This book was everything I wanted it to be! Michelle Griep masterfully weaves together romance, mystery, and history. The story of Eva Inman and Bram Webb pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go! Eva and Bram’s childhood history added a layer to this story that I loved! It gave the reader glimpses of who they each were at their core. I loved that Bram slowly broke down Eva’s walls by just being himself. The mystery element was threaded into this story just enough to add intrigue without distracting from the romance. The conclusion was a bit nail biting, but the author definitely won’t leave you without a happily ever after!
If you love historical fiction with slow-burn romance, high emotional stakes, and a touch of mystery, this book is a must-read.

[Thank you to @netgally and to Bethany House Publishers for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

Set in 1889 England, Of Silver and Secrets follows Eva Inman and Bram Web. Eva is struggling to hold onto her family’s home and take care of her sister who is blind. Bram is a professor and archeologist working to prove the existence of an ancient Roman Christian settlement and save he and his uncle’s careers. Eva and Bram have some past history together, but do they have a future?

I really enjoyed the first book of this series, Of Gold and Shadows, so I was really excited at the opportunity to read Of Silver and Secrets!

I enjoyed this second book just as much as the first and would recommend reading the first book first, though this second book could absolutely be read as a stand-alone. We do meet the characters from Of Gold and Shadows again but only briefly, and I wouldn’t say that there are any spoilers in that meeting.

Read this for:

-Christian faith themes
-Mystery
-Clean romance
-Victoria era England
-Archeology
-Plot twists
-Second-chance romance

Definitely recommend!

"Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart....

In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics.

Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires - provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them.

Dive into the past in this clean historical romance as Michelle Griep transports you to Victorian England with an appealing mix of mystery, Roman archaeology, and charming banter. This enthralling tale will appeal to fans of Mimi Matthews, Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke."

Oh, I like the Roman archaeology angle!

"Though truth might be absolute, discerning the right course of action when living that truth was often anything but obvious."

Michelle Griep has a talent for bringing the Victorian era to life vividly. I absolutely adored traveling to 1889 England with its passion for archeological digs and awakened sense of social justice amidst crumbling manors and restrictive world of academia. Eva was a wonder - a woman grown up too quickly with a world of responsibilities on her shoulders. Bram was completely and utterly delightful as a reformed bad boy, passionate about family and Roman antiquities, faithful, steadfast, and clever. Their conversations were truly gems strewn throughout the book. Eva's faith journey, encouraged and supported by Bram, was a beautiful unfolding of vulnerability and fears culminating in trust and obedience. Penny was a lovely secondary character and perhaps there will be a book about her someday when she's grown. I really enjoyed learning about the Roman Christians' settlement in England and the mystery and suspense wrapped around the dig site added depth to this historical romance.

Fans of historical romance, especially those set in Victorian England, look no further for your next book. Bram and Eva will captivate and dazzle you.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep is a most delightful story.

Bram and Eva's story is gripping and captivating. Having a history, Eva is reluctant to give Bram a second chance. But the professor has information that may help Eva save the family's estate.

Ms. Griep story is very well written and captured me from the start. She is a great story teller. This one is totally engaging and hard to put down. A clean romance with well rounded characters. Mystery and faith that will keep you guessing.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Of Silver and Secrets is the second book of the Time's Lost Treasure series, which in my opinion can be read as a stand alone novel. This historical novel is a blend of mystery and romance. There are a few unexpected plot twists. It as an enjoyable read with a strong focus on Christian beliefs.

I thought this was Michelle's best yet! Oh my!
I finished this one well into the early morning hours. It was wonderful!
The many secrets and fears that came pouring out was wowzers!
Made me scooter to the edge of my seat to see what would happen next!
Fear is definitely not a good feeling to have. It stops a person from doing the things they want to do sometimes.
I loved that God's grace was shown to these two wonderful characters that I had cone to love.
There's a bit of archeology and mystery that kept me turning the pages. The way Griep described the digs made me feel like I was there.
I certainly didn't want this adventure to end. I love her stories but this one will definitely be my favorite.
I'm going to add it to my shelf of favorites when it comes out.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend.

Of Silver and Secrets is the second book in the Time's Lost Treasures series. While the first book was also great and I'd certainly recommend it, I do think this one could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

Once again Michelle Griep has knocked it out of the park with a historical read that is the perfect blend of romance and mystery! Bram and Eva have some difficult history between them, but when an ancient ring is found on her property, she seeks out an expert to help and to hopefully use the find to save her family's estate... that expert just so happens to be Bram, and it might just be the find that he needs to save his job. To say this title fits the story perfectly would be an understatement... there certainly were a whole lot of secrets to uncover in this story... I found myself at the edge of my seat wondering how everything would play out... with so many twists and turns to keep me guessing. I always love when authors share about the real history behind the story as Michelle Griep did with this one at the end... I enjoyed the story already, but it always makes me appreciate the story that much more to see the inspirations and history behind it. If you enjoy Christian historical mysteries, this is absolutely one you'll want to experience for yourself.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.