“The end of Eva’s world started with a window she never should have left open.”

Whew! What a gripping, suck-you-in-like-a-whirlpool opening sentence!Michelle Griep pens this Victorian romance with such beautiful, flowing artistry that I often had to stop and reread a sentence or a whole paragraph. Just for the beauty of the construction. So I’m in love with the writing style.

And the characters. A young lady, Eva Inman, who is convinced her mistake twelve years earlier caused her mother’s death, her sister’s blindness, and their now-fatherless estate to be in extreme need of funds. The corresponding male main character, Professor Bram Webb, who knew Eva in childhood,now returns to create an archaeological dig on her estate lands. ( Webb must prove an ancient Christian civilization, hiding from Roman tyranny, existed on Inman land.) Eva doesn’t know if she’s attracted to the man from her past or if she despises Bram, the man she considers “the first in a string of people to leave her.”

In some ways, there are elements that give the novel the feel of a certain well-known fictional archaeological character. Fun. Yet, Bram’s reason for joining his uncle Pendleton on the dig are very self-sacrificing. I cannot imagine the fortitude Bram shows as he supports his history prof. uncle. I would have been explaining myself by this point. Eva doesn't trust Bram becsuse of their childhood connection, but she fails to understand that Bram has undergone a transformation. Indeed, Bram has many enemies and people he would seem justified to hold a grudge against, but, instead of taking vengeance, he explains to Eva. “Perhaps his conscience is buried beneath layers of deceit and bitterness, yet it is not beyond redemption. Harsh words and flying fists will not change his heart. Only God can do that.” How he moves from ready-to-fight anger to a willingness to hand his enenmy over to God speaks so much for his character!

A great supporting character is Penny, Eva’s outgoing, curious, and unafraid blind sister. Penny is 13 going on 30. How will Eva ever keep her charge safe?

Twists! This novel has some truly great ones. My eyes widened as I read many times, surprised at how each successive obstacle worked out!

Stars and thunder!! I was unhappy when I finished the book! I loved Of Silver and Shadows so much, with its many themes, truth nuggets, amazing romance and twists. I just didn’t want it to end!! My definition of a perfect book!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher and NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“…though truth might be absolute, discerning the right course of action when living that truth was often anything but obvious.”

“It is easy to judge from the outside, but we can never truly understand the burdens others carry or the choices they feel forced to make. We are all fallen creatures.”

“Love is a gift, worth risking everything for… let nothing stand in your way.”

“The very first time you asked to be pardoned, you were. That is what grace is all about. “

“We are all tethered to something…When that tether snaps, as it is wont to do, this is when we realize the true extent of our faith.”

Captivating historical romance!!

Eva is in dire financial straits so when she discovers an ancient ring on her property, she takes it to the university to be appraised...only to run into Bram, the boy she has never forgotten who is now a Cambridge professor of Roman antiquities.

Bram begins an archeological dig on Eva's estate in hopes of solving her financial problems and to save the reputations and careers of both him and his uncle. As the dig is faced with challenges and a saboteur, old sparks between Bram and Eva are rekindled as they try to overcome the secrets and threats that threaten everything they hold dear.

What you'll love:
Victorian era
second chance romance
dual pov
archeological digs
secrets and betrayal
light faith thread
witty banter
family loyalty
swoony romance
light faith thread

Oh my word, Michelle Griep can do no wrong!! Reading her books is a full sensory experience and she has such a talent of making her stories come alive and this book was no exception! From the endearing, vivid characters to the friendships and loyalties to the fascinating history to the sweet, tension filled romance between Bram and Eva, I was here for all of it!

Bram was Eva's knight in shining armor disguised as a handsome, capable, and intelligent professor (we need more romances with professors who play the heroes!) and I was shipping them from the moment they met again! Eva was a fascinating character in her own right - determined, loyal, and compassionate. The personal journeys were intertwined so well with their sweet romance, the historical mysteries and the suspenseful moments with unexpected villains. I was completely swept up in the story and loved every minute of it!

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone (but oh my word, the first book is fabulous too!). Michelle is an auto-read, auto-buy, auto-eveyrthing author for me and this series is the perfect example of why! To read her books is to love them and you do not want to miss this captivating historical romance!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing the ARC of Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep. All views expressed are my own.

Of Silver and Secrets is the second book in the Time’s Lost Treasures series, but it can easily be enjoyed on its own. While characters from the first book (Of Gold and Shadows) make appearances, knowing their backstory is not necessary to appreciate this story.

This book centers around Eva, who is on the verge of losing everything unless she can find the funds to pay the taxes she owes. It also follows Bram, a figure from Eva’s past, who is working to save his uncle’s position as a college professor by uncovering the legendary Christian Roman settlement in England.

From the outset, I empathized with both main characters because they had faced so much and were still navigating through challenging situations. I appreciated how selflessly they approached their circumstances, putting the needs of others ahead of their own desires.

I also valued the gentle reminder of trusting in God that Bram helped Eva recall throughout the narrative. These characters were put to the test in numerous ways, but I loved how they held onto their faith.

The archaeological elements of this story were fascinating, and I gained some new insights. I also liked how Bram involved Eva’s little sister in the archaeological dig.

This was a good story! I liked reading from both Eva's and Bram's POV, and it was fun that they interacted beyond her house/property, so they had variety in their scenes. They were also both well-developed characters. I did think the "setbacks" at the dig site were a bit low-stakes, and I would have liked a bit more excitement with that, but overall there was plenty going on in the story. The side characters were good, too, and it was fun seeing Ami and Edmund from the first book! I also appreciated the note in the end, explaining the dig site was based on a real one. I hope the author writes another in this series!

Content: references to mild violence.

I enjoyed reading Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep. The story held my attention from the start as I rooted for Bram and Eva, who were underdogs in their own particular circumstances. Having that in common, as well as shared childhood experiences, these characters had a strong (albeit complicated) connection from the start. Their slow burn romance grew alongside their journeys to overcoming long-held false beliefs and dealing with the external challenges of life. It was a pleasure to see them start to walk in freedom together and how that freedom enabled them to love others well.

Of Silver and Secrets concludes the Time’s Lost Treasures duology by Michelle Griep. I loved book one (Of Gold and Shadows), so I recommend reading the series in order, but Of Silver and Secrets would be fine as a standalone. Recommended for fans of historical romance who enjoy relatable characters, a flowing plot, and a dose of mystery.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Have you visited any archeological digs? I’ve been to a few museums that have digs going on and I find it fascinating. I also love museum displays that show things that were found when they dug through areas like the outhouse. I took an Intro to Archaeology class while in college and I loved it.

Eva Inman is in a pickle. After her father’s death, she discovers that their family finances are in dire straits. Her father’s last wish was that she keep their family estate. She also has the care of young, blind sisters, Penelope. She decides to plow up and plant in the “cursed fields” on her estate to make more money. Her employees find a strange silver specimen that appears to be Roman. She goes to Cambridge to have the piece evaluated and runs into her childhood crush, Bram Webb who is now a Cambridge professor. Bram is looking for a lost Roman Settlement with his history professor uncle, is this it? Will Eva be able to save her estate?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I loved all the characters, but especially Eva and Bram. They have both had hard times in their youth and are trying to move beyond it. Bram is trying to make his way as a professor while also helping his uncle who is starting to suffer from dementia. Eva suffers from guilt that she thinks she killed her parents and caused Penelope’s blindness. Guilt and forgiveness are major themes in this novel. Bram’s deep faith was wonderful to read about, and he shares this faith to Eva.

• The romance was sweet, and this was a clean read. There was second chance romance, slow burn, and forced proximity.

• I loved that the sister’s name was Penelope Rose. That’s my daughter’s name! Penny was a spunky character who wanted to explore and learn all that she could about the world, despite her blindness.

• The archaeology was very interesting, and I wanted to know more about the Romans in Great Britain.

• I also loved the mystery that was threaded throughout the novel.

• This is the second novel in the Time’s Lost Treasures series. I loved the first book too, but this can be read as a standalone novel.

• There is a great historical notes section at the end of the novel that gives background details of the historical elements of the story. There were also great discussion questions for a book club to use.

• I am super excited that Michelle Griep’s next book available in the fall of 2026 is a Christmas Victorian novella. I love Christmas historical fiction and historical romance!

Great first paragraph, “The end of Eva’s world started with a window she never should have left open. A small neglect, yet twelve years later, one that had culminated in a leaky roof, a ledger that refused to balance, and a blind sister.”

Overall, Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep is a riveting Victorian historical romance and mystery.

Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep is an entertaining historical romance fuelled by more than one mystery.

Set in 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is desperately trying to make ends meet after the death of her father and care for her blind sister. When an ancient artifact is discovered on her property, she takes it to Cambridge Professor Bram Webb to verify its authenticity. For Bram, this find couldn’t come at a better time, as he must prove a Christian Roman settlement exists to save his job and that of his uncle.

When the dig site is set up at Eva’s farm, things go wrong almost right from the beginning. I enjoyed the research on how an archeological dig would run. However, I knew almost from the get-go who was sabotaging the dig and why, so that was somewhat of a letdown.

However, the romance between Eva and Bram, who grew up beside each other, was a sweet rekindling, and Bram’s faith added much needed wisdom to Eva’s situation.

If you like historical fiction with a bit of danger and a mystery involved, then you will probably enjoy Of Silver and Secrets.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep. All opinions are my own.

Of Silver and Secrets is book two in the Time’s Lost Treasures series, but it can be read as a standalone. Characters from book one (Of Gold and Shadows) make an appearance in this book, but you don’t need to know anything about their story in order to enjoy this book.

This book is about Eva who is on the brink of losing everything unless she can come up with the money to pay the taxes she owes. It also follows Bram, a man from Eva’s past that is trying to save his uncle’s job as a college professor by discovering the legendary Christian Roman settlement in England.

From the very beginning I felt for these two main characters because they had both been through so much and were continuing to deal with terrible situations. I liked that they both had selfless attitudes and were willing to put the needs of others before their own desires.

I also appreciated the subtle message of trusting in God that Bram helped Eva remember throughout the story. These characters were tested in such difficult ways, but I loved that they held fast to their faith.

The archeology aspects of this story were interesting, and I definitely learned a few things. I also enjoyed how Bram allowed Eva’s little sister to be included in the archeological dig.

At times I felt that this story was maybe a bit too slow-paced (especially the first half of the book). I did end up enjoying the story a lot though.

The romance in this book was sweet and had such a slow burn. I liked that Bram worked hard to prove to Eva that he wasn’t the careless boy from his childhood, and I appreciated that Eva realized that she couldn’t hold grudges against Bram when she didn’t know the full story about his departure during their childhood.

This book does contain some darker topics, so please be aware of that going into this story.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

Have you ever wondered if the Holy Grail is just a make believe story or could it actually be an artifact? Professor Bram Webb and his uncle have staked their careers upon finding this coveted object. When Bram’s childhood friend, Eva comes to him with a relic of early Roman origin she found on her property, Bram thinks this is likely the area where this could be found. If not, it will at least be a significant piece of history to unearth and bring to light a cultural site.

You are sure to love this story of forgiveness, healing, an archaeology dig, and old rivals that are throughout the book. There are some unexpected events that take place that I really enjoyed.

Bram is the kind of guy that makes you hope every young lady could have as a sweetheart like him. He is loyal, kind hearted, and would do anything for a person, including helping Eva with her burdens. Eva is a bit reticent to have Bram a part of her life again after their past experiences, but I think she was pleasantly surprised to realize he (and she) had changed.

Things to love:
forgetful uncle
sassy blind sister
second chances
childhood friends
archery competition
hot air balloon ride
suspicious accidents
faith elements
a rescue

This is the second book in the Time’s Lost Treasures but can be easily read as a standalone. I enjoyed the author’s notes, the character development of Eva and Bram, and the unique historical setting based upon an actual site. Readers of all ages will find this book to be one they will be happy to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, NetGalley, and AustenProse. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt?

This archaeological mystery (and romance) is a delightful page turner. Bram cares deeply for his uncle and has put himself in a precarious position in order to try to protect him from losing his place and his pension. Eva is already in a precarious position with taxes due and no money to pay them. They each embark on a journey of discovery, hoping for the grace to overcome their circumstances. What they find is far better than they would have imagined.

I enjoyed this novel immensely. It is the second in a series and while it could easily be read as a stand alone, the first book in the series, Of Gold and Shadows, is also excellent.

Of Silver and Secrets, a captivating Victorian romance, deftly combines suspense, intrigue, and adventure. The characters of Eva and Bram are skillfully crafted, making them relatable and endearing. The narrative's timeless message of faith adds a rich layer of depth, rendering this story both entertaining and meaningful. I loved it!

I received a copy from the author, publisher, and Austenprose via NetGalley, but a positive review was not required.

Of Silver and Secrets is a story of loss, struggle, suspense, and second chances. History and an archeological dig site may save Inman Manor from what seems like a hopeless situation, save the careers of two men, and prove the existence of a historical site that few people believe exists. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is the second book in a really good series by Michelle Griep. (I recommend you read the first book first, but it is not absolutely required)
Eva is desperate! She is trying to support herself and her young sister in this day and age when young women simply did not live on their own (Victorian England). She blames herself for their situation and the deaths of her parents. And their home is practically falling down around them. Their situation feels hopeless! Unless she is able to get immediate funds, they will lose everything!
Then, a discovery is made on their land, in the part that was supposedly a 'cursed' area. She goes to the local college and tells them about the discovery, and a team is immediately sent out to do archaeological digging.
The situation does not immediately improve, but Eva finally has a bit of hope.
I loved getting to know Eva, and watching her as she defied the odds of time and tradition.
Then there's also Bram. Eva's friend from childhood, but she has already decided he betrayed her when he left without a word.
Bram has always loved Eva, and now he'd really like another chance with her.
But will they be able to understand each other?

In addition to this romance going on, there is also a bit of mystery. Are those grounds actually cursed? Or why do so many bad things keep happening? And, of course, will this actually be the dig of the century? Or are they merely chasing a pipe dream?

If you enjoy mystery and Victorian England, then you won't want to miss this one!
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

For a young woman to inherit and run an estate in an English village in 1889 was not common, but such was Eva Inman's life. In addition to the failing estate, Eva's blind, twelve-year-old sister depended upon her. Might aid come from a totally unexpected source? Michelle Griep, as usual,does a wonderful job in character development. Without lengthy explanations, Griep peels away layers to reveal her characters' insecurities and motivations. As this story builds, we see God's provision occur in ways no one could have predicted.

I very much enjoyed immersing myself in another of Griep's historical stories of intrigue. Of Silver and Secrets has numerous possibilities to fill the role of bad guy. She will keep readers guessing until the end. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Archeology. History. Suspense. Romance. Secrets. Faith. Of Silver and Secrets delivers all of this and more in a Victorian romance with a taste of intrigue and adventure! Eva and Bram don’t meet what some might consider conventional standards for main characters in a romance, and are more endearing, realistic, and quirky than a cookie cutter damsel in distress and a knight in shining armor. They make the story so enjoyable, fun, and relatable! An entire cast of characters both delight and keep you guessing, including some classic antagonists (and downright villains) — a few who get their comeuppance and some who see redemption (one of my favorite aspects of Michelle Griep’s storytelling). Complete with a timeless message of trusting in the Lord’s timing and plans makes this story good for the soul. I loved seeing Michelle Griep write about treasures and historical mysteries, and cannot recommend this story (or its partner Of Gold and Shadows) enough! I can’t wait to see what Michelle Griep will deliver to readers next!!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for review purposes, and my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

I so enjoyed this! There’s nothing like a good Christian fiction book. I appreciate how this author consistently weaves faith into the lives and thoughts of the characters. Combine that with the fascinating world of archaeology, a bit of intrigue, and the most tender of romances, you have all the makings of a quite perfect story.

Bram is SUCH A GENTLEMAN, and I adored him.
Eva was brave, compassionate, and had an unstoppable spark to her. Throughout the story, they both had to learn to trust God and let go of lies they had believed about themselves. Facing those lies and vulnerabilities side by side added a beautiful depth to their relationship. They fit so naturally together and were both thoroughly treasured by the other. Definitely a new favorite couple.

A few things I loved♥️
-The sweet sister relationship
-Slight enemies to lovers
-The entire Guy Fawkes celebration
-Bram’s defending/protectiveness of Eva🔥
-THE SNOWSTORM
-Every almost kiss and actual kisses🫠

*Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this sweet ARC. All opinions are my own.

Of Silver and Secrets is book 2 in the Victorian-era Time’s Lost Treasures series. I loved the first book and appreciate that each book still works great independently.

Eva and Bram’s second chance story warmed my heart, and the mystery and suspense kept me intrigued. Eva is so relatable, and I admired her struggles and how she cared for her sister Penny. (I hope Penny becomes an MC in a future book!) I also loved Bram’s nature, and his transformation was so evident. Swoon-worthy.

This is one of the few Victorian-era authors that I read. It’s not one of my go-to genres, Griep’s storytelling is so fascinating and talented that I would love anything she writes, regardless of the genre, time period, or trope!

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.

“God’s love and grace are constant whether we falter or not.”

From the moment I started reading Of Silver and Secrets, I knew it would become a favorite Michelle Griep novel for me. The first lines – “The end of Eva’s world started with a window she never should have left open. A small neglect, yet twelve years later, one that had culminated in a leaky roof, a ledger that refused to balance, and a blind sister. Not to mention her dead mother – for Eva wouldn’t.” – had me curling up into this story and immersing myself in the drama at Inman Manor, leaks and crumbling plaster and all. The richly-descriptive writing had me delighting in the reading experience overall, not just Griep’s talented story-spinning. She certainly knows how to weave an atmospheric and gripping tale though, too, and this one is expertly stitched with threads of romance, archaeology, mystery, and faith.

Eva Inman is a character you’ll instantly love and feel sorry for, her tragic losses and uncertain future plucking at my heart as though she were a dear friend I wanted to help. And she very quickly became that friend after getting to know her adoration of her blind twelve-year-old sister Penny, her worries and regrets, her deepest hopes, and her timid-but-resilient spirit. It’s perhaps that last trait that endeared her to me more than anything – specifically the way she faces her fears and finds the grace and strength she needs to do what needs to be done. Her childhood friend and first love Bram Webb, who barrels unexpectedly back into her life, is in some ways Eva’s opposite but yet they both harbor secret pain that unites them as adults, the emotional connection and mutually-granted trust deepening their long-ago friendship into something more.

Oh, Bram is a charmer and I daresay he has a bit of a rogue in him… but he’s such a genuinely good guy in every way. The loving way he protects his uncle – and then Eva and Penny – won my loyalty right from the start, and I happily cheered him on in his career endeavors and his pursuits of the heart. I so wanted him to succeed, both in the archaeological dig and in his relationship with Eva, and I’m not gonna lie – there were a few moments where I wasn’t sure either would happen the way I hoped. But, without giving anything away, let me say that Griep tied everything up in such satisfying ways that not only soothed my nervous reader-heart but also pointed us back to the God who has been there all along. Even when we feel He has abandoned us, He is working all things – not just the pleasant parts of life – together for our good.

“…a good reminder that even in the midst of hardship, there was always the possibility of finding solace and purpose in unexpected places, and most importantly, that God did not abandon one even in difficult times.”

Bottom Line: I relished every delightful word that wove Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep into an entertaining story and a world I didn’t want to leave. Phrases like “… a well-upholstered brute with jowls like mounds of mashed potatoes” put a grin on my face and a mental picture in my mind, and one twist in particular left my jaw dropped. I enjoyed tagging along on Bram and his uncle’s search for the elusive Roman refuge for persecuted Christians, especially as it was (quite literally) taking place right in Eva’s backyard. The setting, of course, providing plenty of delicious opportunities for a sweet love story to emerge from the ashes of Eva and Bram’s guarded hearts, and let me assure you that it provides plenty of opportunities for swoony tension too. Those almost-kisses… whew! I was holding my breath at the tenderness and longing swirling between them. And what fabulous characters Bram and Eva are – layered and likable and easy to root for them to overcome the obstacles in their paths. Fans of Victorian romance, Indiana Jones, fun banter, surprising twists, and Kimberley Woodhouse’s Treasures of the Earth series will love Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Pain is a part of life on this earth, yet through it all, God is sovereign.

For Eva the pain is real. Feeling the unwarranted guilt of her mother dying, her sister Penny being born blind and her father’s death, she must also come up with the necessary funds to keep the Inman Estate in the family. Will she realize that God has everything in control, or will she continue to rush ahead with her own solutions?

We have learned so much of what life was like many years ago thanks to the precise, backbreaking work of archaeologists. For Professor Bram Webb and his uncle, the discovery of the Caelum Academia, a refuge for persecuted Christians and artisans, AD 85, would be the groundbreaking achievement of their lives. Setbacks, danger and more will keep you wondering if such a find would even be possible and if it was, would this set things right for Bram, his uncle and even Eva and Penny?

An early copy of Time’s Lost Treasure ~ 2 was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

I loved this story! It is the second book in the series, but it works as a standalone. Eva needs money desperately for taxes. She also takes care of her blind 12 year old sister. The land they live on is said to be cursed but it is not really. When they find an old ring, they enlist the help of Professor Bram Webb and his Uncle to dig up the grounds to see if there are more relics. Bram and his Uncle need to find proof that the Holy Grail exists in order to not be punished by Trinity college. Bram and Eva knew each other when they were younger but did not part on the best of terms. Now they reconnect, and share their burdens and past guilts with each other, and grow in their relationship. I really loved watching their relationship blossom into love. I loved how they helped each other with their needs. There were some fun moments like the archery contest and the hot air balloon ride. I loved her sister and the Uncle. I did not expect that ending with the sister but glad everything worked out well. This story is also full of great Christian content. Overall a fantastic read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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