About the Book

Book: The Noble Guardian

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: June, 2019

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 gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Samuel 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.

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

Highwaymen Aren’t All Glamorous

Highwaymen are often romanticized in historical romances, but the truth is these fella’s were generally not compassionate thieves at all. They were cutthroat robbers who sometimes killed. Here’s a brief history so that you’re in the know.

The term “highwayman” simply means a thief who steals—usually at gunpoint—from travelers on the road. Not all, but some of those attacks turned deadly, the robbers not wishing to leave anyone behind who could identify them. Others wore masks for the same purpose.

Long, deserted stretches of roads that were main thoroughfares were the particular favorite haunts of these men. Criminals would choose remote highways that supplied regular traffic going to and from major destinations, such as Hounslow Heath, about fifteen miles outside of London.

To combat these villains, in 1805 the Bow Street Horse Patrol was created. There were about sixty men hired to protect travelers on the principal roads within sixty miles of London. Most of the men had served previously in a cavalry regiment. Their most successful achievement was to rid Hounslow Heath of highwaymen.

And that’s where I got the idea for my hero, Samuel Thatcher, in The Noble Guardian. He’s a rough and tumble man who’s tired of life and the wickedness of man. Mostly he’s just biding his time until he retires—that is until he rescues Miss Abigail Gilbert from the clutches of one of the worst offenders of all…Shankhart Robbins.

Sound like an adventure? It is. Settle back with your own copy and see what it’s like to ride the rugged heath in a carriage, bounding along—until you hear the crack of a pistol.

Enjoy!

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 copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.