Showing posts with label Michelle Griep. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Belle's Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep

Belle's Christmas Carol

About the Book

Book: Belle’s Christmas Carol

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2026

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they’ve ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

With characters from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this festive historical romance Christmas novella of family and second chances from Michelle Griep is set in Victorian England and perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and Mimi Matthews.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep is an award-winning author known for her captivating historical romances. With a keen eye for detail, she pens tales that transport readers to the past where they’ll experience romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. When she’s not writing, you can find her in her garden scaring away armadillos.

More from Michelle

Why I Gave Scrooge’s Belle Her Own Christmas Carol

Guest post by Michelle Griep

I’ve always been suspicious of characters who appear just long enough to break your heart and then vanish without so much as a forwarding address. Belle from A Christmas Carol is one of those.

Scrooge, of course, gets the full treatment. Ghosts. Doom. Moral terror. A dramatic overnight transformation. Turkey delivery. The works. And yes, yes, it’s all very moving. But Belle? Come on. All she gets is one aching goodbye and then is shoved neatly into Scrooge’s past. So, excuse me, Mr. Dickens, but I have questions.

What became of the woman who loved Ebenezer before greed got to him? Did she regret walking away? Did Christmas ever sting? Did she build a fine, sensible life or did some little corner of her heart still ache for him or not? That wondering became Belle's Christmas Carol.

In my story, Belle Beaumont unexpectedly inherits Haven House, a struggling London orphanage with fire damage, muddled ledgers, eccentric staff, and children who are more than rambunctious. Naturally, Belle decides she will set everything to rights and give the children the most splendid Christmas imaginable because—like me—apparently the woman has never heard of pacing herself.

Then along comes Rafe Munro, a handsome barrister searching for a missing child, and Belle’s tidy plans start to change. Oh, did I mention he’s single? That’s because I wanted Belle to be more than Scrooge’s lost love. I wanted her to have grit, flaws, hope, purpose, and a future all her own.

Because sometimes the story doesn’t end with goodbye. Sometimes that’s where the real story begins.

My Thoughts

Ring the bells and settle in for a story sparkling with Christmas charm! Belle’s Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep is an endearing novella that captures the warmth and wonder of a Dickensian Christmas while exploring love, faith, and human resilience. Griep fills the tale with memorable, multidimensional characters—from mischievous Cricket and swoon-worthy Rafe to the delightfully eccentric caretakers—whose humor and tenderness enrich every scene. Belle Beaumont shines at the center of the tale, her compassion, resilience, and unwavering integrity giving the story its heart. I especially enjoyed seeing Griep reimagine Belle’s life beyond Scrooge while retaining the story’s Dickensian charm and giving Belle the joyful ending she deserves. With its winning blend of comedy, romance, faith, Victorian flair, and holiday cheer, this heartwarming tale is a merry little gift for the Christmas season!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter. Good Luck!

Deck the shelves with a little holiday reading cheer! Michelle Griep’s Belle’s Christmas Carol is available from Amazon. If you enjoy historical novels, be sure to explore the author’s other delightful tales as well. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway! I’ll be back on Thursday, October 8, to feature Darlene L. Turner’s Coordinates of Death—and there will be another giveaway. Until then, may your days be merry, bright, and filled with wonderful books!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , October 7

The Avid Reader, October 7

She Lives To Read, October 7

Texas Book-aholic, October 8

Devoted To Hope, October 8

Betti Mace, October 9

Inkwell Inspirations , October 9

The Lofty Pages, October 9

For Him and My Family, October 10

Romances of the Cross, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 12

The Vine and The Branch, October 12

Maureen’s Musings, October 13

Fruitfully Planted, October 13

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 13

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 14

Mornings at Character Cafe, October 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 15

Simple Harvest Reads, October 15 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, October 16

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 16

Vicky Sluiter, October 16

Devoted Steps, October 17

Lily’s Corner, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Blossoms and Blessings, October 19

Pause for Tales, October 19

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Saturday, January 23, 2021

The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane by Michelle Griep

About the Book

Book: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian historical

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

More from Michelle

Zootopia in Victorian London

I admit it. I like kid’s movies. You know, the animated sort that entertain both young and old alike. One of my favorites is Zootopia, a rollicking adventure about a bunny whose dream it is to be a police officer and make the streets of the big city safe for all animals. In fact, I loved it so much that I thought why not set it in Victorian London?

So I did.

And that’s what The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is all about, but that meant I had to do a little digging into the history of police force of the late 1800’s. Here’s what I learned…

The Metropolitan Police (founded in 1829 by Robert Peel) was composed mostly of young men, many of whom were recruited from rural areas. Few were from London, the philosophy being that they would thus be free from local patronage and influence.

It is a bit of an anomaly that hero Jackson Forge and his friend, Officer Baggett, carry a sidearm. Some did, but most relied on truncheons. It was up to the officer. Revolvers were usually only supplied after the death of a police officer by an armed criminal, at the discretion of the Divisional Officer, or if a constable requested to use one during night duty. In 1884, after the deaths of several police officers, the Home Office ordered nearly a thousand revolvers from Webley & Scott to be issued to branches of the London police. . .which is where I got the idea of a shipment of guns for the villain to attempt to steal.

Police detectives were recruited from within the ranks of existing uniformed officers. There were actually women on the force at the time, employed as police matrons. But these were behind-the-scenes workers, tasked with guarding women and children. If my heroine, Kit, were to be out in public, serving as Jackson’s assistant, she’d have to keep her job secret. The first female police officer wasn’t seen on the streets until 1919.

And so, armed with that information, I wrote the adventures of not a police bunny and a con artist fox, but of Jackson Forge, a fresh-faced constable, and his thorn in the side, swindler Kit Turner. Snatch up your own copy and enjoy a visit to Victorian London!

My Thoughts

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep has Jackson Forge off to a bad start on his first day as a constable with the Metropolitan Police in April of 1885. When Forge arrests the wrong the man, Sergeant Henry Grayborne is ready to give him the sack. A woman searching for her missing husband gets Constable Third Class Forge a reprieve. He has forty-eight hours to locate Joseph Card a jarvey who frequents Blackfriars Lane or will be canned. Inquiries lead Forge to the Grouse and Gristle where he gets picked up by two goons who take him to their boss. Kit Turner runs a crew on Blackfriars Lane and recently swindled Forge. Kit is concerned about Joe Card as well and she has the contacts Forge needs to locate the man. Forge and Turner come to an agreement that benefits both of them. Neither of them are aware that their search for Joe will lead them to something much bigger. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a well-written historical novel. The story has developed, colorful characters. I liked Jackson Forge and Kit Turner. Kit is a strong, smart, and wily woman. Michelle Griep did her research for this book. She captured the time-period with the language, attitudes, clothing, food, shops, conveyances, etc. I felt like I was transported back in time with the authors descriptive writing. I liked all the action in The Thief of Blackfriars Lane which kept the novel moving forward. I enjoyed watching Kit and Forge go from enemies to much more. Faith is beautifully woven into the story. There are good life lessons learned along the way. The mystery was intriguing and enjoyable to solve. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane has mystery, romance, drama, and humor. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a compelling tale with missing men, a stern sergeant, a jolly jarvey, a terrible trickster, a callow constable, and a sweet swindler.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter. Good Luck! The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers. You can find Michelle Griep's other novels here. Thank you for joining me today. I will return on Monday with Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz. I hope that you have a fulfilling day and a joyful weekend. Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 23

Bigreadersite, January 23

Inklings and notions, January 23

Bizwings Blog, January 23

Remembrancy, January 24

Connect in Fiction, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

She Lives To Read, January 25

Blessed & Bookish, January 25

Genesis 5020, January 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 25

Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 26

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 27

CarpeDiem, January 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28

For the Love of Literature, January 28

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 28

Connie’s History Classroom, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 29

Life of Literature, January 29

Betti Mace, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

HookMeInABook, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31

Mia Reads, January 31

Godly Book Reviews, January 31

Through the Fire Blogs, February 1

KarenSueHadley, February 1

The Book Chic Blog, February 1

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, February 1

Artistic Nobody, February 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mamma Loves Books, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Splashes of Joy, February 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 3

The Write Escape, February 4

Wishful Endings, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 4

Hallie Reads, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 5

To Everything There Is A Season, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Saturday, April 18, 2020

The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep: Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: House at the End of the Moor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical

Release Date: April 2020

An Opulent London Opera Star Escapes to the Rugged Landscape of the English Moors

Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

Click here for your copy!

Arms Tor (Dartmoor)

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, The Noble Guardian and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Gothic Lolita Gothic Victorian Dress Party Costume Masquerade Women's Girls' Satin Costume Emerald Green / Dusty Lavender / Dusty Rose Vintage Cosplay Short Sleeves Floor Length Ball Gown Plus Size

Maggie's stage dress would have looked similar to this

More from Michelle

Lydford Castle

What comes to mind when you hear the word moor? For some, images of Jane Eyre spring to life. For others, The Hound of the Baskervilles starts barking. But for most, it’s a big fat goose egg. The fact is that most Americans don’t have a clue what a moor is, but never fear, my friend…after you read the next few paragraphs, you’ll never again go blank-minded when you hear the word moor.

Last summer I skipped across the pond and tromped around Dartmoor with my daughter and husband. What an awesome experience. I learned first-hand just how windy this vast stretch of land can be, for that’s really what a moor is at heart: a vast stretch of land. Webster’s defines it as an expanse of open rolling infertile land. Sounds rather desolate, eh? Yeah. Kind of. But it’s oh so much more.

In spring and summer, green does abound. Gorse bushes. Scrubby grasses. Lambs and sheep and goats. All these animals roam free so there are trails worn into the dirt that you can hike along. But I hear you…where could you possibly go if there’s nothing besides some farm animals roaming around the place?

You could hike to a tor, which is a “high, craggy hill.” Some of them can be a little treacherous to climb, but sweet mercy, what a view! The earth stretches out like a green and brown quilt. As I hiked that day last spring, whispers in the wind inspired me to wonder a lot of what-ifs, and those what-ifs came together in a story of intrigue and betrayal.

What would you do if you found a half-dead man bleeding in the middle of nowhere? Find out what heroine Maggie Lee does in The House at the End of the Moor.

Maggie's Malcolm

My Thoughts

The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep has Mrs. Margaret Dosett (aka Maggie Lee) finding escaped convict, Oliver Ward out on the moors near Morden Hall in March of 1861. When Oliver is hiding from the determined Constable Barrow in a small closet, he discovers the jewels that he was convicted of stealing. The pair come up with a plan to return the ruby necklace and get justice for them both. The House at the End of the Moor is a compelling historical novel that is well-written and moves along at a gentle pace. I enjoyed Michelle Griep’s detailed writing that captured the era. The author brought the moors alive with her vivid word imagery. I could just imagine Maggie out walking on the moors with her dog, Malcolm at her side. Maggie Lee and Oliver Ward are developed and realistic characters with a deep faith. I like how they work together to get justice and redemption. I thought it was unique that Michelle Griep made Maggie Lee an opera singer. I enjoyed the references to some beautiful operas. The treachery that had taken place was terrible and there were some truly evil individuals in this story. The violence did have me cringing, but it was realistic. Prisoners were treated terribly unless they had money to grease palms. Forgiveness, second chances and redemption were some of the Christian themes in the story. I enjoyed the Jayne Eyre references especially the one at the end. I was especially pleased with how one character made a complete life change. I like how The House at the End of the Moor combined mystery, intrigue, romance, suspense, history and faith into one fascinating novel. The House at the End of the Moor is an appealing novel that reminds you that no matter how dark the situation, He is always with you.

The House at the End of the Moor where Maggie lives

Giveaway

The House at the End of the Moor is available from Amazon*. You can find other novels by To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of the book. Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter. Good Luck! The images I used today came from Michelle Griep's Pinterest page for The House at the End of the Moor. Thank you for joining me today. On Sunday's I feature books that I was unable to when they were released. This Sunday it is The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah Ladd. It is the 2nd book in The Cornwall Novels. I hope you have a dazzling day. Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader