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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Michelle Griep is an author whose books I love to read. She has such a fantastic way of weaving a story- gently and gradually. I can literally feel it building and growing.
This story started out slow for me and it took me a bit of time to become invested but it did happen. I knew it would, I just had to be patient. Samuel and Abby really do frustrate each other but through that they also find respect for each other. From respect grows friendship and admiration. I loved the natural progression of feelings between them.
There were plenty of external conflicts for Samuel and Abby. For the most part it was the two of them against the conflicts. They had to work together and I liked that a lot. The ending was satisfying and I was grateful to reach a happy place.
Content: some violence, peril. Kissing. Some talk of God and praying.
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s not every day that I get so absorbed in a book. I did not want to put The Noble Guardian down once I started.
Poor Abigail Gilbert! She grew up In a “Cinderella” type home with a stepmother who didn’t show love to Abby. She became betrothed to Sir Jonathan after a one evening meeting at a formal ball reception. Her dream seemed to be coming true; escaping her home life to having a husband to adore her and treat her like a queen. One problem, he lived very far away and it would be a hard trip in a carriage in the year 1815. She would need lots of help for her safety and well-being.
The trip didn’t start well and grew worse as time went on. Abby had no idea it would be this dangerous with the dangerous highwaymen along the route. After a disaster she had a mysterious man offer to ride along as protection for the rest of her trip. Even though Abby was afraid of him, she saw his protective ability and consented. It got more complicated when her guardian, Captain Samuel Thatcher, stopped to see a dear friend in need. He had lost his wife and couldn’t take care of his baby girl and he begged the Captain to take little Emma to his sister who lived far away (on the way to Abby’s destination).
Oh, the mishaps and adventures that occurred after that! Such an experience!
This book was well researched, well written, and enjoyable to read!
If you enjoy historical Christian fiction, I guarantee you’ll love this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Noble Guardian (The Bow Street Runners #3) by Michelle Griep is the first book I have read by this author. I can assure you it will not be the last. Even though this book is the third book in this series it can very well be read as a standalone. I did not read the first two and I feel I still got the same enjoyment from it. This book had action, suspense, adventure and was a clean romance. It was an exciting, memorable and entertaining tale. This book is very well written and enjoyable.
Evocative. Electrifying. Suspenseful. And breathtakingly romantic—describes masterful author, Michelle Griep’s new novel, The Noble Guardian! Perhaps a bit detailed and slow-moving to begin with, but hang in there. Soon you’ll be frantically turning those pages trying to keep up. Definitely a just-one-more-chapter, keep-you-up past your bedtime book!
I didn’t care for the seemingly cold, taciturn manner of the untamed, Captain Samuel Thatcher, NOR the headstrong heroine, Abigail Gilbert at first. Not a great start for the three of us. La! But once I caught a glimpse into the kind heart of the courageous, brooding, handsome captain, I fell head over heels. Poor Abby’s decisions are ruled by a heart starving for love and I slowly began to find her less irritating. As Samuel guides Abby cross-country to marry her betrothed, dangers beset them at every turn. Especially those of the heart! Be sure to put this one at the top of your wishlist today!
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.*
Life is anything but calm for Abigail Gilbert as she travels across the English countryside to wed Sir Jonathon who she has met one time at a ball. Captain Samuel Thatcher, a Bow Street Runner, rescues Abigail from highwaymen and attempts to see her safely to her fiance. I admired the Captain as he protects Abigail and himself. They even end up trying to deliver an infant to it’s aunt. The Noble Guardian has lots of excitement. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction set in England. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This was a wonderful ending to a great series. Abigail is a very strong woman to be able to withstand all the trials that she goes through in her life. Samuel has also overcome many obstacles to get to the point in his life that he is at. I love reading about this time period even though there are few books that take place at this time. This has justthe right amount of romance and a few twists and turns. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Another well written, thought provoking, timeless tale from author Michelle Griep. This story was intriguing, exciting, romantic, and full of God’s love and protection. I would recommend this book to my friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
What started off with hints of a Cinderella tale derailed quickly, as Ms. Griep not only did not provide Abigail Gilbert with her fairy godmother, but Ms. Griep didn’t offer her a prince charming, either.
Abby was thrust on a journey that was far from her anticipated carriage ride. Perils that don’t occur to the modern woman besieged her from the outset—before she even set foot in her carriage.
But Abigail, holding to the promise and hope of her future home faced the dangers and difficulties with dignity and grace. Even the foul tempered Samuel Thatcher, whom she assumed to be a highwayman, and therefore to be feared.
Rather than melt into nothing from her former abuses, Abby was strengthened by it, and drew on that strength in her journey. Samuel, however, hid behind his losses, and denied himself—and her—the chance at love and happiness. Until he couldn’t.
Exquisitely written characters, truly human attitudes and reactions, and the growing interest between Abby and Samuel. And their obstinate denial of the budding affection—had me rooting for them and scolding them at the same time.
Reading a Michelle Griep story is like traveling to Regency England, so vivid is her telling, so authentic the details. And so compelling the story.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Noble Guardian, Michelle Griep
The Noble Guardian is a book that is sure to keep you turning the pages. It is full to the brim with vivid details and delightful romance, along with suspense and plenty of action. Readers who enjoy Regency novels will fall in love with the strong lawman, Samuel Thatcher, who wants to leave off hunting the lawless and the killings and just get a few acres of land and retire to farming. Then we have the charming and spirited heroine, Abby Gilbert, who Thatcher is escorting to her future bridegroom {against his better judgement} She has offered him enough payment to fulfill his dream of purchasing his farm. The extra touch of suspense will keep readers turning pages until the surprising ending……. My review is in my own words.
This wasn’t how Abby imagined she’d arrive at her future husband’s manor, with a baby on her shoulder, a criminal tied up at the back of the carriage, and the man she loved bleeding to death on the seat next to her.
Until now, Abigail Gilbert’s life had been very similar to Cinderella’s story. She had been badly treated by her stepmother but she believed that her life would change for the better when she was able to leave her unhappy past and marry the rich bachelor who was waiting for her in London. But now, her journey has been interupted by a notorious highwayman and she finds herself being rescued by a dark, handsome stranger named Samuel Thatcher, a dashing hero who easily steals Abigail’s heart (and my heart also)! Samuel is a Bow Street Runner and he and his colleagues work to rid the roads around London from the thieves who often rob travelers on their journeys. Samuel reluctantly agrees to help Abigail safely reach her destination IF she will help him with the little girl that he is temporarily in charge of.
What follows is a story filled with excitement, adventure, romance and intriguing characters! Samuel Thatcher is certainly a noble guardian and Abigail Gilbert deserves to receive the love that she so freely offers to others. Samuel’s past has left him wanting to leave society and live alone but time spent with Abigail may change this. There is an incredible connection between Samuel and Abigail and I loved that the author was able to portray their sizzling chemistry in a clean, wholesome manner.
Michelle Griep easily transported me back to 1815 England and I enjoyed learning the history behind the Bow Street Runners and the highwaymen. I also appreciated the faith-based story that allowed these two very different people to accept each other as they were and to hope for a better future together. The Noble Guardian is Regency fiction at its best and I recommend it highly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Samuel Thatcher, whom we met briefly in The Innkeeper’s Daughter is one of the main characters in this one, along with Abigail Gilbert is another one. Abigail is on her way to get married, though her father and stepmother only sent a maid and driver with her. Trouble finds them along the highway and Captain Thatcher happens upon them in time to save them. His plans to deliver them to an inn and be free of them changes when something unexpected is dropped in his lap. With Abigail needing a guard and a notorious highwayman still needing captured, Captain Thatcher is convinced to provide her needed guard. Page turning story with twists and turns throughout the adventure. Characters that can be related to, even the ones we don’t care for and a moving story keep the pages turning and the book hard to put down. Fitting conclusion to the Bow Street Runners series.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I respect your caution in sparing my sensibilities, sir, but I believe God provides us with fellow sojourners to help lighten our heavy loads through prayer and encouragement.”
I have so enjoyed this series by Michelle Griep! Lots of action, adventure, and love written on a page and woven into intriguing tales. The Noble Guardian for me was all about the characters .
Abigail is an endearing character full of spunk. She actually reminds me of a dear highschool friend so I really felt as if I knew her. She always makes the most of situations. Her character is so well done that the readers emotions are definitely highly invested in her outcome.
Samuel can be a bit of an enigma, unless you know a man with a harsh exterior and a heart as soft as a pillow. So he’s not so different from many men. His character is well done, and he brings a lot of mood and tension to the read.
With a brooding man who exudes a harsh exterior, a woman who needs his protection to get to her fiancé , and a little one who needs them to survive, all of this wrapped up in a story of magistrates, highway men, and a man wanting to kill for revenge…you don’t want to miss book number three of the Bow Street Runners.
“…ye can safely leave them in God’s hands. Not that He can’t use yer gun, though, mind he. There’s no sin in wanting to protect them. The fault lies when he think ye’re their sole protector. Aye?
“It’s more noble to love, even if it’s not returned, than to live without it.”
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What a wonderful story this is. I loved the adventure the author took us on and how vivid the details were. Abigail has never really experienced true love most of her life. I was appalled at how dismissive her family was to her. They couldn’t get rid of her fast enough and to a complete stranger at that. Her family didn’t care about her safety as was quite evident when she ventured out on her own.
A prearranged marriage to a Baron was awaiting her and she was excited to be wanted by someone. When Abigail hires Samuel to see her safely to her destination, the journey began. I can’t forget to mention how much I liked Samuel. He is strong, hard headed and true to his word.
I really enjoyed reading about the long journey they took and the dangers they faced. It was not an easy trip and there were times I wasn’t sure if they would make it. I kept thinking how odd it was that Abigail was traveling to marry a man she didn’t really know. What would this man called Sir Johnathan gain by marrying Abigail? Along the way they also have to deliver a child to someone that Samuel promised he would do. The place he was to leave little Emma was not fit for anyone to live in. Emma stole my heart and I loved the addition of her to the story.
The author delivers a wonderful story that takes us across miles of land and danger that surrounds the main characters. The banter between Abigail and Samuel at times is hysterical. I could see right through them and knew there was an attraction brewing between them. They both adored Emma and as they drew closer to Abigail’s destination, you could feel the emotions overflowing. Is it possible that Abagail has already found love?
I did not like nor trust Sir Johnathan at all. He was rude, untrustworthy and really just a mean person. His dislike for Emma is obvious and that didn’t set well with Samuel or Abigail. He is definitely hiding something and I didn’t feel like he was marrying Abigail for love. Will Abagail trust God to guide her? Don’t miss this beautifully written story of finding love and happiness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Noble Guardian #3 The Bow Street Runners by Michelle Griep
Set in 1815 Southampton, England, proper lady Abigail Gilbert is on a long journey across England to marry a gentleman of prestige (whom I did not like at all!). Her journey is anything but uneventful; she faces many challenges and obstacles along the way. If it were not for horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher, she may not arrive in time for her wedding. . .if at all. Abigail is one determined woman to arrive at her designation and not return to what she left behind. I can’t say I blame her, I would not want to return either. Samuel is my favorite character; he is a man of integrity and kind even as he tries to portray a rougher man. I love his heart for those in need and especially baby Emma. Emma is an adorable little girl that captured my heart as well.
Michelle Griep has penned a compelling story that is action-packed with suspenseful scenes, challenges, thieves and cutthroats, new chances, unexpected surprises, villainous villains, love and enduring faith. A fitting ending to The Bow Street Runners.
~I received an ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
This was a great book. I loved the characters of Abby and Samuel. They had quite an adventure on the way to get Aby safely to her fiancé. I admired Abby and her strength and determination. I also admired Samuel and his dedication to his duty. There were other characters along the way that made the story even more interesting. I would recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Be prepared to be pulled into this amazing story on the first page and not let go until the end! Michelle Griep has created a brilliant journey with the handsome, brooding, Bow Street Runner, Samuel Thatcher. But make not mistake, he is a little broken on the inside by all that he has endured and witnessed with humanity and needs to retire to a place of his own. He was “Tired from a sleepless night. Tired from humanity. Tired of Life.” Plus he is desperately trying to find the highwayman who has been leaving victims in his wake!
Abigail Gilbert felt she was finally going to marry and hopefully have happiness in her life, which had been sadly lacking. An arranged marriage with a Baron far away from her terrible family, set her on a journey to his home.
But fate was about to have these two wounded souls collide as Samuel rescues Abby from an attack by some of the gang he was trying to catch! Desperate, she convinces him to escort her to the destination of her bethrothed. Thus the adventure begins!
The author’s rich prose and descriptions made me feel I was there with these wonderful characters! Suspense, intrigue, humor, faith and love, all wrapped up together and much more, that make this a story that warmed my heart and I could only smile at the end… I highly recommend and cannot wait to read more by this author who is now on my must read shelf! I read this book through NetGallery.
Michelle Griep has another winner with The Noble Guardian. When I see her name on a new book, I eagerly get a copy and start reading. I was not disappointed with this third book in The Bow Street Runners series set in England during the early 1800s. Adventure, danger, heartache, grief, and of course, romance—The Noble Guardian has it all. On her way to her arranged marriage to a pretty much unknown baronet, the persistent and perceptive Abigail hires Samuel to be her protector. Samuel is a man bound and determined to retire from being a lawman and he is haunted by the past. The story is action-packed—Samuel had been on some hair raising journeys but this one was figuring up to beat them all with attacks from highwaymen, broken carriages, runaway horses, and a sassy young miss to boot. The characters are strong and vibrant and are realistic—either likable, relatable, or despicable. Abigail and Samuel are especially captivating and then there is Emma, a youngling that made an indelible mark on Abigail’s heart and will touch the reader’s heart as well. Griep has a nice style of writing and kept my interest throughout the entire book with descriptive prose that made me feel as though I was right there in the scenes with the characters and dialogue that flows seamlessly without sounding forced. I liked how the author revealed Samuel’s past layer by layer throughout the story and also how faith in God was woven into Abigail and Samuel’s stories. Having come from a Cindereallesque home life, Abigail is looking for happiness in a life with her handsome fiancé only to realize that true happiness is found in knowing she is loved and cared for by her Heavenly Father. As the danger-filled journey continues Abby begins to wonder what it would be like to be loved by this untamed lawman and Samuel wonders if she would ever take a chance on a rugged life with a very broken man. But there’s the baronet to consider…Don’t miss this riveting book—I read it in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of the book through Celebrate Lit Tour and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
If Michelle Griep wrote it, I want to read it. No questions asked. I first discovered her writing last year, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This is one author whose works I would read regardless of what they were about. “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” introduced me to the Bow Street Runners trilogy, and I was intrigued by the whimsical characters and the undeniable plot tension. I did not think that these details could be matched, but I was wrong. Michelle Griep does it again, and even better, in the trilogy’s conclusion!
Set in Regency England, “The Noble Guardian” turns a cross-country road trip into a breathtaking, spinetingling trek. What would seem to be a rather straightforward journey becomes a prolonged adventure with unrelenting suspense and a beautiful tapestry of faith unfolding throughout. The book cover alludes to this as well. At first glance, the commanding sight of Samuel Thatcher astride a horse catches the eye, but a closer look reveals a carriage enshrouded in a layer of fog. Indeed, within the story itself, circumstances are often not clear-cut, and neither are the characters themselves. The reader is challenged to view things from a different perspective and to learn along the way.
Griep excels in both scenic description and character development. Readers ride along in the cramped, bumpy carriage through rather desolate environs and with occasional stops at roadside inns. The issue of propriety and its importance with regard to a woman’s reputation is a point that is made evident, contrary though it may be to twenty-first-century sensibilities. The villains are ruthless and lend a continuous air of danger, while the protagonists have their own personal issues to work though. A scene at a country fair, reminiscent of a circus, adds some levity and offers a connection between Regency and contemporary society. The narrative progresses via the shared third-person omniscient viewpoint of Abigail (Abby) Gilbert and Captain Samuel Thatcher. Abby is naïve and yet she possesses amazing fortitude and a compassionate heart: “She’d learned long ago while enduring the hurts of her stepmother that only through prayer would she find peace.” Samuel has a jaded worldview shaped by his years as a lawman and culminating in his role of protector. Both experience an emotional faith journey that speaks across the centuries to the hearts of readers today, reminding all of us who “The Noble Guardian” truly is.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This is a wonderful Regency romance. The story is so well written that even though I received an arc copy to read and review, I bought my own copy to keep in my library.
Samuel Thatcher is a very cynical lawman who has grown weary of his job. He has lived a hard life chasing criminals and highwaymen. He had been saving his money to buy a piece of land and get out of the business and live a simple life farming. He had run away from his abusive father as a very young boy and had never had the ideal family life so many had. Not that he would ever find a woman to put up with him and his acerbic ways but he could live a solitary existence in peace.
Abigail Gilbert’s father had remarried after her mother’s death to a horrible woman who belittled and abused Abigail at every turn. Her two step-sisters were cut from the same cloth. Her marriage had been arranged by her father’s to a baronet some distance away and she was finally on her way to become his wife. She dreamed of a forever kind of love; someone who would love her deeply. At the very beginning of her journey, she met Captain Samuel Thatcher, who came to her rescue. With reluctance, he agreed to be hired as her guardian. Their journey was a treacherous one with murderous highwaymen dogging them. Along the way, they gained a small traveling companion, as well. Would they arrive at their final destination and find that the result lived up to their dreams or would those dreams become nightmares? Was it possible for there to be a happy ending?
I absolutely couldn’t put this book down and enjoyed reading ever last page. While there was danger and death and violence, there was no foul language and no detailed sex. I appreciated the author’s ability to write an engaging story and one that held your attention without those things to detract from the wonderful story.
This is one power packed gripping Regency Era Christian historical romance story. Travel the roads of England where evil abound with Abigail Gilbert, Captain Samuel Thatcher and infant Emma. Their story is a rousing one with the vivid pictorial, expressive script that kept the pages turning. The hidden secrets of the hero and heroine gradually come to light as they spend the days together traveling to the Baronet Abigail was betrothed to. Will the attacks on Captain Thatcher’s life bring misfortunate to him, Abigail and little Emma? Fans of Griep or historical Christian fiction will not want to miss reading The Noble Guardian.
This was the first book I read in the Bow Street Runners series and was not lost with the lives of the characters. It can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts expressed are my own sincere ones.