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.

Review ~ Man of Shadow & Mist (Of Monsters and Men, 2) by Michelle Griep

 

Barbour Fiction, 320 Pages (Paperback)

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”

–Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

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My Review ~ 5 STARS

Griep has written another absolutely riviting page turner! Man of Shadow & Mist is one of the highlights of my reading this year. I could not put this book down and devoured it as if it was a chocolate candy bar in front of me.

With a fascinating plot and deep spiritual truths, any fan of Grieps will enjoy spending a few hours immersed in this book. I may have been a little more entranced by the story because when I was in high school I had a small speaking part in the play (Dracula) that our drama dept put on. It was such fun! Reading this semi re-telling brought back many good memories of one of my favorite electives.

James was trying so hard to find a cure for his mother and subsequently himself. My heart hurt for him for all the cruelty he’d been subjected to by the town people. His moment of surrender to the Lord and recognizing God’s sovereignty over even this brought tears to my eyes.

Rosa is such a lovely young woman who sees beyond the gossip. She has a bit of trepidation toward James early on however, she doesn’t believe the myths and folklore about vampires so she stands strong and befriends him.

Griep found a way to bring a shining light in deep darkness and has once again solidified her place in gothic fiction. I highly recommend this book!

I received an early copy from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. No compensation has been received. This is my opinion of the book.