What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common? Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, … prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession–the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.
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The House at the End of the Moore is another enjoyable read by Griep. She is a talented author who masters the era with historic detail. The story had action, mystery and romance with characters you love. And some not as much. I enjoyed the story and as always will be looking forward to the author’s next novel.
“Books are light and air.” This one was sweet ambrosia to my soul. It was midnight. I was just finishing Michelle Griep’s The House at the End of the Moor. All I could do was sit in my chair and grin hugely. The House at the End of the Moor was everything and more (pardon the pun) I could hope for from Griep. Firstly, the two Regency protagonists, Maggie and Oliver, are three-dimensional. They are both wonderful and flawed. And, yes, it is easy to fall in love with them as we learn more about their broken backgrounds. Griep writes with great imagery, humor, and skill. “Words stagger around on my tongue like little drunkards.” “…’ Every soul has value.’” “’ Even Barrow’s?’” “…That stung. Of course, Barrow was one of God’s creatures–but so was a rat.” (BTW, this “value” theme carries over from her last book, but yet The House at the Edge of the Moor is also a great stand-alone.) The enemies are dark, dangerous, and even described as demons. How I loved that. But how I loved, even more, the subtle thread of one very lost, dark soul beginning to hear God’s call on his life. How far is too far for forgiveness? With people? With God? The faith element is present at appropriate times. Strong, but fitting. If you can’t have faith when approaching death, when can you? Does this same faith carry over into life? Greed, need of a loving father, trust, backward prejudice, judgment, and justice are all themes woven into this deliciously rich book that went down like honey into my reader’s soul. “True justice starts with repentance. How can we ask God to show justice in the world while willfully nursing our own hidden prejudices, selfishness, lusts, greed…our own broken relationships?” By the end of the novel, I had completed a romance, filled my head with beautiful words, received words of faith to consider, and enjoyed more twists than I could have imagined. Yet every twist actually was credible. Thus, I closed the book, extremely happy. If only it weren’t over. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as well as from NetGalley. This in no way influences my opinions, which are solely my own.
Wow! What a book!
Michelle Griep has hit the ball out of the park!From the start, my attention was totally on this story. Maggie, the opera singer, living in the middle of nowhere, trying to stay hidden to live a quiet and protected life when she encounters a badly beaten man who may not even be alive. He is unknown to Maggie but she is determined to nurse him back to being healthy enough to leave her home.
Oliver Ward is an escaped convict who made his way across England’s moor where no one has survived that trek before. His rescue was miraculous by two women who brought him into their home. Heavy on Oliver’s trail was the constable who was determined to catch Oliver, torture him some more and take him back to prison.
There is so much excitement with all the twists and turns and surprises, I was glued to every page and couldn’t wait to find out the next clue!
Michelle Griep is a fantastic author and this book is excellent! It is a must read! My rating is far above 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Ok, this book was awesome! I am having trouble even putting into words how much I enjoyed this novel. The characters are so raw and real that I instantly connected with them. They face personal struggles of trusting God in uncertain times, forgiveness for past wrongs, and allowing God to dictate justice instead of taking revenge. The author does such a wonderful job of crafting sentences that contain such rich descriptions and I found myself completely immersed in the story after only a few pages. I think this author has a special gift for writing and I felt like I was transported to the boggy moors of the nineteenth century with ease. Her ability to describe scenes, landscapes, facial expressions, and emotions that characters are experiencing is truly remarkable. I loved learning about the various aspects of the historical time period. I also really enjoyed the surprising mysteries to the story and the different twist and turns. I will admit that I read the book in one day and did not accomplish anything else at home – laundry piled up, dishes sat dirty, and tasks went undone as I lost myself in the story. The author also did a great job of packing a lot in the novel; I felt like the story was deep and had plenty of time to develop the characters fully and still have an interesting and complex plot. I loved the way the romance had time to grow and deepen too. There honestly was not anything that I did not love about this story! I most highly recommend this novel!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The House at the End of the Moor is Michelle Griep’s latest novel, and I must say, it’s a good one. From the moment the constable opens the door of Oliver’s cell, there is plenty of action and intrigue.
The plot itself keeps you on your toes, but it’s the characters that draw you in. Maggie is tough yet fragile. Oliver is gentle yet hard. And they each harbor secrets. Their unexpected connection surprised me, and I liked the conflict with the jewels. The characters have their flaws, but those are addressed head-on throughout the book, especially Oliver’s. Both characters are likable and relatable because of this, in addition to their positive attributes.
The romance is well-paced. I liked that it wasn’t rushed, especially since the characters had more pressing issues like finding a thief and getting their lives back.
Several moments of humor lighten up what could be an otherwise heavy book. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say some disguises are utilized as well as good old-fashioned charm.
One thing that did throw me off was the POV change. Maggie’s POV is first-person while Oliver’s is third-person, and Maggie’s is in present tense while Oliver’s is in past tense. I’m sure Griep has a reason for this. I just don’t know what it is. Although, I suppose it could show that Maggie doesn’t want to dwell in her past and has been alone for quite some time in a bubble of her own creation.
Overall, The House at the End of the Moor proves Michelle Griep knows how to write a fantastic, gripping novel. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves all things British, Jane Eyre, and mystery. Oh, and romance. Can’t forget the romance.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review via NetGalley.
This was a captivating and suspenseful tale of redemption and forgiveness. Oliver escapes prison after being wrongfully convicted and Maggie finds him near death. After she nurses him back to health, they realize that their pasts are connected in more ways than one and they will need to work together to reclaim their future. Heart pounding adventure, suspenseful plot twists, villains you love to hate, and a sweet romance made this book simply impossible to put down. This was my first book by this author but it most definitely will not be the last!
I received an advanced copy but this is my honest review.
What an exciting page-turning adventure I experienced through the pages of this captivating story from Michelle Griep. Right from the very beginning, I found myself invested in the lives of the characters and eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next. The story kept the same level of gripping drama begging to the end.
Resplendent with mystery, danger, and dynamic expertly crafted characters, I found myself blissfully along for the adventure! What begins as a tender offering of concern and caring for another in need grows into affection and to deep devotion and love, which is sure to have your sighing in blissful contentment. This story is sure to please even the most finicky of readers.
(I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
I can’t say enough about Michelle Griep’s books. She writes such heart-felt fiction, and this one is no exception.
Oliver and Maggie are both struggling with the hand life has dealt them – he’s fighthing to prove his innocence, she’s holding tight to maintain a quiet life of anonymity. When their worlds collide, each will risk their own hard-won ground to aide the other.
Maggie and Oliver are very realistic characters, and Ms. Griep writes male and female characters equally well.
I have to say, in this book, I was also especially impressed with the bad guy. Mr. Barrow is the worst kind of bad guy, he believes he is “righteous” in everything he’s doing. The effect of his encounters with those around him and his character development throughout the story add a new perspective and dimension to the usually flat character of the typical bad guy.
Michelle Griep manages to cover so many aspects of conflict in this book – right vs. wrong, justice vs. revenge, family conflict, inner conflict with oneself, past vs. present – and manages to do them all justice in depth and genuineness.
I read all of her books and will continue to do so. You just know it’s going to be good.
This book has a Jane Eyre feel. Maggie, who has isolated herself in the house at the end of the moor, is hiding a secret. When her maid stumbles across a man injured and takes him into their home.
I was hooked from the very beginning. The characters of Maggie and Oliver are intriguing, strong, and God-fearing. Their quest for justice, drove them into an exciting adventure. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages, and their growing affection for one another was sweet and alluring. This was a clean Christian romance adventure. Although there were some cruelty and violence (beatings) they were not so gruesome to offend, but added to the depth of the story. I would recommend this book. It has so many facets of genres, romance, adventure, history, Christian values and forgiveness. I would also recommend this author for her other books. I received this book from the publisher through net galley for an honest review.
4.5 stars
“Isolation. Anonymity. A life no man can alter. That is all I seek.”
The house at the end of the moor is the perfect place for Maggie Lee to live out her life in isolation, posing as a reclusive widow, and seeking no attention from the any of the local townspeople. It’s just too dangerous to exist any other way. Her world shifts when a nearly dead man is discovered on the edge of the river; badly injured, and barely breathing. Seeking courage that she did not realize she still possessed, Maggie takes a chance, only to realize that she has brought terrible trouble to her door for the both of them.
“Is this the beginning of the end for me”?
It might not be the end for his beautiful rescuer, but it certainly might be the end of Oliver Ward if the bloodhound of Dartmoor prison finds him. The man is relentless and Oliver is innocent. . . . but he must find a way to prove it. His first goal is to get back on his feet, but when a closet hideaway in Morden Hall reveals an enigmatic clue to Oliver’s pursuit of justice, everything changes.
Written with confidence and depth of character, “The End of the Moor” is everything that Michelle Griep’s readers have come to expect; swirling mystery in and around heroes and heroines that take ones breath away. And of course, statements like this, “True justice starts with repentance. How can we ask God to show justice to the world while willfully nursing our own prejudices, selfishness, lusts, greed . . . . our own broken relationships”?
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
It started a bit slow but it quickly became a page turner! I couldn’t put it down! I enjoyed the characters. It was the perfect combination of romance, alittle mystery but mostly trying to correct a wrong. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy. Definitely recommend
Wow! What a read!! From beginning to end Michelle pulls you into the story with Maggie and Oliver whom I quickly grew to love and admire. I enjoyed their adventures..
I love Michelle Griep. I first “met” her when I read the Innkeepers Daughter and eversince then I’ve been a forever fan! What I really like is that her stories are genuine, realistic but also original.
Meaning, she writes from her heart and enjoys doing it. That means a lot to me.
I loved Maggie because I was Maggie working in the theater only I was in the Orchestra pit. I loved every minute of it and I miss it to this day.
Another reason why I loved this story was the many twists and turns and that it was fast paced. It n.y t rgb 5y
I ended up losing sleep because I wanted to see what the characters were doing and how they were solving their problems and trials.
I like the the theme of forgiveness, redemption and justice.
I really loved how Griep put God into the story too. She didn’t leave Him out like we so often tend to do. For you see, He is the true judge and will take care of those who do evil.
Good will always overcome evil no matter what. It’s what offers us Hope.
A light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to others.
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Filled with intrigue, mystery, a ruby necklace, and a shadowy house at the end of the moor, this story will captivate the reader’s interest immediately. Maggie Lee, a well-known opera star, is evading her former life to hide a few mysteries of her own when she comes across a mysterious stranger lying wounded on the moor near her home. Little does Maggie know that she is taking in a man wanted by the authorities.
As Maggie realizes the implications of what she has done, she must decide if she has indeed taken in a dangerous criminal or a man wrongfully blamed. As the mystery unfolds, the pair finds themselves linked together in ways neither could imagine. Can they find a way out of their complicated situation and resolve both their issues at once? Read this intriguing story filled with silky romantic undertones as well as the ever-present message of grace and faith.
Great book! Readers of historical fiction, particularly the Victorian era, and Christian historical fiction will love this story. I personally can’t wait for her next book.
5/5
This ARC copy was received from Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley.com. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
#TheHouseAtTheEndOfTheMoor #NetGalley
From the very beginning Michelle Griep’s new book, The House at the End of the Moor, grips your attention. I couldn’t help but read and read as the story pulled me in further and further. The characters were so interesting and it was compelling to learn more about them, their fears, and what they were running and hiding from. I loved the expressions of faith and the truths shared. The love story was sweet, clean, and beautiful. And the ending was lovely and full of joy for so many good characters. Great book that I definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
Justice is not free…someone must pay.
What an incredible book, certainly one you will not put down until you have finished, so be sure you have no other plans for your day! Oliver Ward finds himself in Dartmoor Prison for a crime he did not commit. Figuring the only way out of this situation is to escape and then clear his name, he starts to plan. That is when things start to get very difficult. Maggie Lee is living at the end of the moor incognito, having run away from a promising career for reasons yet to be discovered.
Between danger and intrigue the mystery surrounding these wonderful characters starts to unfold. Will the revenge they seek bring them happiness in the end? As they try to resolve their difficulties they begin to realize that the justice they so earnestly seek must be paid by someone, just as God nailed those injustices on the One who did not deserve it. They must resolve relationships before justice can happen. I loved the growth and change seen in Oliver and also Barrow, the Constable. The author shows that repentance is the key to real change.
This copy was received through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
This author has a unique voice and I always enjoy the stories she weaves. Her talented writing pulls me back in time and for a history buff, it’s a special treat. Although set many years ago the themes addressed in the book are current and enduring. Not only are societal issues tackled, the importance of faith, family relationships, and the heart of a person shine bright in this novel..
” But I fear you judge the wealthy too harshly. Not all who are rich are self-centered money-mongers, just as not all who are poor are virtuous. Having lived among both the rich and the needy, I find it is the heart of the person that makes the man, not the amount of coin in his pocket.”
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
Do you ever start a book and know immediately this one is going to be stellar? That’s this one. I usually fly through books but I knew from the beginning that I really wanted to take my time with this one. Michelle Griep has wonderfully descriptive writing and I didn’t want to miss a thing. The way she brings the setting and character qualities to life in this book was a thing of beauty.
I felt that the tone of this book is different from her others. A little darker, a little more serious, and also more true to real life. Bad things happen to good people sometimes but how does our faith sustain us through those times? This seemed to be a central theme in the book along with who is ultimately responsible for justice and mercy. It was a really well done look at the ways our answers to those questions can take us down various paths in life.
I would absolutely recommend this book to my friends. It was a pleasure to read from beginning to end with some surprising twists along the way. And I don’t feel as though I get surprised easily.
I was captivated by this compelling story from the gloomy beginning to the sunny ending! The first thing I noticed about The House at the End of the Moor is that it is written from two points of view—first person present tense for Maggie and third person past tense for Oliver. I thought this might be problematic for me since I prefer stories written in third person past tense only; however, Ms. Griep’s skillful crafting of this narrative makes it work for me! The story flows with many twists and turns and builds to a very satisfying conclusion. The characters are well-developed and engaging. To whatever Victorian England setting the adventure may take you—the infamous Dartmoor Prison, the desolate English moor, the filthy slums of Bath, the opulent Ward Manor—you will find vivid, detailed imagery that elicits the sights, sounds, and smells of the locale. As in all of Ms. Griep’s books, spiritual truths are consistently and effectively conveyed. I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.