Time's Lost Treasures Book #1: (A Victorian Historical Romance with Mystery and Intrigue Set in Oxford, England)
PAULA'S REVIEW:I have been fascinated by archaeological digs and artifacts since I was given some fossils as a child. This story piqued my interest from the start.
I liked the strength Ami Dalton had as an educated woman who was immersed in Egyptology. She was adamant about returning the items to the country of origin. Our hero, Edmund Price, has returned to England from India and is surprised that Ami is not obsessed with him and his wealth as most other females are.
Ami: “My head is turned by a finely wrapped mummified corpse, not a flesh and blood pile of muscles.”
As Ami catalogs and values the artifacts that Edmund has just purchased, Ami and Edmund help each other grow and recognize that God is at work in their lives.
As Ami catalogs and values the artifacts that Edmund has just purchased, Ami and Edmund help each other grow and recognize that God is at work in their lives.
This complex tale was full of Victorian atmosphere, lots of danger, intrigue, secret identities and a few shady characters. Ms. Griep adds interesting details such as word blindness, prank playing by the servants,and the rumor of an ancient curse to round out the suspenseful twists and turns.
Fans of Victorian Gothic stories will be pleased with the start of a new series and the authentic voice of the author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
"I, sir, am a rescuer of forgotten fragments, a story guardian of the past, a fervent believer in bringing history to life for the masses. There is no one on this campus who knows as much about Egyptian relics as I do. "
"She was a determined little firebrand, he'd give her that." Miss Ami Dalton was also all wrapped up in a most attractive package with her mismatched clothes, broken shoes, and hair all awry . . . enchanting is what she was. Although Edmund Price, one of the most sought after bachelors in all of Oxford didn't do "enchanting" anymore, the professor's daughter seemed knowledgeable enough and could most certainly solve his most immediate problem (although he was trying to convince himself that she wouldn't conjure up more . . . problems, that is.); his crates of Egyptian artifacts needed to be unpacked, cataloged and assessed, and if Edmund wasn't mistaken, she was the best candidate for the job.
What Edmund could not have known . . . was that the little minx was involved in another line of work that she would never have admitted in polite company . . . in the darkness of night, she was frequently disguised as the "Shadow Broker". . . a rescuer of lost relics, so to speak.
Ami and Edmund's journey through the awkward moments of attraction interrupting the workplace sparked an entertaining undercurrent of "how did such an eccentric young woman catch the eye of such a prominent member of society?". Add in the fact that they were at respectable odds over what to do with the valuables; sell them for considerable profit, or return the items to their country of origin. . . . and you have a story that is full of "gold and shadows"! And treachery. And deceit. And believe it or not . . . romantic poetry!
" . . . maybe - all her striving to prove her intelligence and credibility didn't matter a whit to God . . . perhaps her worth was in who she was, who God made her to be, instead of being measured by what she achieved."
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
BackCover Blurb:
The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .
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 saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, 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. . .
The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .
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 saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, 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. . .
Bethany House Publishing, September, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy OF GOLD AND SHADOWS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House
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