A Deep Divide - (Secrets of the Canyon) by Kimberley Woodhouse

I really loved the way Woodhouse drew you in with her scenery building skills. I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon but am much more eager to go now from reading this! It was a fun read and Emma was such a good character. She doesn’t want her family’s wealth, instead she tries to make a life on her own and it really makes me root for her. Not everyone wants to be handed things and Emma was someone who definitely didn’t want that. I liked Ray Watkins too, especially as he was in a similar position to Emma in terms of wealth but didn’t want to just live a lavish lifestyle. I really liked them together too! If you love cute historical romances with a strong willed woman with a beautiful scenery in the mix then I think you would like this novel!

I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and this book made my desire even stronger! A Great Divide is filled with adventure, mystery, intrigue, and the beauty of the Grand Canyon, as it was in 1905. Emma Grace McMurtry is an heiress who runs away to escape her ruthless father and ends up working as a Harvey Girl in Arizona. As I read this new book by Kimberley Woodhouse, I was right there with her, working at the famous El Tovar Hotel, serving the customers, and constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure that no one was following me. Emma Grace soon finds friendship with Ray, Ruth, and Frank, but Ray Watkins is the one who carves a place in her heart. He understands the pain associated with a misguided father, and he knows first hand the grace and acceptance that comes from believing in God. Can Ray help Emma Grace find that same peace and comfort? A Deep Divide is absorbing historical fiction with realistic characters, a sweet but thrilling romance, and a strong thread of faith woven throughout its plot. Greed is the cause of much suffering and pain, but Woodhouse shows how forgiveness and redemption can buffer the hurt. A Great Divide is a five-star read for me, and I look forward to the next book in the Secrets of the Canyon series! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Emma Grace has been living incognito after fleeing for her life years ago. Although she never lacked for anything materially, her life was not a happy one. When she found out her father was scheming to marry her off to the man who could do the most for his business, Emma Grace made her escape. Afterwards, she found out her father had been murdered the night she left. Emma Grace knows she is being hunted. Convinced the killer is Mr. Wellington, her father's number one choice for her husband, she is sure he has been the one chasing her ever since. Who would think a former heiress would disguise herself as a hard-working Harvey Girl? Emma Grace has been counting on that thought to keep herself hidden for the past decade. After changing her looks and Harvey Girl work locations many times, she finally feels safe. Emma Grace travels to the Grand Canyon to take her place at the elegant, brand new El Tovar Hotel. She settles in to relax and enjoy her surroundings, along with the attention of the rich businessman and hotel guest, Ray. That is when Emma Grace discovers she is still being hunted. How was she found? Will Emma Grace be drug back east, and forced to marry Wellington? Does she have enough time to run away again? Will she ever find the peace, love and acceptance she has been dreaming of? This page turner will keep you guessing what will happen to Emma Grace. Seeing the Grand Canyon through her eyes made it seem beautiful and serene, but still a wild place that needed to be explored carefully. The character’s faith was a natural and vital part of this five-star, clean tale. Fans of mystery and suspense will love this book! Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Deep Divide, for the purpose of review.

A beautiful story of love and forgiveness. As a child, Emma Grace was kidnapped in part due to her father's business dealings. This has led to a lifetime of anger, hurt, and distrust. I really appreciated the way her storyline was written. How we sometimes take one step forward and two steps back, but other times we take two steps forward and only one step back. This story is rich in history and the setting is just magnificent! Who doesn't love the Grand Canyon!? I'm really looking forward to book two in the series! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kimberley Woodhouse starts her new series with a couldn't put it down book! I was sad when I was finished because I didn't want it to be over. This beautiful book takes place on the rim of the Grand Canyon. I absolutely love books and movies about Harvey Girls. They are fascinating! Emma Grace had a tumultuous childhood and started a new life as a Harvey Girl. Ray Watkins is sent on a business trip by his father to the new hotel at the Grand Canyon. Emma Grace and Ray soon bond and have to face and overcome challenges from each of their pasts that have caught up with them. I love how Kimberley Woodhouse ties faith into her books. I always end up being so encouraged. I highly recommend this new book in the Secrets of the Canyon series. I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Books. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I have been looking forward to A Deep Divide for months and now after reading it, I can say it is worth every second of that wait. It is just a beautiful story. I was drawn in from the Dear Reader letter at the beginning to the very last word of the Author's Note at the end. I loved learning about the Harvey Girls, the El Tovar Hotel, the beginnings of photography, and of course the Grand Canyon. I have never been there, but the word pictures painted by Kimberley Woodhouse showed me its beauty and majesty and helped me view it in a whole new light. The descriptions are so realistic, I felt like I was next to Emma Grace dangling my legs over the edge and standing behind the camera with Ray. The characters come to life on the page, making this book impossible to put down. I loved, loved, loved the message of our Creator woven throughout the book! It was so comforting. I'm excited to share it with my daughters. A Deep Divide is now one of my favorite books and I can't wait to read the next in the series! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

Kimberley Woodhouse has started her Secrets of the Canyon series with a dynamic novel! The setting of the Grand Canyon holds a special mystique and allure to all, couple that with a relatable set of characters, engrossing plot, and you have me turning the pages so rapidly to see what happens next. I'm excited to see where the series goes next! It's a fantastic story! I received the book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post nor write a review

There are times in life when, only seeing a small piece of the larger picture, we may feel like God does not care about what is happening to us or around us. At those times fear often sets in. In our current times there are many things going on that might elicit a spirit of fear. In A Deep Divide Kimberley Woodhouse takes us back to the early 1900s to examine the theme of fear in relationship to faith, allowing us to examine this separate from the emotions of our current circumstances, then allowing us to apply what we glean to those circumstances. On a more basic level, A Deep Divide is a wonderful story, with a great balance between historical accuracy, intrigue, and sweet romance. Woodhouse uses her words to paint beautiful pictures of the Grand Canyon's grandeur, as well as to develop her characters into people readers will know and care about. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Reading a Kimberley Woodhouse novel is like getting a history lesson. Except history is your favorite subject and it's taught by your favorite teacher. I love every story Woodhouse has told. There's always a lovely cast of characters and a riveting story line. She always includes action, love and faith. And honestly, can you get much better than that? My heart went out so much for Emma Grace. At one point I had to set the book down and I told my sister I was done (I obviously wasn't) because of the hurt she had to endure. The hurt inflicted on her by the men who were supposed to protect her. But with grace she rose above it all and became someone to be proud of. I truly loved Ray as well. The way he was so confident until it came to Miss McMurray was adorable. He had so much growth and I really enjoyed seeing it. The story kept me on my toes for sure. I loved the mystery of the whole thing. It had me turning the pages until sadly I came to the end. I feel as if I never get enough of Woodhouse’s books! I was so happy to hear that this book was a Harvey House girl, it's a storyline I would love to see more of! Learning about the El Tovar and the Grand Canyon was incredible. And I know Woodhouse has visited the places she writes about so I felt as though I was there. One day I'm definitely going to visit. Also I may have left this book with many opened tabs on the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar and the Kolb brothers. Seriously if you check this book out definitely listen to the authors note and check this stuff out. It's so interesting!! I never leave a Woodhouse novel without feeling encouraged in my faith. No matter what, God always uses her books to help me in my season of faith. Somehow I'm always going through something similar as one of the characters... Gotta be a God thing. But it's by far my favorite thing about reading these books!! **I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher. I was in no way required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**

Perhaps she wouldn’t have to move again. She could just stay hidden here forever. With vivid detail, the author takes us to the Grand Canyon in all its glory. One can only imagine the secrets around this incredible place! El Tovar, an exquisite hotel on the edge of the Canyon, is the perfect setting for a wonderful story about the fascinating life of just one Harvey Girl. This career, sought after by many in early 1900, brought financial relief to many families. In fact, I’m quite sure I would have enjoyed such an opportunity as a young lady. There is more than one deep divide that this narrative brings for the reader to consider. As a young child, Emma Grace experienced a total loss of trust in those who should have been caring for her. Leaving all that she knew behind, she became a Harvey Girl, seeking to be the best that she could be. Trust in those around her did not come easily, continually living in fear of being found out. Learning to leave those fears with the Lord would also help her learn to trust - but could she do it? Would it be possible for that broken trust to ever be restored? An ARC of this first book in the Secrets of the Canyon was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Another winner from Ms. Woodhouse, but then I wouldn’t expect anything else from one of my go to authors that never disappoint. Her research on historical sites is impeccable and I always feel like I have visited and seen it through her eyes. Reading about the Harvey girls and the establishments they worked in always makes me feel like I am getting a glimpse into a forgotten era. What I loved most was the growth Emma Grace experienced in her search for peace and how God never fails us is woven in. This book contains great characters as well as unsavory ones that adds an air of mystery, a little romance, and how forgiveness puts the demons in our past to rest. Faith is paramount in our quest for peace and joy. I enjoyed the Note from the Author at the end that even contains books to read to further your study. I can’t wait for book two in this new Secrets of the Canyon series. I recommend getting this at the top of your TBR pile. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.