Historical Romance Book Review: The Secrets Beneath
About the Book
Title: The Secrets Beneath
Series: Treasures of the Earth, Book 1
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Click here to purchase a copy of this book.
Publisher's Book Description
“Some secrets can only stay buried for so long. . . .
Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they're given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and Joshua Ziegler, an old beau, returns for the summer, Anna's world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.
Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. After Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed.”
My Review
The Secrets Beneath, by Kimberley Woodhouse, is the first book in the Treasures of the Earth series. This historical romance is quite compelling with its well-written story filled with family, faith, and plenty of mystery. A unique setting and several remarkable characters also add depth to a novel that is as gripping as it is meaningful.
In this novel, Ms. Woodhouse has crafted a story that is well-researched and descriptively detailed. Set in the southwestern Wyoming Territory in 1878, the setting is truly influential with its ranches, homesteads, and dry terrain that provide the perfect backdrop for many important scenes. And there, in the wide open beauty of Wyoming, the story develops with riveting plot surprises and unforgettable moments.
Within this pivotal setting, the characters quickly captivate. Their struggles and vulnerabilities are interesting and relatable. As they make an effort to recognize and overcome their insecurities, they must face their fears and learn from their mistakes in order to move forward with their futures. Though they endure frustrations, misunderstandings, setbacks, and dangers, they show courage, determination, and resiliency that is inspiring. Their faith is nurtured as they open their hearts to grace, honesty, and forgiveness.
From beginning to end, The Secrets Beneath is certainly an enjoyable novel. With a story that is both touching and thrilling, it is very entertaining and memorable. I gladly recommend it, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*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
“Kim is a devoted wife and mother, and a third generation Liszt student. She has passed down her love of music and the arts to hundreds of students over the years, recorded three albums, and appeared at over 2,000 venues to more than a million people. Her quick wit, enthusiasm, and positive outlook through difficult circumstances have gained her audiences at conferences, retreats, churches, military functions, and seminars all over the country.
The Woodhouse family’s story has been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most famously featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Show and Discovery Health Channel’s Mystery ER along with hundreds of other TV appearances and radio interviews.
Kim has been writing seriously for more than twenty years. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters – you name it – she’s written it. It wasn’t until a dear friend challenged her to “do something with it” that she pursued publication. Now, she is a best-selling author of more than two dozen books, with more on the way. She has won The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and has finaled in the Selah Awards and the Spur Awards.
She is passionate about Bible study, reading, music, cooking, and pretty-much-all-things-crafty. Kimberley has been married to her incredible husband for twenty-nine years and counting and they have two married adult children.” --Biography from Kimberley Woodhouse’s about page on kimberleywoodhouse.com.
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