My rating: 3.5/5
A gratifying conglomeration of mystery, romance, and historical elements, Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep is a charming story composed of enjoyable characters, an interesting plot, and informative historical facts.
Set during the late 1880’s in Oxford, England, primary character Amisi “Ami” Daulton is an outspoken, unconventional, and determined woman who aspires to be a recognized Egyptologist. Inspired and trained from childhood by her father, a renowned Egyptologist and college professor, Ami’s aspirations are often met with antagonism due to her gender, despite her depth of knowledge. Her determination to defy societal gender prejudices as well as her desire to salvage Egyptian artifacts from the black market, influences her disguised identity as the Shadow Broker. Ami unexpectedly meets Edmund Price, a wealthy businessman and a popular sought-after bachelor in Oxford. Edmund needs an expert in Egyptian artifacts to evaluate and determine the financial worth of a large shipment of Egyptian artifacts he acquired and intends to sell. Edmund defies the societal norm and hires Ami, thus beginning an intriguing journey that entails a potentially cursed Egyptian artifact, a prospective romance, and healing from past hurts.
“Perhaps-just maybe-all her striving to prove her intelligence and credibility didn’t matter a whit to God. If that was true, then perhaps her worth was in who she was, who God made her to be, instead of being measured by what she achieved” –Of Gold and Shadows.
Of Gold and Shadows is a medium-paced novel with an entertaining suspenseful story. Although there were some interesting plot twists throughout the story, I was disappointed in the structure of the ending. The details of the mystery revealed at the end of the story were a bit unrealistic and mediocre. The Christian faith content in the story was minimal but adequate. Characters were depicted praying and relying on their faith in God as they navigated challenges and sought guidance. I enjoyed the historical elements of the story which included Egyptian culture and practices, as well as England customs. Readers of Christian fiction who like mystery, suspense, and romance will enjoy this novel.
#OfGoldandShadows #MichelleGriep #ChristianFiction
