Michelle Griep

Recently I discovered some of Michelle Griep’s earlier books that I hadn’t read. A Heart Deceived is a gripping Gothic regency, much along with the style of her latest, Lost in Darkness. In fact, A Heart Deceived could easily be a part of Griep’s newest series, Of Monsters and Men. Maybe not the physical type of monster, but a monster, nonetheless.

I loved poor, conflicted Miri Brayden. She is torn between fearing and loving her brother, who alternates between treating her hatefully and show more regressing into partial insanity. Can she keep him safe and both of them housed and respected? What will the arrival of Ethan Goodwin do to her physical and emotional stability?

I loved Ethan because he is both despicable and charming. God gets ahold of his life through John Newton and transforms his desires. But will it be soon enough to salvage his character and keep him from reaping the whirlwind his wastrel life has sown?

Best supporting actor award goes to John Newton, whom we meet as an older, merciful clergy who understands depravity, grace, and faith. He is not afraid to present God to the basest of society. He does so with such humor, love, directness, and confidence that one can’t help but like him. If Griep portrays him correctly, what a transformation God made in his life! Newton’s goal is then to transform as many other lives for the kingdom as possible, but he is so winsome and positive about it!
“God believes in you. Your belief or lack of it doesn’t change His existence.” “When we are at our weakest, God’s at His strongest.”

Michelle Griep had me smiling so many times, even as she wrote about very serious topics. Her ability to turn a phrase at a precise moment gave comic relief to extremely suspenseful scenes. I love that! “‘Your brother treads in dangerous waters, Miss Brayden. Dangerous and deep. See if you can talk some sense into the man.’
Miri dipped a curtsy. She might more easily talk a chicken into giving milk. “And I chortled at, “Why did it never fail that her most wicked thoughts crept out in the holiest of places?”

Jails and insane asylums were horrible places in the regency era, and Griep provides an accurate, eerie look at both. You will think you are in either location with our hapless characters.

The climax and resolution of this wonderful novel are superb, just like the rest of the book. The action is very quick.

A Griep book is always full of “Notable Quotables,” treasures of words, often Biblically-based, that transcend the time into our present lives. How I love this feature of Griep’s books!

If you haven’t discovered this early Griep work, the time to change that omission is now! Most highly recommended!! show less

The Bird of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep combines Historical Christian Fiction with a Regency novel.

In 1820, in Bedfordshire, England, survival is not a romantic notion—it’s a necessity. In this gripping historical romance from reader-favorite author Michelle Griep, danger and devotion intertwine in a story brimming with tension, wit, and heart-fluttering romance.

Juliet Finch has lost everything because of her father’s sins. Cast aside and left to fend for herself, she does what she show more must to survive—even if it means poaching on a gentleman’s estate, a crime punishable by death. I loved that Juliet isn’t a damsel waiting for rescue. She’s resourceful, capable, and quietly fierce. Her skill at tracking and snaring wild game makes her one of the most unique heroines I’ve encountered in historical romance. Griep portrays the grit of poverty with realism, yet threads hope through every hardship. Juliet’s independence is admirable, but beneath it lies a tender longing for belonging and safety.

When Henry Russell catches Juliet trespassing on his land, he could have turned her over to the authorities. Instead, he offers her an unexpected proposition. With a stalker tormenting his sister, Henry needs someone skilled enough to track an elusive villain. What follows is a partnership layered with tension, suspicion, and undeniable chemistry. Henry is honorable without being overbearing, protective yet respectful of Juliet’s abilities. Their interactions sparkle with clever dialogue and restrained emotion that slowly deepens into something tender and swoon-worthy.

The suspense element truly elevates the story. The stalker plotline adds urgency and danger, and the pacing keeps the pages turning. Juliet may be hunting the rogue—but the constant sense that she could become prey herself keeps the stakes high. The balance between romance and mystery is masterfully handled, blending moments of sweetness with scenes that genuinely raise the pulse.

The British countryside feels vivid and immersive, from rustling leaves to damp morning air. Griep’s charming turn of phrase and colorfully memorable characters bring the setting to life in a way that draws readers fully into the world.

At its heart, the novel carries powerful themes of redemption and identity. Juliet’s life has been overshadowed by her father’s failures, yet the story gently reminds us that we are not defined by the sins of others. Grace, second chances, and the courage to step into a new future shine throughout the narrative.

With danger lurking in the shadows and love unfolding in unexpected ways, this novel once again demonstrates why Michelle Griep remains a beloved voice in Christian historical romance. It’s adventurous, heartfelt, and beautifully written—a page-turner with both grit and grace.

If you enjoy Historical Christian or Regency romances, check out The Bird of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. show less

Reading Of Gold and Shadows was like uncovering a sacred relic hidden in the dust of time—a discovery that transcends the artifacts and whispers of the past to reveal something more precious than gold. Michelle Griep constructs an intricate narrative where history and faith are woven together, creating a story that pulls you deeper than any Egyptian tomb could. This isn’t simply a journey through Victorian London or Egyptology; it’s an excavation of the soul.

Ami Dalton captivated me show more from the first page. She’s a woman whose fierce intellect and passion for Egyptology ignite like a fire, yet it is her faith that fuels her, keeping her grounded amidst the shifting sands of superstition and societal pressure. She stands on the precipice of a male-dominated world, her ambition pushing against the walls of expectation. What makes her extraordinary, however, is not just her brilliance but her vulnerability—her faith acts as a steadying force, quietly bolstering her through each obstacle, each moment of doubt. Ami’s unwavering belief is an invitation to trust in God’s timing, to know that history, like faith, reveals its deepest truths when we are ready to receive them.

Edward Price, in contrast, is a man of shadow and substance. In him, Griep creates a figure who seems at odds with Ami—both in temperament and purpose—yet it’s precisely this contrast that makes their connection so compelling. Edward is an artifact in his own right—layered, mysterious, and sometimes broken. As his past is peeled back, we see his redemption arc unfold with subtle grace, showing that even the most fractured histories can be made whole. His journey mirrors the theme of restoration that runs through the novel: surrendering all to God can heal what appears irreparably lost. Through their shared faith, Ami and Edward navigate a labyrinth of personal struggles, each discovering that redemption is more than a one-time event; it is a continual choice to live in grace and obedience to Jesus, our Savior.

Griep’s prose is a treasure in itself. Her writing, laced with historical depth and spiritual insight, never feels heavy-handed or overly complex. There’s a richness in every sentence that invites reflection—her words are like the ancient relics Ami studies, offering more the longer you examine them. The humor woven through the narrative acts as a delicate counterbalance to the intensity of the themes, offering lightness in moments of darkness. The dialogue flows like a well-rehearsed dance—quick, sharp, and at times humorous—yet always resonating with the deeper truths that both Ami and Edward are learning to embrace.

The characters live and breathe their faith, allowing it to shape their decisions, their relationships, and their very identities. In a world where superstition looms and the shadows of the past threaten to drown them, their faith provides both strength and vulnerability. There are moments of doubt, yes, but also moments of quiet, powerful surrender, where faith isn’t just spoken—it’s embodied in action, in sacrifice, in love.

This book is a treasure trove of spiritual truths, nestled in a historical adventure that feels both timeless and immediate. The way Griep explores the intersection of the sacred and the secular is nothing short of masterful. The artifacts of Egypt—ancient, powerful, and mysterious—become metaphors for the healing power of God. Like the dust that settles on these relics, our sins may seem insurmountable, but faith in God’s redemption offers clarity and purpose, bringing light to the darkest corners of the soul.

Of Gold and Shadows doesn’t just stay with you because of the fascinating characters or the thrilling plot twists—it stays because it invites you to ponder deeper questions of faith, history, and redemption. It reminds you that the stories we uncover, whether in ancient tombs or our own lives, are imbued with meaning, waiting to be seen by a heavenly point of view. Griep’s ability to blend these elements so seamlessly is what makes this novel an unforgettable experience. When I finished this story, I felt as though I had unearthed something far more valuable than mere words on a page.

I received a paperback of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less

Michelle Griep’s Of Gold and Shadows is a captivating historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends mystery, intrigue, and romance into a thrilling narrative. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the story follows our determined heroine, who aspires to be a respected Egyptologist. However, in 1888, that dream seems always out of her reach that is until Oxford’s most eligible bachelor hires her to appraise a shipment of ancient Egyptian treasures. What follows is an show more exhilarating journey filled with secrets, danger, and unexpected twists.

Griep’s storytelling is masterfully crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from the very first page. The themes of faith are beautifully woven into the narrative, adding depth to the plot. As a fan of romance, I found the growing relationship between Ami and Edmond to be particularly endearing. But what truly captured my attention was the fascinating world of Egyptian treasures, which enriched the story and heightened the suspense. The mystery surrounding the treasures enhanced the plot, making me eager to turn the pages.

Of Gold and Shadows is an unforgettable blend of historical mystery and romance and is the perfect read for fans of adventure, ancient history, and sweet love stories with a touch of danger. Michelle Griep delivers a thrilling and satisfying read that will delight readers from start to finish.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. show less