 |
| The Captive Heart |
The Captive Heart By Michelle Griep
Shiloh Run Press, October 1, 2016
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars!~
(No Spoilers!)
Captivating!
In The Captive Heart, author Michelle Griep pens a spellbinding saga that sweeps the reader away to the heart of the strikingly beautiful, but perilous wilderness of South Carolina—fraught on every hand with wild animals, savage Indians, harsh elements, and unscrupulous, evil men.
After her brute of an employer makes unwanted advances towards her, elegant English governess, Eleanor Morgan, has little choice but to flee to the colonies. When the family she is to work for never shows up, Eleanor is forced to settle for the only option available—marriage to a trapper and tracker who is determined to find a mother for his little girl, Grace.
Samuel Heath is looked upon by many as a murderer with a scarred face, hair as wild as a Gypsy's, and piercing, penetrating eyes. Eleanor finds him quite frightening and enigmatic, but in spite of his brawny, formidable persona, he treats her as one should a lady—never stepping beyond the bounds of propriety—while continuing to protect her from dreadfully precarious situations. Just who is this mysterious man and why do the Cherokee Indians hold him in such high esteem, but not the gossiping townsfolk? And why does the prim governess's heart do a strange dance when he draws a bit too close for comfort?
I have heard so many marvelous things about this author that my curiosity finally got the best of me and I decided to read her work. WOW! Talk about someone's heart doing a strange dance!? Mine was definitely racing out of control right along with Eleanor's during a wild animal attack, a terrible forest fire, and umm, well...definitely every time the the hunky hero showed up on the scene! lol Michelle Griep knows how to write an emotionally gripping novel that keeps the reader glued to every page...with complex, multi-faceted characters, descriptive prose, and suspense! Not to mention breathtaking romantic tension that left me weak in the knees. Oh my! I'm definitely a new fan and anxiously await her next book! If you don't read another novel again this year —
BE.SURE.NOT.TO.MISS.THIS.ONE!
GIVEAWAY: Michelle Griep is generously offering a paperback copy of The Captive Heart to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only.) Please be sure to leave your email address for contact purposes should your name be drawn - written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
Yes!! I'm so glad you've finally read a book of Michelle's! :) I knew you would absolutely love her gifted writing! And wow, after reading your review, The Captive Heart is going to the top of my wish list! How glad I am that Christmas is coming. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou definitely must read it, Noela! It captivated me from page 1! I have Brentwood's Ward and I have yet to squeeze it in. But squeeze it in I shall! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteNoela, sounds like you're familiar with Michelle AND you love her writing! Is Brentwood's Ward one of her's?? I saw that on social media before. I'll need to look her up! Thanks ladies!
DeleteYes, Brentwood's Ward is one of hers, JC! I've heard fantastic things about it, too!
DeleteOh and don't forget 'A Heart Decieved' ladies! That book of Michelle's was what introduced me to her writing. It is a stunning, moving novel and one of my all time favorite books. :)
DeleteOur dear friend, Marian, spoke very highly of that one, NOELA! I HAD forgotten about it and I think it's also on my Kindle. Oh, when to find the time to read all of these delectable books? I always feel so disheartened when I have to let some of them slip through my fingers bc I don't have time to read them all. wahhh
DeleteSo many books, so little time, right girls? Thanks for the sweet words! If I had enough books and postage moolah, I'd mail you all copies of everything. Hey, maybe that's what I should put on my Christmas list, eh?
DeleteI like the way you think, MICHELLE! I love getting books for Christmas which is why my family members know to include an Amazon card in there somewhere! My bday is 5 days before Christmas so my poor family. lol
DeleteAmazing review!! Bravo!! I have this on kindle and can't wait to read it!!!! Anything colonial and I can't stay away, that's for sure!! ;) LOL
ReplyDeleteAMBER, thank you! You are in for a treat delicious readers' treat, my friend! ENJOY!
DeleteEnjoy your visit to the past, Amber!
DeleteWOW! I need this book. I look forward to reading. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteohiohomeschool at gmail dot com.
Yes, you do, OHIOHOMESCHOOL! I wouldn't steer you wrong. Warning however...you will find it hard to put down so you may have to take a short vacay from homeschooling. LOL!
DeleteHey, I homeschooled my four kiddos as well. Yay homeschoolers!
DeleteLooking so forward to reading this new book!
ReplyDeleteYou will surely enjoy Eleanor and Heath's story, JANIE! Good luck!
DeleteOh, please be sure and leave your email addy for contact purposes should your name be drawn. Thanks, JANIE!
DeleteThanks, Janie...it was a joy to write.
DeleteDiana!! My heart literally did some dancing when I read your review. Michelle is also a new author to me, and I've heard such great things about this book lately! I really need to get my hands on this one. OK, please put me in the giveaway pot! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnnie
justcommonlyATgmailDOTcom
Hi, ANNIE! Ohhh, your heart will melt to your toes -- after the dancing! haha I just tossed your name in my cyber hat, er pot rather. ;)
DeleteI love dancing readers. Go for it...but not too much. I don't want to be responsible for any cardiovascular problems.
DeleteGreat review! I'm really looking forward to reading it now!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
DeleteThank you, HEIDI! It'll grab you from page one! Good luck in the drawing, dear friend!
DeleteAnd I'm looking forward to you reading it as well!
DeleteThis sound like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteJoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com
It is indeed, JOAN!
DeleteHere's hoping you win!
DeleteI would love to win this wonderful book. Thank you for this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com
You're quite welcome, MARION!
DeleteI would love for you to win it!
DeleteWhat a lovely book. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
ReplyDeleteMarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com
Michelle is a wonderful author, MARILYN!
DeleteDiana is starting to make me blush. Can I just give a quick shout out to her sweet review? And thanks, Marilyn, for stopping by to read it!
DeleteNow who's blushing? Thank you, MICHELLE.
DeleteI became a fan of Michelle's books when I read Brentwood's Ward. Thanks for this great review of The Captive Heart. It's been on my "want to read" list since I first heard of it.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
PAM, I so hope you get the chance to read it! It is awesome! Keep your fingers crossed!
DeleteIf you loved Nicholas, then I think you'll love Samuel as well.
DeleteI read the sample and want to read the rest so badly now!
ReplyDeleteandreastephens (at) yahoo (dot)com
Welcome to OWG, ANDREA! I was hooked from the very first page as well! Perhaps you'll win a copy here so that you may continue on with the story. Lotsa luck!
DeleteHey, great idea Andrea. There is a preview on Amazon for free. Thanks for the reminder.
DeleteI HAVE Brentwood's Ward and it's sitting on my keeper shelf. I'm a bit greedy with it and have a hard time loaning it out, but no problem recommending it. Isn't that what libraries are for. haha Anyway, from the sound of it, this book will be joining it, as well. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteTERRILL, how are you!? Yes, do reserve a spot right next to BW and you may not want to loan this one out either. Unless it's to a guest who will be staying in your home for a week or so. LOL
DeleteAww! I am honored to have made it to your keeper shelf. You made my day!
DeleteOh my goodness! THE CAPTIVE HEART sounds like a real page turner! Thanks so much for sharing your review Diana! rw620 AT aol DOT com
ReplyDeleteThat's my goal...to never give a reader the desire to put down a story until they've finished it. Makes it kind of hard to get your housework done, though. Might want to buy a frozen pizza or two for dinner.
DeleteMichelle accomplished her goal, ROBIN! I only put this one down out of necessity. So yeah, frozen pizzas or let the hubs cook while reading! lol You're so welcome and God bless!
DeleteDefinitely sounds "captivating"!
ReplyDeleteAshley_penn (at) live (dot) com.
Methinks you are a writer, Ashley! Good luck.
DeleteTotally, ASHLEY! From pg. one!
DeleteOh, that definitely sounds like my kind of story! I love checking out new authors! Trdivincenzo (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteMichelle Griep is definitely one to keep your eyes on, TERI! Her books A Heart Deceived, Brentwood's Ward, and now this one have gotten many a rave review by readers! I hope you get the chance to read A Captive Heart ASAP!
Delete**I just found out that Michelle Griep's new colonial era release, A CAPTIVE HEART, is at #1 on the Amazon Christian historical new releases! Congrats, Michelle!**
ReplyDeleteIf you don't win here be sure and order your copy Sunday eve after the drawing! :)
What a book! It sounds wonderful. And what a beautiful cover!
ReplyDeleteIt's just beautiful through and through, MELANIE! I know you will enjoy Heath and Eleanor's story!
DeleteMELANIE, please be sure and leave your email addy for contact purposes although am thinking I may have yours in my contacts. Not absolutely positive though. Thanks!
DeleteThanks for your beautiful review, Diana - I loved this book and found it hard to put down, to say 'The Captive Heart' captivated my reader's heart is an understatement. I only hope my review of it was captivating enough to entice many readers to read the book. It reminded me somewhat of Laura Frantz's writing - who is one of my very favorite authors.
ReplyDeleteThank you, BONNIE! I knew that I wouldn't be able to do this captivating book justice in a review, but I gave it my best shot. So I totally get what you're saying. I agree with you about this book reminding me of Laura Frantz's writing. I kept thinking that while I was reading it. They are both fabulous authors! Thank you for sharing, Bonnie.
DeleteOh my, I loved this review Diana. So, your knees got weak, huh? LOL I love books back in this time. I do not have a book from Michelle but might be selfish, but I would love to be that one blessed commenter.(( Hugs)) to all of my OWG girls. May GOD continue to bless each of you. Maxie > mac262@me.com <
ReplyDeleteActually not just my knees, MAXIE! My whole legs! lol I don't think you are selfish at all! Am also hoping for a win for you and perhaps random number will love you just as much as we do here at OWG! Hugs right back your way and blessings as well!
DeleteWonderful review, Diana! This story sounds wonderful - thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletebettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, BETTI! I'm convinced you will absolutely love this one! Good luck in the contest.
DeleteBeautiful review for a beautiful book. TY for the chance. God bless.
ReplyDeleteThank you, LUCY!! Blessings back your way!!
DeleteThank you Diana for this great review! Sounds like an exciting book I should definitely read! Love historical stories and this one sounds like a gem!! Thanks also to Michelle for writing this wonderful book,always appreciate an author who gives us readers another great adventure! Thanks for the giveaway,too! lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, LYNNE! This book definitely is one to treasure. I just got totally lost within its pages, and that is the kind of book I love!
DeleteWow!!! Now this is a glowing review! I've read one of Michelle's books but can see that I have been desperately remiss in not reading anymore. ;-) Toss my name in the hat, er...random number generator :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Hi, dear ANNE! This is just one of those books that no matter how hard you try, you just can't do it justice in a review. You can't miss out on this one, Anne!! Let's hope random number just loves you! haha
DeleteCongrats to Robin in NC who won a copy of The Captive Heart via random number generator! Will be emailing you, Robin!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you meant to say Anne in VA!
DeleteJust kidding! haha
Congrats to Robin in NC!!!
You're so funny, Anne! Sorry random number was not nice to you -- this time. ;)
DeleteJust got it out of the mail box! Yay!!! Thanks so much! Please thank Michelle for me too. I also love her magnetic book mark!! So smart! <3
Delete