Of Gold and Shadows

The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .

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 saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, 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. . . .

"Don't miss all the romance, adventure, and danger in [this] new page-turner."--JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author of Shadows of Swanford Abbey

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Baker Publishing Group.

Book club questions for Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Ami struggles to be accepted as a qualified Egyptologist. Why do you think this is so important to her? Has there been a time in your life when you felt like you missed out on the recognition you should have received? How did you deal with it?

Edmund is ashamed of his dyslexia. Why do you think Ami didn’t make a big deal about it when she found out? Have you ever grappled with dyslexia or any other learning challenges? If so, what are some ways you’ve learned to cope?

Shadow brokering is a dangerous side gig for Ami, yet she is so driven to rescue relics from the black market that she’s willing to take that risk. What is the most hazardous situation you’ve ever put yourself into for the sake of a noble cause?

Phineas says, “Did ye know bees are some o’ the most consistent creatures around? They’ve a job to do, and they do it without fail. I reckon that’s a lesson fer all o’ us, keepin’ our commitments no matter what distractions come our way.” Do you agree with his sentiment? Has there been a time you’ve honored a commitment even when it would have been much easier to have quit? Is there a commitment you’re hesitant to take on right now because you know it will be difficult?

Ami hates lemons, and for good reason. She was scarred as a child by her nursemaid, who scrubbed her face daily with the fruit, humiliating her about her freckles. We all bear emotional scars from our childhood. What is something from your past that you still deal with today?

Brudge’s sidekick, Scupper, is always spouting words of wisdom from his dearly departed mother. What sort of sayings do you remember your senior relatives sharing with you? Are there any wise words that you share with others?

In Mark 11:12–25, Jesus curses a fig tree in the morning, and by evening it is dead, so in that instance, the curse was very real. The golden griffin is said to carry the curse of Amentuk, which is fictional. What are your thoughts on curses in our present world?

Ami feels very strongly that the Egyptian relics belong in the Cairo Museum because they are an integral part of that culture. What do you think the balance should be between cultural heritage and the placement of historical artifacts? Should antiquities be returned to their country of origin, or are there valid reasons for them to be displayed in museums around the world?

Who was your favorite character and why?

Who did you love to hate the most and why?

Of Gold and Shadows Book Club Questions PDF

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