Of Silver and Secrets

Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Time's Lost Treasures #2
Pages: 368
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

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.

---

Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson

A well-written novel that echoes hope in times of adversity.

This is my first time reading a Michelle Griep novel, and I am very impressed. Reading the second book in the Time Lost Treasures series makes me want to grab and read all of this author’s work.

Of Silver and Secrets tells the story of Eva Inman, an out-of-luck woman desperately clinging to the thin rope of hope. The untimely death of Eva’s father has ushered her to the role of owner of the Inman manor and guardian to her blind sister Penelope. Eva needs a miracle to save her home, but sometimes miracles do not happen the way we expect. 

The discovery of a potential artefact of value brings Eva into the path of a man she least expects to see, Professor Bram Webb, a man who vanished years ago in her life. Bram, a history professor at Cambridge University, has been given a deadline to prove the existence of the Caelum Academia or watch his beloved uncle Pendleton lose his position and pension at Cambridge University. The arrival of Eva and the artefact she carries not only sparks hope of helping his uncle but rekindles a long-lost love. Together, Eva and Bram must race against the clock to save that which they value. This will not come easy as forces fight against them.

What appealed to me most about this novel was how easily it flowed. I also loved the characters, especially Penelope, who I hope will get to tell her own story. The romance between Eva and Bram, with a slight touch of humour, made this novel enjoyable to read. I will recommend this novel to fans and new fans of Michelle Griep.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

---

---

Reviewer: Mindy Houng

“Though truth might be absolute, discerning the right course of action when living that truth was often anything but obvious.”

Michelle Griep has a talent for bringing the Victorian era to life vividly. I absolutely adored traveling to 1889 England with its passion for archeological digs and awakened a sense of social justice amidst crumbling manors and the restrictive world of academia.

Eva was a wonder - a woman grown up too quickly with a world of responsibilities on her shoulders. Bram was completely and utterly delightful as a reformed bad boy, passionate about family and Roman antiquities, faithful, steadfast, and clever. Their conversations were truly gems strewn throughout the book. 

Eva’s faith journey, encouraged and supported by Bram, was a beautiful unfolding of vulnerability and fears culminating in trust and obedience. Penny was a lovely secondary character and perhaps there will be a book about her someday when she’s grown. I really enjoyed learning about the Roman Christians’ settlement in England and the mystery and suspense wrapped around the dig site added depth to this historical romance.

Fans of historical romance, especially those set in Victorian England, look no further for your next book. Bram and Eva will captivate and dazzle you.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I thought this was Michelle’s best yet! Oh my! I finished this one well into the early morning hours. 

The many secrets and fears that came pouring out were wowsers! It made me scoot to the edge of my seat to see what would happen next!

Fear is definitely not a good feeling to have. It stops a person from doing the things they want to do sometimes. I loved that God’s grace was shown to these two wonderful characters that I loved.

There’s a bit of archeology and mystery that kept me turning the pages. The way Griep described the digs made me feel like I was there. 

I certainly didn’t want this adventure to end. I love her stories, but this one will definitely be my favorite. I’m going to add it to my shelf of favorites when it comes out. 

5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publisher via NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

---