Friday, November 22, 2024

Review ~ Of Gold and Shadows (Time's Lost Treasures 1) by Michelle Griep

 


368 pages, Paperback; September 24, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

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About the Book

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for rescuing black-market artifacts, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker. After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows.


Purchase:

Baker Book House

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My Review 4 STARS

Griep is well known for her mysterious gothic style stories. I enjoyed Ami and Edmund in Of Gold and Shadows. Their exploits and mutual attraction are enough to keep avid readers involved in the story. History lovers will appreciate the abundance of Egyptian history and the artifacts. As always, mystery and intrigue and romance are woven together to create a delightfully entertaining tale.

Side note: Sarah Zimmerman narrates the audio book. She does an excellent job!!

I received a paperback copy of the book from the publisher, and also purchased an audio copy. I was not required to write a positive review. No compensation has been received.




Saturday, November 9, 2024

Review ~ Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham

 


Barbour Books ~ Oct 1, 2024 ~ 320 Pages ~ Paperback

Book 2 of 2: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge

About the Book

Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.

Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?  

Purchase: Barbour Books
     Amazon

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My Review 4.5 STARS

Basham once again shows the strength, determination, and resilience that mountain folk are made of. Kizzie is a young woman dreaming of love and romance, and her journey to discovering just who the greatest Love of her life will be is one fraught with poor choices. Anyone who has been redeemed from such a life will surely feel a deep kinship with Kizzie, and her heartaches and triumphs will resonate deeply. Based on her own family history going back generations, Basham captures the sheer will Kizzie needed to continue on, and how when we surrender to God, he brings beauty from the ashes. 

Hope Like Wildflowers is such a rewarding read, filled with characters who draw out every emotion. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction, or just good writing! 

I appreciate Barbour Publishing providing me a copy for review purposes. This opinion is my own. No compensation received. 

~Happy Reading~