The Noble Guardian

3.5 stars

This was an interesting and edge-of-your seat story in many parts, as a legendary robber tries to hunt down the prey his brother was hunting when the hero killed the brother in order to protect the lady. Whew...dark bad guy here. Very Dickensian sort of character, the type to fully indulge in trying to overthrow the law completely.

I very much loved how strong the Scriptural bits of the story were. Sadly, you don't see much in the way of Christian lessons in “Christian” fiction nowadays, and I loved that this story gave me some real meat to think over. That's what I want when I pick up a Christian book.

In contrast, however, it also included five actual profanities. Not euphemisms–profanity. I was hugely disappointed to find these words in a book that was also teaching a great Christian lesson. To use the name of God as an exclamation or an expression of surprise of dismay makes my soul hurt. This really dimmed my enjoyment of an otherwise excellent book.

I enjoyed Thatcher and felt drawn to Abigail, but it was sweet little Emma who really stole my heart and made me worry for the ending. What a perfect addition she was to the story!

I wish the ending hadn't come so fast, but the final glimpse was sweet.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.