Man of Shadow & Mist

Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Of Monsters & Men #2
Pages: 320
Release Date: May 31, 2023
Publisher: Barbour 

The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.” –Bram Stoker, Dracula
 
England, 1890
 
Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.
 
James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.
 
When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.
 
Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"She watched his tall form until shadows and mist swallowed him whole, leaving her entirely unsettled."

Rescued from a dreadful tumble off her bicycle by a tall, dark enigmatic stranger trumped the fear brought about by the blinding fog that had precipitated the mishap. "Pardon me, but clearly the shock of the fall has bewitched you," . . . . . said the voice from within. Rosa Edwards didn't know what to make of such unexpected kindness from such a figure, but what she did know was that she best be getting home with her stack of books, and a memory; perhaps even a bit of mystery. Little did she know; she had just met Sir James Morgan.

Returning to England, to Morgrave Manor, to his bed-ridden mother, was the last thing that James desired to do. Nevertheless, Lady Dorina was dying, and James felt duty-bound to try and save her; reading every book, researching every medical journal, talking to every doctor, mixing every concoction . . . to no avail. After all, he suffered from the same malady, a rare skin disease that had morphed into madness for his mother. The last thing he needed in his life was a librarian on two wheels, no matter how stubborn the lovely Rose Edwards turned out to be.

Unfortunately, not everyone in Whitby was as understanding of what they didn't understand as Rosa. It soon became apparent that nefarious intentions sought to breach their unlikely acquaintance while spreading vicious rumors surrounding James' return. Rosa couldn't understand their cruelty, and pleaded with the Lord above to intervene on his behalf, but was gently reminded that, "It is a mystery why some live life seemingly untouched by troubles while others can barely lift their head beneath the weight o' their sorrows. Not everything can be explained . . . . else we would be like God . . . ".

Ultimately, it was going to be the "good-bye Rosa" that would break her heart in two. Surely God still worked miracles?!

This author has a marvelous ability to capture the attention of her readers, making them feel as if they have tip-toed into the story alongside her characters, feeling every angst, celebrating every triumph . . . and the result? A wonderful book!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored this story! 

Griep is just awesome. This story will be my favorite by her. Just wow! I couldn't put it down, so I finished it in one day. 

James is just the best. And handsome, too, in my opinion. Rose is just so lucky. She helps run a library with her father (my dream). The books are Rosa's and my friend's too. 

This story has a surprise, but I won't tell you what it is. I highly recommend it. Wish I could give it more than five stars because this was so good! 

I received a complimentary copy, courtesy of the author, for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Michelle Griep captured my attention and held it to the end with Man of Shadow & Mist. The author weaves a tale of intrigue and romance in this second book of the Of Monsters & Men series.

The author explores many themes, from mob mentality, prejudice, the beauty of forgiveness and accepting God's plans for us no matter how bad our situation.

Sir James Morgan is a man with the world's weight on his shoulders. He is desperately trying to find a cure for a disease that is killing his mother. A condition he also has. Unfortunately, because his illness suggests he is a vampire, the entire village where he lives has gone mad and is out to destroy him. 

Fortunately, he has an ally in Rosa Edwards, who is determined to clear the gossip surrounding James, but soon finds herself falling for the enigmatic man.

I loved how this author's mind works! Taking a disease (I won't mention which one because of spoilers) and jumping from that to a vampire is brilliant! She has created a tale that informs people of this horrible condition and explores mob mentality and how dangerous prejudice is when left to grow and fester. Adding a love story and faith-based content that speaks to those suffering from debilitating illnesses will encourage many.

If you like gothic tales of romance with faith-based content, you cannot go wrong with this tale!

​I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour through NetGalley for my honest review.

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