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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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MY REVIEW:
Genre | Tropes: Historical, Romance, Mystery, Christian, Clean
This story is filled with so much mystery and adventure! For those that love to read historical romance with lots of historical relevance, this is one for you! Eva Inman is in charge of her family estate after her father recently passed and left everything to her. But she’s struggling to keep the estate running financially.
But when a surprise find in one of her far fields, “the curses acres”, turns out to potentially hold ancient relics that could fix all of her financial problems, she looks to Trinity University’s history department for guidance on how much the finds might be worth.
However, there she finds her childhood crush and heartbreaking memories in a Mr. Bram Webb. They have to face their hidden history to unravel the other hidden history in her own backyard.
I really enjoyed the Roman history element of this story. They end up opening a dig sit on Eva’s property to unearth an ancient Christian community that was in hiding from Roman persecution. All in the honor of history for history’s sake, but also because Bram and his Uncle’s academic reputations depend on unearthing this information.
Throughout their adventure, there is plenty of mischief with interruptions an, accidents, and missing relics on the dig site. Clarly someone is ctrying to keep them frm being successful. Not only are Bram and Eva navigating their fond childhood memories of one another and the possibility of a future together, but Eva’s estate and Bram’s career hang in the line throughout all of this!
Eva’s character was so strong and caring for others, I admired her tenacity and commitment to keeping her family estate running and also caring for her much younger blind sister. Penny, her sister, is an endearing force throughout this book. She is adventurous, smart and encourages her older sister to embrace things she might not have done otherwise.
Bram’s character is also intriguing. He has so many secrets of his own, but as everything unwinds and he lets go of his own burdens, he certainly finds the support and love he’s always wished for.
An exciting adventure and a depth of love I always enjoy from Michelle’s work!
My Favorite Lines
“Why should you trust me? Because, Eva Inman, though you’ll never admit it, you were once in love with me, and I suspect, deep down, you may still be.”
“Just because a girl reads novels does not mean she is woolgathering. Literature can offer valuable insights into the human experience, allowing readers to explore different perspectives and emotions. A window, if you will, into worlds both real and imagined, fostering empathy and understanding. I should think that as a college professor you would recognize the intellectual stimulation such and exercise might render.”
“If this is good-bye, then you should know you take my heart with you – just as you did when you left all those years ago. Whether I like it or not, you are part of me, Bram Webb, and I am a better person for it. I wish you all the best and brightest.”
GET IT HERE:
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.
“Sure to delight fans of archaeological adventure and historical romance.”–JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author
Dive into the past in this clean historical romance as Michelle Griep transports you to Victorian England with an appealing mix of mystery, Roman archaeology, and charming banter. This enthralling tale will appeal to fans of Mimi Matthews, Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Griep
Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is a Christy Award-winning author of historical romances that both intrigue and evoke a smile. She’s an Anglophile at heart, and you’ll most often find her partaking of a proper cream tea while scheming up her next novel . . . but it’s probably easier to find her at MichelleGriep.com.
Looking for book recs…
Adventures in Literature 
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