Rambles of a SAHM

Showing posts with label Michelle Griep. Show all posts

Man of Shadow and Mist (Of Monsters and Men #2) by Michelle Griep | Historical Fiction

Man of Shadow & Mist

Of Monsters and Men #2

Michelle Griep

Historical Fiction

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

England, 1890

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

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

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

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

My Thoughts

Michelle Griep has become one of my favorite authors. Her novels usually hearken back to a piece of classical literature which is an added bonus to me. In this instance the classic literature is Bram Stoker's Dracula. In fact Bram Stoker himself is a character in the story.

The book was fascinating because it used the superstitions of the people to create the underlying conflict. Sir James has a blood disorder that makes him avoid direct sunlight. Which of course makes him somewhat of a recluse and just adds fuel to the fire of the superstitions.

In contrast to Sir James is librarian Rosa Edwards. She is a beloved member of the community. She has a deep desire to eradicate the superstitions of the people by educating them. Much to her father's dismay and displeasure she continues to sneak books out of the library for those that are unable to afford a subscription.

Through a chance meeting Sir James and Rosa become acquainted, which leads to a fabulous story. I picked this book up out of my TBR pile without realizing that it is book two in the series. I'm eagerly anticipating going back and reading book one. And I will be eagerly anticipating any additional books in this series.

If you enjoy historical fiction that has overtones of gothic romance, I am sure that you will enjoy this title as much as I did. Don't forget to read book one as well!

Of Monsters and Men series
1. Lost in Darkness
2. Man of Shadow & Mist

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my review.

A Tale of Two Hearts (Once Upon A Dickens Christmas #2) by Michelle Griep | Christmas Book Review

A Tale of Two Hearts

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas #2

Michelle Griep

Historical Romance

London, 1853: Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life, for there’s nothing more mundane than serving customers day after day. Every minute she can, she reads and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

William is a gentleman’s son, a charming but penniless rogue. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his scheming cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.

William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t. So does William. Deceiving the old man breaks both their hearts. When the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.

Can two hearts survive such deception?

My Thoughts

I have been looking forward to reading this book for a year now. It was worth the wait! Last year I read the first book in the series and knew that if it was any indication of what was to come I wouldn't be disappointed. I wasn't. This book shifts the story to an unlikely couple. William Barlow seems to be the perpetual bachelor and Mina Scott is a server at her father's tavern. Mina has had a crush on William since she first set eyes on William but he's not really paid that much attention. But when a family situation arrises Mina becomes the perfect person to help William.

This charming story takes a few twists and turns but on the whole stays pretty much as you would expect. It really is the perfect read for a cozy night in front of the fire. The characters are lively (just wait until you meet Uncle Barlow) and the romance is warm and fuzzy. If you've been binge watching Christmas movies then this will be a nice change of pace. The little shout outs to the wonderful works of Dickens are the perfect accompaniment to this delightful story.

I am eagerly anticipating the third book in this series which is slated to come out next year. I hope that this will become a nice little Christmas tradition from Michelle Griep for years to come.

Disclosure statement:
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 am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

12 Days At Bleakly Manor (Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #1) by Michelle Griep | Christmas Book Review

12 Days At Bleakly Manor

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas #1

Michelle Griep

Historical Fiction

A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas

at an English manor home

may bring danger...and love?

England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of one thousand pounds.

But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.

What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

Pour a cup of tea and settle in for Book 1 of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series--a page-turning Victorian-era holiday tale--by Michelle Griep, a reader and critic favorite.

My Thoughts
Fans of Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie will surely enjoy this Christmas novella. The premise is one that you are familiar with in a storyline. Strangers receive invitations to come to Bleakly Manor and the one that remains until the end will receive the prize.
But the resemblance ends there. Michelle Griep has taken those bones of an outline and fleshed them out with characters and scenarios that are fresh and interesting. As the characters are added one by one and then leave one by one you can't help but like them. They are quirky to a fault and really make the story come alive. The manor house is a perfect setting. As the story progresses it just gets creepier and creepier.
Just like a good Dickens story, when you think you have the plot figured out a turn in the story comes and takes you in a whole new direction. I was surprised and pleased with the ending which is exactly what I want in a story like this. I recommend you get this for one of those cold winter evenings that you need a good book to curl up with. You won't be disappointed.
Connect With The Author