June 2025 Reading Recap and July 2025 TBR

  My June 2025 Reads: 

1. Awakened by Roseanna M. White - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - An epic romantasy with beautiful spiritual themes. Read my review.


2. Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Held relatable characters, a flowing plot, and a dose of mystery. Read my review.


3. Battling the Bluestocking by Martha Keyes - ⭐⭐⭐ - I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first two books in the series, but I'll keep it because I loved the first two. 


4. The Woman From Lydia by Angela Hunt - ⭐⭐⭐ - My local book club's selection.


5. Capturing You by Robin Patchen - ⭐⭐⭐ - This romantic suspense took a bit too long to hook my attention and had a main character that felt somewhat unrealistic. I did enjoy the mystery of the murdered family and the search for truth. Read my review.

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Expected July 2025 Reads:

1. With God in Every Breath: A Guide to Drawing Closer to Jesus Through Your Senses by Whitney R. Simpson.
 
2. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!


3. Religious Rebels: Finding Jesus in the Awkward Middle Way by Christy Lynne Wood - I read this book last month, but it was so good that I'm reading it again!


4. The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White.


5. The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese - My local book club's July selection. I loved the first two books in the series and can't wait to read this one!

What will you read this month? 

Book Review: Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep

About the Book:

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.

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My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep. The story held my attention from the start as I rooted for Bram and Eva, who were underdogs in their own particular circumstances. Having that in common, as well as shared childhood experiences, these characters had a strong (albeit complicated) connection from the start. Their slow burn romance grew alongside their journeys to overcoming long-held false beliefs and dealing with the external challenges of life. It was a pleasure to see them start to walk in freedom together and how that freedom enabled them to love others well.

Of Silver and Secrets concludes the Time’s Lost Treasures duology by Michelle Griep. I loved book one (Of Gold and Shadows), so I recommend reading the series in order, but Of Silver and Secrets would be fine as a standalone. Recommended for fans of historical romance who enjoy relatable characters, a flowing plot, and a dose of mystery.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.