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Tuesday, April 21, 2020

The House at the End of the Moor



What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?

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.

My thoughts: I thought that this book was exceptionally well written, since the story reflects a bit of the Moors that it is set on. I thought that the history was fascinating, both the side of what opera singers had to endure in the 1800's due to the reputation of those on the stage, as well as learning more about Dartmoor prison (which, fascinatingly, still functions as a prison today.). The mystery is wonderful too, with trying to figure out how the different pieces go together. I also love the redemption of one of the characters, since it was not an easy story to write. I think too often, I would figure someone like that might be "to far gone" to experience a change of heart, but God can work miracles. I love that Michelle tackles that with this story, since a lot of Christian authors write characters like this one off.
Suffice it to say, this is a wonderful story to pick up!
I received this story from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here:

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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
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.

For a complete list of blog stops, go here!

Giveaway!
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 the link here to enter.

7 comments:

  1. Sounds like a book I will enjoy.

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    1. Hopefully you'll enjoy it soon...maybe you'll be a lucky duck winner!

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  2. This sounds like a very intriguing read.

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    1. Intrigue abounds when there's an escaped convict involved ;)

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  3. Michelle is one of my MUST read authors! I'm excited to read this new release!

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