I love this series of books that Michelle Griep has written that are based upon classic Gothic tales. This particular story is based upon Bram Stoker’s Dracula in which superstitious villagers are so easily swayed to believe the worst about Sir James Morgan due to the power of suggestion and unexplained events.

Rosa Edwards is a fearless heroine and a loyal and fierce defender of Sir James. She had me cheering for her throughout the story as she refused to give into fear or rumors about him and his family. Seeing her love for the people of the town and the need for everyone to enjoy reading hit a soft spot in my heart. She went well beyond just being a librarian when she chose to find patrons for those who couldn’t afford a subscription.

While I at first did not like Albin Mallow and the tactics he employed to try and turn circumstances to fit his needs, I was happy to see he redeemed himself and chose to share the truth. I actually felt sorry for him and felt better things would be in the future for him.

I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy Gothic romance stories with a thread of faith throughout the story. While it is the second on the series, it can be read as a standalone if you so choose.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

This was not what I expected, but that is honestly not a bad thing! Oftentimes I expect Christian romance to be light and fluffy, focused on making the relationship work, navigating society expectations, etc. I think is the first Christian romance I have read that feels gothic, and it just made me so giddy inside. Honestly, I was hooked and stayed up late one night to continue reading. It was a fun twist on the historical happenings when Bram Stoker was alive and writing Dracula, and he even makes an appearance! It also had a wonderful educational element of what people with rare disease went through in the past, when superstition ruled minds and formal education was not that common in rural areas. So while it starts off making you question if this is the first Christian romance with a vampire, not to worry - there are no vampires here, only a family with secrets and a young librarian determined to help.

The town has only heard rumors of the Romanian family who moved into Morgrave Manor, but they suspect they are of evil intent. After all, the mother brought cartons of earth with her on the long voyage to England, and the son will only go outside when the sun is away...or else he bundles up so much that all you can see are parts of his face. Surely, they are either cursed or at work with the devil. And when animals start being found brutally killed and drained of blood, it's not long before minds make the leap to the obvious conclusion - vampires are among us! Rosa Edwards knows this is nonsense, of course. If only her father would allow their library to be free, so that the local poor can become educated and realize not everything left unexplained is evil. When she collides with Sir James Morgan, literally, she is stunned by his handsome visage, and it's not long before she is making regular trips to his home to deliver books. He tries desperately to keep her from forming an attachment, knowing that nothing can come from their association, but Rosa can only follow her heart. When James is accused of a heinous crime, it's the ultimate test of Rosa's love...and whether or not their relationship can blossom when it's barely even begun.

I just adored both of these characters so much. James had a traumatic life, being condemned for a medical condition that would later be identified as porphyria, and he kept away from other people as much as he could. All the while, he tried to cure his mother of the same condition, thinking that her cure would also be his when he got older and began to suffer the same madness she did. Rosa, God bless her, was so patient and kind towards him, pushing a little but still allowing him space to become comfortable with making a friend. She wouldn't let him hide himself away from her, and her persistence eventually gave way to sparks between them. She struggled as well, hoping for a life beyond her little town as a secretary, but with her mother pushing marriage and her father not seeing the point in her leaving, it felt like a dream that would never come true. James changed all of that by believing in her and supporting her, even when he thought she could never be his. He risked himself for her several times, and she did for him as well, which made their romance so beautiful. They saw each other, truly saw who they were on the inside, and it felt like a genuine portrayal of soulmates.

I am surprised this is the second book in the series, since I have no idea how I missed the first! That will be rectified as soon as possible. If you like gothic romance and sweet soulmates, you'll love this book.

Michelle Griep is a new to me author. Man of Shadow and Mist is the second book of hers I have read. I was hooked from the start. Sir James is dark and mysterious and Rosa is strong willed and fearless. Michelle Griep weaves their storybook romance with superstition, vampire lore, and actual events from history. Her writing captures your attention and holds it to the very end. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.

Loved it!!! To the point of actually ignoring my chores on a beautiful spring Saturday. I could not put it down!

Man of Shadow and Mist is brilliantly written. Michelle Griep's take on the origins of Dracula and Bram Stoker is so creative! It plays a small part of the story of a misjudged and mistreated man from Transylvania who returns to England to care for his dying mother.

Set in England in 1890, this small town and superstitious community believes in the lore about vampires. Librarian Rosa Edwards tries to dispel such superstitions. "But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. " The author does a splendid job creating the atmosphere and attitudes of the time. From the very beginning, the reader feels immersed and invested in this captivating story! A thread of mystery weaves through this story as well.

A wonderful and inspirational gothic tale full of truth and superstitions, light and darkness, and, right or wrong how easy it is to follow the crowd. A sweet friendship, and a beautiful faith journey, especially learning to trust in God, play a role in the lives of both Rosa and Sir James.

A self-sacrificing hero and the spunky no-nonsense heroine had me charmed from the start! I highly recommend Man of Shadow and Mist!

Thank you to the author and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

This story is set in the small seaside town of Whitby. James has returned to care for his mother. Rosa and her parents run the subscription library along with selling her mother's medicinials. Aside from these we meet Albin and his Uncle, various townspeople, James's staff and the Parish priest. Moving story, dealing with a little known disease, that has impacted James's life greatly. Likeable main characters and enough action to not want to put this book down.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nobody does Gothic fiction quite like Michelle Griep (unless it's Julie Klassen!)—and this is no exception with its haunting mixture of Jane Eyre, Dracula, Rebecca, Dragonwick—and an eerie mansion with a secret and a dark, brooding, enigmatic hero.

Rosa Edwards, the innocent town librarian, finds herself attracted to an alluring, mysterious man who the superstitious townsfolk think is cursed, Sir James Morgan. I really liked this spunky little heroine and so does James—in spite of his many misgivings. Is their romance doomed from the start?

Griep's research is in-depth and impeccable...as is her impressive writing style and a strong faith message interspersed throughout. Nicely done!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.*

Feisty Rosa Edwards meets Sir James Morgan by Whitby Abbey. Rosa is a librarian and her main goal is to rid the town of their plethora of superstitions. The two characters are dawn together, but superstitions and enemies seem determined to keep them apart. This wonderfully suspenseful fantasy has the touch of Dracula and the darkness of the Gothic legends. Filled with a delectable romance between a bookish heroine and a brooding hero, throw in a family curse, and you have a delightful book filled with Griep's incredible writing.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Vampyres and other things!

A romantic gothic Victorian novel featuring the recluse Sir James Morgan who owns property in Whitby, England and in Transylvania. He suffers from the rare skin disease Porohyria, as does his dying mother. Indeed a “man of shadow and mist.” He prefers to go out in the twilight, overcast days and is always muffled up completely. His arrival back in Whitby coincides with the community having some of their animals brutally attacked by something that tears their throats out—giving rise to talk of vampires. Whispers follow to to ugly supposings.
Rosa Edwards is a determined young woman working in her family’s bookshop and lending library. Her father stocks general works but his true passion is rare books. The rare books can only be used in the library. The library is close to the shipyard. Rosa has an unwanted suitor, Albin Mallow, whom her mother’s all a flutter about, inventing occasions to bring them together—alone. Albin is nephew to a powerful and villainous man who unknown to the family wants the land their library stands on, at any cost. Rosa’s marriage to Albin would bring that about. Albin all but accuses Morgan of being a vampire in public when Morgan thwarts him from getting Rosa by herself for a carriage ride, something that all and sundry would see as a declaration.
Rosa starts to let Morgan have some rare works that are relevant to his research. Imagine my surprise when a Mr. Stoker does research for a novel he’s working on at the library in the rare book collection.
Rosa feels people won’t be as superstitious if they can be educated. Hence her efforts at persuading James Morgan to subsidize borrowing fees for others.
The story builds rapidly as Rosa suffers through pursuit by an unscrupulous party, growing feelings of attraction for the lonely lord, local superstitions becoming unbridled fears that descend into mob violence, all balanced against some good people who realize “every one of us needs a God who is bigger than we credit, else ’e’ood not be God.”
A fantastic weaving of all things known and unknown into a satisfying storyline with Stoker and his ‘vampyre’ writings being a brilliant yet unwitting lodestone in the background.
I was totally caught up in the events as they unfolded. Enthralled and intrigued I kept reading!

A Barbour ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

This is another great read in the "Of Monsters and Men" series. Though this is technically a series, the books are their own stories - connected only by theme, as far as I can recall. So, this could definitely be read on its own. This book hints at the legend of Dracula, complete with a reclusive man from Transylvania who can't be in the sun. When mysterious livestock deaths begin right after he appears in Whitby, England, talk of vampires runs rampant. For Rosa Edwards, it is one more reason to attempt to educate the masses out of her father's library. When her path crosses with the so-called vampire, it seems that he does have a hypnotic effect on her after all. Complete with a guest appearance of Bram Stoker, this one had all of the fun elements of the first book in the series.

This book had something for everyone. A look at history for those who enjoy historical fiction, a sweet romance for those who enjoy that genre, a mystery for those who enjoy that, a thwarted diagnosis for those who enjoy medical dramas, and of course the legends of monsters - not only vampires, but the Bargheust Hound as well. In addition, there was a solid faith thread (which you would not typically expect in a gothic "monster" novel), a strong feisty heroine that you couldn't help but cheer for, and a swoony hero. Plus a redemptive tale for one who seemed a villain for much of the story. I would also recommend reading the author's notes at the end that speak to some of the historical facts, the unusual terminology, and the unfamiliar legends. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and one I'd heartily recommend to most anyone. Special thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Michelle Griep has done it again.

Romantic, mysterious, and brimming with atmosphere, this book completely captivated me.

James may not be the vampire that the townsfolk of Whitby believe he is, but he is carrying dark secrets.

Rosa does not share her neighbor's superstitions and is inexplicably drawn to the dark, handsome, brooding man who has returned to his family's estate. When she insists on being James' friend despite his efforts to stay aloof, feelings soon ignite on both sides but their happily ever after is doomed from the start.

What I loved:
Victorian era
Dual POV
Gothic vibes
Bookish heroine
Grumpy/sunshine
Beauty and the Beast vibes
Medical talk/research
Dramatic, fast-paced plot
Vivid setting
Great tension and chemistry
Suspenseful intrigue
Homage to Dracula/Bram Stoker
The rescue
"I do not need a happy ending. I just need you."

Michelle Griep's ability to stage an atmospheric and vivid setting is unreal - I could practically feel the chill of the fog as it rolled in and perfectly imagine the gargoyle keeping watch in James' manor. It's like I am there in the book and it completely immerses me inside the story.

This plot is incredibly unique but the story is timeless: acceptance and tolerance, taking chances on love, and ultimately, hope and redemption.

This is one you are going to have to trust me on, my friends. This was a 5-star read for me and one I plan on re-reading every year.

TW: mental health/illness, talk of blood/needles/disease

A historical romance with a Gothic twist!

James was quite the brooding, tormented fellow. I wouldn't have wanted to live in 1890s England with his medical condition, but the parts about his condition were pretty fascinating. Rosa frustrated me at the beginning of the book. She kind of hated on wives and moms because she wanted to be a secretary instead. She did kind of change over the course of the book though, and I liked how she worked in a library and tried to get the townspeople to stop being so superstitious. Those townspeople ...

I was't completely sold on James and Rosa's romance. At one point, James tried to physically intimidate Rosa, and Rosa romanticized it. That was not cool!

The plot, with its drama and conniving villain, kept me reading right along. The setting was appropriately gloomy, and I found the addition of a well-known author intriguing.

Overall, I found Man of Shadow and Mist to be an entertaining read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and historical romance.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Man of Shadow and Mist is the second installment from Michelle Griep’s Of Monsters and Men series. I loved the first book, Lost in Darkness, and as if it were possible, I love this one even more. James and Rosa’s story was one that had me engaged right from the start. It was not one that I could predict the ending. I thought it was a fabulous tale to spend a rainy and stormy afternoon.

I am giving Man of Shadow and Mist five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Of Monsters and Men series to see where Michelle Griep will take her fans and characters to.

I received a copy of Man of Shadow and Mist from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This book was absolutely charming from start to finish. I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the story! There was romance, intrigue, action, and on top of that, a glorious display of God and his love for his children. I cherished every minute that I was reading the book and I plan on reading more of the author’s books as soon as I get my hands on them.

Very atmospheric. I didn’t connect to it as much as I did to Lost in Darkness, the authors take on the Frankenstein story. But if you’re looking for a good Christian gothic tale, this one’s for you!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

** “God is not so limited that He cannot act outside the boundaries of physical law, for it is He alone who decides where those boundaries lie. Think of it … turning water into wine, feeding a multitude with naught but a few fish and some loaves.” **

Michelle Griep delivers an incredible story filled with historical facts and characters and a vampiric undertone in “Man of Shadow and Mist.”

Rosa Edwards works with her father in their lending library all while dreaming of one day becoming a secretary — and eradicating everyone’s beliefs in silly superstitions. But when the mysterious Sir James Morgan comes into town, she finds herself needing to defend him from the town’s belief that he is a vampire.

As Rosa grows to know Sir James — and the reasons behind his mysterious actions — they find themselves falling in love, all while trying to save his reputation as well as strengthen his attempt to save his mother and himself from their rare ailment.

Griep creates an amazing story that is truly hard to put down. She develops deep and enigmatic characters, including the plucky Rosa, the intriguing Sir James, her inspiring father and a recognizable author named Stoker.

She also fills “Man of Shadow and Mist,” which is due out June 1, with several great themes, like knowledge is power; the power public opinion can have; we need a God bigger than we credit; and God has a will and plan for us (“I know yer fearful, child, but fear or not, all will be accomplished in God’s timing, not yours. His will — and His goodness — cannot be thwarted.”)

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

This was a great juxtaposition of dark, Gothic themes with the light and hope of Christianity! Plot wise I feel like there was always something happening to keep the narrative going - whether between Rosa and her family or prospective suitors, Rosa and James, James and his mother, the townspeople and their superstitions - so many obstacles had to be overcome by our MC's and the pacing of the story was really well done with all that was happening. I enjoyed the scenes with Rosa and her father at their library too; it was interesting to learn more about lending libraries in the late 1800s. The cameos from Bram Stoker were also really cool and it is fun to imagine how he came up with the idea for Dracula and the research he did on Transylvania.

Fans of literature and historical fiction will love this novel set in 1890 England. With nods to Dracula, Beauty and the Beast, and maybe a tiny bit of Jane Eyre, I was immediately pulled into the story. The characters are likeable (well, most of them), and there is a nice bit of redemption at the end (no spoilers). The book does have religious themes, but they are woven well into the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this free e-arc and will recommend it to others.

Where do I even begin? This book was so good! It's the kind of Gothic yet faith-filled read that I can never get enough of. And what a wonderful homage to Dracula! Since Dracula is one of my all-time favorite books, I loved all the nods to the classic. I had to smile every time I noticed a familiar name or place.
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I liked James and Rosa right from the start. Rosa's the kind of bookish, spunky, and determined heroine that I love reading about. James was charming, chivalrous, and just an all-around good guy. He was the very definition of swoony. I really felt for him, though. The way others treated him with suspicion and superstition regarding his health condition infuriated me. I didn't know much about porphyria beforehand, so it was really interesting learning about it.

I can't say enough good things about this book. It's one of the best I've read this year. If you're a fan of Gothic historical romance, you're sure to love it too. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

"Maybe, just maybe, not everything could be explained--leastwise on this side of heaven."

Another terrific story reminiscent of a classic, with a brushstroke of faith and tender romance. Set in 1890's England, this engaging and well-written tale, with a nod to the original classic, includes a few plot twists adding faith and hope. The main characters are hit by a tidal wave of trouble created by superstition, gossip and greed. Their integrity, kindness, compassion and faith help them rise above the difficult circumstances. Forgiveness and mercy also shine through the darkness.
"Hope is a precious commodity."
This author really knows how to pull the reader into the story. The emotional tension felt very real, especially toward the end as it grows, making the prayers of James particularly heart rending. I wanted to weep for him. The ending is worth all of the angst. The author notes were interesting, highlighting the real history included.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy a historical tale with a tender romance and a bit of faith. Solid 5 stars!

The grip of superstition and old wives tales is strong in Whitby. With the shipyards and the European weather, it spells an ill wind no matter what the weather seems to hold. Rosa and her father seek to dispel the superstitions and falsehoods with their subscription library, but it seems not even book knowledge can prevent sinister happenings in this story. A tale of vampires, monsters, disease, trickery, and death is woven with truth, perseverance, faith, and love to form a story worth reading. Who can be trusted? Who is the real enemy? Nothing is as it seems at some point or other in this tale. A bit on the darker side, with rumors of vampires and such, this story is still a satisfying read for any reader, even those who prefer things a little less sinister. I highly recommend this book, but if you are a sensitive reader, maybe just read it in the daylight. :)

I requested and received a copy of this book for review. The words and thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.