Sir James Morgan has long been the victim of stigma and abuse. Between his origins in Transylvania and a disease that makes him sensitive to sunlight, many believe he is a vampire. His mother suffers from advanced stages of the same disease and is mad, often attacking those around her. But Rosa Edwards is enthralled by the man who has come to her rescue repeatedly. She does not believe in superstitions and seeks to clear his infamous name, even as he is accused of slaughtering local livestock and even accused of murder.
I was blessedly granted an ARC from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. And my honest opinion is that I love, love, LOVE this! An instant favorite! Very brooding and reminiscent of Dracula, yet powered with live and truth. Can't recommend it enough. Get it. So cool. Couple weird spellings like "faery" and "daemon." Unsure if they are legit variants. I also never think it healthy when one person declares another to be their whole world. Other than that? Book is darn near perfect. Comes out in June.
P.S. Why do characters always give cats milk? They're lactose intolerant.

Man of Shadow and Mist is so well written! Michelle Griep’s creative take on the historical beginnings of Dracula and Bram Stoker is brilliant. A perfect blending of gothic and inspiration. Rosa and James are both solid, powerful characters who bring balance to each other. Light and dark. Truth and superstition. I loved the way the fear of the village people is captured and portrayed. Rumors are so quickly fed and festered when based on fear and half-truths. Each chapter begins with a line from Bram Stoker’s writings, which help set the stage for the content. Rosa is determined to bring the truth to light and expose the lies behind the superstitions. James is just tired of all and wants to live in peace. The sense of urgency and foreboding is well conveyed. Together, their chemistry is compelling, and I could not help but want to fight for both of them. I would highly recommend this to all lovers of historical fiction with a blend of romance, mystery, and inspiration.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Man of Shadow and Mist
By Michelle Griep
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Series: Of Monsters and Men, Book 2
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or Buy
Back of the Book: “England, 1890
Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.
James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must 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.
When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.
Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?”

Impressions: This was a fun story inspired by the classic Dracula. I was pleasantly surprised at how well faith, romance, and gothic themes merged into such a wonderful story. The plot and characters were easy but exciting to follow making this an enjoyable read. I was drawn to the mystery of medicine during this time period as the characters studied Porphyria. Although this is book 2 in its series it can easily be read as a standalone novel.

Quotes: “‘I lost hope in religious people a long time ago.’ ‘Bravo!’ The rector clapped his hands, the loud report shocking in the small room. ‘I salute you, Sir James. For you see, man is not meant to find hope in anything of this world, but rather to lose hope in all things worldly.’” -I’m studying Philippians right now and this went along perfectly with what Paul is trying to tell the Philippians. Rather than seeking what the condemned of the world seek, when we seek Jesus we find hope.

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://thebluestockingbooknook.wordpress.com

Rosa Edwards embarks on a one-woman crusade to enlighten the townsfolk of her little hamlet, one book at a time. She bases her fight against superstition on facts and has no place in her life for the unexplainable. While she loves working in her father’s subscription library, Rosa can’t stand the constant stream of suitors her mother invites over. Even her older sister ignores Rosa’s desires and wants to see her happily wed.

Rosa has her own plans, and none of them involve a husband. At 26, she longs to leave her overprotective parents and the backward villagers of Whitby, England. When she crashes at the feet of a handsome stranger one evening, she has no idea her life will change dramatically.

Sir James Morgan’s tormented and dying mother brings him to the family home in Whitby, but he has no intention of staying. When a lovely young woman tumbles at his feet upon his arrival in England, James feels an instant attraction. James knows he will never experience the joys of falling in love, marrying, and raising a family. He has never questioned his choice and has lived without friends for most of his 32 years.

Miss Rosa Edwards defies his wish to keep himself remote, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship. A friendship tested by the superstitious gossip of the villagers, who claim James is nothing more than a vampire who comes ashore to suck their blood. They have proof, don’t they? Sheep with their throats ripped open, and their bodies left intact. Surely the work of a vampire.

Can love flourish in a town filled with suspicion and hate?

What I Loved About This Book

Griep offers yet another gothic Victorian tale ripped from the pages of literature –this time, Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Readers will love how the protagonists struggle to do the right thing—even if it’s not in their best interest. The well-rounded characters bring dramatic tension to the story—especially the interactions between Rosa and her mother and Rosa and the villain. If you enjoyed Griep’s first installment in the Of Monsters and Men series, Lost in Darkness, you won’t want to miss this one!

A gothic tale married to worthy principles and a nod to Dracula. I thought the imagery was great and atmosphere was well done. A favorite line "He smelled of the sea, this man. Of distant shores and foreign places." The opening had me from the start and I wanted to clear my schedule. A real world builder. The tone and setting was immediate. Being a Christian story there are a few discussions of hope, faith, and belief. I found this inclusion to be natural to the story and characters and not forced or awkward. I felt the writing in of tender merices and God being aware of us was written in seemesly. (As an fyi I'd say Christian theme is part of the story but not the whole story. It isn't heavy handed nor a story written just to dispaly faith.) The h and H were both set in their ways and beliefs. I enjoyed seeing them thaw, work together and grow. It was a pleasure to read. Good character dynamics and character themselves. Each person added well to the story and the dialogue was strong.
I only wondered at became of the second suitor to the h, Rosa. We can kind of determine the end for others but not him. I had wished for a line or even better maybe a future story of him!

I came into this one not being too familiar with Michelle Griep's writing, as I'd only read one of her titles prior, and that was several years back. However, I ended up adoring this one, and found it to be completely unlike anything I was expecting, or like I'd ever read before. I picked this one up on a day that was blistery, snowy and cold in our region, and the atmospheric, moody setting that overlays the entire story matched the weather perfectly.

A few years back when I still read quite a bit of secular fiction, I wholeheartedly enjoyed several vampire titles. It was such a sweet treat to find a "vampire" book within the Christian book world that truly isn't about "vampires" themselves. Rather, this title focuses around the superstitions and stereotypes that existed in earlier times about anyone who was different than the norm, and the many prejudices they faced on account of these differences.

I love picking up historical fiction titles period, but I especially enjoy when I learn something new from reading them. I left this book with knowledge of a disease I knew nothing about prior, and also, I loved getting to learn about the origins of libraries, and how they were often only for wealthy patrons as they were the only ones who could afford to use them.

Rosa and James were both believable and endearing main characters, and the road to their happily ever after was paved with many obstacles, including a rumor mill that's expanded upon by many of the residents of their small community with nefarious intentions.

Above all, the couple is determined to stay true to each other, and to their faith in their Heavenly Father, and that was probably my most favorite part of the story of all.

A wonderful plot, beautiful prose, likeable main characters, a spooky and atmospheric "vampire setting", a realistic faith element, and an admirable romance all worked together to make this one a winner in my eyes, and I can't recommend it enough.

I also have to quickly mention, without spoiling anything, that I adored the inclusion of Bram Stoker as a character! Such a fun surprise, and another way the author was able to add an extra element to an already wonderful story.

Final Rating: 4/5.

I'd highly recommend this one, and I can't wait to read more of this author's books in the future.

Thanks so much to Barbour for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

Man of Shadow and Mist is the second book in the series, Of Monsters and Men, by Michelle Griep. Her skill with words is always amazing and magical. This story was no different with its plot and superstitions. My emotions seesawed between fear and angst for the main characters. This is a must read. Bravo Michelle!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this story by Michelle Griep, she always writes such an amazing story with fun characters and witty banter.

I just reviewed Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep. #ManofShadowandMist #NetGalley
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Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep features a story alongside Bram Stroker's gothic masterpiece Dracula. Most readers are not that familiar with the actual story of Dracula. Just the folklore and remake of the story. However, I have read the original text and enjoy it when I was an undergraduate student. Griep relies on the medical diagnosis that affected the characters in her novel to create fear in the community. The plot was interesting and familiar at the same time. While readers will approach this novel with the idea of Dracula, the romance had a little bit of Beauty and the Beast to it. James, the hero, is trying to save his mother, but he is still wanting the best for Rosa, the heroine. Romance blooms and sparkles even against all the threats and dangers to their personal lives and budding romance. I do enjoy Griep's description of James' family manor. Nicely handled and spooky. I like her descriptions to bring the haunting affects to the story. Fog. Night time. Gargoyles. Overall, Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep will give a thrill to readers who enjoy a good Gothic novel, but still have the romance to spark the interest of romance lovers.

I received a complimentary copy of Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

This is my first read by Michelle Griep and I was intrigued by the storyline. Take quite a feisty heroine , a mysterious hero and Bram Stoker beginning his famous novel and we have a bit of an adventure. Not being particularly religious I found the holy/spiritual references a teeny bit irritating but that notwithstanding, this is an excellent story. I read it almost in one sitting, the medical references were interesting and made me google the symptoms mentioned which was an excellent element in the story. I would easily recommend this book, it is a fascinating view on small village gossip which hasn't changed much in some few hundred years. Well written and researched you will enjoy this lovely story. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy of Man of Shadow and Mist.

Book Blurb ; * England, 1890. Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.
James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumors. The scorn. Yet he must 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.
When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian. Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?*

The 2nd in the series Of Monsters and Men. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This book had themes of Dracula like the first in the series had for Frankenstein.
With the arrival of James brings the whole town into a upheaval, everyone pointing fingers and superstitions at him. When Rosa meets him for the first time she finds him to be mysterious but caring. The romance is wonderful. They have an instant connection but its not merely because of each others looks. They both have a sacrificial love towards each other that was so refreshing. And the faith content!!! They both prayed multiple times including surrendering their lives to God. And both James and Rosa have people who speak faith and hope into their lives. The theme of the hearts of men; no ne truly knows what's in someone's heart until you get to know them. James is being reviled because of rumors while there is someone else with a dark heart and intent who's thought well of. Only God knows the thoughts and intents of the hearts of men.
Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

“…the world seems full of good men— even if there are monsters in it.” -Bram Stoker, Dracula

Loved it and highly recommend it. This was mysterious, with a well put together historical story. It was realistic about the characters and problems of the time. I love MG writing and her books just keeps getting better. I always love a strong heroine and honorable hero and this had both. The Christian side of this was light and hopeful and I enjoyed that part very much. And of course I got my HEA.
Thanks Barbour Publishing via NetGalley.

If you would have told me I'd enjoy a Gothic romance, I'd have thought you were crazy. In fact, I disliked the first book in this series so much I stopped reading it. But this second installment is one I really enjoyed!

This is the second book in the series Of Monsters and Men, but it is a stand-alone novel. Good thing, too, because I suggest skipping the first book altogether and just reading this one.

This story is inspired by Dracula (kind of, you'll see) and follows three points of view: Sir James Morgan, a baronet who the community believes to be a vampire killing their livestock. Rosa Edwards, who works for her father at the library and is determined to educate the community. And Albin Mallow, the nephew of an evil shipyard owner, who sees substantial character growth throughout this story.

Each character was well developed and the story was captivating. Rosa works so hard to help those around her eliminate their superstitions. Sir James is a strong yet conflicted character who you can't help rooting for the whole time. And the romance that develops between them is sweet and adorable, if not involving several dangerous moments (Rosa finds herself in scrapes quite often).

The way the ending wraps things up is just wonderful. Even the butler of Sir James gets a happy ending and you can't help but smile for him. Content: there is one kiss that was semi-detailed that threatened to make me uncomfortable, but it ended just in time :).

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the copy of this book . I was not required to leave a positive review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the biblical truths effortlessly intertwined with this fantastical story. I laughed, I cried, I got stressed, and just HAD to know how this story ended!

I appreciated all the historical and medical research that went into this book, along with the spattering of real life people intermixed with fictional characters and events.

Man of Shadow and Mist is a story set in Whitby England during the 1890’S. Many of the people believe in spirits that come in with the fog and believe spirits of the dead may at times touch the living. Rosa Edwards runs the local lending library with her father and is trying to change the minds of the locals when it comes to such superstitions. When the baronet returns to Morgrave Manor to care for his dying mother rumors of his being a vampire surface. Many sheep in the area are being slaughtered and for many the only explanation is that Sir James is indeed a vampire. Can Rosa help him to be accepted in the community? Rosa’s parents wish for her to wed soon as she is of age. They have secured the nephew of the local shipping business but is Rosa interested?
Michele Griep tells a great story by leading the reader along path to a promising ending. One is never sure exactly where the path will lead until the end. I have read many of her books and find her writing style very satisfying. I give this book 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

If you are looking for a book that exceeds your expectations, "Man of Shadow and Mist" by Michelle Griep is that book. Dealing with superstitions fed further by lies, Sir James Morgan is a man of mystery. Rosa Edwards literally falls into his life. She is not superstitious but sometimes lies do funny things with the mind. Through a series of God-ordained accidents of nature, they are thrust together and Sir James has to decide if he can trust again. Will faith and prayer be enough to overcome in this Christian Gothic novel?

ARC provided by NetGalley.

It's a vampire story, but not because there are any vampires, but because of superstitions and the lack of medical understanding of diseases, as is common in the time period (late 19th century). What is encouraging in the story is that the 2 main characters must learn to depend on God, especially when humans are willing to believe lies to explain the unexplainable. There Iissome romance a a bit of a love triangle. I was so engaged, it was hard to put it down. Although it is a sequel, one dies not have to read book #1 to understand this one as the only thing that ties them together as a series, is that they deal with "monsters" that were written about in novels.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

What a fascinating story! I had no idea what porphyria was until I picked up this novel. I love novels more when I learn something new.
In this second gothic regency romance by Michelle Griep, readers are introduced to a lovely heroine and courageous hero. Sir James Morgan is everything good and kind, though gossip and superstitions accuse him of something more sinister that lurks beneath his pale complexion. The local librarian, Rosa Edwards believes that education is the cure to the superstitions and local folklore of her beloved town, and works hard at dispelling these tales.
Readers are treated to an educational, but delightful reader experience, as characters strive to unearth a cure for a disease that may very well take Captain Morgan’s life. The push-pull between Rosa and James is heart-breaking, as he tries to spare the woman he’s falling in love with the pain of watching him experience death. Secondary characters inflict more pain as they connive and scheme for power, dragging both James and Rosa along for the ride. But faith in God and the power of prayer carries these characters through to the end.
There’s a lot to love about this story. It isn’t as dark as the first novel of the series, so readers can safely enjoy the story into the wee hours of the morning.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

""The world seems full of good men - even if there are monsters in it."
-Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890
Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must 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.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can't explain - especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?"

Or will it end in a bonfire?

You will enjoy reading this story about a vampire - like family that lives in a small English town in the 1890's. Rose works with her father in the town's lending library/bookshop, she uses her bicycle to make deliveries when she has an unfortunate accident and she is rescued by a stranger who is dressed in black with raven - colored hair.
Thus begins a friendship that is plagued with reports of animals throats being slit, eerie screams in the night and rumors of vampires!
Rose is attracted to James, the baronet of Morgrave Manor, who has a mother who attacks him and her nurse, he cannot bear sunlight or he breaks out in scale-like sores, and who is always buying different medications to try on his mother's condition.
Alvin Mallow is attracted to Rose for financial reasons, and he and his uncle will do anything to possess Rose's fathers property - even frame James for murder!
You will have to read the book for yourself to see if James is a vampire !