PAULA'S REVIEW:
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.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"I am not to blame for my parents' deaths, my sister's blindness, and the dismal state of Inman Manor."
So why does it feel as if it is . . . her fault? Eva Inman is carrying an already heavy load of responsibility when she is notified that her taxes have gone up substantially. With a practically non-existent income and desperate to make ends meet, Eva begins selling off family furniture along with developing plans to cultivate a long-supposed cursed portion of her property . . . When, like manna from heaven, an opportunity drops into her lap from a most unexpected source . . . Bram Webb.
After appearing before the Faculty Misconduct Review Board and facing possible expulsion, Cambridge history professor Bram Webb is more determined than ever to keep his tenure secure, along with that of his Uncle Pendleton. There's just one little caveat . . . they must prove the existence of a certain ancient Roman settlement. When an artifact is unearthed on Eva Inman's property from that exact time period, Bram seeks to re-connect with his childhood friend and gain permission to conduct an archeological dig. Will what they find be valuable enough to save Inman Manor, Bram's professorship, and perhaps even repair the relationship that was so abruptly severed all those years ago.
With trademark wit and wisdom, this story unearths not only matters of historical significance, but a fortune that is of an everlasting nature; abiding love. Of course, making matters a tad more (a lot more, really!) complicated are those whose intentions are evil . . . will their deeply buried secrets prevent time's lost treasures from making a well deserved debut?!
"Oh God . . . I cannot fix this. I cannot even pretend to . . . We are in your hands . . . Grant us all mercy."
*I voluntarily committed to reading a copy of this book provided to me by the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 3.5 stars
BackCover Blurb:
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.
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