This post contains affiliate links.
The Noble Guardian (The Bow Street Runners Trilogy) by Michelle Griep - Abigail Gilbert is full of hope for a happy future with a loving husband when she sets out across England to the home of the gentleman to whom she is betrothed. She is relieved to be escaping an unhappy home where she was criticized, neglected, and unloved, and is looking forward to being cherished and protected by a loving husband. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when her coach is attacked by highwaymen and she narrowly escapes a tragic fate, thanks to the timely arrival of horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher.
Samuel is a Bow Street Runner who has grown tired and cynical over his years of service. He is near the end of his contract and is planning to buy a piece of land and retire to a quieter life. But after rescuing the lady and her maid from a notorious highwayman, he reluctantly accepts the responsibility of escorting Miss Gilbert across the moors and delivering her safely to her betrothed. Her promise that the baronet will pay handsomely for his service becomes his hope that he'll have enough to retire.
Another twist to their plans comes in the form of a baby girl. When Samuel meets an old friend and former runner he hopes the man will help guard the travelers, but instead he finds a grief-stricken widower who begs Samuel to deliver his little daughter to a relative. Abigail agrees to care for the little girl on the journey, and she and Samuel are both surprised when their hearts are captured by the child. And even more so when they develop an attachment for each other. As they continue the journey, Samuel realizes that he is committed to protecting them both from a vengeful criminal for very personal reasons.
What will Abby's reception be when they finally arrive at her baronet fiance's estate? Her dreams of a happy ever after ending become increasingly shaky, and she wonders if she will find the love she hopes for with her betrothed or if the connection between herself and the captain is what she has looked for all along.
Although this is the third in a series, I found it to be a great read even without having read the first two. Both Abby and Samuel had my sympathy from the start, even though I kept suspecting that Abby was very naive in her belief that life would be wonderful once she was married to the baronet. Both characters had to mature in their faith over the course of their journey, but it was rather quiet growth, and not preachy in my opinion. The theme of noble character was woven throughout the story and formed the basis for the developing love story.
From the publisher:
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 coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, love is finally within reach. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentleman bachelors 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 to him 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 on the rest of her journey. He refuses until she offers him the thing he desperately needs to achieve his goal: money. Delivering her safely will earn him more than enough to settle into a quiet life.
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.
By the same author:
Ladies of Intrigue,
The Captured Bride,
The Innkeeper's Daughter,
The Captive Heart
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
by Deanna Raybourn - As the fourth in the series opens, Veronica and Stoker are both out of sorts and not getting along well. Things don't improve when Veronica accepts the invitation of Stoker's brother, Lord Tiberius Templeton-Vane, to accompany him to an island estate where she can acquire rare glasswing butterflies. Veronica even agrees to pose as his fiancee. Neither of them are truly surprised though, when Stoker shows up at the same house party, but sparks between the brothers continue to fly, even as Veronica and Stoker seem to settle their misunderstanding.
