I told myself I could skim it. Just get the gist, see how I’d like it, immerse myself in a few spots so I’d really get the flavor, and review THAT. No, I am not proud that I considered it.
Guilt demanded I give the book my full attention. I hate guilt sometimes. Just sayin’. And the more I read, the more irritated I got. I should have known better than to sign up for this blog tour. Anyone with any sense would have known that it would be trouble. And here you have it. Trouble with a capital T, and that rhymes with B, and that stands for BOOK!
Or something like that. Anyway, here you have it.
Note: links in this post may be affiliate links. It won’t cost you anything extra, but I make a small commission if you do decide to purchase. Additionally, I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit after requesting it to review, and obviously, I CHOSE to review it. Snort.
3 Compelling (if Ridiculous) Reasons to Avoid This Author
1—She’s a copycat.
Well, sort of. You see, when you read Michelle Griep’s work, she transports you into the past, down cobblestone streets, and into quaint shops with patrons wearing cloaks, muffs, and all the other Dickensesque finery—but this time before Dickens was even born. Oh, yes. In Ms. Griep’s work, you’re transported to another world—one Dickens beckons us into—or rather, this time its grandmother’s world.
But she’s more than a copycat… she’s also a “one-upper.” Probably more like a “ten-upper.” Because you see, she’s better than Dickens in my opinion. Somehow, Ms. Griep manages to give you all the varied plots, delicious detail, twists and turns… without dragging. Well, except for the beginning of The Innkeeper’s Daughter.
Yeah. I don’t like to say it, but the first of chapters dragged for me. Still, once I got past them (and I suspect it was my own issue rather than her writing that did it. Like I said. Bad day.), she kept me riveted to the page with rich language, engaging characters, intricate plots, and beautiful spiritual truths.
2— She’s a kidnapper.
Of minds. She grabs your interest, holds it for ransom, and only once you’ve paid the debt of finishing her book will she release you. Of course, who cares? I mean, it’s like a wonderful friend whisking you away for a weekend at the beach or the mountains and making you stay there and relax, read, soak in the richness. Yeah. I’m telling you. Watch out for Ms. Griep or she’ll whisk you to Regency England and not once will you think, “Where’s the talk of “the Season” or roll your eyes when some Baron or Earl or Darcy appears. Nope. Like I said. Everyone should be so kindly kidnapped.
3— She’s a tease.
Oh, yeah. Ms. Griep knows how to tease you. I mean, in this book there are three stories. I could SWEAR this book is the second. But as far as I can see, it stands alone. But I want to know his buddy’s story. I want to know his boss’ story. I want to know the Viscount’s story.
Ms. Griep captivated me with the storyline, the realistic characters, snappy but period correct dialogue, and just basic good writing.
If you want to be kidnapped, held for ransom, teased with hints of stories you might never get, and being given stories that would make Dickens green with envy, go ahead. Read the book. But you’ll regret it…
Except you won’t.
I have to admit, your title did the job and grabbed my attention! I loved your review of The Innkeeper’s Daughter!
It’s rather a boring reason. I had to come up with the title before I read it, so… in case it was riddled with smut or something (snort), I had to do something that could go either way.
HAHAHA! I LOVE this review! Thank you for taking time out of your horrible day to read every last word. I feel very honored!
Best day sweetener EVER! So happy to have you here! 😀
I love your book reviews, Chautona!
Aw, thanks!
I love them too!
So I felt the same way as you did about this book on every count, including that it felt like a second book in a series. I went hunting and found that she has written Brentwood’s story: http://amzn.to/2HBTGJc and that, even better, I already had it in my Kindle library!!! Guess what I’ll be reading next?!
In my cart! Thanks!
Yay! Love being on your Kindle! And yes, this is a very loosely connected book 2 (in which I update you on a few characters from Brentwood’s Ward). Good news . . . I’m working on the 3rd (and last) in this loose series, featuring Officer Thatcher (the shadow).
I am really looking forward to reading this new book. I love all of her books and know this one will be just as good as the rest! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!
I think you’ll really enjoy it. It was so fun to read a book that is a Regency book that doesn’t FEEL like the stereotypical one–seeing another side.
What a coincidence . . . I’m looking forward to you reading this book as well!
Great blog post.
Thanks!
It was a great post! I will have to be popping over here more often!
Thanks, I loved this book! I think you are funny.
I really liked it–almost LOVED it. I loved a lot about it!
Huge smile over here as well. Chautona is funny!
Now you make me think I must bump this book to the top of my TBR list!
It’s a lot of fun to see people debating over their choices in a realistic way.
I wouldn’t mind being at the top of your TBR pile (fluttering eyelashes as if that will help).
I love The Music Man reference! 😉
You know me… I can talk, talk, talk, talk, bicker, bicker, bicker!
Clever how she did that, eh? Methinks Chautona is quite the awesome writer herself!
If it makes you feel any better, here I am reading your review when I should be reading your book so I can review it. 🙂
I completely agree with you about this book, Chautona. It was great!
Now off to see what Madeline is up to. 🙂
It does make me feel better! Happy reading!
It’s readers like you who make this writing gig all worthwhile!
oh my you had me for a minute as to why to avoid her books. LOL thanks for your honest review of this book and this author.
I had to set up the blog post before I read it, so I came up with something that would work even if I didn’t like it (because I loved Bleakly). Had fun with it.
Echoing your thanks, Lori!
Love your Reviews!! Now I wanna read this book!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts… even if it was at the last minute.
Happy reading!
Sweet! I want you to read this book as well because, well, ultimately, I did write this so that readers would have a great adventure back to the nineteenth century. Enjoy!