A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious … of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.
Horse patrol captain Daniel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.
Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.
So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.
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The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is a historical romance page-turner! The book itself is packed with excitement, romance, and suspense! Abigail and Samuel have such great chemistry together that it makes the book that much more enjoyable to read. Whenever you try to put the book down for a break, something exciting happens! I highly recommended this book if you are looking for a historical romance with some exciting twist and turns!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed Samuel’s complex character – world-weary and tactiturn, yet with a moral compass that won’t let him pass anyone needing his help.
Abigail was a harder character to get behind. Not at all unlikeable, she was fine in the beginning and I could sympathize with her need to feel as though someone loved her. As the story went on, however, I felt her personality and actions were not always consistent, even allowing for character growth. Also, she had an attitude toward her upcoming marriage that came across as immature and naive. Seriously, did she not once wonder why her beloved hadn’t come to get her himself? And I would have liked a scene with the father (and, maybe, the stepmother) in the end – a portion of her life that went over a plot cliff, never to be heard from again.
The Noble Guardian is chock-full of danger, action, and adventure on the English moors. Did I mention the one-year-old girl? So sweet.
I’m giving the book 4 stars due to the things that bothered me. For the rest of the story, it’s well worth the read for those who like their Regency romances a little wilder than a plot filled with balls, debutantes, and pursuing the approval of the ton.
Good, sweet, Christian romance!
I really liked this book. It was a good, realistic romance and timeline. It got a little slow in the middle sometimes. But not for long. That is just the nature of having a more realistic timeline, where it actually takes weeks to travel from one place to another. And it was probably because I just wanted them to realize they were in love with each other.
The Christian aspect is very present, but not in your face or preachy. I felt it showed up at the right times and was realistically talked about and thought about.
The conflict/miscommunication between Abby and Daniel wasn’t too dragged out at the end. It took them a little while, but they did talk it out in good time. And their reasons for not talking it out at first made sense for the most part. They were a little too in their heads, which is understandable. But they do get everything out in the open and work it out.
And I loved the epilogue! A great finish to the story!
*I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. These opinions are my own.*
The Why:
Samuel Thatcher’s character seized my curiosity when he was first introduced in this series about the “Bow Street Runners,” a group of men who have been called London’s first professional police force. Thatcher is a quiet one, and the quiet ones intrigue me. His story reveals much simmering beneath the surface.
The Main Characters:
Samuel and Abby are a well-matched leading lady and man. Their strengths bring the other’s weaknesses to light, while they challenge one another to become stronger. Abby is a sweet, Cinderella-type character with underlying mettle. She is highly naive to the world and quite the optimist, while Samuel is jaded, world-weary from his wartime in India, and a pessimist without much hope. Baby Emma, the young ward they are charged with delivering to a relative, is simply precious. She charms the reader on every page she graces.
The Faith Element:
Both characters learn to look to God for hope when all seems lost. And the story gives them plenty of occasions to lean on this hope. The hero’s unwavering faith in God is refreshing and gives his character a multifaceted depth that shows all Christians need encouragement and reminders of hope. We’re all susceptible to the weight of this life, no matter how strong our faith. The heroine goes from a knowledge of God to a dependent love for God and multiple times shares the message of Christ’s sacrifice, even though characters sometimes mock her beliefs.
The Romance:
I like the way these characters come to care for each other by recognizing dearly held values played out in the other’s actions, whether wielding courage in the face of death, caring for the helpless, or showing generosity. Besides mutual love for baby Emma, Samuel’s quiet integrity and Abby’s courageous and candid ways draw them to one another. A word to sensitive readers: one kiss between the hero and heroine, when she is days from marrying another man, grows a bit fierce.
The Stakes:
Life and death stakes carry the reader all the way up until around the 3/4 mark, when the focus turns to matters of the heart. I wondered if the fiance might be revealed as the true mastermind behind the earlier villains, which would have carried the stakes even higher until the ending. At this point, the story and characters I’d loved so far grew rather stagey for me, the heroine’s motives cloudy. And although the story resolution didn’t fully result from the character journey-struggles, I was happy to see Samuel receive a good ending after all he’d been through.
Overall Impression:
Love the characters, the setting, description, beautiful language, and the theme of hope. This is a satisfying glimpse into the character of Samuel Thatcher, whom we meet earlier in the series. I recommend reading the series in order, though it’s not necessary. This story transports the reader to a living, breathing 1700s England full of intrigue and danger and love while giving us a deeper look into the lives of men who paved the way for the modern police force.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This author is the first time in reading with this being on my tbr. It probably would of been better if I had read the first two before this but still plowed in. It does catch you attention right away turning the pages following the characters in their quest.
Abigail and Samuel have quite the tale with necessity being the common factor at first. The bargain will be the beginning of a interesting brewing that begins between them. The time and place adds more color to it also. It will also be more than the last nerve that gets a spark. This author also knows how to weave meaning into the way it unfolds to enrich it beyond measure. Romance at its best it was a pleasure.
What a wonderful story! I loved the characters. They are so unique and well written. The book pulls you in quickly and doesn’t let go! It has adventure, peril, heroism, a sweet and clean love story, and a wonderful ending. This is a book that I could enjoy reading again and again. I definitely recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
Action, danger, suspense, intrigue, with some romance and inspiration thrown in for good measure—just what I expected from a Michelle Griep story, especially a Bow Street Runners series story! Griep knows how to build up the suspense and keep it humming while she takes her characters, and the readers, on a grand adventure.
The careful research behind the story shines through and adds authenticity to it. With a rich historical setting and multi-layered, colorful characters, this book drew me in and kept me captivated to the last page. Abby Gilbert and Samuel Thatcher were both hurting and broken, and I was cheering for them to heal and get their happy-ever-after. Thanks to the author for a wonderful wrap-up of the trilogy! I would recommend this to those who enjoy inspirational historical fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I won The Noble Guardian in a Goodreads giveaway and I am so glad I did! Great story with plenty of action and a building romance. Samuel Thatcher’s character is truly noble and courageous, especially with all the terrible people and events he has experienced. Naive, but persistent Abby is the perfect counterpoint to Samuel’s brooding personality drawing him out and showing readers the tender heart he tries so hard to hide. I do have many questions about what happened to Abby’s family and their thoughts about her adventure and decisions (Was her father really so disinterested in his daughter?). I also wanted to know what happened to Mr. Hawker’s nephew (Did he reach the Bigby’s? ). What happened to the Bigby’s son, George (What happened to him in America)? Ah, but perhaps these are questions that will be answered in other stories. I tend to be a contemporary reader, but I must confess that I love this historical intriguing story by Michelle Griep!
The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the final novel in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I must confess, however, a strong desire to hear more from the characters in this series, I do not believe their story is over just yet.
Worn and weary, Samuel Thatcher, now a horse patrol captain, has been saving for a dream, a dream where he can retire and purchase a small farm far away from the city, and live in peace.
Abigail Gilbert has endured more than anyone suspects. Her father seemed to have forgotten her when he remarried, leaving Abigail in the hands of a ruthless and mean stepmother. Father has agreed to marry her off to a man she has only met once, a handsome viscount. At the last moment, Abigail’s stepmother pulls the man assigned to guard her during her journey, allowing only the timid handmaid to travel along.
The road is fraught with danger, including unscrupulous highwaymen who are without conscience, robbing travelers of all their belongings and abandoning them along the highway. When Samuel Thatcher comes upon the aftermath of such a robbery, he finds a lovely and very determined Abigail Gilbert. Despite Samuel’s repeated warnings she must not attempt to go on alone, Abigail has nothing to return to so sets her determination to move forward, toward her betrothed. Abigail soon finds herself in a bit of trouble once again and who should happen to be there to rescue her, Samuel.
Samual adamantly refuses her repeated requests to escort her to her betrothed, his assignment simply does not require him to travel that far or in that direction. After Abigail promises him that her betrothed is a very rich and fine man, who will pay him handsomely for delivering her, Samuel finally agrees to be her guardian. Even though the road is still fraught with danger, the two face it together, running into more than their share of characters and mishaps.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Noble Guardian and highly recommend it along with the first two books of the trilogy.
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.
I have enjoyed all the previous novels I have read by this author so I was excited to have the opportunity to review The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep. The riveting conclusion to the author’s Bow Street Runners series, The Noble Guardian absolutely lived up to my expectations.
Heroine Abigail Gilbert has been sent across country with only her maid by her stepmother to marry the man who Abigail has met but once. The journey of several days is a rough one at best with the ever-present danger from highwaymen who prey upon travelers. When her carriage is attacked by those very outlaws, Abigail is rescued by horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher who reluctantly agrees to escort her the remainder of her journey.
I had mixed feelings about Abigail’s eagerness to set off on her own to marry a virtual stranger. Her home life must have been miserable indeed or perhaps Abigail was such a naive romantic that she believed her soon-to-be husband must be in love with her. I was pleased to discover that Abigail actually had more of a backbone than it first appeared and her character grew on me as her story progressed. Samuel came across as a fairly rough and often grouchy fellow whose inner protector instinct and caring nature began to peek out more frequently as he spent time with Abigail.
Various trials and dangers plagued Thomas and Abigail during their travels and at times it seemed as though the journey was endless. There were some plot twists and surprises along the way that I somehow expected and was therefore not disappointed. A strong thread of faith was woven throughout the story which added to my enjoyment. I recommend The Noble Guardian to readers who might enjoy a Regency novel that is quite different from most books in that genre.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
THE NOBLE GUARDIAN is the kind of book that makes me want to forget all responsibilities and need for sleep and just read from beginning to end. Abigail Gilbert is a young woman whose mother died when Abby was five. She hasn’t felt loved since (not from her father, step-mother, or step-siblings) so is it any wonder that she sets off on the journey to the estate of her betrothed (a baronet, no less) in high hopes. Sir Jonathan offered for her hand in marriage so surely he will love her. Never mind that Abby is sent off on her journey of many days with only her maid and no male protector. Running into trouble in the notoriously dangerous Hounslow Heath, they are rescued by Captain Samuel Thatcher, one of the Bow Street Runners, lawmen who guard the roads around London. Readers of the previous Bow Street Runners novels will remember the strong, silent Capt. Thatcher. After too many years on the job, he is weary to the bone and ready to retire. He just needs to earn enough to buy a piece of land he has his eye on. Though he is used to intimidating people with his stare and silence, he has met his match in Abby. She sees past his rough (though handsome) exterior and gruff manner to his compassionate, kind heart. Michelle Griep writes in a wonderfully descriptive way. One of my favorite passages is on page 126-127, when Abby falls ill: “Oh, dear. Something wasn’t right. Strong arms broke her fall, lifting her up against a chest that smelled of leather and horses and man. Her face pressed against a warm neck, and for the first time in her life, she felt safe. Protected. As if the arms of God Himself held her aloft. Ahh, but she could live here.”
Abby and Samuel are both strong characters but there are many interesting characters, both good and bad, they meet along the way. The most precious is Emma. They both must learn to rely more fully on God and to be honest about what they really want. I read the ending through tears (happy ones). I highly recommend THE NOBLE GUARDIAN.
This one gives you all the romantic, swoon worthy sighs mixed with witty and refreshing dialogue between two wonderfully flawed and hard headed characters! Samuel faces danger every day and it is all he can do to keep Abby out of it and keep her safe. Abby just wants her happy ever after! Along the way so much danger abounds and throw in a little surprise! A wonderfully deep and page turning story. I loved this!
Thank you to Netgalley for this. These are my own opinions.
The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the third book in her Bow Street Runners series. Abby Gilbert must journey across England to marry the wealthy gentleman of her dreams. After highwaymen upset her plans, she hires Captain Samuel Thatcher of the Bow Street Runners, to escort her the rest of the way. With the money Abby promises him once the journey is complete, Samuel will be able to purchase some land and retire. This story has it all, romance, danger, thieves, and scoundrels. At times the romance was a little too graphic for my taste, but other than that I really enjoyed the story. I liked how the author reminded us that God is always there. All we have to do is rest in Him.
I received this book from the Celebrate-Lit in exchange for my honest review.
Abby has an arranged marriage with one of the most prestigious gentleman bachelors in the land—until highwaymen attack and horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time. He ends up taking her the rest of the way to her betrothed with a stop along the way to pick up a child he has agreed to deliver to a friends family. A lot of action, excitement, thieves and just the right amount of romance. I may have to read this one again! I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
The Noble Guardian
Loved the story of Abigail and Samuel. He is traveling with her to keep her safe while she is going to her future husband. A lot of danger along the way. Before being hired to travel with her he had found a baby. So they have Emma to care for also.
I love reading historical books. This one is set in early 1800. Things were different but feelings and concerns are the same. How to get from one place to another. How to determine what was wrong and how to treat it.
Loved how both the characters cared so much for the baby. How much they bonded. Read the book to see if they all get to stay together.
I received a advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
This was an interesting tale that reminded me of American old west stories. A bride traveling to her intended, held up by bandits, and rescued by a young, attractive lawman. But it was so much more. Set in 1815 England, Abby is betrothed to a titled bachelor by her father and stepmother. The stepmother pretty much kicks her out of the household and sends her on her way with an older driver and lady’s maid. The driver is killed by an ambush and the maid eventually heads back home leaving Abigail. If not for the rescue of lawman Samuel she would have been left for dead. I really felt for Abby. She was alone and unloved by her family and yet she was a very strong person.
She and Samuel find themselves with a toddler to care for on the journey that needs to be with an aunt. I can’t imagine taking care of one that young with the inconveniences of the day, while riding in a coach that is horse drawn.
There is danger from a notorious highwayman seeking out Samuel. Hindrances from weather and problems with the groom to be when they arrive at the destination. Overall an exciting, action packed novel full of twists and turns that kept me reading long into the night.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
The Noble Guardian had me at the author’s name, “Michelle Griep.” I admit I sign up for any book she writes, plus I preorder the paperback copy. And if I haven’t read the synopsis first, no harm done. It IS Michelle Griep, read “you’re gonna love it” in my language.
Taking place in England in 1815, The Noble Guardian is, alas, the last of The Bow Street Runners Series. I loved the idea of danger from the dreaded outlaws, in some small way comparable to America’s “wild west.” The idea of a stagecoach being pulled at full gallop over the empty heath, a knowledgeable scout/protector riding ahead, DREAD being the constant companion in every coach on every trip.
Then, mix in the romance, slowly at first, like flour going into a cake, little by little coming to full flavor when all the right ingredients are finally present. (Excuse me while I stop and swoon here, the hero is just perfect for his role! The cover artist helps with that fact, too, giving just the right appearance to Samuel Thatcher. He is a lawman who is bone-weary of the very wickedness he tracks in his job. Thatcher wants only to retire to a nice, safe farm, but fortunately for poor Abby, duty is stronger than the desire for comfort.
This novel kept my attention from start to finish. I smiled to see references to characters from former books of the series. Yet, it is not imperative to read the other books to understand this one.
Griep likes to encourage the reader to build up her old English vocabulary, well-setting the tone. I did find Google to be a good friend as a few words and concepts like “truncheon” and the “putrid throat” got me curious exactly what they might be. Griep does include a glossary at the end to discuss some English historical references for those of us unversed in English history.
Learning to trust God to care for those we love, and to find our ultimate value in God are some of the themes.
Funny quotes, amazingly descriptive quotes, and quotes to live by are all planted within this wonderful book.
Here are a few of my favorites:
“God had provided the captain at just the right time today. Surely he would continue to provide tomorrow.” This is a concept I am currently utilizing to encourage both young children and young adults as well as myself. If we can memorialize God’s past faithfulness, we can have faith the next time as we wait for Him to act.
“…he stockpiled regrets as avidly as some men collected fine paintings.”
“You say you’re on your way to happiness when all along it’s been right under yer very nose. The truth is, ye are wanted, by the Creator of the stars, no less. Ye don’t have to run across the country to find love when every minute of every day it’s being offered to ye in God’s wide, open arms.”
“Until ye’re fully satisfied with the love God gives ye, freely and without question, ye’ll not be satisfied at all.”
“Houses leaned one against the other, like drunken sailors holding each other upright. If one fell, the rest would lie down and never get up again.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. The complimentary copy did not influence my opinions, which
are solely my own.
The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is a wonderful look into the world of the Bow Street Runners in London during the Regency era. I really hadn’t heard of this historical element until I started reading Griep’s novels. The Noble Guardian is a fast-pace novel with plenty of moments of heroics and a growing fascination with what might happen for the heroine versus what she believes will be her future when she meets her future husband. There was enough tension to keep this suspense-loving reader interested, but enough romance and down moments to round out the characters. The romance was predictable, but I enjoyed watching Samuel and Abigail find their true love and their happily-ever-after. Overall, The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is a unique, yet thrilling conclusion to the Bow Street Runners. The characters have a fascinating journey to complete, physically and emotionally. Fans of Sarah E. Ladd and Dawn Crandall might want to pick up this series.
I received a complimentary copy of The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
A delightful, Dickensian adventure
My rating is 4.5 stars
It seems like each time I begin reading a book by Michelle Griep, I quickly find a huge smile on my face from the colorful descriptions and fascinating language. Then I start frantically marking passages to quote and get so caught up in the narrative I realize that I missed some great ones and need to page back and re-read. . .
Abby’s journey to meet her betrothed should have been a boring jaunt north. It ended up being anything but. Highwaymen and unscrupulous men posing as protectors were just the beginning of her problems.
As Samuel attempted to foist Abby off on a trusted friend, things became even more complicated. The surprising change to their adventure ended up being a wonderful twist to the story.
I have no warnings for this story, only an admonition that you hurry and grab a copy. This delightful story is a must for every library!
Read my review of The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep at AmongTheReads.net
I have been reading Michelle Griep’s work for several years now and have never been disappointed in a book; with her deft mix of fantastic characters who deserve a happy ending, brisk plot, the right touch of suspense, and wonderful romance, this author delivers time and again. Happily, this conclusion to the Bow Street Runners series is no exception and I am sad to see it come to an end.
Abigail and Samuel are a good match: though they seemingly come from different backgrounds, both know what it is to feel alone. Abby does whatever she can to remedy that situation, while Samuel studiously avoids changing his own. When the two interact, there is both a clash and an understanding, even an admiration, between the two of them that kept me riveted and rooting for the couple.
I loved watching the two of them grow in their spiritual journeys as well, discovering that God is more than they had recognized up until that point, Christian though they both are. True to life, the events the characters experience lead them to deeper walks and a fuller knowledge of how God provides and loves His children.
This is probably my favorite Griep novel to date, though I usually think that every time I finish one of her books, only to find her next one is my new favorite. The author gets better with every novel and I can’t wait to see what’s next, though these particular characters will never get far from my heart.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.