Oh my what a book! Have you ever read a book that makes you want to just reach in to it and shake some sense into certain characters? Or have you ever been reading a book that makes you need to read another book that is mentioned in the current one you are reading? I need to read Bram Stoker's Dracula, now. This book will have you up all night reading,because you just got to find out what happens. You have a young lady who likes nothing better than to work with her father and has her own dreams. And a mother and sister who wants to marry the lady to a wealthy man, who is a thorn in Rosa's side. Then a mysterious baron who the townsfolk thinks is a vampire. As you read all about these wonderful characters, you will read about how tales can turn to into fear and how faith and prayer will overcome everything. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for approving me to read this book and this is my honest review.

Beautifully told story! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. James and Rosa face superstition, fear and hate head on. The growth and redemption of some of the characters is very moving. The faith content was inspiring. A book to be recommended highly.

I have a deep admiration for Michelle Griep, and this book has only solidified my appreciation for her work. The storyline is exceptional, featuring characters whose pain and earnest longings are palpable, set against vibrant and vivid backdrops. Her research is as impeccable as ever, and the resulting story is both captivating and filled with suspenseful tension.

In England, during the year 1890, there was a widespread belief among the uneducated population of North Yorkshire that vampires were still existing and thriving.

I was captivated by the first chapter. The atmosphere is somber, a little eerie, and romantic, depicting a town gripped by fear and superstitions.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Rosa and James, two captivating characters whom each strive for something beyond societal expectations. Rosa is a courageous book lover determined to carve her own path, while James is an upstanding yet troubled hero grappling with the emotional scars of his past and desperate to cure his ailing mother. Their stories are filled with poignant moments of hope, heartache, and yearning that indeed drew me in.

The relationship's progression from friendship to romance was enjoyable, with just the right amount of chemistry to make it feel natural. The ending was very satisfying.

"I shall miss you, James. More than you know."
"But I do know." He stepped closer. "For you see, if you miss me half as much as I you, then your heart will bleed drip by drip until there is nothing left."

I highly recommend this clean romance Christian Fiction book that has multiple points of view.

This gothic tale is exquisitely crafted and deeply moving. It explores themes of great sorrow and spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God rather than relying solely on oneself.

Thank you, NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the eARC, in exchange for an honest opinion.

You must learn to trust others, for often such are the conduits of God’s ministrations - counsel given to Sir James by the rector. However, for one who really does not trust but a very few, this sage advice is not easily accepted. Shutting yourself away doesn’t solve your problems - it only magnifies them.

Set in the late 1890’s, this wonderful gothic tale gives us a look into the world of one who suffers from a little known illness and the dreadful prejudice that goes along with anyone that is different or from a far away place. Knowledge goes a long way in changing prejudice, but will it happen in time?

As one who loves putting unexpected things together and observing reactions, Sir James’ medical solutions were fascinating, as that is the way cures are found.

An early copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Griep’s wonderfully descriptive writing had me devouring every twist and turn of this story. I could not help but like Rosa the librarian with her excitement about books and her ideas of the best use of those precious resources. She lived up to every part of beauty in this tale. At the manor house, I quickly became invested in Sir James’ mysterious ways. Together, he and Rosa hit every curve of a new unusual romantic relationship with a few extra huge obstacles for added tension. Opportunities for faith and character building were provided by unique people surrounding the couple. As in life, the hardest lessons had the deepest impacts. The nods to Dracula and using Bram Stoker as a character were marvelous. Basically, this story had everything that I look for in a book and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author. I will be recommending this book again and again. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

It is always such a pleasure to dig into any of the author’s story and this new one certainly keeps its promises.
What not to love about a young woman who has dreams outside the usual step into matrimony, who sees beyond society gossips and is not afraid to stand for herself or those in need of a helping hand.
Rosa wants more than being someone’s wife and cardholder, she wants to put her own mark on the world whatever tiny it might be. But for now, it is an inaccessible dream, still she makes progress to make it come true.
James has lived his whole life as a pariah, so much he never lets anyone come close. He ascertains this way he won’t be hurt when they leave or turn against him. But it is such a lonely existence.
Yet Rosa appears like a meteor, she barrels into his life, breaking through his defenses, giving him a taste of what light in the vicinity of a star can be, but his past can’t let him go, still dragging him down, like he has no right to feel rays of sun without immediately paying the price for it.
Still, it without counting on a young unshakable Miss who does not take no as the sole possible answer, she digs her place into his heart, if he is willing to take a risk.

How not to love this tale mixing lore, nescience, rare condition, tragedy and mystery, all wrapped into a heart wrenching romance with a young woman sets on making things right whatever the cost to her and her heart.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored this story!
Griep is just awesome! This story will be my favorite by her! Just wow! I couldn't put down so I ended up finishing it in one day.
James is just the best! And handsome too in my opinion. "Sigh"
Rose is just so lucky! She helps to run a library with her father ( which is my dream). Books are Rosa's and my friends too!
There's a surprise in this story but I won't tell you what it is.
I highly recommend this story! Griep is the absolute best at Gothic Romance!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Michelle Griep once again captured my attention and held it to the end with Man of Shadow & Mist. The author weaves a tale of intrigue and romance in this second book of the Of Monsters & Men series.

The author explores many themes, from mob mentality, prejudice, the beauty of forgiveness, and accepting God's plans for us no matter how bad our situation.

Sir James Morgan is a man with the world's weight on his shoulders. He is desperately trying to find a cure for a disease that is killing his mother. A condition he also has. Unfortunately, because his illness suggests he is a vampire, the entire village where he lives has gone mad and is out to destroy him.

Fortunately, he has an ally in Rosa Edwards, who is determined to clear the gossip surrounding James, but soon finds herself falling for the enigmatic man.

I loved how this author's mind works! Taking a disease (I won't mention which one because of spoilers) and jumping from that to a vampire is brilliant! She has created a tale that informs people of this horrible condition and explores mob mentality and how dangerous prejudice is when left to grow and fester. Adding a love story and faith-based content that speaks to those suffering from debilitating illnesses will encourage many.

If you like gothic tales of romance with faith-based content, you cannot go wrong with this tale!

​I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour through NetGalley for my honest review.

This is a gothic tale of a man suspected as a vampire and the woman who defended him against the suspicions of the people of their town. Rosa works in a library and dreams of being a secretary—if she only had a typewriter. James is the brooding lord of the manor who suffers from an incurable (at that time) skin disease which keeps him secluded from others. It’s a story of superstition, greed, and ultimately second chances.

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

An excellent gothic romance, atmospheric and compelling.
I loved the atmosphere, the sense of menace and the budding romance.
The characters are fleshed out and the tightly knitted plot kept me reading.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Uniquely gothic and mysterious, this book definitely offered a spin on the tale of Dracula. The premise of this story drew me to pick it up and within the first pages I was hooked and intrigued by the characters and the plot. The author weaves the mystery and creep factor of a vampire novel within this story all the while providing a real life rational explanation for many of the assumptions attributed to the main character, James. The romance in this book was minimal at best and left me wanting more. Several instances the reader was simply told about conversations or interactions with James and Rosa and it left me feeling a bit cheated out of reading their blossoming relationship. My other main issue with this book is that the plot moved extremely slowly and it didn’t keep my interest as the book progressed. Also, I absolutely hate a plot where the villain has the upper hand for the entire story. This started as a promising read, but I just found myself wanting more. More romance. More creepiness and mystery. More movement in the plot. I think parts of this book were interesting, I just wanted to like it more than I did.

Rosa's mother may have nothing better to do than to try to marry her off, but Rosa herself has no intention of marrying. She wants to bring learning to her town through her father's library, and to travel - starting with getting a job in York. When Sir James Morgan, supposed vampire, returns to town, she has her hands full trying to fight the superstition - but not so full that she can't try to help him find a cure to the disease that plagues his family. Nor so full that she can't enjoy spending time with him. But he has enemies he doesn't realise, and there's nothing they won't stoop to to get him out of the way... Can the pair navigate the superstitious fears of the townsfolk, the disease that's killing his mother and threatening him, and the efforts of his unknown enemy - and give them any hope of a life together?

I was a little concerned as to how dark this story might be, but I always enjoy this author so I decided to give it a try anyway - and I'm really glad I did. Rosa's efforts to help her fellow townsfolk (and her faith in them under difficulties) were heartwarming, and her efforts to help Sir James were inspiring. I did find her other suitor rather unpleasant, but as I came to realise why he was that way, I at least felt sorry for him - and as for the end of his story, well, I'd better avoid spoilers, but I appreciated it. Perhaps my favourite part of this book, though, was watching Sir James gradually move from solitude and darkness into fellowship and light. It wasn't always an easy transition, but it was well worth it. All in all, an inspiring read. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This is by FAR my most favorite Michelle Griep book ever!
I literally could not put it down!
Perfectly written. Excellent characters.
I experienced so many emotions!
Clean romance and beautiful elements of faith in God.
Intriguing and mysterious storyline!
Bits of historical facts woven throughout that give depth and meaning to the story overall.
This is a book that I will read again and at a slower pace next time - to savor it better!
I was given a review copy by NetGalley, but am not required to leave a specific review.
All opinions are my own!
I highly recommend this book!
💜 💜

This was an outstanding atmospheric, mysterious gothic tale. I love Michelle’s writing, it is always vibrant and immersive. She also writes some of the most interesting and intriguing characters, both main and supporting. This book was so good. There were so many wonderful moments and encounters between James and Rosa. The budding romance and tension were superb. Definitely one of my favorite books from Michelle.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

I’ve read several books by this author and loved all of them.
Rosa is a determined, strong willed woman. She wants more for herself than to just be married. Sir James Morgan has been trying anything to save his mothers life. All while ignoring the towns claims he’s a vampire.
It’s a fast moving story. I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. It’s book two in her new series, looking forward to the next one
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I feel I should mention while I have read this author before a haven't read the first book.. The plot, with its drama and villains, kept me reading however it didn't live up to my expectations.. The setting was appropriately gloomy, and the appearance of Bram Stoker while writing his Dracula book added interest. I just didn't take to this tale it just missed something for me. It was well written so it wasn't that and the character's were likeable so it wasn't that either I just can't put my finger on it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Why I chose this book: I read Griep's first in the series and really wasn't a fan (read my initial review here). I wanted to see how the series progressed and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed this one much more.
Type of Book: This is a Christian romance set in a historical setting (1890). I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as "historical fiction" because there's not a lot of history...until you get to the historical notes and bibliography. Yes, there's a bibliography in this fiction which I really loved exploring. And yes, there really was quite a bit of history woven into the story that flowed so seamlessly I didn't really see it. I love Griep's work because of this.
Overall: Both main characters (and even the "villain") show growth. Overall, I give it 4.5 stars. Why a half-star off? There were a few times I felt like I was being told and not trusted to figure it out on my own. For example this quote from a Main Character's thoughts: "But how?" I would have asked this as a reader myself so I don't need the character asking it--always trust the reader. Also, some parts felt too spelled out: "Would he finally declare his love for her? Maybe even ask her to be his wife? Her heart soared. Oh God, make it so!" Ridiculous. (Ok, maybe if I was a love-sick tween. Maybe. But as an adult, I just rolled my eyes.) So why the 4.5-star review? Because technically the book is very sound. As an editor, I saw little that really needed to be fixed or changed; just tweaks that could have made it a little better. There are strong characters, a good character arc, a good plot, and good dialogue. This is a good book. I think you should give it a read, especially if you like the "this-could-be-how-it-happened" imaginings.
Favorite Quotes/Characters: I enjoyed Rosa's sense of self, her willingness to change a community, and her heart to reach out to others. She wants the best of people to be drawn out and seen by others. I also liked James and seeing the strength and kindness of his character. Loved Mrs. Hawkins's role in the story.
Favorite quote: "It is just so hard to understand why a good man like James Morgan must suffer so much. ...Perhaps 'tis the sufferin' what made him so good." (Amen to that.)
Bookshelf worthy?: Yes, this is a 50/50 for me. I enjoyed it but would I want to reread it? I might pass it on to a fellow reader looking for a good read.
Teenability: I think this is teen appropriate. This could also be fun if your teen has to read Dracula in school.

**I was given an advance copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review if I so chose to give it.**

Michelle Griep continues to raise the bar of excellence in her newest Victorian era novel. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of northern England, this gothic tale will transport its readers to a time where legends and superstitions rule the minds of men. It is the perfect blend of history and legend.

I was hooked from the very first scene, when a mysterious man emerged from 'shadow and mist'. The descriptive prose will appeal to the imagination, the delightfully eclectic cast of characters will appeal to the heart and the subtle faith thread will appeal to the mind. Just when one thinks there is no hope for the mysterious hero and the spunky heroine, Ms. Griep pens a delightfully satisfying ending.

Fans of gothic tales will love the nod to Bram Stoker's Dracula, but don't be deterred by the rumors of vampires, this story has just the right amount of atmospheric suspense, as our heroine hopes to put old legends to rest.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series. This story focuses on the lore of vampires and creatively includes appearances of the author of Dracula, Bram Stoker.

The first part of this story was exactly what I was looking for. It was intriguing and kind of creepy and the exact feel I was wanting. I loved the first meeting between James and Rosa and pretty much every moment they were on the page together. I felt like the middle part was a bit too slow, which kind of took me out of the story. I did enjoy how things wrapped up in the last part of the story. It answered all of my questions nicely, although I did feel some things were solved a bit too easily.

If you’re looking for a slightly creepy, intriguing story, with likable characters, Man of Shadow and Mist may be the story for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 3 stars.

This book is everything I expect from a Michelle Griep read and more! The brilliantly constructed plot, set in England in the late 1800s, drew me in immediately and kept a firm grasp on my attention for the entirety of the story. The gothic atmosphere is perfectly designed to be mysterious and suspenseful without being too dark or disturbing. I could always feel hope waiting in the shadows. The cast of characters is wonderfully diverse and well-crafted. The romance is sweet and at times bittersweet. I love strong-willed Rosa and long-suffering Sir James and the way their relationship develops despite gossip, vampire superstition, and illness which threaten to separate them. The historical element of the story evidences extensive, impeccable research. The appearances by Bram Stoker are expertly incorporated into the fictional tale. I greatly appreciate the strong faith thread woven throughout the story. This is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series but is a standalone read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book especially for fans of historical romance.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.