Series: Time’s Lost Treasure, Book 1
Publication Date: 09.01.24
Published by: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian Historical Romance, Christian Mystery, Christian Victorian
4 Stars!
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.
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