Brentwood's Ward (The Bow Street Runners Trilogy) (Volume 1) Paperback – January 1, 2015

I read and loved The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep a few years ago. I knew I wanted to read more of her work after just that one experience. Later I saw The Innkeeper's Daughter as a freebie on Amazon and snatched it up. However, I didn't know it was the 2nd in a series until after the fact so I put off reading it. Then I came across The Noble Guardian (book 3 in the same series) available for review on NetGalley and snatched it up as well. The only thing left to do was purchase Brentwood's Ward and get started on the series praying that I wouldn't be disappointed with Michelle Griep's writing style and thus be uninterested in reading all three books. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed at all.Emily Payne appears completely spoiled. Her cares seem to be only as deep as caring for her dog and finding the perfect dress or accessories this season to snag the richest husband she can find. Of course, things aren't so simple as that, and Emily certainly has deeper cares and concerns. She does have to learn that life is more than securing a rich husband. And her father's disappearance leaving her in the hands of what basically amounts to a *police officer starts her lessons off with a bang. She quickly learns that it's better to have Nicholas as an ally than an enemy.Nicholas takes the job of guarding a spoiled socialite for the sole purpose of obtaining the funds to help his dying sister. She needs a miracle, and Nicholas believes that if he can just get her into a better situation she will have what she needs to get better. Yet this job turns out to be more than he ever expected. Emily's father turns up dead. His business partner also turns up dead. And someone is coming after Emily in an attempt to collect on her father's bad debts. Nicholas has to figure out who and how to stop them. But he didn't expect to find himself falling for his ward.Favorite quotes:-Nothing was more torturous than dressing in garments tighter than a straightjacket while eating fish bait served on fine china.-"A person's character is most clearly seen not by what they show, but what they hide."-Why did emptiness weigh so much?-"Marriage is a lifelong commitment. Do not run headlong through a door that will lock tight behind you, without first discovering what's on the other side."-"No one escapes this life without scars, Miss Payne. Not even God."-Truly, was there anything more horrific than peering at one's own self?*Michelle Griep has an author's note at the end of Brentwood's Ward that gives a brief history on who and what the Bow Street Runners were. I found this entire idea completely fascinating, and I'm finding that I love not only this time period for the normal aspects of it, but also for the stories that cover situations that aren't the norm or weren't the norm at the time. I'm looking forward to finishing this series and finding out more about these fictional Bow Street Runners.I didn't want to stop reading Brentwood's Ward. Considering I've been in a small reading slump for over a month this was much needed and helped me break free of my rut. I loved the development between Nicholas and Emily. Each made the other try to better themselves without the entire relationship being about trying to better themselves if that makes sense. I found the Bow Street Runners concept completely fascinating and original. And I'm looking forward to continuing the series. Brentwood's Ward gets 4 Stars. Have you read Brentwood's Ward? What did you think? Let me know!

Loved the characters the intense emotions and the time period will recommend to friends too read on to next books

I've read many books--novels, teachings, biographies, etc. But out of the plethora of genres, I particularly enjoy fiction and enjoy a myriad of genres in the fiction category. Out of all the authors that I've read, Michelle Griep has a distinct voice, and her writing is mastery. I only hope that she writes more. Currently reading one of her other books "A Heart Deceived" and I'm sold that this author is very gifted. Between the imagery, poetic writing, flow, transitions... The best that I can describe it is that feeling of "this is why I finished her book, and in such a short amount of time, while I put down so many others". I've read "Undercurrent" as well, but I believe this one so far is my favorite (which is relative).Just like any book, I know that it can have limitations, and sometimes it's just a matter of preference--what others perceive as an issue, I wouldn't and vice versa. (And to me it truly becomes an issue if it goes against clear teachings of the Word of God--like if the book would insinuate something like Jesus was only a prophet, not the Son of God). Knowing that, I give this book 5 stars because I believe giving it 4 (because of its limitations) does not reflect that it's a very worthwhile read which touches on subjects that will resound in our hearts. Do I think it can be more holistic--with subject matter, character development (not just individually but the characters as a couple), especially spiritual and Biblical topics since she chose to touch on it? Yes. But again, I often feel that with many books and I understand that a perfect work to some may not be to others. And it is hard work--very much so-- to make a book holistic and I believe this book was not a lazy work. At all.Thank you, Michelle Griep. I pray the Lord continues to bless you with divine inspiration that will shine in such a dark world. For as Ted Dekker said "story is the shortest distance between the heart and the truth". And we need to reach many hearts and through story, shine the light of truth upon them. This was a fun book, but also one that touched my heart. For the relationship between a man and a woman, ultimately to be bound in marriage, reflect the image of God. Genesis 1-2 certainly tells us that. And that's why stories about a man and a woman, when it is in the way God intended, touch and resonate with us so much. Because they are inspiring our hearts with the very image of God. I respect and commend authors, and thank the Lord for them.

Entertaining story and interesting historical setting. I like this author's style and I've read several of her books and this one too was good. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

Another great Author I have discovered. Gripping tale with lots of twists. Well worth a read to fans of mysteries, murder, etc in Regency times. Highly recommended.

Fast paced mystery, detective story laced with humour, compassion and a great deal of common sense. The hero is a character you can't help but respect.

Very interesting although the h got on my nerves at times. I admired the H who was a strong no-nonsense guy who cared for his ailing sister. There were some loose ends that could have been tied up with the secondary characters but overall it was a good story.I will recommend this novel.

This was a well written book. I enjoyed it, although I'm not a fan of the inspirational genre. It was sweet, interesting and clean and that's what I like.