Kimberley Woodhouse

WOW! What an incredible awesome book The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse is. Filled with flash floods, dinosaur bones, missing children, mental illness, kidnapping, romance, and faith. All of this, and more will keep you glued to this story filled with suspense from beginning to end. There are two themes that stand out in this story. The first one is to love others as God loves us, and the second is forgiveness.

I have read several historical Christian books by Kimberly Woodhouse, but this one captured me like none of her previous works. She picked a wonderful subject for the first book in this series, women in the field of Paleontology. I felt what Anna felt being swept through the waters of the flash flood, her excitement in discovering the dinosaur bones, her anxiety over not being considered knowledgeable in the field she loves due to her sex, and her feelings for Joshua. Kimberly Woodhouse kept me on the edge of my seat throughout with her outstanding prose, character development, and scenic description.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.… (lisätietoja)

I have to admit that this book had everything that a great novel should have. It had a rich blend of historical facts and mystery that made it difficult to put down. For every somber historical fact, there was also a lighthearted moment often between Olivia, her brother or Joseph.
The characters were lifelike in their emotions and actions, especially Olivia. Despite everything she had gone through, she eventually came to find hope through reading the Bible with Joseph and her brother, Daniel.
I would recommend this delightful tale to anyone who is in need of a historical mystery with a touch of romance.
Personal Rating: 5 Stars
Content Rating: 4 Stars
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.… (lisätietoja)

I loved that this book was so different from other historical fictions I’ve read. A female working in paleontology in the Wild West during the late 1800s? A father who regards his daughter as not only important in his family, but an asset to his profession? A male training to be a doctor in hopes of working in a small town, not looking for glory or money? It’s the perfect blend of unique, and I was all for it!
The book starts off with a bang from the get-go, and events keep spiraling from there until the end. This one will keep you in your toes and wondering what next.
Anna is fiery, headstrong, and a bit impetuous. Joshua is also headstrong, and a little thick sometimes (particularly during that three years away at school). But they are actually a really good compliment for one another, strengthening each other’s weaknesses, and loving in the tough times.
The entire premise of this book is so different, I was very excited about it! There is a lot more to the mystery element of the plot than I somehow anticipated going in, but every new twist and crazy happening kept me on my toes and guessing right up to the end. The way the author worded everything gives you clues, and then makes you second guess every assumption.
I loved the side of paleontology we got in this story. It’s fascinating to me, and the struggles and challenges, and subsequent triumphs and successes, of the characters (which I am certain mimic those of days gone by) make it that much more intriguing.
I especially loved the Christian elements of this story. The characters grappling with hurt and forgiveness, God’s ability to change us, holding on to and feeling God’s power, and reconciling Biblical teachings with scientific discoveries, are all elements I found myself enjoying very much.
If you enjoy Western romance, Christian fiction, mystery and suspense, or seeing females break the barriers of society’s expectations, I would hand you this book.
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CW/TW: child disappearance; death of a parent (previous to book); attempted and committed murder; mental health dysfunction; horse accident; health issues with parent
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**Thanks to the publisher and Austen Prose PR for the copy. I have provided this honest review of my own volition.… (lisätietoja)