What a wonderful story this is. I loved the adventure the author took us on and how vivid the details were. Abigail has never really experienced true love most of her life. I was appalled at how dismissive her family was to her. They couldn’t get rid of her fast enough and to a complete stranger at that. Her family didn’t care about her safety as was quite evident when she ventured out on her own.

A prearranged marriage to a Baron was awaiting her and she was excited to be wanted by someone. When Abigail hires Samuel to see her safely to her destination, the journey began. I can’t forget to mention how much I liked Samuel. He is strong, hard headed and true to his word.

I really enjoyed reading about the long journey they took and the dangers they faced. It was not an easy trip and there were times I wasn’t sure if they would make it. I kept thinking how odd it was that Abigail was traveling to marry a man she didn’t really know. What would this man called Sir Johnathan gain by marrying Abigail? Along the way they also have to deliver a child to someone that Samuel promised he would do. The place he was to leave little Emma was not fit for anyone to live in. Emma stole my heart and I loved the addition of her to the story.

The author delivers a wonderful story that takes us across miles of land and danger that surrounds the main characters. The banter between Abigail and Samuel at times is hysterical. I could see right through them and knew there was an attraction brewing between them. They both adored Emma and as they drew closer to Abigail’s destination, you could feel the emotions overflowing. Is it possible that Abagail has already found love?

I did not like nor trust Sir Johnathan at all. He was rude, untrustworthy and really just a mean person. His dislike for Emma is obvious and that didn’t set well with Samuel or Abigail. He is definitely hiding something and I didn’t feel like he was marrying Abigail for love. Will Abagail trust God to guide her? Don’t miss this beautifully written story of finding love and happiness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Abigail Gilbert is putting all her hopes that her fiancé will give her the love that her family hasn't. Her family has sent Abigail and her maid in a rented carriage without a guard. When their carriage is stopped by highwaymen, Captain Samuel Thatcher rescues them. When Abigail's life is endangered again, Samuel will guard her until she reaches her fiancé. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Even though this book was a little slower book to read, I enjoyed getting to really know Abigail and Samuel. Abigail never wants to go back to a family that doesn't want her and will take risks to reach her fiancé’s home. Even though Samuel is rough around the edges and is intimidating to most people, Abigail sees the noble man that he is. This book is enjoyable as a standalone read. Since Samuel is wanted dead by a fierce bloodthirsty highwayman, there are many suspenseful scenes. I recommend this Christian historical romance.

Be prepared to be pulled into this amazing story on the first page and not let go until the end! Michelle Griep has created a brilliant journey with the handsome, brooding, Bow Street Runner, Samuel Thatcher. But make not mistake, he is a little broken on the inside by all that he has endured and witnessed with humanity and needs to retire to a place of his own. He was "Tired from a sleepless night. Tired from humanity. Tired of Life." Plus he is desperately trying to find the highwayman who has been leaving victims in his wake!
Abigail Gilbert felt she was finally going to marry and hopefully have happiness in her life, which had been sadly lacking. An arranged marriage with a Baron far away from her terrible family, set her on a journey to his home.
But fate was about to have these two wounded souls collide as Samuel rescues Abby from an attack by some of the gang he was trying to catch! Desperate, she convinces him to escort her to the destination of her bethrothed. Thus the adventure begins!
The author's rich prose and descriptions made me feel I was there with these wonderful characters! Suspense, intrigue, humor, faith and love, all wrapped up together and much more, that make this a story that warmed my heart and I could only smile at the end... I highly recommend and cannot wait to read more by this author who is now on my must read shelf! Thank you so much for letting me read and review this story!!

A Regency Romance Filled with Highwaymen and Danger

Abigail Gilbert hopes that her life is finally turning around. The daughter of a well-to-do merchant and his first wife, she has been treated in a Cinderella-like manner by his second wife. Unexpectedly she has caught the eye of a baronet, one of the best catches in England. However, the marriage is to be at his estate. Angrily, Abigail’s stepmother sends her off on a journey across England with only her maid and a driver.

The trip, although tiring, is proceeding according to plan until the coach is attacked by highwaymen on Hounslow Heath. Luckily a troop of Bow Street Runners sees the altercation, and Abigail is rescued. Captain Samuel Thatcher, leader of the troop, finds it hard to believe that her parents sent Abigail on such a journey with hardly any protection. He’s tired of crime and wants to retire to a farm, but he needs money to buy land.

Abigail is not deterred from her wedding journey, but she needs protection. She convinces Samuel with the promise of money to protect her on the remainder of her journey to the baronet. The is the start of many trials as the pair journey together and who know what they will find at their destination.

This is the last book in the Bow Street Runner’s Series, however, it can be read as a standalone. Abigail and Samuel are strong characters who exhibit their Christian faith without being overbearing about it. They have both been tested by life, and it stands them well as they face the perils of the journey.

Although I liked Abigail and Samuel, my favorite character was the baby Samuel and Abigail agree to deliver to her aunt. Her antics provide a needed touch of fun to the book. If you enjoy a Regency romance with plenty of action, you’ll enjoy this book.

I received this book from Shiloh Run Press for this review.

If Michelle Griep wrote it, I want to read it. No questions asked. I first discovered her writing last year, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This is one author whose works I would read regardless of what they were about. “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” introduced me to the Bow Street Runners trilogy, and I was intrigued by the whimsical characters and the undeniable plot tension. I did not think that these details could be matched, but I was wrong. Michelle Griep does it again, and even better, in the trilogy’s conclusion!

Set in Regency England, “The Noble Guardian” turns a cross-country road trip into a breathtaking, spinetingling trek. What would seem to be a rather straightforward journey becomes a prolonged adventure with unrelenting suspense and a beautiful tapestry of faith unfolding throughout. The book cover alludes to this as well. At first glance, the commanding sight of Samuel Thatcher astride a horse catches the eye, but a closer look reveals a carriage enshrouded in a layer of fog. Indeed, within the story itself, circumstances are often not clear-cut, and neither are the characters themselves. The reader is challenged to view things from a different perspective and to learn along the way.

Griep excels in both scenic description and character development. Readers ride along in the cramped, bumpy carriage through rather desolate environs and with occasional stops at roadside inns. The issue of propriety and its importance with regard to a woman’s reputation is a point that is made evident, contrary though it may be to twenty-first-century sensibilities. The villains are ruthless and lend a continuous air of danger, while the protagonists have their own personal issues to work though. A scene at a country fair, reminiscent of a circus, adds some levity and offers a connection between Regency and contemporary society. The narrative progresses via the shared third-person omniscient viewpoint of Abigail (Abby) Gilbert and Captain Samuel Thatcher. Abby is naïve and yet she possesses amazing fortitude and a compassionate heart: “She’d learned long ago while enduring the hurts of her stepmother that only through prayer would she find peace.” Samuel has a jaded worldview shaped by his years as a lawman and culminating in his role of protector. Both experience an emotional faith journey that speaks across the centuries to the hearts of readers today, reminding all of us who “The Noble Guardian” truly is.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Noble Guardian
by Michelle Griep
Book 3 in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy
Rating: 4.5/5

Abigail Gilbert is finally free! She is leaving her family who hates her and is going to meet her beloved fiancé and live happily ever after with someone who actually wants to be with her. However, highwaymen run rampant on her journey and threaten her life.

Captain Samuel Thatcher is in charge of keeping the roads safe from highwaymen and steps in to save Abby’s life. The captain is close to retiring but begrudgingly agrees to escort Ms. Gilbert to her destination in exchange for money from her fiancé for her safety.

Unfortunately, this harrying journey is more than either expected. Together they must find a way to coexist and not kill each other as they face many trials and heated discussions.

This fast-paced story is everything you’d want and more. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started reading this story but I knew it would be good because of Michelle Griep’s ability to weave a fun and provocative tale. When I first started to read, I wasn’t aware it was part of a trilogy. It can definitely be read as a standalone book. After realizing it was part of a trilogy, I found that I had read the previous books but didn’t realize it because that first book was from back in 2015. I will have to revisit those other two books in the series to jog my memory but that isn’t necessary to appreciate the wonders of Griep’s gripping action. The characters are lovely and you feel their tension and conflict. Very well written and highly recommended.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

My Review:

Genre: Historical, romance, fiction.

My Rating: 5 stars.

My Recommendation: 16 up for romance and slight violence.

My Favorite Character/s: Wow, well, I enjoyed getting to read about each of these characters and Samuel is my favorite with Emma and then followed by Abigail. Samuel may be my favorite male lead in the whole Trilogy, though seeing as I haven't read the first book I can not say that . . . Samuel was a character with a hard harsh "protective wall" that hid the real heart behind the character. And I loved him with little Emma. They're so cute!

My Verse for Samuel is John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (King James Version.)

My Thoughts: This was a wonderful story that I read in one sitting one morning. (Skipping school . . . Eh, all right I wasn't skipping really, just putting it off.) Anyway, the opening was a little slow but it quickly got to the point I had to know what happened and that ending? Was. So. Sweet.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it!

Review to publish here: http://kayleeskindofwrites20.com/2019/05/18/the-noble-guardian on June 1st!

I was given my copy of this book through NetGalley. My opinions listed below are mine. This type of book is well liked at our library. This book is well written and enjoyable. I will recommend it to our patrons.

The Noble Guardian
By Michelle Griep
4.5 stars

The third book in the Bowrunner series comes to an exciting and satisfying conclusion. This was a page turner about a young woman trying to get to what she believes she wants only to have God put a dashing, noble, guardian in her path. I thoroughly enjoyed the immersive english countryside and the gray downtrodden parts of London. Lots of action and sweet romance with just the right amount of faith thrown in.

I received this book through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was an interesting mix of genres: romance, Christian literature, historical fiction, adventure. It was not what I expected but it was a good story nonetheless. I couldn’t help liking Abby, The Captain and Emma and hoping it would all work out for them to be together.

This is a wonderful Regency romance. The story is so well written that even though I received an arc copy to read and review, I bought my own copy to keep in my library.

Samuel Thatcher is a very cynical lawman who has grown weary of his job. He has lived a hard life chasing criminals and highwaymen. He had been saving his money to buy a piece of land and get out of the business and live a simple life farming. He had run away from his abusive father as a very young boy and had never had the ideal family life so many had. Not that he would ever find a woman to put up with him and his acerbic ways but he could live a solitary existence in peace.

Abigail Gilbert's father had remarried after her mother's death to a horrible woman who belittled and abused Abigail at every turn. Her two step-sisters were cut from the same cloth. Her marriage had been arranged by her father's to a baronet some distance away and she was finally on her way to become his wife. She dreamed of a forever kind of love; someone who would love her deeply. At the very beginning of her journey, she met Captain Samuel Thatcher, who came to her rescue. With reluctance, he agreed to be hired as her guardian. Their journey was a treacherous one with murderous highwaymen dogging them. Along the way, they gained a small traveling companion, as well. Would they arrive at their final destination and find that the result lived up to their dreams or would those dreams become nightmares? Was it possible for there to be a happy ending?

I absolutely couldn't put this book down and enjoyed reading ever last page. While there was danger and death and violence, there was no foul language and no detailed sex. I appreciated the author's ability to write an engaging story and one that held your attention without those things to detract from the wonderful story.

“Even half-dead, Samuel could tell a lot about a man by the way he handled three things: old age, trousers that wouldn’t stay up, and strangers.”

Ah, Michelle Griep. Such captivating Regency novels does she write. I have high expectations whenever I pick up this author’s book and she has never disappointed. This newest offering, which is book 3 in the Bow Street Runners series, will surely capture your heart and mind with a beautifully written plot and wonderfully engaging characters. Reading the first two books, Brentwood’s Ward and Innkeeper’s Daughter, prior to this book will enrich the enjoyment of the story and appreciation of the secondary characters, but is not absolutely necessary. With clever and witty prose and dialogue, a dash of danger and suspense, several plot twists, a damsel in distress, and a rugged and protective but emotionally broken hero, the story has every ingredient blended perfectly together to create a delectable treat you won’t be able to put down.

Samuel is a wearied lawman who can only see the darkness and evil in his fellow man and desperately wants to leave Bow Street for solitude on a farm. Yet his sense of justice, loyalty, and need to right the wrongs of others constantly pull him into danger. Abby is a woman whose only goal in life is to be loved and cherished. She leaves the home where she’s unwanted and sets out to marry a baronet but meets unexpected trouble with highwaymen and needs the protection that Samuel can provide. As Samuel reluctantly escorts Abby to her betrothed, they are threatened by a crazed gang of bandits bent on revenge and murder, loved by an adorable infant who isn’t related to either of them, crushed by witnessing the sorrow brought on by poverty and alcohol, and drawn irresistibly together.
It’s a memorable journey as Samuel and Abby both learn about faith, hope, and love.

I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

The Noble Guardian is the third book in the Bow Street Runners series. This was a very sweet romance, but it was filled with a lot of adventure and heartache. Our noble guardian is Samuel Thatcher, who is hired by Abigail Gilbert to take her safely to meet her betrothed. She is traveling in a very treacherous territory alone. She is initially ambushed by a group of men who Samuel saves her from. It is then that she hires Samuel to protect her. Samuel is reluctant at first but after trying to find someone to escort her without success he ends of with the job.
I really enjoyed this story!! It had non-stop adventure and a romance that almost didn't happen due to certain circumstances. Both Abigail and Samuel where very likable and strong characters.
Highly recommended!!

Abby is an endearing character who has lived a life unloved and unaccepted. Her journey begins with deep hope and anticipation of being Lord Jonathan's beloved bride. However, the path to Brakewell Hall is full of twists and turns. As a character, Abby was believable. I've known girls who are just like her--hopeful and perhaps slightly disillusioned to the truth.

The Captain, now, is one that I slightly better understand. He is stoic and unrelenting in what he believes is right. Granted, I totally don't identify with his whole theme of going after highway bandits, but I loved the action and energy those scenes exuded.

The spiritual plot was there. In the beginning, it appeared as if both characters were believers, but then at the halfway point, there were some conversations (pretty much the only solid spiritual conversations in the book) and it seems as if one of the characters gets saved at that point. I was slightly disappointed because, near the end, the entirety of the spiritual plot revolved more around the characters and their romantic desires than anything else.

Speaking of romantic desires... I don't hide that I'm not a huge romance fan. In some books, I can tolerate more than others, all depending on how it is written. This one had more description than I cared for. There is an almost-rape scene (more than just mentioned in passing--the reader gets a few details of the attack) and a couple of mentions of men's hands traveling down further than they should, etc.

I really do like Griep's writing style and her descriptions. As a writer, I can admire the style, even though the content isn't quite what I fully appreciate.

*I received this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

This was such an entertaining sweet story! I rooted for the characters and was sad to end the book. The story was engaging and I loved it

Oh, I love this book! I could have easily devoured it in one sitting if life had not gotten in the way. Samuel Thatcher is definitely my favorite Bow Street Runner. I hated to see the series end but I can't wait to see what's next for Michelle Griep.
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher, but as always, my opinions are my own.

“Was it wicked to say goodbye with a smile? Wrong to feel happy about leaving one’s family behind?” - The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

From the back cover copy I anticipated disliking Abigail, the leading lady, at least in beginning, as she’s framed as someone who is living a privileged life. However, from the opening lines of Michelle Griep’s The Noble Guardian, I immediately felt empathy for Abigail instead. Experiencing a Cinderella-like situation at home, Abigail is excited her marriage and starting a new life in which she hopes she will be loved. Setting off across England at the height of the highwaymen robberies, she swiftly lands herself in mortal danger and in need of a guardian for the journey to her betrothed.

Jaded and broken by the horrors he’s endured both in war and in the fight against highwaymen, Samuel ends up being that guardian owing to circumstances outside his control. The validity of his prejudice against Abigail is tested each day he spends with her. Together they explore the meaning of family, love and the ingredients of a happy life. They wrestle with God’s role in the hurt and pain life has brought those around them and themselves.

The adventure itself is full of so many unexpected turns, danger, and humour, I read it straight through! I loved the ending, it couldn’t have been better done! It is a fantastic historical romance but it’s more than that, it’s a reminder of the hope God gives us no matter the storms we endure and the importance of loving one another.

It’s five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended! Whilst the other books in the series are wonderful, it isn’t necessary to have read them so be sure to pick this one up!

The Noble Guardian is a fantastic end to a fantastic series, The Bow Street Runners. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and everything in between. The danger, the intrigue, the characters, and of course, the romance! I loved it all!

In this story, Abigail Gilbert is betrothed to a baronet and must travel quite a distance to get to him. After a few mishaps, she hires Samuel Thatcher to guard her on her journey. There relationship is quite fun. They have good banter, conversation, and chemistry. I really enjoyed them both as main characters. Abigail is a strong, loveable leading lady who just wants to be loved. Samuel is brooding and moody, but also reliable and a perfect hero. They work well together!

This is a great historical romance that is sure to please!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep, publisher Barbour

Abby left home to marry a man that she had only danced with once. The wicked stepmother sent her on her way with only a surry maid and made sure no one saw her off.
She was to marry Sir Jonathan Aberley, a baronet at Brakewell.
She meets Samuel, Principal Officer- working out of Bow Street.
The adventure begins. Outlaws, Highway men, Coaching Inns and romance on the way. A delightful, beautiful baby girl made reading so much fun. Will Sir Jonathan be the man she thinks she loves or will there be a change of heart. I
I absolutely loved this story and hated for it to end. I certainly will get the first two books in the series because I have not read them.
I received an ebook copy from Barbour Publishing through Net Gallery. The opinions expressed in this review is my own.

This book is responsible for my lack of sleep that’s dragging me around this morning. Michelle Griep’s latest release (coming June 2019) is a gripping, page-turning, exciting reader experience.
The story finds us following the young Abigail Gilbert, through the countryside of Regency England. Having received an offer of marriage from a baronet, Abby is more than eager to leave the cruel treatment of her step-family behind and looks toward a future of love with the handsome man, though she’s only met him once.
Samuel Thatcher is counting the days he can leave the service of being a Bow Street Runner, patrolling the notorious and dangerous stretch of highway leading to London. He longs for a life of tranquility and farming the best feed horses can have on his own farm. He needs to finish his contract and extend it by 2 weeks to finally have enough money to see his dreams come true.
What he didn’t count on was rescuing Abigail Gilbert from danger. Tired of his job and the dark side of humanity, Samuel agrees to escort Abigail to her baronet because she has money – enough to buy his farm. Well, he offers to escort her only after his own life is threatened….
Yes, this is action packed and suspense holds the reader captive until the very end.
Things didn’t appear correct with Abby’s situation right from the get-go. She is naïve but a delightfully positive character (not the annoying kind). She dreams big and wants to be loved for who she is. She believes that her baronet will give her that…yet, when danger prevents Abby from arriving on time, not a peep is heard from her intended. She truly is alone in the world.
Samuel’s character is definitely rough on the outside but his heart turns soft for the one woman who seems to understand him. Little does he know, how well she understands his circumstances. He’s an alpha male, driven by anger, but there is hope for him as we see at the end of the story. I would feel safe having him escort me through dangerous territory, but I’m not sure I’d be willing to talk to him since his appearance is…less than friendly.
A reader needn’t have read the previous two books in the series to appreciate this story.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.