Michelle Griep

“Perhaps-just 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. Dare she believe that?”

The name Michelle Griep is synonymous in my book with “must buy.” Her latest, Of Gold and Shadows, is a great representation of her finest work. Griep combines a female Egyptologist who wants for recognition in the field, a rich young man with a strong moral compass but a misguided way of helping the needy, and treasures, one cursed, that literally seem up for grabs.

Ami Dalton is the young Egyptologist who has two goals: gain recognition in her field and make her archaeologist father proud of her. Cataloguing and valuing handsome, young Edmond Price’s Egyptian relics is a great job that should lead her a step closer to her goals.

Edmond has recently returned from India and has a heart for the people there, wishing to help them by acquiring a Parliament seat so he can be influential in laws governing taxes on India. We quickly get the idea that Edmund is a fish swimming upstream, as we see others of influence in England only wanting to benefit from India and its people. But, as noble and faith-based as his caring ideas are, will the ends justify the means?

I loved the twist revealed at the end! I could not figure out why a certain character behaved as he did! I also loved how Edmond and Ami took turns building each other up, using their faith. But will they allow God to ultimately guide their future, or will they each continue down their pre-determined paths?

Michelle Griep always delivers a compelling story, a swoony romance, and truth nuggets carefully placed for maximum effect. Her ability to create the atmosphere by use of language ( expressions like “bosh,” “ codswallop,”and “stars and lightning”) and lyrical prose is so expressive. Sometimes I would have to stop reading, reread a sentence, and just savor the beauty of it!

I highly recommend this book for any historical romance fans!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher through NetGalley, but I also purchased my own copy for the keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“God’s will shall not be thwarted. He always makes as way.”

“Bottling up bad memories is a recipe for broken glass.”

“…his vulnerabilities were not s sign of weakness but were in fact opportunities for God’s love to be made perfect.”

“A good journalist could make a pile of manure into a bag of diamonds. A bad one, turn a saint into a sinner.”

“That’s the thing about fathers. They tend to have a way to feel like needy, negligible, little children-save for our Heavenly Father, that is…We are never insignificant in His eyes.”- Ami… (more)

Michelle Griep is fabulous at melding mystery and history together. Her novel Man of Shadow And Mist was a wonderful gothic-delight! Inspired by the Dracula legend, this historical mystery set in Victorian-era England was an intriguing and well-researched exploration of finding one’s place in the world, in spite of prejudice. Main character Rosa Edwards works for her father in his subscription library (an interesting bit of history) but dreams of more than the place she seems destined for — a married woman with children. When the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his home, rumors of vampires swirl around him. Mystery, intrigue, and double-dealing abound in the small town. Gossip and innuendo, rumors and violence are whipped up by misinformation, ignorance, prejudice, and good-old fashioned evil intentions. Rosa and James join forces to counteract the misplaced fears that threaten their relationship and James’s life. I really, really loved this book. I fell in love with Rosa and James and rooted on their growing romance. I found the medical information behind vampirism to be intriguing and eye-opening. The addition of Bram Stoker to the cast of characters added a unique historical detail to the story. And the journeys of the two main characters to find their place in the world and in God’s kingdom was inspiring.

If you love history, mystery, and intrigue I highly recommend reading Man of Shadow And Mist.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)… (more)

Michelle Griep’s Of Gold and Shadows is a captivating historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends mystery, intrigue, and romance into a thrilling narrative. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the story follows our determined heroine, who aspires to be a respected Egyptologist. However, in 1888, that dream seems always out of her reach that is until Oxford’s most eligible bachelor hires her to appraise a shipment of ancient Egyptian treasures. What follows is an exhilarating journey filled with secrets, danger, and unexpected twists.

Griep’s storytelling is masterfully crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from the very first page. The themes of faith are beautifully woven into the narrative, adding depth to the plot. As a fan of romance, I found the growing relationship between Ami and Edmond to be particularly endearing. But what truly captured my attention was the fascinating world of Egyptian treasures, which enriched the story and heightened the suspense. The mystery surrounding the treasures enhanced the plot, making me eager to turn the pages.

Of Gold and Shadows is an unforgettable blend of historical mystery and romance and is the perfect read for fans of adventure, ancient history, and sweet love stories with a touch of danger. Michelle Griep delivers a thrilling and satisfying read that will delight readers from start to finish.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.… (more)

Reading Of Gold and Shadows was like uncovering a sacred relic hidden in the dust of time—a discovery that transcends the artifacts and whispers of the past to reveal something more precious than gold. Michelle Griep constructs an intricate narrative where history and faith are woven together, creating a story that pulls you deeper than any Egyptian tomb could. This isn’t simply a journey through Victorian London or Egyptology; it’s an excavation of the soul.

Ami Dalton captivated me from the first page. She’s a woman whose fierce intellect and passion for Egyptology ignite like a fire, yet it is her faith that fuels her, keeping her grounded amidst the shifting sands of superstition and societal pressure. She stands on the precipice of a male-dominated world, her ambition pushing against the walls of expectation. What makes her extraordinary, however, is not just her brilliance but her vulnerability—her faith acts as a steadying force, quietly bolstering her through each obstacle, each moment of doubt. Ami’s unwavering belief is an invitation to trust in God’s timing, to know that history, like faith, reveals its deepest truths when we are ready to receive them.

Edward Price, in contrast, is a man of shadow and substance. In him, Griep creates a figure who seems at odds with Ami—both in temperament and purpose—yet it’s precisely this contrast that makes their connection so compelling. Edward is an artifact in his own right—layered, mysterious, and sometimes broken. As his past is peeled back, we see his redemption arc unfold with subtle grace, showing that even the most fractured histories can be made whole. His journey mirrors the theme of restoration that runs through the novel: surrendering all to God can heal what appears irreparably lost. Through their shared faith, Ami and Edward navigate a labyrinth of personal struggles, each discovering that redemption is more than a one-time event; it is a continual choice to live in grace and obedience to Jesus, our Savior.

Griep’s prose is a treasure in itself. Her writing, laced with historical depth and spiritual insight, never feels heavy-handed or overly complex. There’s a richness in every sentence that invites reflection—her words are like the ancient relics Ami studies, offering more the longer you examine them. The humor woven through the narrative acts as a delicate counterbalance to the intensity of the themes, offering lightness in moments of darkness. The dialogue flows like a well-rehearsed dance—quick, sharp, and at times humorous—yet always resonating with the deeper truths that both Ami and Edward are learning to embrace.

The characters live and breathe their faith, allowing it to shape their decisions, their relationships, and their very identities. In a world where superstition looms and the shadows of the past threaten to drown them, their faith provides both strength and vulnerability. There are moments of doubt, yes, but also moments of quiet, powerful surrender, where faith isn’t just spoken—it’s embodied in action, in sacrifice, in love.

This book is a treasure trove of spiritual truths, nestled in a historical adventure that feels both timeless and immediate. The way Griep explores the intersection of the sacred and the secular is nothing short of masterful. The artifacts of Egypt—ancient, powerful, and mysterious—become metaphors for the healing power of God. Like the dust that settles on these relics, our sins may seem insurmountable, but faith in God’s redemption offers clarity and purpose, bringing light to the darkest corners of the soul.

Of Gold and Shadows doesn’t just stay with you because of the fascinating characters or the thrilling plot twists—it stays because it invites you to ponder deeper questions of faith, history, and redemption. It reminds you that the stories we uncover, whether in ancient tombs or our own lives, are imbued with meaning, waiting to be seen by a heavenly point of view. Griep’s ability to blend these elements so seamlessly is what makes this novel an unforgettable experience. When I finished this story, I felt as though I had unearthed something far more valuable than mere words on a page.

I received a paperback of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.… (more)