Did I Like Michelle Griep’s Latest Regency Novel?

Brown paper bags from Alphabeta Supermarkets—at least two of them. Inside, stacks of thin paperbacks with white covers and women and men in funny-looking historical clothes. The author: Barbara Cartland.

I read one and found it interesting in its novelty. Being one of those voracious readers who read everything from donut packaging to theology texts, I read the next. And another.

Somewhere about that time, I discovered a few things.

• Girls in Regency times (although I didn’t know that was the era) were insipid twits.
• Regency men had weak egos if their choice of women meant anything.
• Reading those books might help me understand the hierarchy of English aristocracy.

So I read them. All of them.

Yes, you can roll your eyes. I still do.

They are why I didn’t want to read Austen’s works when I discovered the era they depicted. #becauseinsipid

Perhaps you’ll understand now why, even today, when the opportunity to review a book set in Regency times, I get a little bit nervous. You can understand that, right?

Well, I don’t get nervous if the book is written by Michelle Griep. She proved herself with The Innkeeper’s Daughter. So, when I had a chance to snag a review copy of The Noble Guardian from the publisher, I jumped at it.

Note: links may be affiliate links for which I receive a small commission.  Additionally, I requested a review copy and chose to share my opinion.

Did I Like Michelle Griep’s Latest Regency Novel?

Nope. Why would I like a book with a sweet, fun, and sometimes feisty heroine, a principled and courageous hero, and lovely lessons in trust, faith, and reliance on the Lord? Who likes books where even 99.9% of the word choices are perfect? How could I possibly appreciate lovely writing or excellent story structure?

Tongue. Check. Cheek… check, check!

Griep took the sort of plot that might have been in a cheesy Regency romance and turned it on its head. The result: a believable story full of adventure, danger, hope, and faith.

My understanding of Scripture requires I do point out my one problem with The Noble Guardian.

Ms. Griep chose to have the Lord speaking to the hearts of the main characters, telling them what to do, what would come to pass, etc. While those words were mostly vague and generic I need to point them out for those who don’t agree with extra-Biblical conversations from the Lord with us.

It did not, however, detract from the story or cross into anything that I felt uncomfortable reading.

Who do I recommend the book for?

Lovers of historical fiction, strong but feminine women, books with realistic faith exhibited, or engaging stories will love this book. I knew I wouldn’t regret requesting a review copy, and I was right. It’s so great the rare times I get to be right! 😀