I am BAAAAAAACKKK!!!
If only for a book review, haha. But that totally counts.
For those few who still follow this poor, abandoned little blog, I adore you! It is my hope to rekindle my relationship with Blogger and post the book reviews I have neglected over the past two/three(?) years, as this is the best base for such a hobby. :]
And the following tale is a treat! It has been a while since I read a good little mystery, and I must say I rather enjoyed this one. If you like a nice, clean historical setting in Victorian England, filled with Egyptian artifacts and exotic culture of the like, then you will enjoy this novel!
Do read on.
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Bethany House Publishers | September 24th, 2024
Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Victorian England, Mystery
{GoodReads}
In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for rescuing black-market artifacts, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker. After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . . Award-winning author Michelle Griep weaves a tale of love, mystery, and intrigue set against the backdrop of the gaslit streets of Oxford, England.
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I was provided with a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.
WARNING: Possible Spoilers!
THE BASICS
Ami is an adorable, incredibly intelligent, young lady aspiring for the dream of one day leading an archaeological dig in Egypt---which is precisely her father's current occupation as a professor of archaeology. He has successfully passed on his knowledge and love of history to his only daughter, and everything she does while he is away on a dig is a result of that. To the degree that she risks life & limb rescuing questionably acquired artifacts from questionably moral blokes, posing as the mysterious Shadow Broker. As a woman in England, in the late 1800s, recognition as a female Egyptologist is frowned upon and often given a double-take. Still, that does not stop Ami, nor sway her from her dreams. Another admirable quality she bears is that she does not really care what others think of her, nor what society itself believes is important. That said, what adds to her character are her fashion quirks and the fact she does not spend ages on her appearance, or other such insignificant things.
Edmund Price, on the other hand, is a wealthy, reclusive bachelor only just returned to England from many years abroad. Circumstances in his past have led him to where he is now, and looking to his future (and that of those close to him), he strives to do right in both business and life. He truly thinks he has his life figured out, with plans to never get involved with another woman ever again---but it seems God has other ideas, especially when a quirky little Egyptologist basically falls in his lap.
VIOLENCE
A woman is attacked by a big brute; she promptly kicks him twice (once in a rather tender area) & manages to escape, only to be hit again & briefly knocked out. She walks away with a bruise that she attempts to hide with cosmetics.
A man's leg is crushed (and later amputated) by a heavy crate whilst unloading at the destination.
A man injures himself while sneaking around an estate. At one point, he is shot in the leg attempting to flee.
A knife is held to a woman's throat---ultimately, she is released before any harm occurs. A man sports a black eye & has a terrible limp from different wounds. [SPOILER!] A young boy of 17 years is being held as leverage. He has obviously been roughed up & beaten, and bears a broken nose.
A woman is kidnapped & gagged. A gun is held to a boy's head by a thug; a man is shot in the chest---his body thumps to the floor.
At one point, we enter an especially revolting area known for criminal & otherwise questionable activity: drunkards are passed out of the ground, refuse is in the streets; it's described that a couple are seen as all "arms and legs, doing what ought not be seen in public"; intimidating thugs standing around with weapon, etc.
A policeman returns to the department headquarters with a gunshot wound to the leg. A thug holds a knife to someone's side as a threat to comply.
SPIRITUAL CONTENT
A golden artifact is said to be cursed. Coincidently, odd things begin to happen around the estate, and it is sometimes chalked up to the little statue of the golden griffin.
Both Ami & Edmund are often in prayer, lifting up pleas for strength & courage during various levels of trials. Ami seems to be strong in her faith, trusting God even when she does not understand. Edmund comes around to do the same, though it may have taken him a bit longer from what he has experienced in the past.
LANGUAGE // ALCOHOL & DRUGS
None to speak of.
Wine, and other alcoholic beverages are served or taken. An opium addict experiences withdrawals & is obviously out of his mind.
ROMANTIC CONTENT
A man who had imbibed a few too many glasses of wine, makes some crude remarks towards a lady; he later asks forgiveness for his drunken behaviour.
A rather brass socialite is constantly throwing herself at Edmund---to the point that YOU are annoyed for him.
There is obvious attraction between Ami & Edmund. I rather enjoyed how it was played out in such a natural way. Neither one pressures the other, they build a relationship first, they stick to their convictions, and they work toward a common goal---both ready to make necessary sacrifices should the need arise.
Hugs & embraces, and at least two tender kisses.
CONCLUSION
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel! Archaeology has always been such an incredibly fascinating subject to me. And though I will never find myself spelunking in caves or exploring pyramids *cue heeby-jeeby SHIVER*, traipsing through wild jungles or sandy deserts, I will GLADLY take such adventures in my books. This was certainly a cozy mystery, and one I would recommend for these lovely Autumn days.
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5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Aaaaahhh, Sarah! It's SO good to see a post from you! I have MISSED your posts! What a treat to find on my dashboard today. And I always love your reviews. This sounds like a really fun one. Archaeology and Victorian times? YES PLEASE. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're doing well, sweet friend! <3
CHRISTIIIIIIINNNE!!!!! I have missed you so much!! It was beyond lovely seeing your comment today. Thank you for your kind words. <333
ReplyDeleteI am doing well, m'lady. I hope the same for you & yours! I've been keeping up with your newsletters as much as possible. I hope your recovery is progressing wonderfully!