Book Club: Book Review of The Burning of Rosemont Abbey

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review or be compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Who wouldn't love a good murder mystery where the suspense is palatable, but it is not a story filled with gore? Naomi Stephens has succeeded in writing an excellent work of Christian fiction set in 1956. In The Burning of Rosemont Abbey, readers join Louisa Everly on her journey to exonerate her twin brother, Paul Everly. 

About the Book 

In 320 pages, Naomi Stephens introduces a set of characters who live in a quiet English village. These characters come to life under her skillful words and sentences. We first join the story on the night of the fire at Rosemont Abbey. Louisa was alone in the kitchen quite happy one moment, and the next she felt the death of her brother. 

Throughout the novel, we join Louisa as she tries to find out what happened to Paul and whether or not he actually set fire to Rosemont Abbey. She seeks to prove his innocence whether she has to do it by herself or with the help of a recently returned friend of Paul's. Inspector Malcom Sinclair – who had once been Paul's close friend – heads up the investigation. Louise eventually shares the information she has with Malcom. And as readers, we see the pieces fall into place that will help resolve the story.

My Thoughts 

I wasn't sure what to expect when I requested The Burning of Rosemont Abbey to review. While I really enjoy historical fiction, I often prefer those set further back in time than 1956. But this novel was a joy to read. 

The pace of the story was just right. As we uncovered details and clues with Louisa, it was only to be expected that we would want to keep reading. I ended up reading the final third of the book in one night. I needed to see: 

• If Paul was innocent. 
• If David Ashworth really loved Louisa. 
• If Louis's aunt and uncle would support her decisions. 
• If Malcom would figure out who was causing havoc in Wilbeth Green. 

What else did I like about The Burning of Rosemont Abbey? Louisa was a likeable character. She was headstrong but not to the point where I questioned her wisdom. I also loved the way Stephens wrote the book. For example, these sentences are very well crafted: 

"And though Louisa knew he was merely goading Mrs. Watson, she was also struck by the sudden and rather silly notion that she was growing entangled with the kind of boy who had sometimes skipped choir practice." (141) 

"'It really was like a fortress, wasn't it?' she whispered. 'How terrible it is, knowing that such a mighty structure can fall so easily...'" She shivered, her words trailing off. 

The vicar smiled gently. 'God's Word still stands, Miss Everly, and that's enough.'" (244) 

I would recommend The Burning of Rosemont Abbey to those who enjoy Christian fiction, mysteries, suspense, and historical fiction. 

Book Club: Book Review: Of Gold and Shadows

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review or be compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

What a wonderful book! Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep ticked so many boxes for me. This paperback from Bethany House is set in 1888 England, with the main characters connecting over the need to properly identify and value a set of Egyptian artifacts. There is adventure, romance, and intrigue all rolled up into a quick read! 

About the Book 

The story starts out during a dark evening in an Oxford cemetery. Ami Dalton is conducting business which will net her an Egyptian artifact that she can supply to a British museum. We next jump to Edmund Price who is returning to Oxford after being abroad in India for eight years. As one of the most eligible bachelors, he is besieged by women who want to woo him. How do the two of them connect? Edmund needs someone to appraise his newly acquired collection of Egyptian artifacts so he can sell them. He seeks out Ami's father who is on a dig in Egypt. Ami offers her services and the rest is history. 

While going through the collection of Egyptian artifacts in Of Gold and Shadows, Ami discovers a piece that is cursed – the golden griffin. This brings about many interesting adventures, including injuries attributed to the cursed griffin and other incidents. Does the curse of Amentuk really exist, though? Ami reminds everyone who will listen that Egyptian curses aren't real and that they should seek their faith in God.

In addition to the appraisal  of the artifacts, Ami and Edmund being to fall in love with each other. But what book wouldn't be complete without complications? These complications include a reading difficulty, another woman, and a kidnapping.

What I Think About Of Gold and Shadows 

I would read Of Gold and Shadows over and over again! My hope is that these characters will be seen in another book, because I really want to learn more about them. 

I appreciated how Christianity and the faith of Ami and Edmund was woven very naturally into the story. There was discussion of Egyptian curses and religion, but Ami was always very firm in her beliefs.

My only complaint is in reference to Ami and her father's desire to see the Egyptian artifacts retired to Egypt. The author, Michelle Griep, does discuss this in the back of the book (with other notes about magic lanterns and palmistry). The view of returning items to the original countries was not one commonly held in Victorian England. I felt that this was allowing modern viewpoints to take too firm of a hold in a work of historical fiction.

Overlooking my one complaint, I can still highly recommend Of Gold and Shadows. 

Are you interested in learning more about Egypt? 

I have several Blogging Through the Alphabet posts in which I talk about Egyptian history, gods, and goddesses.

• K is for Khnum (Blogging Through the Alphabet)
• I is for Imhotep (Blogging Through the Alphabet)
• R is for Ramses the Great (Blogging through the Alphabet)
• M is for Mummies (Blogging through the Alphabet)
• B is for Bastet (Blogging through the Alphabet)
• I is for the goddess Isis (Blogging through the Alphabet)