About the Book
Book: The Bird of Bedford Manor
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction / Regency
Release Date: February, 2026
Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.
Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it all:
- swoon-worthy romance
- clever turn-of-phrase
- colorfully memorable characters
- charming British setting
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
The Waltz: The Dance That Shocked Regency England
Post by Michelle Griep
I’ll be the first to admit it…I can’t dance a lick. Not a jig, not a reel, and certainly not anything that requires turning in rhythm without stepping on someone’s toes. If you ever spot me on a dancefloor, it’s because someone shoved me there or I lost a bet. Which is probably why the waltz both fascinates and terrifies me. A dance that actually expects you to glide gracefully while holding someone close? Absolutely not. And yet in Regency England, it became the talk of the town.
When the waltz swirled onto the dancefloors of England in the 1790s, it caused more shock than delight. Imported from Austria and southern Germany, it was a turning, closely-held dance—far too close for the comfort of polite society. Many called it indecent, warning that no respectable couple should stand chest-to-chest before a room full of onlookers. Some critics even claimed the dance “ignited dangerous feelings” and threatened to erode proper English restraint.
Shocking, right?
But fashions shift, and all it took was the Prince Regent giving the dance his approval in 1814. Overnight, the waltz transformed from scandal to sensation. By the 1820s, it was everywhere.
Here are a few fun bits of waltz trivia from the era:
• Some etiquette books warned that too much turning could cause “disorientation” or “undue excitement.”
• Early chaperones sometimes counted the number of turns, convinced it reflected a couple’s level of impropriety.
• A lady’s hemline was said to act like a “barometer” of a gentleman’s behavior—if it swayed too wildly, he was holding her too tightly.
In The Bird of Bedford Manor, set in 1820, this same world of rigid rules and whispered scandals forms the backdrop for Juliet Finch—resourceful, determined, and driven into the woods by her father’s downfall. When Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land, everything changes. What begins as a crime punishable by death becomes something far more dangerous as he charges her with tracking the stalker tormenting his sister.
Juliet can track anything. But this time, she may become the hunted.
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 24
Devoted Steps, February 24
Bizwings Blog, February 25
Book Looks by Lisa, February 25
Where Faith and Books Meet, February 25
Sylvan Musings, February 26
Sydney Schmied Books, February 26
Lily’s Corner, February 27
Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 27
Inspired by Fiction, February 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 28
Texas Book-aholic, March 1
Simple Harvest Reads, March 1 (Guest Review from Mindy)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2
Books You Can Feel Good About, March 2
For Him and My Family, March 3
The Bookish Pilgrim, March 3
Betti Mace, March 4
Cover Lover Book Review, March 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5
Blogging With Carol, March 5
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 6
Blossoms and Blessings, March 6
Stories By Gina, March 7 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 7
Holly’s Book Corner, March 8
Pause for Tales, March 8
Vicky Sluiter, March 8
Devoted To Hope, March 9
To Everything There Is A Season, March 9
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
My Thoughts
This story starts off strong with the main heroine poaching. Right from the beginning the reader is swept up into the life of Juliet and I really appreciate how the author portrays her living. The woman is fairly destitute and literally is trying to survive. It took me awhile to warm up to Henry and at times I was pretty annoyed with him. I love the bargain that is struck and the following escapades that ensue. As you can imagine, it gets interesting as both Henry and Juliet attempt to apprehend the villain. At times I did feel like the story moved a little slow. Even with the mystery element it just seemed to drag for a few chapters. There is a sweet romance thread and the book has a gothic feel to it which I love. The ending is solid and for that reason I found it to be an enjoyable read overall.
Four Stars.
"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own."
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