The Bird of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep ~ a book review 5 stars !

 

This story is set in England in 1820. Juliet Finch was once the daughter of a wealthy family but after her father suffers financial losses, she is now penniless and living with her disabled aunt in a run down, ramshackle cottage. Their only means of support is the meager sales of her aunts salves and tinctures and whatever Juliet can poach of the land of the neighboring landowner.

Her aunt begs her to stop fearing she will get caught. Poaching could be a death sentence. Unfortunately, she does get caught. Henry Russell, the landowner, gives her a job in exchange for her freedom. His sister, Charity, is being stalked and he hires Juliet to track the culprit.

This is an engaging and compelling story. Faith and Christian values are evident throughout.

Will Juliet be able to determine who is threatening his sister? Will Henry ever really trust Juliet?

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.“

This is a Story full of faith, love and mystery told by a master story teller.

Go HERE to read an excerpt

There are very informative historical notes at the back of the book which are very interesting and helpful.

I don’t very often give a 5 star rating, but this one gets 5 !

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Sleuths of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep ~ a book review

 

 

This is the third book in the Blackfriars collection.  While it is a stand alone story, it would be helpful to read the two prior books.  However, the author does a great job of bringing in the back stories.

This story is based in Victorian times and set in the less affluent neighborhoods.  You get a very real impression of what life was like in that situation.  The main characters, Kit and Jackson Forge are new parents. Jackson is made the new chief inspector of a police station in London and requires a big time commitment.  Kit is a former street “swindler”, who is in partnership with her father in a detective agency.  She is not afraid of taking risks and her street smarts comes in very handy. 

This is a very entertaining story with witty dialog and suspenseful mysteries.  Who is the culprit they are after and will they catch their suspect in time?

We are shown the rough and tumble and sometimes brutal form of police interrogation that was normal for that time, although shocking and cringeworthy now. 

There are exciting high speed carriage chases, disasters and unpleasant confrontations that keep the reader engaged.

I loved the commitment between Kit and Jackson.  Their love for each other is very evident. There is a bit more intimacy than you might find in other Christian romances but it's not offensive.

My only complaint is that the characters profess a deep faith in God but many of their actions don’t support that.  There are many instances of deception, lying and cruelty.  It reminds us that no one is perfect and …”all have sinned…” 

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.
 
Namely, her husband.
 
But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.
 
Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.
 
Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?”

I have enjoyed other books by Michelle Griep and this one doesn’t disappoint! I hope there is a book four in the plans!

Go HERE to read an excerpt and to order

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.