Of Gold and Shadows is a great fall read. While not dark and suspenseful like some of Griep other novels, I feel like this delves deeper into the characters. Ami feels like she has something to prove in a male-dominant career while Edmund has to prove he is more than just a rich bachelor. I really liked the artifact storyline and wished there was a little more details on that. There is good pace for most of the novel, but I feel like the ending was a little fast. Speaking of the ending... I wasn't prepared for that surprise.

What a great story! And a stunning cover that captures it!

I loved everything about this new novel from Michelle Griep. There’s mystery, slow-burn romance, quirky characters, incredible detail and a well-paced story that kept me turning the pages well into the night.

I think Ami is one of my new favourite characters! She loves Egyptology and is trying to make her footprint in the academic world, living in the shadow of her renowned Egyptologist father. She’s an odd duck – dresses contrary to societal expectations, isn’t concerned about social etiquette, and is focused solely on rescuing relics from Egypt to give back to the Egyptian people. Her drive is admirable and I love her humour.

Edmund Price is a swoony hero who has dyslexia and hides it well. His hurt from the past keeps him from getting close to anyone. But Ami…yes. Love their story!! Edmund is a fantastic hero, one who values loyalty to the extent of sacrificing his own comforts to help another.

There are some delightful twists to this story – including the criminal underworld. Characters aplenty – some questionable and others completely endearing.

It’s a great story with a light faith thread.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Of Gold and Shadows is such a fantastic story! The descriptive imagery made me feel as if I was in the story. Sometimes books can get weighed down with too much description, but we don’t have that issue with this one. You’re given just enough to help you really picture the scene and artifacts, without being too wordy. I was hooked from the first page and didn’t want to put the book down until I was finished.
I loved Ami and Edmund together. Their romance was so sweet and I loved how it developed. Their banter was flirty and fun, their kisses were perfection, and I loved how they really tried to understand each other.
This book had Biblical truth, a lot of twists and turns, was full of suspense, a bit of a mystery, and quite a few (not so bright) villains.
Of Gold and Shadows may have just tied with A Captivate Heart as my favorite Michelle Griep book/s.

“There’s a connection between teamwork and achievement, you know. Just like bees, people can accomplish so much more if they work together toward a common goal instead of insisting upon selfish ambitions.”

This book ticked all the boxes for me:
✔️Strong and intelligent female protagonist with just the right amount of sassy
“You will soon find I am not the average female. My head is turned by a finely wrapped, mummified corpse, not a flesh-and-blood pile of muscles.”
✔️captivating historical timeline with just the right amount of romance
✔️captivating mystery with dark secrets and legends
✔️Egypt - a great balance between cultural heritage and antiquities

I loved being prompted to Google:
Excelsior, bee skep, Lady Margaret Hall, and shadow brokering.

Themes I enjoyed:
✔️What we do when we find we’re missing out on recognition we feel we should have deserved
✔️What we do when we’ve got a commitment to honor, but it’s easier to quit and move on
✔️What we do when we find ourselves in a hazardous situation but we need to carry on with a noble cause
✔️Learning from bees
✔️Bearing emotional scars

I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Thank you to Michelle Griep, NetGalley, and Bethany House for this #gifted book!
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Title: Of Gold and Shadows
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Historical Fiction
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Synopsis: “To protect the treasures of the past, one must understand the delicate dance between excavation, conservation, and the cultivation of present relationships.” As the daughter of a renowned Egyptologist, Ami Dalton’s passion for ancient artifacts runs strong. By day, she seeks to become a renowned Egyptologist herself, but by night, she rescues ancient artifacts and returns them to their rightful civilizations as The Shadow Broker. When given the opportunity to appraise a large Egyptian collection, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. The young and handsome businessman, Edmund Price, starts to take up more room in her thoughts than she originally planned, and the collection becomes more trouble than she realized. With supposed curses and practically priceless pieces, the mysteries pile up as strange happenings occur. Amy and Edmund must come to a compromise to save both Edmund’s business and the precious Egyptian collection.

Analysis: When I closed the last page of this book, I found myself wondering how I have never read any of Michelle’s books before, and this intriguing story left me wanting more! I loved the unique history, the romance, and rhetorical suspense. Ami is a strong and quirky heroine, and Edmund is definitely a swoon-worthy hero. I loved the nods to real life struggles such as “word blindness.” This book will have you rushing to finish but also wishing to savor the story! I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR! And I have good word from the author that you can look forward to more from this series!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I like to take notes as I read or listen to a book to help jog my memory on parts I loved when I write a review. However, for most of this book I just breezed through reading and enjoying this story without stopping to jot down notes because I found the book captivating.. I always enjoy books by this author and this one wasn't any different. This is a great read for those who like a bit of adventure and mystery mixed in with their romance. I caught The Mummy vibes from this read! I thought the mystery was perfect as it keeps you hooked with just enought info to keep you interested but not coplicated or confused. I thought the world building, cast of characters and dialogue were wonderul. I appreciated the respect in given to both ideas of how to handle antiquities. Sale? Donate? There is a complexity & nuance to life. I appreciated how the author had this part unfold. I loved the ending, the little twists in the story and the flow of the plot. I liked the growth of hero and heroine. I reccomend reading or listening to the book.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

Wow! A Gothic story filled with murder, mayhem, plot twists, and treasure! I find the study of artifacts very intriguing, especially ancient Egyptian artifacts.

What an amazing cast of characters! Ami is extraordinary! She's passionate about becoming an Egyptologist. She's so passionate that she often ends up in precarious situations. Edmund, pitter patter goes my heart. A protector, compassionate, caring, and loyal. I will admit that I felt the teeniest bit of sympathy for Brudge. He's a reminder that bad choices can have severe consequences.

The love story is very sweet and romantic! I especially enjoyed the poetry writing! I respect how Michelle Griep handled faith and ancient religions. The reminder that God is the all-powerful One hits the nail on the head.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Artefacts and dangerous acquisitiveness!

Ami Dalton moonlights as a Shadow Broker, dealing in Egyptian antiquities on the edges of places like convenient cemeteries. Out from that shadowy existence, Ami is the daughter of famed Oxford Professor, Archer Dalton, an archaeologist whose expertise is Egyptology. Under her father’s tutelage Ami too has become an expert in Egyptian artefacts. Not that that helps as Ami battles the prejudices against women of her very Victorian times. Ami’s passion is restoring plundered relics back to Egypt. If that’s not possible she brokers for smaller items to have them put in museums rather than private collections. Hence her work as the Shadow Broker.
Edmund Price is a successful business man returned from India to take charge of a shipment of Egyptian items that he wants catalogued and priced to sell to any interested collector at the highest price. He needs the money for an Indian friend to fight taxes the English parliament is about to place on Indian goods.
Edmund employs Ami to take charge of the process. He didn’t plan on being caught up in plans his English partner Gil Fletcher has for the collection. He didn’t plan on being manipulated into an engagement with Violet Bastion, the daughter of the influential Lord Bastion in exchange for a seat in parliament, and he definitely didn’t plan on being enthralled by the innocent, quick silvered, intelligent sprite of a woman that is Ami.
A lively read from Michelle Griep set in Victorian England amidst it’s flurry of desire for all things Egyptian. A love story hinting at the darker side of acquisitiveness, of addictions, of following mammon as a way to solve problems, and of the courage of listening to one’s heart’s direction.

A Bethany House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Egyptian artifacts, ancient curses, the shadowy Black markets of Victorian England, achingly lovely romance, & plenty of danger & intrigue make Of Gold and Shadows a must read! I was enthralled from the beginning as Michelle Griep weaves a captivating tale. I loved the brave, intrepid Ami who risks her life to rescue Egyptian artifacts from the shadowy underworld & the dashing Edmund Price who despite his wealth & business acumen has his own vulnerabilities. As their worlds collide, I was captivated by their swoonworthy romance & the dangers they face.

Ami Dalton’s determined to prove her skill as an Egyptologist despite the odds against her in Victorian England. With her expertise in Egyptian artifacts, she finds herself authenticating the amazing collection of the handsome man who rescued her in a most unusual “problem solving” way. While he wants to sell the collection, she desires to preserve it. Ami has a secret life though beyond being a professor’s daughter. She’s known as the Shadow Broker who rescues treasures from the seedy underworld. But when she gets mixed up in their latest plot, she soon finds she may be in over her head.

Edmund Price is the most eligible man in Oxford. Having just returned from India after 8 years away, he’s looking to run for Parliament. Unfortunately, the stodgy professor he wants to hire to authenticate his Egyptian collection is the gorgeous daughter who captivated his attention earlier. As she works through his treasures, he finds himself falling for her, but he has to strike a careful balance between his feelings for her & the powerful man & his daughter who would elevate him to Parliament.

I adored this story! There were so many twists & turns. Ami & Edmund were such a delightful couple. The witty banter, shared faith, & sizzling chemistry between them kept me eagerly turning the pages. I loved their meet cute & their swoony romance. I also enjoyed Ami’s & Edmund’s character growth as they recognize what’s most important. Edmund’s poetry & his struggles with “word blindness” touched my heart. I also enjoyed Ami’s style, her intelligence, & pluckiness.

I’m a huge fan of all things Egypt & I loved the ancient mythology, curses, artifacts, & history woven into the story. The atmosphere was fantastic & I could easily picture the dangerous places Ami ventures into. The mystery kept me fully engaged. I also enjoyed the side characters especially Ami’s father.

Highly recommend! Can’t wait for the next book! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

Love this author's books!
This one was well written, with a plot that has so much... mystery, intrigue, danger, suspense, clean romance, and a wonderful element of faith in God and His sovereignty.
The characters were wonderfully human.
Loved the twists and turns - and the suspenseful drama!!
I really enjoyed the details about Egyptian antiquities.
I highly recommend this book! I am thankful I was given a copy from the publisher.
All opinions stated are my own - and I will be looking forward to reading this one again!
💜 💜

"Of Gold and Shadows" is a beautiful and captivating book from author Michelle Griep! The author does great work including descriptions that make the reader feel as if they are there! The Victorian-era setting is described vividly with clarity that makes it easy for readers to picture the locations, characters, clothing, and what is happening in the story. The characters are so lovable and feel like real people! I enjoyed meeting and getting to know them. The speed of the plot is perfect, the author's writing style is smooth and sparkling with wit and emotion, the romance is sweet and swoony, and the character development is done very well! This is a beautiful book that has it all! Wonderful characters, an enthralling plot, swoony romance, great wit and banter, and the perfect amount of suspense! I love this book. I cannot recommend reading "Of Gold and Shadows" highly enough! 5 stars! Such a wonderful and fun book.

Thank you very much to the author Michelle Griep, AustenprosePR, Bethany House, and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity of being a part of this book tour and for providing me with physical and digital copies to read and review honestly.

Michelle Griep is truly a master of Victorian-era fiction, seamlessly and delightfully melding intrigue and mystery with faith, romance, and history. Oh, I loved every minute with Ami and Edmund. I loved learning about Egyptian culture and history through artifacts and loved being in the Price Manor. Ami was a remarkable and memorable heroine, full of passion for anything Egyptian and extremely intelligent, clever, compassionate, and eccentric. Edmund was a true gentleman in every sense of the word - loyal, hard-working, and upstanding. Through many twists and turns, they set out on an adventure unwittingly and discover betrayal, deceit, but also love, purpose, and sense of self.

It’s one of Michelle Griep’s finest works. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through LibraryThing via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I just love Egyptian history, hieroglyphics, artifacts….there are so many things about Egypt’s history that draws my attention. So, of course, when I see a book involving it, I have to check it out. And I’m so glad I did.

You meet Ami, both an Egyptologist and a hidden figure (the Shadow Broker) who hunts to rescue artifacts in the black market. And then there’s Edmund, a bachelor looking to sell a collection of artifacts as well as run for Parliament. When Ami starts to help him determine the value of his collection, they grow in friendship and possibly even love. Through dangers, suspense, and a curse, you watch their story unfold.

This was a fun adventure. Quick to grab my attention, I was invested quickly into their stories. I thought Ami was a go getter, and loved how she was just herself. And Edmund was a sweet guy, and I appreciated seeing his affection for Ami grow.

It was pretty steady paced, and I finished it in a day! Did I guess how it would end? A little. But not the extent of it, some of it took me for a loop.

The curse addition was fun, and left me curious as to what was happening. With so many odd things pccurring, I was wondering how it could’ve been causing all of the strange events. It was interesting to see how it all wrapped up.

Overall, a fun story. I finished it in a day, and really enjoyed the chance to read it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @michellegriep @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

This was a fun story! I love stuff about Egypt so it was cool that Amy is an Egyptologist. I loved how confident she was in her abilities. But she also goes into the danger of the Black Market. Edmund is a most eligible bachelor and is used to women throwing themselves at him so when he meets Amy it is refreshing to just have someone to talk to. Of course as they work together they grow closer. And then a mystery happens that they get to work on. There were a couple things I didn’t love, such as them reading each other’s palms and she seemed a little obsessed with his mouth haha. Overall I enjoyed this book, there was good Christian content as well as romance and a bit of mystery. I recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: palm reading, talk of curse

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

For fans of historical romance, ancient Egyptian antiquities and a strong female character, you’re going to love this one! Ami is the daughter of a well respected Egyptologist who is away on an important dig project. When Edmund Price, the most desired bachelor of their time arrives at her father’s office to request his assistance in pricing a load of antiquities he’s just acquired, Ami is there to offer her assistance.

It’s difficult for Ami to find men of their society that don’t give her a hard look and questioning interaction because she’s female, but Edmund doesn’t balk at the idea at all. Working together in his estate has its challenges though, especially as their attraction to one another grows. But there is a lot of danger surrounding them as well. Including a huge secret that Ami has with her alternate life of being the “Shadow Broker”.

What I really liked about the characters of Ami and Edmund was how down-to-earth they both were. Edmund wants to live simply, even if he’s loaded with money and Ami is so focused on her work as a priority that she has the unfortunate slights of mismatching her shoes, or selecting attire that doesn’t quite match. But both of their eccentricities are endearing to the other. They are quite cute together throughout this story.

But the other elements that I really enjoyed was the constant threat of danger from Ami’s work and Edmund’s life that starts popping up throughout the story. Ami is a very confident woman, but also finds hope and comfort in the fact that Edmund strongly believes in her abilities of knowing her antiquities. While Edmund adores the fact that Ami is flustered by his status one bit.

A perfect pairing with a wonderful story that’s filled with danger, faith and a lovely romance!

OF GOLD AND SHADOWS is the first novel in the Time’s Lost Treasures series by MICHELLE GRIEP, and I cannot wait for the sequel! What a thrilling story, what delightful characters and what a great Christian message of redemption and forgiveness! The author has brought all this together around ancient Egyptian artifacts and the curses they may or may not carry……
The scene is set in 1888 with Edmund Price, the most eligible bachelor in Oxford, returning to Oxford after eight years away in India. He is swamped by the ladies who are enamoured by his wealth and good looks. When he finds feisty Ami Dalton, egyptologist, instead of her professor father to valuate the large collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts delivered to him at Price House, he wonders if he has done the right thing but is soon enamoured by the brilliant but rather eccentric young lady……
Ami’s alter ego is the Shadow Broker, as she deals with shady characters in order to obtain precious artifacts for the museum. Edmund also has a secret……..
The book is full of colourful characters, witty dialogue and suspense and I could not put it down!
I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I fell in love with this book from the beginning ! The book description gave me Mummy/Indiana Jones vibes and don’t we need/want more Evelyns/Indianas/Henry Jones Jrs in the world? You have a spunky Egyptologist, rich muscly man and forced proximity. What’s not to love?
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This has mystery and suspense, faith, flirty banter and great prose with wisdom. Ami wants to be seen for her accomplishments by her father but Edmund sees her and it’s just 😍😍 It was really fun to have the multi POV and seeing it all play out. Such a unique plot! 🎉
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This had action right from the beginning. I do feel I was itching for a little more action in the bulk middle. The cast of characters to traipse through Price House kept it interesting but I can’t fathom Budge going to such lengths and wasting so much time. There is romance but it didn’t sweet me up with the emotions. I didn’t have the whole mystery solved which is fun.
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This is my first Michelle Griep book and it won’t be my last and can’t wait for book 2!
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This book released this week and is available now. Thank you to the publisher Bethany House and AustenprosePR for the arc copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Have you ever seen any Egyptian artifacts? I have seen them in museums in Chicago and Kalamazoo, and I find them fascinating.

Edmund Price has returned to England from India and is a very eligible bachelor. He has acquired a collection from Egypt and has hired an Egyptologist to sort and catalogue the collection. He is surprised when Ami Dalton, a beautiful female Egyptologist shows up to do the job. She is a professor’s daughter and knows her stuff. Within the collection is a cursed golden griffin. When mysterious things start to happen around the estate, is it a curse or something else?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I loved the strong female lead, Ami Dalton, doing what is considered to be a man’s job, in a world where men do not value her mind. I love that Edmund respected her for her mind.

• Ami also spends her evenings as the “shadow broker” to rescue antiques from the black market and return them to museums. She like a female Victorian Indiana Jones.

• The chemistry between Ami and Edmund felt real and palpable. I liked their banter.

• This novel was full of mystery and intrigue. It kept me interested and engaged with the plot.

• The secondary characters were interesting. I especially enjoyed Phineas, the gardener, and his sage wisdom.

• This was a forced proximity romance and a clean read.

• There are great historical notes at the end of the novel that explain in detail some of the terminology. My favorite is that “excelsior” is a fancy word for using curly wood shavings for packing antiques.

• There are great questions included that could be used for a book club.

• The sneak peak of the next books was fantastic. I can’t wait to read it!

Overall, Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep is an engaging historical romance and suspense novel set in Victorian England. I loved the Egyptian artifact angle of the story.

Book Source: Review copy from Bethany House as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“I, sir, am a rescuer of forgotten fragments, a story guardian of the past, a fervent believer in bringing history to life for the masses.“

Reading books recently like The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green (set in 1920s New York) and now Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep (set in Victorian England) has got me wondering why we, as in the human race in general, are so fascinated with Egypt and its treasures? Perhaps it’s the massive pyramids and the Sphinx whose construction defies explanation for their time. Maybe it’s the mysterious nature of the mummies and our odd preoccupation with the macabre. Perhaps it’s just the treasures that were buried with their dead, artifacts which stir the Indiana Jones in us all. Or maybe it’s all of the above. Whatever the reason(s) for its existence, *I* am fascinated by Egyptomania. It’s not something I remember learning about in school so I really enjoyed this glimpse of it in Victorian England, thanks to the masterful storycrafting of author Michelle Griep.

First off, I must say how much I adored Ami and Edmund and the romance that builds between them as the story progresses. Ami Dalton is delightfully knowledgeable, big-hearted, and a little quirky (particularly in her wardrobe choices lol). She’s not afraid of things that would make most women of her day swoon into a dead faint, including ancient Egyptian curses, defying society’s expectations, or sneaking around in the dead of night as the infamous ‘Shadow Broker’ of antiquities… but sometimes that stubborn courage gets her into trouble. And then there’s Edmund Price, the swoony (and very eligible) society bachelor who entertainingly doesn’t quite know what to do with her. There is much more to Edmund than meets the eye, and I so loved getting to know his backstory, his strengths, and his struggles. Watching the two of them together made my heart smile – for their delicious romantic chemistry, yes, but first for their deep friendship that forms out of mutual respect and shared pain, despite their appearing to be polar opposites at first glance.

There’s also a fun thread of suspense and mystery that forms the framework for Of Gold and Shadows. From ne’er-do-wells skulking around in the shadows to strange occurrences that may or may not be attributed to a cursed relic, there’s a lovely vibe to the story that brings to mind Christie, Doyle, and even Poe from time to time. Victorian England lends itself perfectly to this type of story, and the spookiness contributed by the Egyptian artifacts fits it just as perfectly. Not to mention some unexpected turns that reminded me why I love historical mystery novels!

Bottom Line: Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep is an entertaining adventure, a sweet love story, a homage to female trailblazers, and a layered suspense all rolled into one atmospheric tale with a meaningful faith thread, too. True to form, Griep has given readers a wonderful cast of characters to carry the plot from start to finish, including a few that are as easy to loathe as the rest are to adore. The mystery/suspense elements along with the moody Victorian setting make this the perfect choice for your first read of Fall, and the romance is everything swoony and tender. I thoroughly enjoyed this escape into fiction, and I think you will too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

What a wonderful adventure!! I LOVE digging into a new Michelle Griep story! I know I will be entertained, intrigued, and fall in love with her captivating characters. I loved this story of romance, danger, and adventure, with a lovely faith thread woven throughout. Sweet and funny amidst twists and surprises, I could not put it down!

Congenital word blindness (dyslexia), Egyptian artifacts, opium addiction, intrigue, and the love of God the Father are just some of the things the reader will encounter in Of Gold and Shadows.

Favorite quotes:
"That despite tribulation, God's goodness prevails."

"There has to be a balance between preserving the past while existing in the present, else are we truly living." (This line really resonated, I am trying to walk that fine line!)

"Did ye know bees are some o' the most consistent creatures around? They've a job to do and they do it without fail. I reckon that's a lesson fer all o' us, keepin' our commitments no matter what distractions come our way."

I highly recommend Of Gold And Shadows for all who love historical fiction. It's a fabulous tale!

Thank you to Bethany House and Michelle Griep for allowing me to read an early copy, all opinions are my own.