Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep

I loved meeting Michelle Griep last weekend at the Columbus Book Festival. I enjoyed hearing her share about her newest book Of  Silver and Secrets. 

Review: Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep is second in her Time’s Lost Treasure series. The book can be a standalone. Eva Inman is running her family’s crumbling estate, trying to make ends meet and take care of her blind sister. When she believes there is treasure on her land, she takes the found items to Cambridge and accidently sees her old childhood friend, Bram Webb. They did not part on good terms, but is something still there?

I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense novel set in Victorian England. Eva had my heart from the first page as I walked through life with her. She was an endearing character who learned to trust God, forgive herself, and grow into a wonderful woman. Bram was a dashing archaeologist who had a certain Indiana Jones mystique and it was a pleasure to watch his journey of growth. The story had many twists and turns and good prevails in the end.

Of Silver and Secrets is a wonderful, mysterious, adventurous journey that you will be so glad you signed up for! The author beautifully weaves in faith threads with engaging characters to bring deeper meaning to the story. I highly recommend!

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

Michelle Griep is an award-winning author who pens historical romances like a tea-sipping time traveler—full of heart, rich with adventure, and always with a mischievous glint in her eye. She’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas, and these days crafts stories that transport readers to richly drawn pasts—each one brimming with mystery, romance, and redemption.

Her stories have picked up their fair share of shiny gold stars—including a Christy Award for 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and a Carol Award for The Doctor’s Woman. She’s also landed finalist spots for the INSPY Awards with fan favorites like The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Captive Heart.

When she’s not wrangling wayward plotlines or swooning over her own heroes, Michelle can be found in her proper English garden battling armadillos and pretending her to-do list doesn’t exist. She lives in Missouri, where she’s always dreaming up her next story—and often crafting twists that lead her characters to hope, healing, and happily ever after.

You can follow her escapades by signing up for her newsletter or on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer

 

Every Hour Until Then is Book five in the Timeless Romance series by Gabrielle Meyer.  Kathryn is able to live two lives in Victorian-era London and World War II Washington DC.  She wakes up each day in a different time, and must decide before her 25^th birthday which time-line to choose.  It is a hard choice as in one she has a time crossing mom. 

Kathryn is a spunky intelligent determined character and I enjoyed following her through time.  The author did a good job showing you the variety of thoughts and opinions of people in both time lines in regards to world events which I found fascinating.  The faith thread was nicely done and seamless to the story. 

I found this story interesting as there is only a 50-year time difference between the two time lines as it was interesting to see the changes in women’s rights during the time span. Historically this one connects a Jack the Ripper exhibit in 1938 to the actual murders happening in 1888.  The story had many twists and turns keeping me guessing until the end. 

I always love reading Gabrielle Meyers’s Timeless book, and enjoyed reading Every Hour Until Then.   I greatly enjoyed Every Hour Until then and recommend it. 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

Wife, Mom, Writer, Friend...

Gabrielle lives on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing historical and contemporary novels inspired by real people, places, and events. The river is a constant source of inspiration for Gabrielle, and if you look closely, you will find a river in each of her stories.

When Gabrielle is not writing, you might find her homeschooling her children, cheering them on at sporting and theatrical events, or hosting a gathering at her home with family and friends.

The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold.

I have absolutely loved reading The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold.I was very invested in this character driven story and read into the night to finish. The story weaves together family relationships, classic literature, and an amazing road trip. I appreciated the how the story beautifully explored female family relationships and was so relatable. I highly recommend The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold.

 Blurb: A literary journey beckons them . . . and may profoundly rewrite their stories.

Chloe Vance, dreamer of the family, needs to tell her pragmatic mom, Edie, that she has accepted a low-paying art instructor role at a Christian school in Prague. Her older sister, Lauren--the "responsible one"--is doing all she can to hide the fact she's been fired for a foolish mistake and is desperately seeking her next career move. Meanwhile, Edie, estranged from her own sister following their mother's recent death, is frankly in no mood for anything else to change.

The one thing they can all agree on? Life in books sure is easier to navigate than life in the real world. As the three women embark on a nine-day road trip to visit significant literary sites throughout America's heartland, they hope to find inspiration through the works and lives of literary greats.

Sara Brunsvold (pronounced Bruns- as in RUN, -vold as is in OLD) is the Christy Award-winning author of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. She creates stories that boldly engage contemporary issues through the lens of hope and unshakable faith. Her passion is to connect with readers first through books, then through meaningful conversation. She lives with her family in Kansas.

Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson

Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson is a sweet romance that weaves in faith, love and wonderful characters to make an amazing story. Finn has a farm where he raises Newfoundland dogs, and Cretia is a traveling influencer who travels around the world.

Finn and Cretia are two people you will want to get to know, and the contrast of their lives will make you smile. I loved watching them grow and change with the help of each other, their faith, and the sweet community surrounding them. I was so engaged in the story, the character’s lives, and loved the magical setting of Prince Edward Island.

I enjoyed reading Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson and highly recommend. This is the perfect read for summer days. 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review

By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager. She makes time to write late at night—that’s when she thinks best anyway. Liz is the author of more than a dozen novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoys exploring local music, theater, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She writes stories of true love filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters.

Scott and Bothered by Alex Kiley

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley is a second chance romance with all the feels. Brook and Jack knew each other during their university days. Until it all blew up and they parted and have not seen each other in many years.

There is something about a second chance romance that always resonates with me. This dual POV and dual time-line story comes together seamlessly and draws you in. I enjoyed watching Jack and Brook figure out who they were, to love themselves, and realize the gift they had in each other. It was fantastic to visit Scotland through the pictures the author so eloquently painted and get to walk and adventure on beautiful trails. There are few thing I love better than highland coos.

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley is a second chance romance that will bring you hope. I recommend.

I received advance copies of the eBook from Harlequin Trade Publishing, and HTP Hive. All review opinions are my own.

CW  Open door, but skippable; 

Alexandra Kiley writes big-hearted romances full of banter, found-family, and deep love. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking tea, playing with her kids, or gazing adoringly at the mountains of Colorado.  

Her novels are inspired by her semester in Scotland where she fell in love with not only the lush and magical land, but also the people who invited her into their homes and made her feel like family.​

To Kiss A Knight by Grace Hitchcock

To Kiss a Knight by Grace Hitchcock is book number two in A Novel of Best laid Plans series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.  Vivienne Poppy has a plan to escape her brother and a horrible arranged marriage.  She is going to use her writing pseudonym Lady Larkby until she discovers that is a real name Sir Sebastian Larkby is a Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted.  When he discovers Vivienne, he is not sure what to do.  Especially since his grandmother is so excited, he has taken a wife.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency Romantic Comedy!  What a delightful story that starts out with a bang and had me hanging on each word until the end!  Watching Vivienne and Sebastian both go outside their comfort zone with each other, grow as characters, and discover their hearts was a delight!  They both had great chemistry, banter, and sweet spirits.  The Regency setting was fantastic with wonderful historical details that made the story come alive.  I could not put this one down! 

I loved the romance, setting, faith elements, humor and chemistry between Sebastian and Vivienne.  To Kiss a Knight will be one of my favorite books of 2025!  I very highly recommend! 

I was given a copy and not required to write a positive review!   

Grace Hitchcock is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives near New Orleans with her husband, Dakota, sons and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

A Gentlemen's Reckoning by Jennie Goutet

A Gentleman’s Reckoning by Jennie Goutet is part of the Bachelors of Blackstone series, and is a stand-alone novel.  Lady Eugenia Stanich loves volunteering at The Foundling Asylum for orphans.   She has a heart for children and feels more loved there than at home.  John Aubin, a gentleman who has been shunned from society, is working at the orphanage under a different name.  He is there to seek revenge on the founder who also happens to be Lady Eugenia’s father.  They both connect, like each other, but what if Lady Eugenia finds out who John really is?  

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet Regency romance with its dual POV.   I loved the sweet banter, romantic tension, and the fascinating setting of an orphanage in Regency London.  The author does a nice job of introducing you to others in Regency England besides the ton.  Lady Eugenia and John were wonderful characters who experienced redemption and became the best versions of themselves.  Watching John transform from a rake to good man was beautiful to see.  Both characters did not let the past dictate their future.  

The author has written such an original, beautiful and memorable story that will stay with you.  I enjoyed this character driven story and highly recommend A Gentleman’s Reckoning by Jennie Goutet.  

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.  

Jennie Goutet is the best-selling author of twelve Regency romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and Daughters of the Gentry series. Her books have received first place in historical romance for the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and have hit the number one spot in Regency Romance on Amazon. They have been featured on BookBub and Hoopla, and are translated into five languages.

Jennie is an American-born Anglophile who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her best-selling proper Regency romances are set. You can learn more about Jennie’s books and sign up for her newsletter on her author website: jenniegoutet.com or purchase her books at jenniegoutetbooks.com.