A Gem of Truth - (Secrets of the Canyon) by Kimberley Woodhouse (Paperback)

What a fantastic story! I really loved Julia and her storyline in this book. She overcomes so much, and it makes for a beautiful story of God's redeeming love and how no one is too far for God's love to reach. The mystery of the treasure made for a fun plot, and it played really well into Julia's story and what she is trying to overcome. This is really just the most wonderful book and it will be one for my reread pile! A completely charming story. I received a copy of this book from the author and also purchased my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Set at El Tovar in the Grand Canyon, this story looks into the life of one of the Harvey Girls in 1907. Julia has had a difficult life, she has no friends, no family, no one. "She craved hope. Craved love. Craved family and friends." Julia meets Chris, a jeweler and designer. Slowly her heart starts to open. "I ( Chris) understand what Gramps said about love. That it was the finest gem to be found." Add in the legend of a treasure, outlaws and mountain lions. You'll find yourself eager to find out what happens next. I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The prologue of this book tugged at my heartstrings! Eight-year-old Julia Shultz loses her parents and begins an existence filled with made-up stories because she doesn't want to forever bear the label of orphan. Eighteen years later, hoping to find a fresh start, she becomes a Harvey Girl at the famous El Tovar Hotel, but she still finds herself telling stories to hide her past. Just when do the stories made up by children turn into lies told by adults? Author Kimberley Woodhouse paints a poignant picture of that lonely little girl who is now a lonely adult. Julia's luck seems to change when she begins a search for long-lost treasure with Christopher Miller and, for the first time, experiences the joy of friendship. Julia's life seems on the upswing until her past comes to light. Will this man who values honesty and truth continue to be her friend? A Gem of Truth has likable characters involved with adventure, danger, and mystery in the legendary setting of the Grand Canyon. It also has a sweet romance and a powerful faith message that kept me totally engaged. I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Christian romance. I received a complimentary copy from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review.

This was a beautiful historical romance that warmed my heart! A delightful read set in the beautiful landscape of the Grand Canyons in early 20th century! Julia, with all her flaws, and her tendency to invent and exaggerate stories, was an endearing character. My heart ached at how much she must have suffered when she was younger in order to feel such compelling need to make herself desirable and admirable to others by embellishing stories about her. She had spunk and sass, and in spite of her flaws, she was a steadfast person, and had a kind heart. She just needed a true friend to show her where her real worth lied. I loved that the persons that were in charge of her, like Miss Sue Blaine at Hotel Castañeda or Miss Ruth Anniston at El Tovar, were genuinely worried about her and wanted to help her become a better person! Ruth was my favorite secondary character, and I’m so excited to know that the next book will be about her. She was so kind and caring, and she helped Julia discover Jesus love. Christopher was a wonderful hero: I loved his integrity, his work ethic and his big heart. I love the dialogues he had with Julia, and how he helped her see the light too. He was also very understanding of Julia as her past catches up with her and her tendency to lie comes out. The story has a great plot, with danger and adventure as they search for the lost treasure, with some villains persecuting them. The scenery is stunning and so well described that I felt in a movie and imagined perfectly the beautiful canyon and its trails, the river, etc. I ended up with a yearning to visit the Grand Canyon and meet for myself all that natural beauty. I also loved the descriptions of the jewelry Chris made and taught to the Hopi. I’d love to see those pieces too. All in all a wonderful historical romance that I didn’t want to end! I especially liked the faith inspired message about God pursuing us, loving us for who we are, and redeeming us. It didnt feel preachy but flowed naturally from the characters. The ending was heartwarming! I can’t wait for the next story to arrive!

Set in 1907, A Gem of Truth is an exciting return to the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar Hotel, and the world of the Harvey Girls. In this second book of the Secrets of the Canyon series, Ms. Woodhouse once again masterfully melds history and fiction to create an intriguing, absorbing, inspirational read. I loved reconnecting with Emma Grace, Ray, and Ruth from the first book A Deep Divide and meeting new “friends” Julia and Chris. A beautifully painted setting, characters that you come to really care about, an encouraging faith thread, a well-structured and adventure-packed plot, plus a bit of sweet romance equals a book that exceeded my highest expectations! I loved the first two books of the series and look forward to reading Ruth’s story in the next book A Mark of Grace. Note: Even though A Gem of Truth is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A powerful story with lessons to be learned. Can past lies come back to haunt you? Can turning over a new leaf be accepted and forgiveness found? Can surrendering to God and His plan for our life make a heart change? I guess you will have to read to find out. Ms Woodhouse brings to life history of a Harvey Girl and the beauty of the El Tovar Hotel located at the Grand Canyon. It’s easy to visualize the scenery through the eyes of the characters. I found myself immersed in the master jeweler of Chris and how he taught the Hopi parts of his trade. An example of how many hands makes quick work. It also represented to me how if we give control over to our Master he makes our burden lighter. A story that worms it’s way into your heart and leaves you wanting more as it contains so many elements. I look forward to the next book in this series. Add to your must read list. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.