The Secrets Beneath - (Treasures of the Earth) by Kimberley Woodhouse (Paperback)

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. ** CW/TW: child disappearance; death of a parent (previous to book); attempted and committed murder; mental health dysfunction; horse accident; health issues with parent ** **Thanks to the publisher and Austen Prose PR for the copy. I have provided this honest review of my own volition.

Fascinating Historical Fiction Oh, how I loved this book! The romance, the suspense, and the intriguing characters kept me totally engaged, along with the many historical details woven into this story. Anna Lakeman enjoys helping her paleontologist father but her longing to become one herself is simply unheard of in 1879. Author Kimberley Woodhouse paints a vivid picture of Anna's struggle to be accepted as a scientist and her emotional upheaval when the man that she's long loved returns to Walker Creek. It's apparent that Woodhouse devoted a lot of time to researching real-life paleontologist Earl Douglass, the Dinosaur National Monument, and the Bone Wars, also known as the Great Dinosaur Rush. Her efforts made this a fascinating read, and I recommend The Secrets Beneath to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction. I look forward to reading more books in the Treasures of the Earth series. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

Wow! Once again, Kimberly Woodhouse pens a story full of creativity! There's so much going on: mystery, intrigue, murder, multiple personalities, missing people, and love! I thought this was just a book about a female paleontologist, and boy, was I surprised! The characters are relatable! Anna drove me a little crazy with her indecisiveness, but the relationship with her father made her likeable! Joshua is awesome, in my opinion. He's committed to his family, and he looks out for everyone. He's also a hard worker, and he sees things others overlook. Julian- wow. I won't add spoilers, but he's someone who's been hurt in the past and deals with his pain in the best way he can. I liked learning about paleontology; it's always been interesting to me. I enjoyed the excerpts from Earl Douglas. They contributed to the historical fiction and added depth. I was provided a copy of the book from NetGalley through Bethany House. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Treasures of the Earth series is off to a roaring start with The Secrets Beneath! With an intriguing paleontology backdrop, this expertly crafted story captured my attention from the beginning and kept me immersed for its entirety. Set in the late 1800s in the Wyoming Territory, the multi-layered plot flows smoothly as it twists and turns to a satisfying ending. Wonderfully created, memorable characters compellingly captured my heart and imagination. I love the way the second chance romance between Anna and Joshua unfolds as they face adverse circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tense and intense are the first descriptors that come to mind when thinking of The Secrets Beneath. Each time things seem to be going well for Anna Lakeman and those she loves, another unexpected and unwelcome event occurs, creating increasingly greater degrees of tension between characters and within the reader. The book has multiple themes, but the one that spoke the loudest to me dealt with showing the love of God when doing so has the possibility, or even the likelihood, of putting oneself in danger. The story touched on how paleontology and Christianity may go hand-in-hand. I truly hope the author expands on this in future books in this Treasures of the Earth series, of which this book is the first. The Secrets Beneath is a compelling story, one I highly recommend. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

“How can they keep the perils of the past from threatening their renewed affection?” the back cover states regarding Anna and Joshua’s relationship in Kimberley Woodhouse’s novel, The Secrets Beneath. ~ What ~ The first book in the Secrets of the Treasures of the Earth series, this three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance involving a young female paleontologist who wants to do what is right when it comes to love and caring for others. With no profanity, topics of physical and mental abuse, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending of this advanced reader copy includes a note to the reader, acknowledgments, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this first book in the series set in the late 1800s in Walker Creek, Wyoming, twenty-one-year-old Anna tries to move on after her love, Joshua, left years ago to become a doctor without even writing to her. She absorbs her time helping her father with dinosaur digs, especially when skeletal remains are found on a neighbor’s ranch. While she is fascinated with the scientific discovery, her world is changed when Joshua returns home and the needy neighbor craves her attention. ~ Why ~ I love historical fiction when I learn something new, and this one that showed the struggles of a woman trying to make her mark in the earth sciences centuries ago was interesting. I appreciated the details of the dig as well as the love of flowers and beauty of the land. Including the plan of eternal salvation of Jesus dying on the cross and paying the debt for our sins was important and well-written. Adding the Bible verses, prayers, and hymns was nice. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ might not like this story of how God is truly the only one who can help us. Some may not like how often conclusions were jumped to and ignorance lead to fear. A few readers may not care for some of the stereotypical characters and immaturity of the protagonist and her temper. ~ Wish ~ Since this is the first book in the series, having a list of characters would be helpful. Adding discussion questions at the end would be thoughtful for book clubs. ~ Want ~ If you like a story about a determined, strong woman who loves paleontology as she uncovers the pains of being in love, this is an enjoyable read. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

WOW! What a way to begin the Treasures Of The Earth series. It is so much deeper than the history of the Bone Wars, which I found fascinating and the research was impeccable. You will find as you dig deeper the secrets uncovered are much more than bones, but are how a human mind adapts to survive what it endured. There are many surprises contained within the pages that keep you engrossed from the beginning. I loved the sayings that began each chapter such as, “Our lives are books. Each day is a page written good or evil.” Earl Douglas. This book contains pages of lives some good and some evil and it becomes a mysterious and intriguing puzzle to figure out. I must say this is my new favorite by this author as it was deeper and made me think to figure it out. The characters are rich and faith and family are paramount to make the story exceptionally interesting. I would definitely recommend adding to the top of your must read pile, but be aware you just might be up all night reading as you won’t be able to lay it aside to sleep. My husband asked me the other day if I would rather sleep or read and I said read. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.