I love anything to do with Egypt, so this was right up my alley. While I didn't notice the book was labeled "Christian", it did not effect my enjoyment of the story--didn't get preachy or anything. This is the story of Ami and Edmund at their quest to save relics from being stolen or sold. It was also a classic tale of poor girl meets wealthy bachelor and they fall madly in love despite them being from different social circles. I enjoyed it and am happy to see that it is part of a new series.

Michelle Griep has a new release and it is rich with intrigue. Of Gold and Shadows is the first book in the Time’s Lost Treasures series, a Victorian era adventure involving Egyptologist Ami Dalton and Oxford’s most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price. Ami is accustomed to not belonging; raised by her widowed father, a well respected Egyptologist and Oxford professor, she developed a strong sense of self and a passion for all things Egyptian. In need of an expert, and unable to contract her father for the position, Edmund brings Ami to his country estate to value an extensive collection of artifacts. Intrigue abounds on all levels: mythical, criminal, and personal as Ami’s lesser known exploits surface to interfere with Edmund’s artifacts and someone interferes with Ami and Edmund. With intricate scene setting and relatable characters, Griep pulls us along on a goosebump inducing romp through jolly old England, minds and hearts alert for danger and romance.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

I fell straight into this story and didn’t want it to end. Griep kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved Ami and her quirks. I’m not entirely sure I believe in the behavior of the characters in light of the time period, but I didn’t mind at all. I found the whole story to be delightful.

The author dealt well with superstitions and curses, the history of artifacts and belief systems, the complexity of business verses philanthropy and greed, and while again not necessarily keeping with the time period, the author also broached the subject of imperialism and repatriation of treasures. And all of these themes were rather seamlessly woven into a page turning mystery with a romantic flair.

I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.

{Thank you to @netgalley and to Bethany House Publishers for my gifted e-copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}

This was my first novel by Michelle Griep, and I will definitely read more of her books in the future. I’m really excited that “Of Gold and Shadows” is the first book of a new series, “Time’s Lost Treasures.”

This book included so many fun elements. I loved the romance (kisses only,) faith elements, Egyptology, mystery, and suspense. Ami was the perfect quirky heroine, and Edmund made a fantastic and complex hero. I loved how each of the characters faced difficult decisions and moral dilemmas , ultimately learning to rely on God rather than their own strength and limited understanding. I also appreciated the word blindness rep! I’d never encountered a word blind character in a book before!

If you’re looking for a Victorian era, Christian historical fiction with romance and mystery, I would recommend this title! Plus, isn’t this cover beautiful? I absolutely love it!

Ami Dalton grew up the daughter of a renowned Egptologist and she's working hard to follow in his footsteps. She holds a secret identity as the Shadow Broker, seeking to find Egyptian artifacts and either place them where all can enjoy or send them back to their homeland. Her greatest desire is to one day lead an archaeological dig herself.

But when she literally stumbles into Edmund Price, England's most eligible bachelor, her short-term goals are sidetracked. Edmund has imported a shipment of Egyptian artifacts and needs someone to evaluate them and price them to sell quickly. Ami agrees to help with the ulterior motive of convincing him to sell them not to the public but to a museum in Cairo.

Edmund has never met anyone like Ami. She cares about different things and expresses herself unlike any woman he's ever met. It's refreshing to meet a female who isn't chasing after him. When strange things begin happening around his manor home, could they be related to the curse of the golden griffin than was found in one of his crates? Or is something more sinister and human in nature at work?

This is an adventurous novel full of intrigue and romance. I enjoyed the main characters and found them to be believable and worth cheering for. Though I saw some of the twists and turns coming, others took me by surprise. The romance was sweet and clean. I actually thought there was a little too much romance for my taste, if only because it seemed to dominate the middle part of the story. Your taste may differ. There are also beautiful layers of faith that will stir your heart even as the story stirs your imagination.

I'd recommend this story for all fans of historical romance with threads of suspense.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

The cover is bold and the same can be said for our characters. Especially, the FMC Miss Ami Dalton! The banter between Ami and Edmund was perfection and the slow burn romance intertwined with the overall story was so well done. The mysteries behind shadow brokering, cursed relics and Edmund’s past was intriguing.

I also connected to the message, in that our imperfections ‘are not signs of weakness but opportunities for God’s love to be made perfect.’ A true testament to that was Edmund’s poem and Ami’s ability to ‘balance preserving the past while existing in the present.’

Overall, Of Gold and Shadows has it all, faith, humor, heart, mystery and more! I need more gothic stories with Egyptologist’s set in the Victorian era because this was brilliant. If you enjoy slow burn, workplace romances told in multipov, I highly recommend you check this out.

Thank you @michellegriep @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose for my gifted copies for the tour.

Oh this was a fun one! I loved the combination of Egyptian artifacts and a female historian and a good mystery mixed in. This time my hunch was not so far off.
Ami Dalton was such a fun heroine! I loved seeing her at work in her field, and that she took a stand for things in an era when it was practically unheard of for females to be involved in those things.
The artifacts, the Egyptian history, the setting, and the other characters all combine to make this an unforgettable tale.
As I already stated, I loved the mystery in this book, and I enjoyed seeing how the solving of it all fell into place.
Michelle Griep remains one of my favorite historical fiction authors.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Of Gold And Shadows was the perfect choice for the longer nights of Autumn. Atmospheric in its setting, this novel’s nod to Victorian England includes the fascination with all things Egyptian and Charles Dickens. Ami Dalton is an aspiring Egyptologist set on proving that women can have expertise in the area of archeology. She teams up with the much sought after Edmund Price as she values his large haul of antiquities. Ancient curses, political machinations, scheming partners, and a thoroughly despicable villain combine to make this an intriguing and fun read. But it is Ami and Edmund’s immediate chemistry that made me love this book. The opposites attract trope was skillfully handled with these two quirky and lovable characters. The book has a twistingly good mystery as well — I thought I knew what was going on, but boy was I surprised. I liked that a lot!

So if you love a historical novel that immerses you in a long gone time and place, gives you a fun reading romp, and satisfies your desire for an HEA, then Of Gold And Shadows is for you. An added bonus is this is just the first installment in Griep’s Time’s Lost Treasure series. More great reading to come!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

#BookReview : OF GOLD AND SHADOWS by Michelle Griep

“The truth is, Mr. Fletcher, that good and bad things occur every minute of every day, yet God is sovereign over all. Nothing happens that is not by His design.”

Ami, an Egyptologist by passion and a Shadow Broker by necessity, dedicates herself to recovering stolen artifacts and returning them to their rightful home in Egypt. Edmund Price, a wealthy English businessman and eligible bachelor, seeks a professional to appraise his extensive collection.
Their initial encounter was both humorous and endearing. Their subsequent interactions and witty banter were both entertaining and informative, showcasing excellent chemistry. The added elements of mystery and danger further captivated my interest. However, what truly resonated with me were their heartfelt prayers to God and Edmund’s poignant poetry.
Christian historical romance readers will undoubtedly appreciate this book. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.


Rating: 5 ⭐
Series : Time's Lost Treasures, book 1
Pub date: Sep 24 2024

Thank you Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I absolutely loved this book and found it delightful in every way! The pacing and characterizations were perfection, and I was intrigued by every single story line! Both main characters were relatable, and as the reader, I was cheering for them from the beginning. I am very excited for the next book in this series! Highly recommend, especially for readers who enjoy Roseanna White's books and/or Tracy Higley's Sahara Aldridge books!

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley but promptly bought the paperback to share and reread!

This is my first book by Griep. I saw this book on Bookstagram so much that I decided to try it. It was an interesting read. The Egyptian mythology and history was definitely a unique addition. Our heroine is definitely a wild one - in clothes, attitude, profession, and side hobbies. She was a character. Our hero had some downsides with the wool being pulled over his eyes a bit. I had some times of frustration with them both. I may or may not have shouted a time or two. Lol. This is a Christian historical romance with suspense. It was a good read.

I couldn't finish it. The romance was just too cheesy, and the repetition of the romantic thoughts was just not for me. I also never really felt captured by the story itself. The story elements just seemed very surface level, or there was an extensive explanation of detail that didn't capture me into the story more. There may be an audience who enjoys this book, but for me personally I didn't enjoy it.

This story was such and enjoyable read! The pages were brimming with history of artifacts from ancient Egypt and it made every page feel like a discovery of a new ancient relic. From cursed artifacts to midnight deals in the shadows, this book kept me invested until the final pages. The romance between Ami and Edmund was natural and developed beautifully between them. The hint of mystery kept me guessing and added another layer to this story! There were a few twists in this story which will keep the reader guessing, which I love! The Victorian setting was the perfect backdrop for this story! I will definitely be continuing this series and am so excited that the author has already released the title of book two!

Here is the latest release from gothic Christian fiction author Michelle Griep. I loved her previous novels, so I was eager to dive into her new series. I did however remember from my previous experiences with her novels to not get to attached to any characters.

I loved Ami. She was such a great "take me as I am" character who wasn't going to change her values or personality for anyone. She was strong. Bold. Courageous. But had a heart that wanted to be loved and valued. She bravely explored a career that was considered UNWOMANLY with no apologies for her interests. I loved her haphazard dressing. That peacock dress must have been something else. LOL.

I also appreciated that she overcame her attitude towards the other young lady and realized that she too was trapped in societal rules.

Ed*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own. ward Price was a darling. I loved how he cherished Ami and made her feel valued. It gave her a glimpse of God and affected her behaviors. They were both strong and capable and recognized the strength in each other. I also liked that the author explore his flaw in his reading/writing and allowed him to heal through Ami's reaction to it.

A solid story and I can't wait to see Bram's story in the next book.

4 Stars

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book to review. All opinons are 100% my own.

I have read several of Michelle Griep's books, and I think this is my favorite! There is a little mystery, a sweet love story, and a lot of Egyptian artifacts! This was a low stress (but very engaging) read. While the story is simple to follow, I have to admit that I did not see the plot twist coming!

I received an arc via Netgalley, but all opinions are my own!

The Goods✨
•Shadow Broker
•Victorian England
•”Bosh!”
•her mismatched clothing
•Mr. Problem Solver
•a most eligible bachelor
•Egyptologist fmc
•superstitions
•the lobster
•odd happenings
•caretaking
•flirty banter
•strangers to more
•the poems 🥹

This was a fun, refreshing read. Edmund is Oxford’s most eligible bachelor and Ami could care less; they made the perfect pair. I absolutely loved their meet cute. Their love was formed through the bonds of friendship and a mutual respect and adoration for each other. I love a man who, especially in earlier time periods, is not threatened by a strong, independent woman. Edmund lifted Ami up in every way and was always encouraging her.

It was so easy to get into this book. Michelle Griep is so good at weaving such a detailed story. The pacing was perfect and the balance of mystery and romance kept me turning the pages. I also appreciate the light faith thread woven throughout the story. I’m so excited to see where this series goes.

Content: kisses

Thank you to Bethany House, Austenprose and the author for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

Of Gold and Shadows is a mix of historical mystery, romance, and Christian fiction genres.

👑 Set in Victorian England,
❤️ The romance was insta love, but both our main characters were reluctant to admit it,
🚫 There was really no third act breakup or miscommunication, which I super loved,
🔍The mystery was a slow burn mystery, but when it really got going there was some heart-pounding action.

I'm particular to stories with strong women who buck social conventions, especially during the time periods where women were so restricted and not terribly respected. Ami was a great character, one who knew her mind, wasn't afraid to speak it, and wasn't worried about the things that other young women were worried about. But, the authour kept it real for the time also, as Ami was modest and proper in some regards, like with her reputation.

I enjoyed the setting for this story. I love stories set during this time period in England.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Our main character, Ami Dalton, is an aspiring Egyptologist, learning everything she knows from her father who is a renowned Professor at Oxford. Back in 1888, it was difficult for a women to be recognized for having skills beyond marrying a man. So, when eligible bachelor Edmund Price shows up to seek her father's assistance in valuing some Egyptian artifacts she's thrilled that he'll take her assistance since her father is not in the country.

There is more to both Ami and Edmund than meets the eye and they both find themselves attracted to the other. But, danger lurks around the corner and Ami finds herself in a terrible position, can Edmund get to her before something tragic happens.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Overall, this story was an enjoyable read and I'd definitely recommend for historical mystery and romance fans.

Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Of Gold and Shadows is a delight from start to finish. There’s something so magnetic and charming about Griep’s writing, and that was on full display here. I was immediately enchanted by her prose, her characters, and the world into which she placed them. The plot moves along at a steady clip, though the relationships being built are just as important as the story being told. This book was just exactly what I was hoping for when I reached for it.

In Victorian London, Egyptology is definitely a man’s game. Ami Dalton is determined to break into it anyway. The daughter of a renowned professor and archaeologist specializing in all things Egyptian, Ami was raised on stories that embedded within her heart a deep love for the region and its history. Her knowledge and expertise rival that of any man in her field. When Edward Price—business man, aspiring politician, and the most eligible bachelor in Oxford—needs someone to appraise a shipment of Egyptian artifacts, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. Both are determined to keep their relationship purely professional, but we all know how that story goes. But along their way to romance, nefarious villains, past hurts, and catty heiresses hinder their growth. Can they over come all of this hurdles—along with a potential Egyptian curse—and find happiness together?

My favorite aspects of this novel were the characters and the voice Griep adopted in the telling of her tale. Let’s start with the characters. Ami is an absolute delight. I love her spunk and her quick mind. I also love her complete lack of knowledge or care when it comes to fashion. She is a great balance of proper and scrappy, making her a really fun heroine who bucks against the cultural norms of her times while still maintaining a lovely sense of dignity. Ami is so passionate about history and artifacts and the preservation of both. She deeply loves her work. But even she is not entirely above superstition. However, she fights these brief lapses into superstition by leaning more firmly into her faith. Our male lead is Ami's polar opposite. Edmund is a well-to-do business owner and aspiring politician who attracts women like bees to honey. Which is unfortunate, as he seems to be allergic. I found him sweetly charming, and I was rooting for him as he battled the internal demons of his past, as well as a painful secret that impacted his everyday life.

There are similarities between the two that give them a deep bond, and differences between them that ensure interest and intrigue. Their banter is delightful right off the bat; it’s quippy and witty and pretty darn adorable. Both leads are ambitious in different ways, but those ambitions are largely for the benefit of others, not only themselves. They're each fighting imperialism in their own way, from inside the system. Even as they recognize their own privilege within it. They also share a strong sense of morality, both in their chosen fields and in their lives at large. That morality stems from a shared faith, which both parties take serious and which permeates their lives. Theirs is more than a Sunday faith. Much of the faith in the novel is expressed in the prayers of the central characters. Their prayers rang as heartfelt, especially those prayed in dire circumstances. There were also a few instances of discussion centered on faith that I found incredibly well presented.

And then there’s the writing. The voice and tone Griep chose to utilize perfectly suit the period. I found the telling of the story as charming and cozy as the story being told. I also appreciate the humor that courses through the narrative, and how it offsets some of the drama. The voice harkens back to the writings of the time period in which she set her story, but without ever feeling stuffy. I love that balance between historical and modern. At one point we are introduced to Ami’s hobby—the penning of short stories. The snippet of story within the story--Ami's writing--was beautifully written, in a far different voice than the main body. It really showcased Griep's skill.

I did have a couple of issues with the story, but they were very minor. There was a "twist" early on that I saw through immediately, and I was irritated that our main characters were blind to it for so long. The reveal for this was made in the last few pages of the book, and I thought that went on for far too long. I understand how it served the story, but it bothered me. My other small issues are some that I have with most historical romances. The romance itself was just a tad over the top. The crises around the 80% mark are also more than a touch overwrought. But this type of melodrama is par for the course with many--or even most--such period pieces. At least this was balanced by the sweetness and the humor, and didn't saturate the entire narrative.

Of Gold and Shadows is the second book I’ve read from Griep, and I can already tell that she’s going to be a new comfort author for me. I love her balance of humor and drama, of compelling plot and romance, and how faith courses through all of it. Of Gold and Shadows is the first installment in a loose duology, Time’s Lost Treasures, and I’m really looking forward to reading the second. In the meantime, I’m excited to dig into her back catalogue!

This perfectly charming Victorian mystery is filled with Gothic elements, true love, and archaeological artifacts. It’s an enjoyable page-turner that takes the reader on an adventurous journey. Ami and Edmund have personal obstacles to overcome—Edmund, who has dyslexia, hides it well, but his past hurts prevent him from forming close relationships. Meanwhile, Ami struggles to find her self-worth.

Ami and Edmund share amazing chemistry, and their witty banter is hilarious. Their romance is sweet, and I loved how it developed over time. Their playful exchanges were flirty and fun, and their kisses were simply perfect.

This is another fantastic historical novel by Michelle Griep! With a blend of intrigue, adventure, mystery, romance, and humor, it truly stands out as a great read!

I highly recommend this book. It had a bit of mystery surrounding a curse on a golden statue. It involves a female Egyptologist trying to make her way in a male dominated role, and an elusive famed bachelor returning to England. As Ami works for Mr. Price, he quickly comes to appreciate her wit and joy, compassion, as well a her unique knowledge of antiquities. I enjoyed their rapport.

Both Ami and Edmund have things they need to get past. Ami struggles with where to find her worth. There were a few things that seemed off but it was intentional and everything came out right in the end. It was hard to put this book down.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.