Abigail finally find the love she has been longing for her entire life in the arms of her fiance?
My Thoughts: This book was OK. I don't know, maybe I would have liked it better had I read the rest of the series? Maybe I had too high of expectations because I enjoyed the last book I read by this author so much? Not sure. The book is well-written, has an interesting storyline, is full of action and a bit of romance, but somehow it didn't quite hit the sweet spot for me.
I think it was fine overall, but maybe more of a library book read, rather than a purchase read. I am guessing it just wasn't for me, but you might very well enjoy it.
As always, I would like to thank Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with a free digitally copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

Michelle Griep has another winner with The Noble Guardian. When I see her name on a new book, I eagerly get a copy and start reading. I was not disappointed with this third book in The Bow Street Runners series set in England during the early 1800s. Adventure, danger, heartache, grief, and of course, romance—The Noble Guardian has it all. On her way to her arranged marriage to a pretty much unknown baronet, the persistent and perceptive Abigail hires Samuel to be her protector. Samuel is a man bound and determined to retire from being a lawman and he is haunted by the past. The story is action-packed—Samuel had been on some hair raising journeys but this one was figuring up to beat them all with attacks from highwaymen, broken carriages, runaway horses, and a sassy young miss to boot. The characters are strong and vibrant and are realistic—either likable, relatable, or despicable. Abigail and Samuel are especially captivating and then there is Emma, a youngling that made an indelible mark on Abigail’s heart and will touch the reader’s heart as well. Griep has a nice style of writing and kept my interest throughout the entire book with descriptive prose that made me feel as though I was right there in the scenes with the characters and dialogue that flows seamlessly without sounding forced. I liked how the author revealed Samuel’s past layer by layer throughout the story and also how faith in God was woven into Abigail and Samuel’s stories. Having come from a Cindereallesque home life, Abigail is looking for happiness in a life with her handsome fiancé only to realize that true happiness is found in knowing she is loved and cared for by her Heavenly Father. As the danger-filled journey continues Abby begins to wonder what it would be like to be loved by this untamed lawman and Samuel wonders if she would ever take a chance on a rugged life with a very broken man. But there’s the baronet to consider…Don’t miss this riveting book—I read it in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Hello! This book is absolutely fabulous! I read everything that Michelle Griep has written, and this is her best book by far. I love the Bow Street Runners heroes she has created; Samuel is the most swoonworthy, the most noble and every other superlative. The writing is superb, and the chemistry between hero and heroine is lovely. The dialogue, scenery and plot pull one in and never let go. Simply perfect! :)

Romance, clean; Christian faith elements; period
Abby and Samuel's story was a fun period read, I can't say it was historically accurate, but still a fun escape. Lots of drama and dilemmas, and a wild journey through the wilds to reach her intendeds home. The highwayman, the broken carriage, the illness, it all combined to help bind their hearts together as they journeyed. Samuel's honor, kindness, mercy, beneath his watchful, cautious demeanor as he watches for the highwayman tracking him for revenge as they journeyed. Two honest hearts, hers innocent, hurt and dreaming for kindness and love, his skeptical, worried, hurting, hoping and dreaming of a future away from the hard life he has lived as a lawman. As they are brought together and worry over Emma, their hearts gradually knit together on their journey as they nurse each other through illness, worry, their pasts, and their present. The secondary characters aren't as fleshed out, but it really was a journey for Abby and Samuel to see their hearts. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader.
Lovely, faith filled read. My favorite kind of HEA.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

I’ve read another book earlier in this series, Brentwood’s Ward, but didn’t read the second book in this series for some reason. The Noble Guardian still worked as an (almost) stand-alone.I will just put a disclaimer right off the bat here: I was sick when I read this, so I wasn’t really analyzing it that much! :)

Now, with that out of the way, I did enjoy this historical fiction novel telling the story of arranged marriage, true love, England, highwaymen, nobility, and thieves. It kept my attention well and was an easy read. It wasn’t necessarily memorable or a masterpiece, but I don’t know that it was trying to be. It was simply a good, wholesome, entertaining novel of intrigue and danger in regency England. I would recommend it. The characters were sweet and the plot believable.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Shiloh Run Press as well as Net Galley for providing with a copy of this book to read and review. I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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

There was an annoying amount of both positives and negatives, so much so that I had a hard time deciding if I liked the book or not.

I will start with the negatives:
- too much violence. Even though it was not labeled suspense, as there was no mystery, there was a killer on the loose who eventually came straight for the main characters. This is not my cup of tea. I would have appreciated a heads up, especially for the gory parts.
- One dimensional antagonists. No redeeming qualities for either of the villains.
- A lot of supporting characters that kind of blended into one another.
- Too much tension in the epilogue for the “happy ending” to feel happy enough.
- Abby's sense of propriety, which I appreciated in her, seemed to diminish as soon as she met with her betrothed. I wasn't happy with how she justified some of his passionate touches she allowed.
- I couldn't tell for sure if Abby's optimistic naivete was considered a flaw. Definitely putting all her hopes into one man and marriage was not trusting in God. But it almost seemed that Samuel's hopeless “realism” was made out to be better.

Here are the positives:
- deep main characters, both will troubled pasts that lead them to do some stupid stuff. The hero, Samuel, especially was so conflicted but always managed to keep his integrity. That's my kind of hero.
- I loved the slow romance, taking more than a month to unfold and for more reasons than just that they were physically attractive. I really liked that.
- I loved the beautiful parenting aspect brought in with their duty to take care of Emma. As a parent myself, I appreciated this without any single parenting dynamic. Well done.

(I received this book for free from the publisher on NetGalley. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)

If the cover or description doesn’t make you pick this book up, surely the author will. I was not able to put this book down. Griep had me on the edge of my seat with no clue what could possibly happen next. The Noble Guardian is the third book in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I was blessed to read the first two books, and could not wait to hear Samuels’ story. That being said you will also enjoy this story as a stand alone. Samuel seems to fit into the tall, dark, and handsome group, but his life hasn’t been easy. He is so good at his job as a Highway Horse Patrolman that many of his colleagues would say he’s the best. But being the best doesn’t come out of nowhere.

Samuel is used to being invisible. That’s often the best way to hear things and catch the criminals he’s after. He’s been at it so long that it’s second nature. A second nature he can’t wait to get rid of. Longing for a life out of danger Samuel finds it hard to say no to a pretty lady in need of an escort. Leaving someone at the mercy of the trail doesn’t sit easy with him, and when she offers compensation, there’s no way he can resist. What he didn’t plan on was Abigail and how she would affect him. Can they arrive at their destination unscathed?

There are so many things I love about this story. I loved seeing how Abby and Samuel acted towards each other and how they both fought an attraction that they thought was totally wrong. It was interesting having a heroine who was treated so poorly by her family, and I enjoyed watching her learn and grow. This story is unlike any other, and I know you will enjoy it just as I have. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical Fiction. I had a hard time putting this book down, and enjoyed every agonizing moment. There is the perfect amount of suspense mixed in, and the characters are easy to love. I received a copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Why This Book (& my thoughts on the series):
I picked up The Noble Guardian because Michelle Griep wrote it and I’ve enjoyed every book I have read by her thus far. Discovering The Noble Guardian was part of a series that included The Innkeeper’s Daughter was a delightful surprise. There is no series title, nor any numbers on these books. I think this is because each of these books reads exactly like a stand-alone novel. The only reason I recognized these books as a series is that I recognized the side characters being mentioned. There are very subtle clues referring not only to The Innkeeper’s Daughter main characters, but also to a previous story. What?! I immediately went online and discovered that The Innkeeper’s Daughter was, in fact, the second book in this series (I had no idea at the time I read it). Of course, as soon as I finished The Nobel Guardian, I immediately read Brentwood’s Ward–the first book in this series. Let me emphasize: these books read entirely as stand-alone novels and there is absolutely no reason not to read one because you haven’t read another. I truly dislike reading series out of order, but in this case, I can honestly say that I don’t feel I missed out by accidentally reading them out of order.

Opening Lines:
Southampton, England, 1815

Was it wicked to say goodbye with a smile?

First Impressions:
I was immediately drawn in by the heroine’s self-doubts and intrigued by the questions the author raised in the first few paragraphs. I had to know more. The rest of the chapter did not disappoint, nor did the pace slow.

Main Characters:
Abigail Gilbert– She is a young woman who has endured a heartbreaking childhood by clinging to the hope of a brighter future. The question of the story is whether that brighter future is as shiny as it seems. Despite her miserable upbringing, she has been sheltered from the ways of the wider world and is ill-prepared for the journey she embarks upon at the story’s outset.

Samuel Thatcher – He is a man determined to change the course of his life but waylaid at every step. He is, of course, noble–possibly to a fault–yet he is flawed as well. He takes too little regard for his own life and the suffering he has witnessed as a Bow Street Runner (law officer) has left his soul “burnt to a crisp”–his faith shaken.

Book Quote - The Noble Guardian - Promise Me

Emotional Engagement & Pacing of the Story:
Right from the start, I connected with both the hero and the heroine. Their plights engaged my emotions and I wanted to see where their stories would take them. Though I hoped for a happy outcome for both, I immediately knew the path to get there would be far from smooth (which delighted me as a reader).

The pacing of this story was brisk from page one. Each scene, each new twist, kept me turning pages until the very end. When life forced me away from reading, I found myself contemplating the world Griep had created and wondering what would happen next.

Elements I especially liked/disliked:
In hindsight, I can say that Griep did an excellent job of dropping hints throughout the story and staging things in such a way that the story’s conclusion felt entirely natural without being predictable.

Theme:
God’s plans may not be our plans, but they are always for the good of those who love Him.

Ending:
As satisfying as a perfect mouthful of the very food you’ve been craving for days.

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

The Noble Guardian is a book that is sure to keep you turning the pages. It is full to the brim with vivid details and delightful romance, along with suspense and plenty of action. Readers who enjoy Regency novels will fall in love with the strong lawman, Samuel Thatcher, who wants to leave off hunting the lawless and the killings and just get a few acres of land and retire to farming. Then we have the  charming and spirited heroine, Abby Gilbert, who Thatcher is escorting  to her future bridegroom {against his better judgement} She has offered him enough payment to fulfill his dream of purchasing his farm. The extra touch of suspense will keep readers turning pages until the surprising ending.......I was given an e-copy of this delightful book via Netgalley and the publisher. My review is in my own words.

This may be the best one yet... I loved it! Damsels in distress, dashing heroes, or was it distressing damsels? And brooding heroes? No matter! They are there to save each other. I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters, both Abby and Captain Thatcher. I loved seeing them challenge each other, in their goals and dreams as well as in their faith in God.
While bound together as travelers, alone on isolated roads and forced to be each other's only company, Abby and the Captain alternately infuriate and intrigue each other. They are both too stubborn for their own good. When a torrential storm forces them to seek shelter at a local farm house, God uses an unlikely couple, older in their faith and full of wisdom, to speak words of encouragement and insight to Abby and the Captain, potentially changing both of their lives forever.
Being an attorney for foster kids, the fact that they had to join forces to care for a beautiful baby girl from a broken family, and their struggle with the task of delivering her to strangers, truly grabbed my heart in this story. The whole story was just so real and relatable. On top of that, Michelle Griep always does her historical research, and I always feel like I come away from her stories having learned some new tidbit about that particular time period.
I loved seeing the characters from the other books in the Bow Street Runner series pop in. It was fun to see an update on them. I almost wish they'd been more involved in the story somehow.
I've said it a million times, but it still holds true, I will read anything Michelle Griep writes. I've yet to be disappointed. I recommend this series to anyone who loves historical fiction, Christian fiction, or sweet romance stories.

The Bow Street Runners series hasn't been a complete win for me. I really enjoyed Brentwood's Ward, but The Innkeeper's Daughter was a disappointment. I wanted to put off reading The Noble Guardian mostly because I needed a change in genre, but the publication date was quickly approaching so I decided to go ahead and read it.

I could quickly tell that the story and characters would be more interesting to me than The Innkeeper's Daughter. Abby's struggle with her family was heartbreaking from the beginning. Her determination to remain strong and her hope for a bright future despite her past was what really pulled me in.

Thatcher took a bit more convincing to be Abby's guardian than I expected. I guess my ignorance of what would be involved in being a traveling guardian came out here because I was expecting Thatcher to ride in the carriage with Abby so they could have all kinds of great conversations. It makes sense that this wouldn't be the case as the culture of the day wouldn't have really allowed it, plus you can actually guard better OUTSIDE of the carriage I suppose. I had no real complaints about Thatcher himself. Maybe a little more backstory besides him having been in the military and having lost a sister when he was younger. Not much else was explored.

I never even thought about the difficulties of transporting a baby in a carriage for long distances. Man, this was an interesting addition. Emma's part of The Noble Guardian was bittersweet. She was endearing, and as a mother of two young children, I can completely understand how draining it must have been to look after her in a confined space without the safety features we would have today.

Favorite quotes:
-"In my line of work, you run either from God or toward Him."

-"Past hurts often lose their sting when shared with others."

-To be driven to such extremes, loving wholeheartedly and desperately wishing for a minute alone? Or was she being selfish? Either way, God bless each and every self-sacrificing mother on the planet.

-"Life is more than good ideas. It's the risks that return greater results."

The Noble Guardian was more what I've come to expect from Michelle Griep. I was interested in and invested in the characters' well-being and happiness. While Thatcher was definitely involved in law-keeping and guarding, he had much less of a mystery to solve than the prior two books in this series. Personally, I was glad for that. The Noble Guardian gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Noble Guardian? What did you think? Let me know!

"The Noble Guardian" is one of my favorite books I have read all year. Not only is this a fantastic conclusion to The Bow Street Runners trilogy, it is an exquisite book in its own right.



A typical formula for a Regency romance is a beautiful debutante and a dashing blue-blooded man coming together for adventures and ending in love, marriage, and baby. There are a few deviations in one way or another, but that's the typical formula because it works so well. This trilogy does not rely on that formula, and instead brings something completely different to the table. And it is so good!



Rather than a peer of the realm, our dashing hero is a hard-working, down-to-earth law enforcement officer who spends his days tracking down ruthless criminals and saving the lives and property of as many civilians as he can. Samuel Thatcher is ex-military, scarred from his time in the service, and working hard to achieve his dream. His dream being land of his very own, that he can work with his hands, and live in peace on. He is a shadow in this world, in so many ways. He is soft-footed, sneaking up on everyone without even trying and scaring the daylights out of people who swear he wasn't there a second ago. He is a minimalist in conversation, allowing people to assume what they will, and often interrogating through fierce expressions alone. No threats or cajoling necessary. He believes in God, but is struggling with the sheer volume of evil he sees in the world. All he wants is to save enough money to buy his farm and live quietly the rest of his days.



Our beautiful debutante is stunning and in the marriage market, but she enters the story after a husband has already been secured for her. She meets Samuel on her way across the heath to wed her intended, a titled peer of the realm that she has met once. She is convinced her fiance must love her dearly already, because he asked for her hand after just one meeting. All Abby wants in the world is to be loved and cherished. After her mother passed away when she was a child, her father remarried to a woman who is the quintessential wicked stepmother. The woman favored her own children over Abby in all ways, and went out of her way to be vicious to the little girl who just wanted a mother. By the time Abby sets off across the heath, she is so desperate for acceptance that she never questions what might inspire a virtual stranger to ask for her hand in marriage.



Danger lives on the heath, though, of which Abby knows nothing. One issue after another results in her alone, and almost falling into the hands of an unscrupulous man. Samuel comes to her rescue and ends up becoming her guard as she continues her travels. The idea is to drop her off with a trusted friend of his and get back to work hunting down a gang of highwaymen. Instead, Samuel and Abby pick up an extra passenger and continue across the heath together.



What follows is an epic tale of daring, friendship, compassion, and faith. What Abby and Samuel go through together is incredible. The dialogue between them is highly entertaining and endearing, and the character development is excellent.



I loved every page of this book, and finished it in a single sitting. I will absolutely be returning to this book again and again for a lovely weekend read.

"Jaded" would be the word to describe Samuel Thatcher, Bow Street officer and Captain of the Horse Patrol. He's seen too much of the dark side of humanity, and wants nothing more than to leave the force and become a farmer. But standing between him and that goal is an evil gang of highwaymen and a lack of finances.

Abigail Gilbert finally has a chance to be free of her stepmother's scorn and abuse, and the family who never loved her. She is betrothed to a baronet whom she has only met once. Things are looking up, or so she believes. On her journey to wed, her carriage is attacked by highwaymen.

Captain Thatcher shows up just in time to save Abby, and she convinces him to escort her the rest of the way on her journey. The payment he will receive will at last give him the money he needs to buy his own land and leave the force for good. But highwaymen are hunting him. There's also the matter of a promise he made to an old friend, to safely bring the man's baby daughter to her aunt.

Thatcher is used to the gratitude of people he has rescued, and he never allows it to become anything more than that...but somehow Abby is different. She stubbornly and persistently looks beneath the dour surface of the Captain, and sees his compassionate heart. But she is promised to another...

I devoured this book, staying up far too late reading it. I couldn't put it down, and when it ended, I was sad that it was over. The prose was witty, the characters deep and real, and the author, Michelle Griep, made me really care about what happened to them. Samuel Thatcher was dour and jaded, but beneath that exterior he had a compassionate and loving heart. Abby was desperate to be a part of a loving family, and that desperation almost entangled her in a snare that looked lovely on the outside, but on the inside was empty and cold. Thank goodness that God had other plans, and that Abby and Samuel were open to his leading! This book had its nail-biting moments, unexpected twists, and a highly satisfactory ending. I loved this whole series so much, and it's a series that I would read again and again, which is saying a lot! I highly recommend The Noble Guardian, and the previous two books in the Bow Street trilogy as well.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I always look forward to historical fiction written by Michelle Griep. The Noble Guardian did not disappoint. Abigail Gilbert is left to make her way to the home of the baronet who has asked for her hand in marriage attended only by her maid. After being accosted by highway men, circumstances place Abigail under the care of Captain Samuel Thatcher of the Bow Street magistrate Their journey is fraught with danger and unexpected turns of event, both pleasant and otherwise. Griep skillfully places readers along the muddy English backroads and in the crowded, dirty coaching inns, making them even more appreciative of interstates, hotel chains, and even fast food. She will have readers emotionally involved as Abigail and Samuel struggle with their past and their present, and as they work together to care for the infant who has been placed with them and who is to be delivered to her aunt. Readers will rejoice as they see God's working in the lives of the main characters, and will grieve over the depravity of those who turn their backs on Him.

I recommend The Noble Guardian as well as all other books by Michelle Griep to fans of historical fiction. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Oh my heart! The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the latest installment (and last if I’m not mistaken) of The Bow Street Runners series. Previously I said that The Innkeeper’s Daughter was my favorite of the series. Y’all this one blows that one out of the water! All the feels! My heart can’t take it. Samuel Thatcher’s and Abigail Gilbert’s story will stick with me for a long time.

Abigail Gilbert, or Abby for short, is leaving her home for her betrothed. Heading across England, through dangerous lands with naught but a maid and hired postillion. Abby is naive, kind, and an eternal optimist. Her life to this point had been bleak, but she chooses to look on the bright side. Hoping that the life awaiting her at the baronet’s is everything she could have asked for. My heart ached for Abby, and I couldn’t help but love her. She’s fiesty and determined when needed, yet kind and gentle the rest of the time. Honestly she’s a perfect match for the dour runner.

Samuel Thatcher is captain of a small band of horse runners who keep the roads safe from highwaymen. His current assignment is to find and take down Shankhart Robbins, a notorious thief and murderer. If you’ve read the previous books, you’ll remember him as the ghost contact Moore has with Ford in The Innkeeper’s Daughter. I was intrigued by him them, but I fell head over heels for the guy in this book. The captain is a devout man, but oh so bitter at the opening of the story. Several years have passed since the second book. He no longer finds joy in what he does as a runner and has been saving to buy his own small piece of land. This assignment is to be his last, his contract up in three weeks. When he rescues Miss Gilbert and inadvertently kills one of highwaymen associated with Robbins, the captain takes on the role as guardian of Abby, hoping to deliver her safely to the baronet. What he doesn’t count on is the woman herself.

Each book in this series has interwoven fact with fiction. That is the case here. The author creates Robbins and his gang after a real gang on a real highway in England. Everything else is fiction. Unlike the previous two books where the runners are investigating, Thatcher is protecting. He isn’t hunting anyone, instead he becomes the hunted. The added suspense of this plot made for a fast-paced read. I read it lightening quick, not wanting to sit it down. Abby and the captain’s chemistry is also off-the-charts compared to the last two couples. I love their banter and how they complement each other. Her hopeful nature balances his negative outlook on life.

Overall I really enjoyed The Noble Guardian. It is going down on my favorites list for sure! Abby and the captain tugged at my heartstrings that I’m not ashamed to admit left me in tears more than once. And little Emma….I didn’t mention her in the review but she was a perfect surprise! If you enjoy Christian romance or historical romance, I highly recommend you add this book to your reading list. While it is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone with minor spoilers to the previous books.