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.

Of Silver and Secrets is a mix of historical mystery, romance, and Christian fiction genres.

🎩 The story was set in Victorian England, in a small town outside of Cambridge.
❤️ The romance is two childhood friends reunited. She holds anger towards him, though, so it's a bit of an enemies to lovers to start.
🔍There were several small mysteries in this story, with the most urgent one leading to some very tense moments.

The story for me was a little slow to start, but once I got about a third of the way in, it became truly captivating, and I didn't want to put it down.

Of Silver and Secrets is part of an interconnected series. You certainly don't need to read the first one to enjoy this one. But, I absolutely adored the connection between the two stories.

I have always been interested in archeology. Perhaps it was my love of Indiana Jones as a kid, so I enjoyed this aspect of the story. A dig on land in England that once held an ancient Roman civilization. I also enjoy a strong female lead in a story, especially during a time when women are seen as delicate and to be a proper lady were supposed to only be interested in past times deemed appropriate for ladies, needle work, music etc.

Overall, this was a beautifully written story, full of faith, love, and with some mystery and intrigue.

I loved this book! I had very high expectations because of how much I adored the first book in the series. I'm happy to say that this book exceeded all my expectations.

After her father’s death, Eva is struggling and overwhelmed as she tries to take care of the family’s estate and her younger sister. The financial situation is looking dire, and she’s getting anxious for a solution.

With his uncle’s job on the line, Bram is on a mission to help him find proof of a lost refuge for Christians who were persecuted by the Roman Empire. Could Eva’s land hold the key?

This book is full of so many wonderful and likeable characters. Eva had a lot on her plate, but I loved her determination and strength. I also loved the bond that she had with her sister Penny. Penny was so resilient and such a bright light.

It was easy to fall for Bram. He was quite the charmer but had a good heart. I loved his uncle and how he looked out for him.

Archaeology has always fascinated me, so I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. I also really enjoyed the Victorian setting. That’s one of my favorite time periods.

I was fully engaged with the story from beginning to end. I loved it! I highly recommend it to fans of sweet and intriguing historical romances.

I received a copy of this via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Snuggle up tight and settle in because you won’t want to put this one down. Living on the edge of poverty Eva is desperate enough for money to dig up the haunted acres and put in an extra crop of wheat. What is unearthed could change everything. A silver relic could be the means of turning her fortunes around but when she goes for an evaluation of the artifact she finds more than she bargained for. The professor who’s to do the valuation is Bram, her schoolgirl crush and the one who abandoned her.

I love the personal interactions in this book with the enthusiastic students, Eva’s blind sister who defies the stereotypes, and the push pull attraction between Eva and Bram. Every relationship, action, and emotion added to the excellence of the writing and made me want to get to know each character as they struggle with their own fears, and faith walk. The environment was so seamlessly written I felt as though I was present in the manor house, and the fields. The descriptions of the dress of the day, the transportation, and the archaeological dig itself transported me back in time.

If you love a little romance with mystery and suspense in a historical setting this is the book for you. Filled with faith nuggets throughout the text not only do you get adventure but inspiration as well. I highly recommend this book which was given to me courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.

When the weight of the past presses in, can grace still rise?

Of Silver and Secrets pulled me into a world where ancient silver glints with promise, where secrets feel heavy as stone, and where God’s steady hand is the only compass worth trusting. In 1889 England, Eva and Bram’s story feels like a prayer answered slowly—a journey through guilt, wonder, and the quiet faith that holds everything together.

“God, I need answers… Jesus alone is our anchor.” Isn’t that the heart of every question we bring to God—Can grace really cover the ruins of my past? Will He see me even here? In these pages, I was reminded that His fingerprints never fade, even when life feels beyond repair. The shimmer of silver can’t outshine the quiet treasure of a soul held in His care.

Bram’s unwavering faith in the face of loss and Eva’s courage to see beyond fear spoke to me in such a gentle, powerful way. There’s something about Michelle Griep’s writing that beautifully entertains and tenderly invites you to breathe deeper and remember that no secret—whether spoken aloud or whispered only to ourselves—is too heavy for grace, and no heartbreak is beyond His care.

In the end, Of Silver and Secrets is a love story—yes, between a man and a woman, but even more so between a searching soul and the one and only sovereign God. It’s a story for those of us who need the reminder that faith, even in the smallest choices, can turn buried fears into the brightest kind of treasure.

Read it, savor it, and let it remind you that no secret is too heavy for grace.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

It is no secret that I am fascinated by historical artifacts and Of Silver and Secrets fed my love of history. Ms. Griep really put Eva and Bram in dire circumstances and did not shy away from putting obstacles in their way, whether it was evil people or a snowstorm. But there is hope within the pages and devotion to God is shown with right ultimately winning over machinations.
The characters are well depicted as flawed but striving for good. The descriptions put me right in the story. Along with the obvious draw of finding ancient relics, I was pleased by the love Eva and Bram had for books. And blind sister Penny was a force to be reckoned with despite her visual impairment. The author portrayed Eva as facing poverty but doing all she could to remedy the situation. The romance was a second chance story of meeting years later when Eva and Bram had matured and each has refined their faith, realizing: “God’s love and grace are constant whether we falter or not.”
Another wonderful historical offering by a favorite author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Of Silver and Secrets is a wonderful romp in Victorian England in 1889. Eva Inman cares for her twelve-year-old sister, who is blind, while trying to maintain the crumbling estate she recently inherited after her father's passing. Her taxes are due, and she lacks the funds to pay them. When Roman ancient antiquities are found on her property, she seeks the help of her childhood friend, Professor Bram Webb. This book has suspense, mystery, and sweet romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all historical fiction readers. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

I loved Of Silver and Secrets just as much as Of Gold and Shadows, the first book in the Time’s Lost Treasures series by Michelle Griep! Though it’s book two, you can absolutely read this as a standalone without missing anything. This Victorian era romance swept me away, and I just couldn’t put it down!

The characters and setting bring the story to life. For me, reading this was like watching it play out in real time! My heart just ached for the characters with their very real struggles. Eva had so much responsibility thrust on her as the sole caretaker of the Inman estate and for her blind sister, Penny. She struggled with guilt and her faith throughout much of the book, and it was very real. I think as Christians, most of us have gone through these same things. One quote that I loved from the book is this: “She would-she must-choose to believe God was not perpetually angry with her. That He had forgiven her for past mistakes, that there was grace for her in this nightmarish situation.” I felt this so deeply. I loved Bram, his uncle, Penny… I could go on and on about them, but it was Eva I felt the deepest connection to. Plus, you’ll discover your own love for them as you read!

I seriously loved everything about Of Silver and Secrets. The archeological dig was so intriguing as was learning more about this Roman Christian settlement in England. The author’s research brings life (and believability!) to the dig. There are some really tense moments and some twists that really stressed me out even though I knew there was going to be a happily ever after! I highly recommend this to all lovers of Christian historical fiction!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

THIS STORY WAS AMAZING 👏
It hit all the right notes I have come to expect of Griep's stories. Characters that are both intriguing and worthy of rooting for. Villains that are often unexpected. Mystery, Romance, Faith elements, redemption, and plot twists.
I have SO many quotes highlighted! I plan to create a whole post with my favorites.
I loved the sisterly moments between Eva and her sister Penny. It's so heartwarming how much Eva cares for her little sister.
All of Bram's parts were also very entertaining, I felt as though I was out there partaking in the expedition of digging up artifacts myself. LOVED ALL THE ELEMENTS OF THIS BOOK SO MUCH!
Do not take it lightly Michelle, when I say I loved Eva and Bram's story so much, that it is now my favorite story of yours. It has even topped "House at the End of the Moor," and that's saying something. Easily will make my top ten of the year. It was seriously that good!

Michelle Griep is a master of words, stringing them together to make an artful story. Of Silver and Secrets, the second book in her Time’s Lost Treasures series, is just another example of her brilliance. Archeology, mystery, skullduggery, romance, deception are among the themes in this book. I found myself angry and then woefully sad and happy the next. Emotions ran high in this beautiful tale with focus on God’s love. Loved it!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is book two in the Time's Lost Treasure series, however it is a stand alone book. I have not read book one and had no issue keeping up, I might have missed a bit of history on some of the sub characters but this is still a great read. Eva Inman has a lot on her plate, and when her childhood friend Bram Webb come into her life, they are left to try to help each other out. I love the history, romance, friendship and theme of this book. I also enjoyed the personality of Bram and his influence on Eva. If you enjoy historical romance you will love this book. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.