I loved this book it was a delightful tale with wonderful characters and settings. I received a review copy from NetGalley but the views and opinions expressed herein are my own.

This cover, I love it as it goes perfectly with the story.
A Man of Shadows and Mist is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series.
A historical romance but also gothic I was immersed in the ambience, a dark chilling manor, screams in the night. The author's writing style is one you will get lost in as you are in her world while reading this.
James has returned from Transylvania to North Yorkshire living in his manor he just wants to care for and find a cure for his dying mother. This is the late 1800's, he is misunderstood and ostracized, those around him fear him and think he's evil.
Rosa helps her father out in his subscription library of which James goes to often. She winds up seeing him around town and brings him books. I enjoyed seeing her kind and helpful attitude when no one else wanted anything to do with him.
History, mystery full of encouragement and faith filled. This is my favorite book by the author so far and I look forward to more intriguing books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was totally different from what I normally read, but boy was it good! I found Rosa's character to be admirable. She is a woman who is not afraid to speak her mind, wants to be educated, and longs to educate all of society. When she meets Sir James Morgan, she is not the least bit afraid of the rumors that he is a vampire. She longs for the public to realize the foolishness of their accusations, and to accept Sir James as the man she has grown to be friends with. I found myself drawn into the story. I wanted to find out what was happening to all those animals that were found with their throats slit. I wanted to find out if James would succeed in finding a cure for what ailed him and his mother. Would James learn to trust again? To trust both God and mankind? Page after page, I was engrossed. I highly recommend this book. I promise you won't be disappointed, it will keep you reading until the very end.

**I received this book for review as part of the CelebrateLit Blog Team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved Man of Shadow and Mist. From the fact that Rosa was a librarian. As well as including some little known facts about Bram Stoker and the writing of Dracula. So while not technically a Dracula retelling as this one is Christian historical fiction with romance I can see where this one was inspired by bits and pieces of the classic novel. Including having a half Romanian Half English hero. Not going to lie I listened to the audiobook instead of reading this and the how time I'm picturing Sabbatian Stan as James.


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.

Loved this setting of a superstitious town and a mysterious baron!

The love story seemed so sweet and natural in a world that was so against it all!

A good October read!

This is my first Griep book and it’s a beauty. It’s Gothic, Victorian, a little creepy and lots romantic. And of course, plenty of shadows, mist and strange happenings. I’m excited to read more of Griep’s stories.

Griep does a wonderful job taking her reader into her characters’ world; we are easily transported into Rosa’s library at Whitby, Sir James’ Morgrave Manor (ghastly gargoyle statue and all), and the dirt roads of the villages.

Griep is also a wonderful wordsmith who makes it very easy for the reader to keep flipping pages. Rosa Edwards is a delight with lots of gumption, Sir James, a brave and troubled man, and there is a supporting cast of the wacky, witty and winsome, as one expects in a Victorian novel. And there are dastardly types, Preston Mallow and his nephew, Albin, a much-flawed man who has missed being raised by his own parents.

I was a little surprised the emphasis of the story was the romance. I had anticipated it would be more suspenseful and gave more emphasis to the ‘monsters’ theme of the series. Yes, lots of talk about vampires and accusations but one never really believes any truth to the rumours, like our Rosa didn’t. I would tend to categorise the story as Historical Romance.

This novel is about Rosa and Sir James. They really are tremendous characters, demonstrating strengths and vulnerabilities and Griep presents the story in such a light that we’re always cheering them on.

I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy of this story from the publisher via Net Galley, but this had no bearing on my review.

I’m looking forward to reading my next Michelle Griep story.

"Rosa Edwards. And you are?"
"Does it matter?"
"I should say so. I would like to know who to thank."
"All thanks be to God above. As for me, none is required."

Man of Shadow and Mist (2023, Barbour), second in the "Of Monsters and Men" series by Michelle Griep, is a standalone Gothic romance set in 1890's Whitby, England.

Rating: 5 stars

Is it clean/chaste? Yes
Other content issues: Several mentions of mysterious animal deaths
Christian elements: God is spoken of (and to) in a positive way.

This is a rather unique series. The first book, Lost in Darkness, is a story inspired by "Frankenstein." This second book is inspired by Dracula! The only reason I was willing to even touch either of these books was because a beloved author's name was on them, and I didn't want to miss out! If you're going to read book one, just be ready. It's a wonderfully fascinating book, but the reader will not be left completely unscathed. I will say that I liked this book even more than the first.

The hero: James Morgan, rather a recluse, is our Dracula figure. The story opens in Transylvania where he is working hard to make some sort of scientific discovery. James' family is "rumoured to be vampires - not that James did anything to extinguish such poppycock. Solitude was a small price to pay to pursue his research in peace." Believing that he has made the desired discovery, he decides he must go to England.

Once in England, James stays in his childhood home, described as "a hulking black fortress that blended in with the night… Morgrave Manor was as pleasant as a cold slap to the cheek." Contributing to the Gothic feel, a very disquieting and prominent gargoyle is just beyond the front door.

The heroine: Rosa Edwards is the daughter of a subscription library owner. She works for her father, and one of her responsibilities is delivering books to people with the library's delivery bicycle. While riding the bike, Rosa collides with a rock and goes flying. James happens to be nearby and helps her to her feet.

"Pardon me, but clearly the shock of the fall has bewitched you." (Shades of Jane Eyre?)

What I liked:

"I do believe that under God's Providence I have made a discovery."

*quotes from Dracula before each chapter
*Dracula's author has a cameo in this story
*the prominently featured subscription library

What I didn’t like:

*I accept it as a necessary part of the plot, but the heroine wasn't completely forthright with her father about her activities.

The bottom line: While the books in this series are not my favorite type, I am always happy to recommend Michelle Griep's stories. They are all excellently plotted and edited

Also consider trying: Book three in this series when it comes out! Until then, how about "The Thief of Blackfriars Lane," also by this author.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of the book.

Rumors can be powerful enough to ruin lives. Sir Morgan desires only to avoid others so he doesn't have to hear about the vampire that he is and the curse that runs in his family. Rosa doesn't believe in such nonsense and is determined to make others see the light of truth. In the process, they both find themselves in situations that will cause the tongues to flap and possible lives to be lost. 

I have to admit that the title is what got my attention. It is mysterious enough to draw me in. Then I wondered if the vampire stories were true. Had to read it!
This story turned out to be very good. The question of the vampire curse was one that kept me The author did an excellent job in keeping the reading guessing. One moment I thought it was true, then I wasn't so sure. It could have gone either way. Such suspense!
A big part of the story is actually not Sir Morgan and Rosa though it involves them. It is about all those around them. Community. Gossip. Truth. Mob mentality. It's an exploration of the human soul and how one can go down a very dark path easily when they don't listen to their own hearts and think. The characters are flawed as we are and grow as we should. 
It's also a story of salvation. If one's mind is focused on the world around them, they ignore the gifts from God and don't enjoy the life laid out for them. What others want us to do or force us to do is not meant for us. Goodness doesn't come from others controlling our destiny. 
This was a very enjoyable read that had me hooked to the very end. I just had to know the secrets and see what the truths actually were.

Jennifer Mistmorgan a new to me author is fabulous! Her upcoming book “The Mapmakers Secret” is a wonderful read! It has a bit of everything I enjoy in a book! Historical fiction, a bit of romance and a lot of suspense! It is the perfect combination! Check it out! You won’t be disappointed!

Man of Shadow and Mist
by Michelle Griep
Pub Date 01 Jun 2023
Barbour Publishing,Barbour Fiction
Christian| Historical Fiction


Barbour Publishing and Netgalley sent me a copy of Man of Shadow and Mist to review:


Michelle Griep weaves a tale that holds on and doesn't let go!


England, 1890
 
North Yorkshire is full of vampires, at least in the minds of the uneducated. It's librarian Rosa Edwards' mission to kill such superstitions. There's gossip flying when Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.He's cursed, say the townspeople.
 
There's nothing James likes about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Still, he has to stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.A disease that will eventually kill him is killing his mother, a disease for which he's desperate to find a cure.
 
When Rosa sets out to prove James' dark gossip isn't true, she finds more questions than answers. Is it possible for her to accept something she can't explain - especially the strong allure of the mysterious man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.Besides battling a town steeped in fear, James is also drawn to the librarian's no-nonsense attitude.
 

In a town filled with fear and doubt, can love win?


I give Man of Shadow and Mist five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Four stars, but that is huge for me rating a Victorian Era Romance novel. Honestly, I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to.

The story is told from the point of view of Rosa. She works in the town's little library owned and run by her kindhearted father (who is my favorite character in the book.) Her two goals in life are to educate the local townspeople so that they wouldn't be so superstitious, and to become a secretary in the big city so that she would never have to marry and become dependent on a man.

Along comes James, the "Man of Shadow and Mist." Is he a vampire as many believe? Impossible. After all, vampires don't exist and he is just so "dreamy." As the connection between James and Rosa grows, another jealous suitor starts throwing up roadblocks, Rosa's mother keeps meddling, and the town's fears and superstitions bring everything to a head.

Over the course of reading I went from: "Meh, I just have to plow through this so I can write a review..." to "This book isn't actually half bad..." to, "Wow. This book is so much better than I expected." Although the genre isn't really much my cup of tea, anyone who would be interested in some Bram Stoker meets Jane Austin vibes would absolutely love it and find it one of their instant favorites.

Hello! This is Michelle Griep’s best book to date. I appreciate all of the symbolism throughout each chapter. I read this in one sitting and took notes starting from the first line of the first chapter. In fact, speaking of first lines, this book has a first line to rival that of Pride and Prejudice. I love the choice of names…the dark, strong James Morgan in contrast to the shallow,, weak Mallow Albin. And the ‘new beginning ‘ of and for Rosa. All characters are facing crises and are not at all what are expected or what is perceived at the outset. Each character grows and evolves. The interplay of books and science with fiction and misperceptions of real maladies is brilliant. The romance that blossoms and deepens between James and Rosa is lovely. I knew they would end up together but was on the edge of my bookcover waiting for that relationship to cement. I am always transported to time and place in Michelle Griep's books – not only time travel but immersion. I see and hear the eeriness of the manor, I hear the timbre in accents, and I am all-consumed by words on every page. I was provided an ARC by Netgalley, and this is my honest review. Thank you! :)

This book was really interesting. It had me guessing, which I like in books. Let me just say, James was such a good character! That mysterious vibe of him had me wanting to know more about him. He and Rosa had a cute first meet. I also liked how Rosa stuck by him. That third character was honestly such a nuisance! I was like go away. But Michelle Griep did an excellent job with his character. The cover was what caught my attention. It is so gloomy and mysterious. And I like how that person is just in the background.

Disclaimer: I requested and received a NetGalley copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All options are my own.

Vampires in England. Only they aren't quite what some would have you think.

Man of Shadow and Mist takes the familiar Dracula story and breathes new life into it. Very captivating title to read that blend historical fiction with gothic romance.

I am curious to read more titles by this author as I enjoyed her writing style.

Oh my word! This Dracula retelling was incredibly well-done, and while outside of my normal genre and tastes, I absolutely loved it Rosa is such a darling character and I loved her determination and enthusiasm for her trade. James was the perfect moody, broody, character who you can't help but love. And the overall vibes? Immaculate! Gloomy English countryside with rich descriptions and colorful characters. This is a perfect fall read! Spooky and cozy at the same time, Griep might be a new favorite!

Michelle Griep has become one of my favorite authors. Her novels usually hearken back to a piece of classical literature which is an added bonus to me. In this instance the classic literature is Bram Stoker's Dracula. In fact Bram Stoker himself is a character in the story.

The book was fascinating because it used the superstitions of the people to create the underlying conflict. Sir James has a blood disorder that makes him avoid direct sunlight. Which of course makes him somewhat of a recluse and just adds fuel to the fire of the superstitions.

In contrast to Sir James is librarian Rosa Edwards. She is a beloved member of the community. She has a deep desire to eradicate the superstitions of the people by educating them. Much to her father's dismay and displeasure she continues to sneak books out of the library for those that are unable to afford a subscription.

Through a chance meeting Sir James and Rosa become acquainted, which leads to a fabulous story. I picked this book up out of my TBR pile without realizing that it is book two in the series. I'm eagerly anticipating going back and reading book one. And I will be eagerly anticipating any additional books in this series.

If you enjoy historical fiction that has overtones of gothic romance, I am sure that you will enjoy this title as much as I did. Don't forget to read book one as well!

4 🌟s!

The characters in this book were so intriguing and well written. I absolutely loved Sir James Morgan and the inhabitants is his dark, brooding estate . The nurse was a sweet bit of humor in the dark setting. James was so much more than just a ”male love interest”. He was so well written that you could feel his emotions coming through the book.

The characters were eccentric and easy to love (and hate where appropriate). The dark and broody setting was the perfect fall read.

Thank you Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a digital advanced reader copy for honest review. All options are my own.

A powerful story that is both heartrending and hopeful. I really liked the reference to Bram Stoker.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Such an amazing story!
Each character in this book feels tangible. The settings breathe as if they are as alive as the characters. And if the foggy, hidden vibe isn't to keep you reading (think Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles), Michelle Griep has fashioned a plot full of layers and romance.
If you're looking for a book that blends history, science/medicine, romance, mystery, and the feel of a cold, foggy night - then look no further.

Content: moderate violence, mild medical-related gore, moderate romance

Moody, intriguing, and romantic, Man of Shadow and Mist was a great read with a few eerie moments and plenty of mentions of faith weaved in.

Although nodding to the classic, Dracula, this story managed to maintain an original flare. I really enjoyed the scientific moments and superstitious lore/fear that played into the plot. The gloomy town setting was perfectly atmospheric. These elements added an excellent realistic twist to a classic tale.

I loved the relationship between Rosa and James, despite their challenges, they were the light in this story. Their romance was sweet and their connection grew from friends and outcasts to more. I will say there were many mentions of faith in this novel, making it read more as Christian fiction rather a traditional historical fiction.

This read is perfect for stormy nights!