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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This story was a page turner for me. The characters were well done from the good to the evil. The theme of justice and redemption was deeply woven through the story which made it very inspirational but not in a way that I felt preached to. Great job by the author on that. The full review is at my author website.
What a page turner! The House at the End of the Moor is so good, that I couldn’t put it down and read it in about 24 hours. Where to begin?
I loved the main characters, Maggie and Oliver, who are very good and devout people. Fate brought them together to save each other, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Their relationship was a slow burn, built on respect, mutual admiration, and humor.
I loved Oliver, the falsely accused prisoner, whose goodness was revealed in the small acts of kindness he performed throughout the book. Even though he suffered greatly in the cruel prison, it did not turn him bitter. Maggie who was beautiful inside and out was strong and gracious. If they sound like stock characters–they were not. They were romantic, inspirational, and swoon worthy.
The mystery is fascinating and unfolded slowly, but it did not cause me to want to rush to the end to see how it read the outcome. I was able to savor it and patiently waited for the HEA which I was sure would come (and it did).
There were so many beautiful themes: love, understanding and forgiveness between parents and children; the ability to forgive those who have wronged us; and the question of whether money alone makes a person evil. This quote from the book exemplifies this:
“I appreciate your compassion for the poor, Oliver. I really do. 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 amongst 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 was absolutely enthralled by this book and was sorry it ended. I have always planned on reading more of Michelle Griep’s books in the future, but now I can’t wait to read her books.
“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.” #TheHouseattheEndoftheMoor #NetGalley
Omg! This is now without a doubt my favorite Michelle Griep book! Hands down!
And I LOVE her books! That’s how much I loved The House at the End of the Moor!
Ms Grieps description of characters and how she dwelves in their inner thoughts so deeply, it just mesmerizes me. I found refreshing the way she told the Heroine’s point of view in first person. Yet, the Hero was told in third person, but even then we still got access to his thoughts, in a different way from the Heroine, which I also loved. And last, there was also the Villain’s point of view (in third person), which was original and made the story richer too. Actually, there were three villains! And omg they embodied everything a real villain should be: greedy, selfish, wanting to impart justice by his own understanding. Mr. Groat was the creepiest, he really gave me the chills. Barrow exasperated and irritated me more than anything, I wanted to throttle him the whole time. Mr. Corbin, thankfully we got to see less from him…
But the main characters were beautiful, and there was so much to learn throughout their own personal stories. Maggie, an Opera Singer on the run from a mysterious past. Oliver, a misjudged convict also on the run. Thrown together by chance, or let’s better say, by Providence, they will have to work together, while their feelings for each other grow, in order to bring down the villains and restore justice to all involved.
Maggie is a strong minded woman with hurts from the past. She has already forgiven her father for handing her over to a greedy Opera manager, but is that forgiveness enough? She’s a brave woman with a compassionate heart. Oliver is a passionate advocate of the less fortunate. But his fiery passion for fighting for doing the right thing for the less fortunate in the Parliament (something that will really help) seems to have landed him, unfairly accused, in Dartmoor Prison. He has too, demons from the past, hiding a huge resentment for his father, well known as the Crown Hawk, the most powerful barrister in all of London. So powerful, that he didn’t even attend Oliver’s false trial. Can this enormous breach between them ever be salvaged?
This is a story full of everything I love in a book: it has adventure, intrigue, and suspense, sweet and selfless romance, battle for justice and helping the most needed, and lots of insightful messages about what is really important in life: career, power, freedom? No, instead it shows the beauty of family ties, of sacrificial love, of forgiveness, humility and redemption. At was in awe at the end of the book at how all this messages came out in such a natural manner, not preachy, but through the characters actions, experiences and beautiful dialogues.
The ending was beautiful and oh so satisfying in all the ways. Loved it!
I just totally fell in love with Maggie and Oliver’s dangerous adventure! I truly, really, couldn’t put the book down. Like literally… I definitely recommend it to Historical Romance lovers. I can guarantee it won’t disappoint you…
Be prepared, once you start this one you won’t be able to put it down! I loved the style of writing that Michelle Griep used as I found it a very enjoyable and readable prose. The descriptive nature of her writing, from the telling of the horrid conditions in the prison, to the serene nature on the moors made me feel like I was right there with the characters. There are lots of bumpy roads that Daisy Lee has to travel and Mrs. Griep clearly has the talent to keep the reader enticed through it all.
I highly recommend this book. I received a copy from the author and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Author Michelle Griep never fails to transport me directly into a story’s setting.
From the very beginning of Griep’s stories to the end, my minds eye is visualizing the setting in rather great detail, right down to the flora and fauna. Her characters are always well-developed, almost like old friends; when a reader finds themselves rooting for one character or another, you know it is a good read.
Griep’s latest, The House at the End of the Moor is just this kind of story, so much so I am hoping for the author to create a series, or at the very least encapsulate the characters and setting into a follow up.
Maggie Lee worked hard her whole life, even as a child living in poverty. Her talented voice is discovered at a young age and she was placed under the tutelage of a grim and forbearing instructor. Maggie becomes renowned for her exquisite voice yet despite her success on stage, her life off stage is anything but exquisite. Fleeing, Maggie hides in a far off countryside of Dartmoor.
Upon her discovery of a brutally and severely beaten man, lying almost dead, Maggie and her butler manage to get him to the manor house where they both tend to the man’s wounds. Oliver Ward is an escaped convict and very much sought by his jailers. Maggie is not at all sure this strange man is as innocent as he claims, but she tends to him until he is well enough to pursue the truth.
When an unwelcome guest shows up at the manor searching for Oliver, Maggie senses this man to be evil; she hides the fact that she has seen an escaped prisoner. Discovering that the jailer does not leave but continues to skulk about the property, and finding a mysterious note indicating her true identity, Oliver and Maggie, cleverly disguised, flee the moor only to find themselves chased by more than one, intent on exposing her secrets and putting Oliver back in jail.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
Wow! I started this book late one night and finished it the next day. I was that captivated by the story and the characters. Oliver Ward is an innocent man, who escaped a brutal jail to prove another guilty. Opera star Maggie Lee is living incognito with just a mute maid, a manservant, and her protective dog. When Oliver is discovered hurt and unconscious on the moor, Maggie brings him home to heal. Danger is now at her door with a brutal constable Barrow on the hunt for Oliver. This will set Oliver and Maggie on the run for answers one step ahead of Barrow. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a book that I didn’t want to put down. Luckily, I had time to do that. The main characters are well drawn and we gradually get to know them on a deeper basis. I love how the book alternates between Oliver’s, Maggie’s, and Barrow’s point of view. Maggie is a strong resourceful woman. I love the Christian theme that runs through the book with their prayers for guidance and help from God. This book is well written and a very suspenseful book. I have enjoyed reading every book that I have read by Michelle Griep. I love this book.
This was an excellent story that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. A well known politician had made a threat that included untoward advances to Maggie so she had no choice but to run and hide. She rented a secluded house, Morden Hall (the house at the end of the moor). Oliver is found by Maggie’s housemaid almost at deaths door. They drag him to Morden Hall and begin tending to his wounds. He is an escaped convict from a close by prison, but claims he is innocent. Information is shared and they begin a long and treacherous journey to clear Oliver’s name and expose the man that threatened Maggie.
Their adventures kept me enthralled and anticipating what they would come across around the next corner. Be ready for surprises and danger as you read their story.
Michelle Griep has a very special way with the English language. The words I was reading all along seemed almost poetic. The violence at times was pretty graphic but was needed to give the reader a sense of unfairness and a deep caring for the characters. I wasn’t sure at the beginning if I was going to like this story but it has become one of my all time favorites.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
Maggie Lee was a famous opera star who ran to escape her tormentor and agent after her last performance nine months ago. She ran to the moors where she could be anonymous. She did it, not only to save herself, but to save her father, as well. When a badly injured man was discovered in the moors not far from her home, she and her housekeeper, dragged him back to her home to nurse him back to health. Little did she know, at the time, how drastically this stranger would change her life.
Oliver Ward had escaped from a horrible prison and ran for his life. He had been imprisoned for nine long months. He was an innocent man who had been wrongly convicted by his enemy in Parliament who was determined to get rid of him to serve his own purposes. As he began to heal, he realized that he and Maggie were connected and in order to clear his name, he would need her help.
This was a beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, God’s love and timing and the power of love. It was a clean story that was full of suspense and intrigue in a rush to clear an innocent man (or men).
Barrow was a horrible character who seemed evil and depraved but who was eventually able to see the light. The other “foul” characters, eventually got their just reward. I loved how Maggie encouraged Oliver to forgive his father and that only by doing that, would his heart begin to heal. This story is powerfully written and holds the interest of the reader to the very end.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I also own a copy, as well, and I willingly offer my honest review.
What I think you should know:
The House at the End of the Moor is a Historical Christian fiction novel by Michelle Griep. It is set in 1861 England when Maggie, a famous Opera singer flees to the moor to hide from her unscrupulous manager and the unwanted advances of a patron. Oliver is a prisoner who escapes in an attempt to prove his innocence.
What I think about this book:
It was a nice twist to read about an Opera singer who has morals and is not the villain in the story. Maggie is instead a woman of faith and morals who seeks to right wrongs even if they were not of her doing. Oliver is determined to see vengeance against the man who wrongly accused him. When brought together Maggie and Oliver go on an adventure to find justice. The story has moments of mystery ,suspense and danger. It also has moments where characters face immense cruelty. Griep has written a story that is intriguing and mostly fast paced, with characters who do not always meet traditional expectations.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Finding a half dead body that was really, in the middle of nowhere. No one around. Not quite sure what I would do. Call the police probably. But that wasn’t really a choice here in this story. The only choice was to bring him home, and take care if him.
Michelle Griep is just amazing in telling her stories! In this interesting and intriguing story, we meet Maggie, who is hiding from a life as a opera singer. Imagine her surprise when a half dead man shows up near her home. Oliver Ward is running as an escape convict. As these two characters come together to tell the truth of Oliver’s story, this truly took me on a journey that would keep me turning the pages, and one the edge if my seat. I didn’t want to put this book down because I couldn’t wait to find out the ending!
To me, these characters had to grow on me. It took me a little while to figure out who they were and what their purpose was. I found it heart wrentching the way prisoners were treated back in that era. Officer Barrow really showed his evil self as he ran the trail looking for Ward, and he was definitely a character I didn’t like at all. But in saying that, I will say that Ms. Griep so professionally crafts gripping characters that develops so well as the story unfolds. There is so much in this story, so many dangerous secrets to surface, so many emotions flying everywhere. I appreciate the faith and forgiveness, as well as all of the references to the Lord in this story. This author does this so tastefully, not sounding do pushy and preachy to someone who doesn’t know the Lord. And in the end, Michelle Griep weaves all the different elements of this story together together to give a wonderfully created ending to this story.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I am convinced that Michelle Griep cannot write anything less than a 5-star story. She is one of the truly exceptional authors who can draw readers into the world of her books so completely that everything else fades into the background and the reader walks alongside the characters. Historical fiction is my favorite genre to begin with, and Griep manages to elevate it to another level. Her prose is Dickensian, which is another reason that I love it so much, and it perfectly reflects the Victorian time period of her most recent novel, “The House at the End of the Moor.”
Set in England in March 1861, the first two chapters are introductory, presenting the two primary characters. Chapter two opens with my favorite line in the book: “Nights like these, when the wind shivers the bones of the great old house, ghosts of my past waft about unmoored.” This is another favorite of mine: Griep’s ability to beautifully describe a scene in a way that seems old-fashioned but is nevertheless still entirely concise. In “The House at the End of the Moor”, Margaret “Maggie” Lee and Oliver Ward enter into each other’s world, and different though they appear, as the plot progresses, readers realize that they have more in common than they realize.
Indeed, despite their many differences, Maggie and Oliver share something in common: both are running away. Maggie from her successful but emotionally distressing former career, and Oliver from a wrongful conviction. The conditions and ill treatment of Dartmoor Prison described in this book are appalling, but they are written respectfully and with sensitivity. Furthermore, this book contains a shifting narrative viewpoint between these two characters, with Oliver’s story told in the third-person and Maggie’s in the first-person. While this can be a challenging undertaking, it works well here. It distinguishes the two characters while simultaneously highlighting their similarities, both of which play an important role in the story. A sinister plot links them together, and with the enemy at the door, they must trust not only each but, above all, God, because He promises to be with us always and to never forsake us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Margaret “Maggie” is a former opera star living in a remote manor house. She rarely goes to town and lives with her mute maid. There is a crusty man who keeps up the grounds, but all-in-all she is alone. She is keeping a secret and is also in hiding from her stage manager as well as a wealthy aristocrat. She does find some companionship in her dog and often goes on long walks with him. She misses singing but not the strings attached to her career. Her maid is out walking one day and discovers an unconscious man near a stream. Maggie and her maid bring the man home to take care of his injuries.
Oliver is an escaped prisoner. He has been unjustly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. He has every intention of proving his innocence but has a mad man on his trail trying to capture him and send him back to prison. Oliver keeps his predicament a secret but soon the constable is on Maggie’s doorstep trying his best to scare Maggie into turning Oliver in. They decide it is best to leave the moor and head to the city. Maggie wants to be free of her manager and the threats of an aristocrat, and Oliver wants to discover who framed him for his alleged crime and his name cleared of wrongdoing.
I have read all of this author’s other books and enjoyed them. She is one of my “go to” authors, but this one for me just didn’t draw me in or get me to make a connection with the characters. The switching of tenses also made things harder to follow sometimes. The writing is wonderfully done, and the spiritual element of the novel is likewise spot-on for the most part. There were some tense moments, but overall the story was slow moving and the female and male lead characters just mediocre. I did like the historical notes at the end of the story as I learned something interesting.
What a story! Beginning in a cell block in Dartmoor Prison, and quickly advancing to a secluded house at the end of a moor, I was fully transported back to Devon, England, in the year 1861, to begin a journey that I won’t soon forget. Maggie Lee and Oliver Ward might both be considered prisoners because Maggie has been hiding away in Dartmoor and Oliver Ward has been unjustly accused and sentenced to Dartmoor Prison. When he manages to escape, he is aided by this mysterious lady as they join together to clear his name and avoid being captured by a cruel constable who believes that his actions are done as a service to God. “Sebastian Barrow should’ve been a preacher….Now instead of saving souls, he shackled and locked them away.”
Author Michelle Griep has created some memorable characters and some intriguing events for The House at the End of the Moor, a book filled with adventure, danger, mystery, and intrigue. There is also the suggestion of a romance that left me hoping for so much more! In one instance, Maggie tells Oliver that “”You are a very kind man for a convict.” Later, as she continues to help him, Oliver asks her “Tell me, when this is over, when I am a free man, would you do me the honor of allowing me to call on you?”
Griep vividly describes the initial feelings of fear and desperation and her description of the dark and dreary moor certainly magnifies these feelings. And then, a mutual respect develops between Maggie and Oliver and their emotions change to hope, faith, and trust. The key elements in this story are forgiveness and redemption and The House at the End of the Moor proves once again that no one does historical Christian romance any better than Michelle Griep!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The beginning of this powerful yet heart-wrenching historical tale made me wonder just where it was going. Readers can’t help but care about the mistreated convicts at Dartmoor and the mysterious woman who feels the need to hide from society. My heart always goes out to the underdog, and these were certainly deserving of compassion. The well-woven, suspenseful story contains masterful plot layers and striking character development as it wends its unpredictable way to a conclusion—but will it be satisfying or leave a longing for justice? At the conclusion, the author ramped it up even more—I wanted to see the evil man get his just due. I won’t spoil the surprise, but it brought tears and a spiritual quickening. I would like to read more of Maggie and Oliver’s story. Such a dramatic tale brings to mind Les Miserables, so if you like that type of novel, you will enjoy this one. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Michelle Griep shows more than the glamour of jolly old England. She shows the grit and grime as well, then blends both worlds into a realistic, fingernail-chawing romantic suspense. Be prepared to spend some sleepless nights.
This book was filled with intrigue and twists and turns that kept me reading “just one more chapter.” I loved Maggie and her fight for justice even at the peril of her identity being revealed. Oliver was a man full of integrity and heart for the less fortunate. Maggie and Oliver are joined together on a quest for the truth. Their journey is filled with mystery and danger as they are both chased while they fight for the truth to be revealed. The characters and the plot have a depth to them that continues to resonate in my mind days after finishing the book. I recommend this book to anyone that loves mystery, romance and deep truths.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
4.5 Stars
This was a wonderful read with a fabulous setting and characters. I was completely immersed, even when I had to set the book down due to my anxiety over the suspense elements. The main characters were unjustly accused, treated, and condemned and I was in an uproar of indignation for them. I took so many breaks just to collect myself and remember that justice would prevail.
The House at the End of the Moor was a lovely romance with exciting suspense that featured the Godly, godless, and those deceived by their own pride. I was again captivated and entertained by this consistent author of redemptive romance.
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, 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.
Another good book by Ms. Griep. This is the story of Maggie who is a famous opera singer who has run away from a man who has threatened her. Then there is Oliver. He has escaped prison where he has been sentenced for stealing a necklace he didn’t take. He is shot while escaping ends up at Maggies. This is their journey to freedom. I recommend this book for all mystery buffs.
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
“It is a precipice upon which I stand, toes over the edge. Either I step back now or commit to falling headlong into what might be danger, for me and for Papa. But truly, there is only one choice to be made. I lift my chin to meet Mr. Ward’s gaze. “What is our plan?”’
With a delightfully brave heroine and an endearingly charismatic hero fighting for what is right no matter the cost, and strengthening their faith and bond along the way, Michelle Griep’s newest tale of suspense, courage, and faith is not to be missed.
I will admit it took a little while for the story to grab me, since I was unprepared for the abrupt change to present tense and first person for Maggie’s narration. However, I was soon captivated by the story and I absolutely could not put it down. Every aspect of the story, from the setting to the characters to the dialogue, is rich with historical detail, but it never reads like a textbook. Griep is able to seamlessly weave intricate detail with story in a way that entrances the reader.
Oliver is one of my new favorite book heroes of all time. His devotion, thoughtfulness, and spiritual journey is humbling and astoundingly inspirational. I realized a few pages in that he shares the same name, first and last, as my kindergarten boyfriend, which definitely made me laugh a few times, but Griep’s hero is so captivating he pushed out all other thought. Her characters are truly magical in that way.
Another beautiful aspect of this story for me was the redemption of the antagonist. I truly treasure this, as it is rare to see true redemption for a villain. Griep’s portrayal of his struggles and misguided beliefs about true justice was so profoundly moving, the reader cannot help but feel a strong sense of hope and contentment.
“The House at the End of the Moor” is a story you absolutely cannot miss. Griep’s writing will intrigue you and have you on the edge of your seat. It is a vital addition to any reader’s bookshelf.
4.5/5 stars
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This novel was full of suspenseful moments, with one main character hiding in order to stay away from notice and the other willing to risk escaping prison to clear his name. There was plenty of intrigue and danger as Oliver and Maggie made a harrowing attempt to stay one step ahead of those who were after them, while also laying a trap that would hopefully offer the freedom that both of them desired.
The villains were particularly cruel, with warped ideas of justice. The main characters were both likable, yet had their faults, making them relatable. Oliver struggled with forgiveness toward his father, which impacted how he viewed things around him, too. I enjoyed the way the romance built between the two characters. This novel is a good choice for historical fiction fans who enjoy suspenseful drama.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.