Another exciting adventure through the back alleys of Victorian London. The story picks up where the first book ended. Mysteries are solved from the past and present, adding up to make an interesting, multi-layered plot.

"Love is always worth fighting for."

This author knows how to keep the story moving with colorful characters who seem to have a nose for trouble. Curiosity nearly kills Kat when she puts herself into dangerous situations. Her determination and self-reliance seem to often put her at odds with Jackson. Secrets, though well intentioned, cause mistrust, and the couple has to learn some lessons in forgiveness, work out their issues, and decide what they both want for the future. Some twists and turns made me wonder how it would end.

I liked the addition of Jackson's family in the story, especially his sweet brother. Kat's friend, Martha, is a special person, lending an ear and giving good relationship counsel. There are some soul searching moments and both main characters grow in faith and understanding through their trials.
A satisfying read from start to finish. Recommend!

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

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I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Kit Turner and Jackson Forge in The Thief of Blackfrairs Lane, so I was eager for the next installment of their adventures, and The Bride of Blackfriars Lane delivered! The second book in the series picked up soon after the first book's conclusion so readers should definitely read these in order.

Constable Jackson and his fiance Kit work together to investigate crimes in 1885 London. In between getting themselves into all sorts of dangerous predicaments, they plan to marry and begin the next chapter of their lives. However, on the morning of the ceremony, only one of them is at the altar, but the other has a good reason for their absence. Will they ever say "I do."?

Michelle Griep writes great action scenes that put readers in the "front row" for it all - I'd love to see these novels adapted into a limited TV series. She's also skilled at conveying the muck and mire of the gritty side of London these characters inhabit. The plot includes lots of unsavory people and circumstances, but the author balances it with flashes of humor and a constant thread of faith and God's goodness. Kit and Jackson's backstories are also shared, which helps them feel more fully formed.

The only part of the story I didn't enjoy was the prolonged time Kit and Jackson were at odds with each other; their misunderstandings could've been resolved with a conversation or two. As a result, the middle section of the novel dragged. But the pace picked up in the final quarter, and I was curious about the details of the ending until the final page. Will there be a third book in this series?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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