Historical Fiction Book Review: A Deep Divide

About the Book

Title: A Deep Divide

Series: Secrets of the Canyon

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Publication Date: October 5, 2021

Click here to purchase a copy of this book. 

Publisher's Book Description

"With her past behind her, she has nothing--and everything--to lose.

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona Territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the family business and doing good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can't let go of the deep-rooted fear that he's just like every other wealthy man she's known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true.”

 

My Review

A Deep Divide, by Kimberley Woodhouse, is the first book in the Secrets of the Canyon series. Brimming with adventure, mystery, a breathtaking setting, and interesting characters, this riveting historical romance offers an intriguing story of courage, faith, love, and perseverance. Set at the El Tovar Hotel at the rim of the Grand Canyon in 1905, this novel is thoroughly enriched by Ms. Woodhouse’s excellent research and thoughtful descriptions.

Written with engaging detail, the Grand Canyon setting is very immersive and especially influential. From scenic overlooks to treacherously steep trails, the setting provides many opportunities for unforgettable scenes that engage and inspire. The canyon setting that is so integral to this story gracefully grows in detail and description until it practically steps from the pages as an essential character in the novel itself. As I read, I grew to love the canyon, and like the characters themselves, I found I desired to remain near the canyon’s unmatched views. The natural setting of this novel thoroughly enveloped me and made me want to linger there long after I finished reading the final pages. 

As the characters interact with and respond to the natural beauty around them, their story unfurls with surprises and unforgettable moments. Not only did I come to care deeply for the characters and find interest in their fears, their struggles, and their triumphs, but I found them to be sympathetic in their frailties and failures. The characters are deeply compelling as they struggle to overcome their insecurities, face their fears, and pursue their dreams. They are truly inspiring as they wrestle with their doubts and develop their faith. The characters in this novel are genuinely special. When faced with disappointments, dangers, hardships, and uncertainties, they display unexpected bravery, determination, and resiliency. They wrestle with forgiveness, search for their purpose, and discover the true value of friends and family. Through peril, fear, and heartache, they persevere, their faith blooms, and hope is found. 

The experience of reading this novel was quite enjoyable. As I read, I was thoroughly entertained by the story that unfolded before me with each carefully chosen word and artfully crafted sentence. Throughout A Deep Divide, Ms. Woodhouse’s talent for storytelling is surely evident. It is a skillfully written and utterly appealing novel. I highly recommend it to all readers who enjoy historical fiction that is clean, compelling, uplifting, and truly memorable.

*I was given a copy of this novel from the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

 

About the Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

“Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than two dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she's shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel's Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews. She lives and writes in the Poconos with her husband of thirty years.” --Biography from Kimberley Woodhouse’s author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to visit Kimberley Woodhouse's website.