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  1. Rebecca Maney
    Gastonia, North Carolina
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    An Extraordinary Story!
    August 8, 2015
    Rebecca Maney
    Gastonia, North Carolina
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for A Heart Deceived.
    Reading "A Heart Deceived" was like embarking on a treasure hunt; finding gems hidden deep within its pages, precious nuggets of truth and inspiration where least expected, and discovering characters whose lasting value had been buried under layers of sediment after experiencing grotesque and unsavory experiences. When the lives of a redeemed reprobate and lovely sister of a deranged interim vicar coincide, a story erupts that exudes mystery, mayhem, and highly unlikely romance.

    It is 1795 in Bedfordshire, England and Miriall Brayden is hideously trapped in a rectory with her brother Roland, whose sanity is precariously hanging by a thread . Mourning the whereabouts of her younger brother, she is surprised one evening when a total stranger, sick and near death arrives at the back door, knowing her name and that of her missing brother. While innocently bestowing kindness, refuge and nourishment, Miri is inextricably drawn to the man, whose speech and mannerisms are that of a gentleman, but whose appearance is likened to someone who has lived a cruel existence on city streets.

    "God works powerfully lad, but for the most part gradually and gently"; the Reverend John Newton's prophetic words to Ethan Goodwin. After Ethan experiences tragedy and finds forgiveness through salvation, he flees London desperate to find Will Brayden's sister. Never mind that his friend failed to mention that Miri was breathtakingly beautiful, wore a head of riotous curls, had porcelain smooth skin, or spoke words of kindness like an angel. Over time however, nothing at this rectory is as it seems. When Ethan's past comes knocking at the door and Roland Brayden is accused of unmentionable acts, Miri finds herself caught in a tight web of mystery and deceit which threatens her very existence and that of her newfound faith.

    "Sometimes faith is a moment-by-moment thing"; Ethan's words to Miri just before their love and their future is nearly extinguished. What will it take to bring all things into the light of discovery? Michelle Griep has written an extraordinary story which deserves to be savored and quite possibly read over and over and over again.

  2. Deborha Mitchell
    Redding, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Great Book!!!
    July 4, 2013
    Deborha Mitchell
    Redding, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    A Heart Deceived by Michelle Griep

    After reading Michelle's previous book Undercurrent, I was expecting nothing less than a great read. Well, I was not disappointed. Michelle has definitely stepped it up a bit with this new release. A bit on the darker side, but so intriguing and well written. There is so much going on in A Heart Deceived, you may ask "Will I get lost?" The answer is no! Michelle does an excellent job bringing all the different aspects together and making a perfectly harmonious story.....Murder, addictions, insanity, uncertainty, heartbreak.....add to that, forgiveness, love, compassion and heroism. You will also get a close up look at what went on inside Asylums in those days....so sad.

    Best of all, Michelle brings the power of God into her story in a way that will give you goosebumps. I truly think the story ended too soon. I would love to see a sequel to this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that stirs the soul and makes your heart pound.

    I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, but was under no obligation to give a positive review.
  3. Becky
    SW MI
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Gothic Regency Highly Recommended!!
    February 11, 2022
    Becky
    SW MI
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for A Heart Deceived.
    Recently I discovered some of Michelle Griep*s earlier books that I hadn*t read. A Heart Deceived is a gripping Gothic regency, much along with the style of her latest, Lost in Darkness. In fact, A Heart Deceived could easily be a part of Griep*s newest series, Of Monsters and Men. Maybe not the physical type of monster, but a monster, nonetheless.

    I loved poor, conflicted Miri Brayden. She is torn between fearing and loving her brother, who alternates between treating her hatefully and regressing into partial insanity. Can she keep him safe and both of them housed and respected$ What will the arrival of Ethan Goodwin do to her physical and emotional stability$

    I loved Ethan because he is both despicable and charming. God gets ahold of his life through John Newton and transforms his desires. But will it be soon enough to salvage his character and keep him from reaping the whirlwind his wastrel life has sown$

    Best supporting actor award goes to John Newton, whom we meet as an older, merciful clergy who understands depravity, grace, and faith. He is not afraid to present God to the basest of society. He does so with such humor, love, directness, and confidence that one can*t help but like him. If Griep portrays him correctly, what a transformation God made in his life! Newton*s goal is then to transform as many other lives for the kingdom as possible, but he is so winsome and positive about it!

    *God believes in you. Your belief or lack of it doesn*t change His existence.* *When we are at our weakest, God*s at His strongest.*

    Michelle Griep had me smiling so many times, even as she wrote about very serious topics. Her ability to turn a phrase at a precise moment gave comic relief to extremely suspenseful scenes. I love that! *Your brother treads in dangerous waters, Miss Brayden. Dangerous and deep. See if you can talk some sense into the man.*

    Miri dipped a curtsy. She might more easily talk a chicken into giving milk. And I chortled at, *Why did it never fail that her most wicked thoughts crept out in the holiest of places$*

    Jails and insane asylums were horrible places in the regency era, and Griep provides an accurate, eerie look at both. You will think you are in either location with our hapless characters.

    The climax and resolution of this wonderful novel are superb, just like the rest of the book. The action is very quick.

    A Griep book is always full of *Notable Quotables,* treasures of words, often Biblically-based, that transcend the time into our present lives. How I love this feature of Griep*s books!

    If you haven*t discovered this early Griep work, the time to change that omission is now! Most highly recommended!!
  4. Marbie
    The Netherlands
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    July 3, 2013
    Marbie
    The Netherlands
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    A new-to-me-author, this was my first introduction with Michelle Griep's writing. This woman really can write! Usually I'm not so much into books with a sort of 'dark' setting and that's why I looked at this book for at least three times and every time decided not to request it for review, but then I did it anyway–and boy, am I glad I did!

    The author has a unique way with words that drew me into the story right away–on the first page I sat next to Miri in church and reluctantly had to let my new friend go on the last.

    The descriptions are so rich and full, I could almost feel, hear, smell, and touch them. The emotions splattered from the pages–fear, despair, unfairness, hope, love, romance!

    Extremely well written, excellent research, and a brilliant plot!!

    *Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*
  5. Ane Mulligan
    Suwanee, GA
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Historical romantic suspense at its best!!
    May 20, 2013
    Ane Mulligan
    Suwanee, GA
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Michelle Griep will keep you enthralled in A Heart Deceived. While her style is more Bronte than Austen, she weaves in a subtle yet dry humor that makes me wonder if her roots aren't dipped in the soil of the U.K. But whether Vikings or Brits, she will keep you turning the pages. Novel Rocket and I give A Heart Deceived our highest recommendation. It's a must read!
Displaying items 1-5 of 9
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