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Treasures of the Earth #1
The Secrets Beneath
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 swiftly caught up in the era known as the Bone Wars. But when her father becomes sick and an old beau, Joshua Ziegler, 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 the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt--Anna Lakeman. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. When Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unburied. How can they keep the perils of the past from threatening their renewed affection?
Bestselling and award-winning author Kimberley Woodhouse takes readers on a touching journey of faith, adventure, and romance in this dramatic historical romance.
Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt--Anna Lakeman. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. When Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unburied. How can they keep the perils of the past from threatening their renewed affection?
Bestselling and award-winning author Kimberley Woodhouse takes readers on a touching journey of faith, adventure, and romance in this dramatic historical romance.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
48 people are currently reading
4538 people want to read
About the author
Kimberley Woodhouse
50 books1,637 followersKimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than forty books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader's Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared with over 2,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "craziest mom" for "Nana the Great." Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com www.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
February 9, 2024
3 stars, personally.
Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Often mentions of a father beating his wife and sons (verbally and physically), the son having "darkness" in him and it being similar to a metal disorder; Many mentions of murders, killing, & bodies (including possibly of a young girl by a boy who was obsessed with her).
About this book:
“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 swiftly caught up in the era known as the Bone Wars. But when her father becomes sick and an old beau, Joshua Ziegler, 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 the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt--Anna Lakeman. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. When Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unburied. How can they keep the perils of the past from threatening their renewed affection?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Treasures of the Earth” series.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, mentioned, remembered, & thought over; Many prayers & Thanking and Praising God; Church going, sermons, & a hymn; Talks about God, Jesus, His love, & forgiveness; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Joshua wants to serve God in his career as a doctor; Anna has neglected her relationship with God for the past few years, but being caught in a flash flood makes her pray about Him taking her home (she adds that she feels useless to God anyway) and has confidence that she would spend eternity in Heaven (*Spoiler* ); At church, Joshua listens a bit to the sermon and ends up tuning out the pastor’s words due to something else going on (his sister nudges him to pay attention); When a young boy is missing, Anna thinks that “God Almighty knew where the boy was. She had faith in that. But whether or not He would show them where to find [the boy] was beyond her.”; Anna & Joshua have a few discussions & thoughts about creation and science (including they both believe that the scientific and church communities used to go hand in hand before Darwin’s book came out, that “the church shuns science because of the new prevalence of evolution. And scientists shunt the church because they think we’re ignorant”, & a mention of the majority of the fossils being from the Flood which happened “thousands of years ago”; When Joshua catches himself using the term “bad blood” about someone, he remembers Anna’s words that they are all sinners & that sin is responsible, not someone’s blood (there’s then a paragraph about history showing that plenty of people who were raised in horrid environments end up doing nasty things themselves, however); Julian has begged God for years to make him normal, but Damian would tell him that God hasn’t done anything for him; Anna’s father warns her about thinking that her love can change a person, that only God’s love can do that; When Anna is in a scary situation, God tells her that she is His and she’s reminded that He is in control; God tells Joshua to leave Anna in His hands and Joshua shakes off the words because of anger; Mentions of God, Jesus, His will, forgiveness, & miracles; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of those & events in the Bible Mentions of churches, church going, services, pastors, sermons, & hymns; Mentions of being a Christian & doing the “Christian thing to do” by being kind to others; Mentions of sin & sinners; A few mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; A couple mentions of God’s creation; A couple mentions of mission work; A couple mentions of sharing one’s testimony; A couple mentions of something being a “godly sacrifice”; A mention of someone’s talent being a gift from God; A mention of someone being a godsend; A mention of thanking heaven; A mention of singing the doxology at church;
*Note: The phrase “Heavens” and “Good heavens” are used as a sigh or exclamation x4 and x2 respectively; *Spoiler* ; *Major Spoilers* ; Discussions & mentions of dinosaurs; A few mentions of the evil look in a man’s eyes and face; A mention of someone acting like the “devil himself” is chasing him.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘idiot’, two forms of ‘shut up’, and ‘stupid’s; A bit of eye rolling; Finding the skeleton of a person & another person hiding it (up to semi-detailed); Being held hostage/kidnapped & Threatened with death (up to semi-detailed); Being shot, being shot at, Being caught in a bad storm, a flash flood, falling in a trap, injuries, blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Taking care of an ill family member (up to semi-detailed); Julian is beaten to the point of being unconscious & verbally abused by his father (on page, up to semi-detailed); When caught in a flash flood, Anna wonders if she should just give up and drown (but she continues to fight for her life); A side character (whose point of view we see often), Julian, was physically & verbally abused by his father (we see him being verbally abused & being beaten on page to the point of being unconscious) & his mother would encourage him to not be tainted by his father’s ugliness (Julian wishes that he could give the same pain to his father; Shortly after the prologue, it’s said that his mother left and Julian is hurt that she didn’t take him with her; His father taunts and blames him for her leaving; *Spoilers* ; *Spoiler* ; Joshua’s young nephew goes missing & there is a search for him (we see panic and grief from his family, up to semi-detailed) *Spoiler* ; When Joshua shares his concerns about Julian, Anna fusses at him about gossiping (Joshua apologizes to Anna, but is still suspicious of Julian; Julian kills animals (prairie dogs, birds, squirrels, & fish) to feed his garden (his mother told him when it naturally happens that it helps the earth and not to kill the animals himself, but he doesn’t stop because his garden flourishes afterwards (*Spoiler* ); Anna is scared that her horse might have died after surviving a flash flood’s effects (but is okay); Many mentions of missing children, what could have happened to them (including murder), & their families’ grief (including Joshua’s family for his sister, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of a man’s violent temper, everyone being afraid of him, & the man physically and verbally abusing his family; Mentions of murders, deaths, bodies, & crimes (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grief (for a mother, a father, a daughter, a sister, a best friend); Mentions of a parent being sick (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of pain, passing out, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of stealing & stolen items; Mentions of throwing up; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of manure; A few mentions of the Civil War, division, & prejudices; A few mentions of the deaths of men & horses (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of someone being thrown from a horse, her injuries, & resetting her broken leg (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of drowning; A mention of bullies;
*Note: Julian talks about “the darkness” inside of him and his brother, Damian, embracing it while their mother would tell Julian to fight the darkness (because of this, Julian believes something is wrong with him & he needs to be fixed by a woman who will care for him; The light and dark inside of him battle each other & we see this on page (up to semi-detailed); When Anna is kind to him, he latches on to her for her to fix him; Joshua and her father warn her about Julian’s attention/obsession with her, but she is very stubborn about it and continues to defend and see him despite an inkling of concern she has because she hates to be wrong; *Major Spoilers, but Important Trigger Note* ; Julian believes that all fathers are awful because his father was; Anna is told that she shouldn’t be in the science field because she’s a women & it’s mentioned a handful of times (including when she says she wishes there “was a bit more help for the fairer sex”); A couple mentions of history showing “that plenty of people who were raised in horrid environments end up doing some nasty things themselves”.
Sexual Content- A hand kiss, a cheek kiss, a nose kiss, five forehead/head kisses, two not-detailed kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and semi-detailed kiss (with Joshua moaning in both); Remembering a kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Butterflies, & Nearness (including Joshua touching Anna’s hair, all up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Joshua pulls Anna onto his lap; Joshua makes Anna blush by mention about them getting married and her being “in the family way” one day; After a kiss, Joshua tells Anna that it could be dangerous to kiss her again because that kiss brought “the fire of passion inside [of him] to a roar” (Anna blushes and he apologizes that he didn’t mean to embarrass her & he steps back so he doesn’t do anything to disrespect her); Julian was obsessed with a girl as a child & now becomes infatuated/obsessed with Anna; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting & blushes; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of reputations; A couple mentions of crushes; Love, being in love, & the emotions.
-Anna Lakeman, age 21
-Joshua Ziegler
P.O.V. switches between them & Julian
Set in 1878 (Prologue in 1869 & Epilogue in 1880)
336 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Warning for those sensitive to: murders (including of a young girl), physical and verbal abuse from a parent, & a person with a mental illness causing harm to others.}
This is one of those books that as soon as I finished it, I just had to pause and take it all in, trying to figure out my thoughts. A part of me feels a bit heavy, but another part really liked the message of reaching out to others with the love of God because that’s a really important thing—when it’s God-inspired. Which I’ll come back to in a moment.
In all honesty (which is all I ever do on this blog and in my reviews), had this book not been by this author I wouldn’t have read it. I truly have no interest in this field—the cover definitely would’ve enticed me because it’s a beautiful color, but no interest in dinosaurs and the paleontologist field so I would have passed. However, I decided to read it because I’ve enjoyed other books by the author in the amount of faith content she includes. That said, I was definitely expecting this to be a much…lighter read that it actually was.
The beginning of this book was heavier than I was expecting with having a side character being verbally and physically abused by his father. Because we continue to see that young man’s perspective as the book continues, we see him wrestle with the darkness inside of him, and I began to be a little worried about this burdening my heart reading it. But I held onto the hope that the author would have a great amount of faith content like all the prior books I’ve read by her. And there was. This book had a major topic of being kind to those who might be strange or different than you & also the topic of forgiveness is very important. Those parts were really good to see. There still is that heaviness, though, because of other parts of the story.
I was very curious if this book would mention the evolution approach or a creation approach since it has to deal with dinosaurs. It was interesting to see how the author lightly touched on that topic and God and science being hand in hand. I look forward to seeing if this is discussed more in the second book of the series.
Both Anna and Joshua definitely had their flaws and things that they needed to discuss with the other, but they were also really cute together. She was a bit too prideful and stubborn at times, but she was working on it—sometimes—which is more than I can say for some stubborn female leads. I did get very frustrated with her at the end though with her reactions to Joshua and her father trying to protect her. She was very frustrating then. Coming back to my one about reaching out to someone with God’s love—when it’s inspired by God. Anna did reach out to Julian because she’s a Christian and it was the right thing to do, but it felt like it was more to honor the memory of her friend who was kind to him growing up. As much as I dislike to admit it, I probably would have been in a similar situation as Anna there at the end—though I’d like to think I wouldn’t have been so stubborn about needing protection like she was.
There were definitely things I liked about this book (the faith content) and some things I didn’t like. I flew through reading it and even though I was pretty sure I knew how the ending would go (I was completely correct), I still wanted to know how it would all work out. I would give a caution about this book to sensitive readers and mark it for 15+ for sure, however.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Often mentions of a father beating his wife and sons (verbally and physically), the son having "darkness" in him and it being similar to a metal disorder; Many mentions of murders, killing, & bodies (including possibly of a young girl by a boy who was obsessed with her).
About this book:
“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 swiftly caught up in the era known as the Bone Wars. But when her father becomes sick and an old beau, Joshua Ziegler, 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 the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt--Anna Lakeman. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. When Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unburied. How can they keep the perils of the past from threatening their renewed affection?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Treasures of the Earth” series.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, mentioned, remembered, & thought over; Many prayers & Thanking and Praising God; Church going, sermons, & a hymn; Talks about God, Jesus, His love, & forgiveness; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Joshua wants to serve God in his career as a doctor; Anna has neglected her relationship with God for the past few years, but being caught in a flash flood makes her pray about Him taking her home (she adds that she feels useless to God anyway) and has confidence that she would spend eternity in Heaven (*Spoiler* ); At church, Joshua listens a bit to the sermon and ends up tuning out the pastor’s words due to something else going on (his sister nudges him to pay attention); When a young boy is missing, Anna thinks that “God Almighty knew where the boy was. She had faith in that. But whether or not He would show them where to find [the boy] was beyond her.”; Anna & Joshua have a few discussions & thoughts about creation and science (including they both believe that the scientific and church communities used to go hand in hand before Darwin’s book came out, that “the church shuns science because of the new prevalence of evolution. And scientists shunt the church because they think we’re ignorant”, & a mention of the majority of the fossils being from the Flood which happened “thousands of years ago”; When Joshua catches himself using the term “bad blood” about someone, he remembers Anna’s words that they are all sinners & that sin is responsible, not someone’s blood (there’s then a paragraph about history showing that plenty of people who were raised in horrid environments end up doing nasty things themselves, however); Julian has begged God for years to make him normal, but Damian would tell him that God hasn’t done anything for him; Anna’s father warns her about thinking that her love can change a person, that only God’s love can do that; When Anna is in a scary situation, God tells her that she is His and she’s reminded that He is in control; God tells Joshua to leave Anna in His hands and Joshua shakes off the words because of anger; Mentions of God, Jesus, His will, forgiveness, & miracles; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of those & events in the Bible Mentions of churches, church going, services, pastors, sermons, & hymns; Mentions of being a Christian & doing the “Christian thing to do” by being kind to others; Mentions of sin & sinners; A few mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; A couple mentions of God’s creation; A couple mentions of mission work; A couple mentions of sharing one’s testimony; A couple mentions of something being a “godly sacrifice”; A mention of someone’s talent being a gift from God; A mention of someone being a godsend; A mention of thanking heaven; A mention of singing the doxology at church;
*Note: The phrase “Heavens” and “Good heavens” are used as a sigh or exclamation x4 and x2 respectively; *Spoiler* ; *Major Spoilers* ; Discussions & mentions of dinosaurs; A few mentions of the evil look in a man’s eyes and face; A mention of someone acting like the “devil himself” is chasing him.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘idiot’, two forms of ‘shut up’, and ‘stupid’s; A bit of eye rolling; Finding the skeleton of a person & another person hiding it (up to semi-detailed); Being held hostage/kidnapped & Threatened with death (up to semi-detailed); Being shot, being shot at, Being caught in a bad storm, a flash flood, falling in a trap, injuries, blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Taking care of an ill family member (up to semi-detailed); Julian is beaten to the point of being unconscious & verbally abused by his father (on page, up to semi-detailed); When caught in a flash flood, Anna wonders if she should just give up and drown (but she continues to fight for her life); A side character (whose point of view we see often), Julian, was physically & verbally abused by his father (we see him being verbally abused & being beaten on page to the point of being unconscious) & his mother would encourage him to not be tainted by his father’s ugliness (Julian wishes that he could give the same pain to his father; Shortly after the prologue, it’s said that his mother left and Julian is hurt that she didn’t take him with her; His father taunts and blames him for her leaving; *Spoilers* ; *Spoiler* ; Joshua’s young nephew goes missing & there is a search for him (we see panic and grief from his family, up to semi-detailed) *Spoiler* ; When Joshua shares his concerns about Julian, Anna fusses at him about gossiping (Joshua apologizes to Anna, but is still suspicious of Julian; Julian kills animals (prairie dogs, birds, squirrels, & fish) to feed his garden (his mother told him when it naturally happens that it helps the earth and not to kill the animals himself, but he doesn’t stop because his garden flourishes afterwards (*Spoiler* ); Anna is scared that her horse might have died after surviving a flash flood’s effects (but is okay); Many mentions of missing children, what could have happened to them (including murder), & their families’ grief (including Joshua’s family for his sister, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of a man’s violent temper, everyone being afraid of him, & the man physically and verbally abusing his family; Mentions of murders, deaths, bodies, & crimes (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grief (for a mother, a father, a daughter, a sister, a best friend); Mentions of a parent being sick (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of pain, passing out, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of stealing & stolen items; Mentions of throwing up; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of manure; A few mentions of the Civil War, division, & prejudices; A few mentions of the deaths of men & horses (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of someone being thrown from a horse, her injuries, & resetting her broken leg (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of drowning; A mention of bullies;
*Note: Julian talks about “the darkness” inside of him and his brother, Damian, embracing it while their mother would tell Julian to fight the darkness (because of this, Julian believes something is wrong with him & he needs to be fixed by a woman who will care for him; The light and dark inside of him battle each other & we see this on page (up to semi-detailed); When Anna is kind to him, he latches on to her for her to fix him; Joshua and her father warn her about Julian’s attention/obsession with her, but she is very stubborn about it and continues to defend and see him despite an inkling of concern she has because she hates to be wrong; *Major Spoilers, but Important Trigger Note* ; Julian believes that all fathers are awful because his father was; Anna is told that she shouldn’t be in the science field because she’s a women & it’s mentioned a handful of times (including when she says she wishes there “was a bit more help for the fairer sex”); A couple mentions of history showing “that plenty of people who were raised in horrid environments end up doing some nasty things themselves”.
Sexual Content- A hand kiss, a cheek kiss, a nose kiss, five forehead/head kisses, two not-detailed kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and semi-detailed kiss (with Joshua moaning in both); Remembering a kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Butterflies, & Nearness (including Joshua touching Anna’s hair, all up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Joshua pulls Anna onto his lap; Joshua makes Anna blush by mention about them getting married and her being “in the family way” one day; After a kiss, Joshua tells Anna that it could be dangerous to kiss her again because that kiss brought “the fire of passion inside [of him] to a roar” (Anna blushes and he apologizes that he didn’t mean to embarrass her & he steps back so he doesn’t do anything to disrespect her); Julian was obsessed with a girl as a child & now becomes infatuated/obsessed with Anna; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting & blushes; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of reputations; A couple mentions of crushes; Love, being in love, & the emotions.
-Anna Lakeman, age 21
-Joshua Ziegler
P.O.V. switches between them & Julian
Set in 1878 (Prologue in 1869 & Epilogue in 1880)
336 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Warning for those sensitive to: murders (including of a young girl), physical and verbal abuse from a parent, & a person with a mental illness causing harm to others.}
This is one of those books that as soon as I finished it, I just had to pause and take it all in, trying to figure out my thoughts. A part of me feels a bit heavy, but another part really liked the message of reaching out to others with the love of God because that’s a really important thing—when it’s God-inspired. Which I’ll come back to in a moment.
In all honesty (which is all I ever do on this blog and in my reviews), had this book not been by this author I wouldn’t have read it. I truly have no interest in this field—the cover definitely would’ve enticed me because it’s a beautiful color, but no interest in dinosaurs and the paleontologist field so I would have passed. However, I decided to read it because I’ve enjoyed other books by the author in the amount of faith content she includes. That said, I was definitely expecting this to be a much…lighter read that it actually was.
The beginning of this book was heavier than I was expecting with having a side character being verbally and physically abused by his father. Because we continue to see that young man’s perspective as the book continues, we see him wrestle with the darkness inside of him, and I began to be a little worried about this burdening my heart reading it. But I held onto the hope that the author would have a great amount of faith content like all the prior books I’ve read by her. And there was. This book had a major topic of being kind to those who might be strange or different than you & also the topic of forgiveness is very important. Those parts were really good to see. There still is that heaviness, though, because of other parts of the story.
I was very curious if this book would mention the evolution approach or a creation approach since it has to deal with dinosaurs. It was interesting to see how the author lightly touched on that topic and God and science being hand in hand. I look forward to seeing if this is discussed more in the second book of the series.
Both Anna and Joshua definitely had their flaws and things that they needed to discuss with the other, but they were also really cute together. She was a bit too prideful and stubborn at times, but she was working on it—sometimes—which is more than I can say for some stubborn female leads. I did get very frustrated with her at the end though with her reactions to Joshua and her father trying to protect her. She was very frustrating then. Coming back to my one about reaching out to someone with God’s love—when it’s inspired by God. Anna did reach out to Julian because she’s a Christian and it was the right thing to do, but it felt like it was more to honor the memory of her friend who was kind to him growing up. As much as I dislike to admit it, I probably would have been in a similar situation as Anna there at the end—though I’d like to think I wouldn’t have been so stubborn about needing protection like she was.
There were definitely things I liked about this book (the faith content) and some things I didn’t like. I flew through reading it and even though I was pretty sure I knew how the ending would go (I was completely correct), I still wanted to know how it would all work out. I would give a caution about this book to sensitive readers and mark it for 15+ for sure, however.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
September 24, 2023
What a great start to this series! From the very start of the book you are captivated and want to know more. While the story does revolve around paleontologist and dinosaur bones there truly is SO much more to this story. The "Secrets Beneath" takes on a whole new different meaning than what you expect as you start getting deeper into the story and I was ALL for it!! This is a page turner for sure.
I can't tell you too much of this story without giving some things away but I can tell you that the characters are well developed, there is a huge mystery thread I was not expecting (I'm talking creepy moments and all!) There was familial love and also romance which you can never go wrong with. I can't forget to say that the faith thread throughout this story of faith and forgiveness.
I honestly don't know how she does it but Kimberley manages to write a mixture of all my favorite genres into one: historical, suspense, mystery and romance all into one book with the perfect dosage of faith being present.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and I can't wait for the next books in the series!!
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I can't tell you too much of this story without giving some things away but I can tell you that the characters are well developed, there is a huge mystery thread I was not expecting (I'm talking creepy moments and all!) There was familial love and also romance which you can never go wrong with. I can't forget to say that the faith thread throughout this story of faith and forgiveness.
I honestly don't know how she does it but Kimberley manages to write a mixture of all my favorite genres into one: historical, suspense, mystery and romance all into one book with the perfect dosage of faith being present.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and I can't wait for the next books in the series!!
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 26, 2023
What a wonderful start to a new series! I absolutely loved the fact that this one deals with paleontology and dinosaurs since you don't see many books about that topic. I was hooked by the first line and couldn't put this book down until I finished it! Kimberley Woodhouse always knows how to write excellent "bad guys" in her books and this one didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the twist in this one. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Read
July 20, 2023What a refreshing story! Reading The Secrets Beneath felt like a discovery of its own as I joined in the adventures of Anna Lakeman, a woman of faith and science making her mark in paleontology. This author's research shines, illuminating a field rarely explored in Christian fiction. Fans of Kimberley Woodhouse will rejoice in this launch to a unique and engaging new series.
October 19, 2023
Flash floods. Dinosaur bones. Missing children. Illness. Injury. Danger. Romance. Faith. All this and so much more awaits you in The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse!
First of all, I found the historical elements fascinating. I didn’t realize that there was such a push to discover dinosaur fossils in North America, and I want to learn more about the Bone Wars and the race to make those big discoveries, sometimes at any cost. Having Anna so intimately involved with the dig in The Secrets Beneath also raised my awareness of female paleontologists and their fight even now to be taken seriously in this branch of scientific exploration. Woodhouse does such a good job of crafting the dig scenes to involve readers as well, so that we too are waiting with bated breath to see what they will uncover next, feeling mutually frustrated with their obstacles, and rejoicing with them at their successes as if they were our own.
I was also not expecting the killer suspense thread (the pun worked) that Woodhouse incorporated so skillfully into this story. I love a good suspense plot, and this one is all kind of twisty and well-written and layered. After reading this author’s current contemporary suspense series too, I knew how good she is at crafting disturbed killers but y’all this was on a whole other level. I want to keep gushing about it, but I don’t want to give anything away so … suffice it to say… read this for yourself first chance you get & then come talk to me about it!
I loved Anna’s dad and the role he plays not only in the overall story but also in Anna & Joshua’s relationship. These two childhood sweethearts who are going through a bit of a rough patch reminded me of me and my husband early in our relationship when we still had A LOT to learn about our own weaknesses and how to love each other sacrificially. I really appreciated that Woodhouse chose to show a relationship that isn’t all lovey-dovey and hearts and roses but instead sustains some bumps and bruises on the way to happily-ever-after.
Bottom Line: The Secrets Beneath is an intriguing glimpse at a little-studied slice of American history, and I can’t wait to meet more female paleontologists as this series continues. The snippets from real-life paleontologist Earl Douglass at the beginning of each chapter were so profound and made me want to read more about his life and writings. In many ways, his quotes set the tone for the story, as far as the personal impact of paleontology on an actual historical figure’s heart and mind, and it made me see Anna and her father – and their passion for the discoveries – in a new light. The romance is both sweet and realistic, and the suspense is tightly written and deliciously twisted. Whether you care about dinosaurs or not, The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse is an entertaining escape to the historical western United States with relatable characters and a few surprises along the way!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
First of all, I found the historical elements fascinating. I didn’t realize that there was such a push to discover dinosaur fossils in North America, and I want to learn more about the Bone Wars and the race to make those big discoveries, sometimes at any cost. Having Anna so intimately involved with the dig in The Secrets Beneath also raised my awareness of female paleontologists and their fight even now to be taken seriously in this branch of scientific exploration. Woodhouse does such a good job of crafting the dig scenes to involve readers as well, so that we too are waiting with bated breath to see what they will uncover next, feeling mutually frustrated with their obstacles, and rejoicing with them at their successes as if they were our own.
I was also not expecting the killer suspense thread (the pun worked) that Woodhouse incorporated so skillfully into this story. I love a good suspense plot, and this one is all kind of twisty and well-written and layered. After reading this author’s current contemporary suspense series too, I knew how good she is at crafting disturbed killers but y’all this was on a whole other level. I want to keep gushing about it, but I don’t want to give anything away so … suffice it to say… read this for yourself first chance you get & then come talk to me about it!
I loved Anna’s dad and the role he plays not only in the overall story but also in Anna & Joshua’s relationship. These two childhood sweethearts who are going through a bit of a rough patch reminded me of me and my husband early in our relationship when we still had A LOT to learn about our own weaknesses and how to love each other sacrificially. I really appreciated that Woodhouse chose to show a relationship that isn’t all lovey-dovey and hearts and roses but instead sustains some bumps and bruises on the way to happily-ever-after.
Bottom Line: The Secrets Beneath is an intriguing glimpse at a little-studied slice of American history, and I can’t wait to meet more female paleontologists as this series continues. The snippets from real-life paleontologist Earl Douglass at the beginning of each chapter were so profound and made me want to read more about his life and writings. In many ways, his quotes set the tone for the story, as far as the personal impact of paleontology on an actual historical figure’s heart and mind, and it made me see Anna and her father – and their passion for the discoveries – in a new light. The romance is both sweet and realistic, and the suspense is tightly written and deliciously twisted. Whether you care about dinosaurs or not, The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse is an entertaining escape to the historical western United States with relatable characters and a few surprises along the way!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 8, 2023
What a wonderful start to a new series. I always wanted to be an archeologist and now I get to live it vicariously through this book. It was informative but so much more than an old pile of bones. The suspenseful tension was woven throughout the whole book.
After a flash flood in 1878 Wyoming, fossils are discovered on a neighboring property by Anna Lakeman and her father, Peter. Anna wants credit for being a paleontologist and an artist chronicling the bones. When a health incident keeps her father bedridden, she becomes the supervisor at the dig.
Joshua Ziegler returns from Chicago where he is in training to be a doctor. Helping out on the dig site, Joshua re-connects with Anna after a painful parting three years ago.
The story was mystifying at times and problems surfaced making it interesting and exciting. Anna and Joshua were both Christians and sought to please God but had some maturing to do. A clear Gospel message was presented naturally and realistically. Forgiveness and showing kindness were themes.
I was kept on my toes wondering which protagonist posed the greatest threat.
Ms. Woodhouse has set the stage for what promises to be a delightful series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
After a flash flood in 1878 Wyoming, fossils are discovered on a neighboring property by Anna Lakeman and her father, Peter. Anna wants credit for being a paleontologist and an artist chronicling the bones. When a health incident keeps her father bedridden, she becomes the supervisor at the dig.
Joshua Ziegler returns from Chicago where he is in training to be a doctor. Helping out on the dig site, Joshua re-connects with Anna after a painful parting three years ago.
The story was mystifying at times and problems surfaced making it interesting and exciting. Anna and Joshua were both Christians and sought to please God but had some maturing to do. A clear Gospel message was presented naturally and realistically. Forgiveness and showing kindness were themes.
I was kept on my toes wondering which protagonist posed the greatest threat.
Ms. Woodhouse has set the stage for what promises to be a delightful series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
September 6, 2023
My goodness what a story!! In this case the title certainly fits!
Just wow!
I think this will be my favorite Kimberley book!
I.was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Quite a nail biting mystery for sure!
The opening scene with the floodwaters made my heart speed up because I I thought that for sure they were gonners! I kept rooting Anna on! She's one determined lady!
The cover is simply gorgeous!
I love the sayings at the top of each chapter
"I cannot tell you what the years may bring, life is a scene of change. "
How true this is!! This speaks volumes!
If everything stays the same then there would be no room left to grow!
I really enjoyed this story to the fullest!
Woodhouse has written another adventure for me to enjoy.
This was very fast-paced, so I finished it in one day!
I simply couldn't put Anna's story down!
I really felt sorry for the Zeiglers. They went through so much! I couldn't even imagine what they went through.
Didn't much care for the Walkers at all but then I guess you've always got that one family in a town no matter where you live at.
My heart actually went out to Julian because of the way he was treated his whole life. It wasn't his fault. It's no fun being bullied just because you're different. I get it. I do.
But, sometimes as well get older life has a tendency to change us sometimes not so good all due to that green eyed monster.
I'm giving this wonderful story 5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Just wow!
I think this will be my favorite Kimberley book!
I.was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Quite a nail biting mystery for sure!
The opening scene with the floodwaters made my heart speed up because I I thought that for sure they were gonners! I kept rooting Anna on! She's one determined lady!
The cover is simply gorgeous!
I love the sayings at the top of each chapter
"I cannot tell you what the years may bring, life is a scene of change. "
How true this is!! This speaks volumes!
If everything stays the same then there would be no room left to grow!
I really enjoyed this story to the fullest!
Woodhouse has written another adventure for me to enjoy.
This was very fast-paced, so I finished it in one day!
I simply couldn't put Anna's story down!
I really felt sorry for the Zeiglers. They went through so much! I couldn't even imagine what they went through.
Didn't much care for the Walkers at all but then I guess you've always got that one family in a town no matter where you live at.
My heart actually went out to Julian because of the way he was treated his whole life. It wasn't his fault. It's no fun being bullied just because you're different. I get it. I do.
But, sometimes as well get older life has a tendency to change us sometimes not so good all due to that green eyed monster.
I'm giving this wonderful story 5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 9, 2024
I'm so frustrated with this book.
It's a second chance romance and honesty the couple should never tried to rekindle their romance. They both were so immature and had petty arguments throughout the story. Reading their fights was just awkward. I wanted to yell at Anna to stop being so defensive.
Joshua writing, but not mailing all those letters for 3 years was annoying. Do you really love someone when you won't speak to them? Man up dude.
Anna was incredibly stubborn and annoying. She even argued with her sick father, who shouldn't be stressed out at all because she just had to be right. She was wrong, btw.
Now for the thing that I absolutely hated. Having a character that's abused and traumatized develope multiple personalities and become a crazy murderer. Yes, trauma can cause mental illness. My mom had schizophrenia due to it, but then using that for your evil villain is disgusting. These people already have to deal with enough hardships and stigma from their disease. We don't need to be adding to the stereotype. I had a feeling the author was going that way, but I really hoped I was wrong. It was so disappointing when it played out.
I know my feelings on this might be extreme, but it hits close to home for me, and I think using mental illness that way is just awful.
It's a second chance romance and honesty the couple should never tried to rekindle their romance. They both were so immature and had petty arguments throughout the story. Reading their fights was just awkward. I wanted to yell at Anna to stop being so defensive.
Joshua writing, but not mailing all those letters for 3 years was annoying. Do you really love someone when you won't speak to them? Man up dude.
Anna was incredibly stubborn and annoying. She even argued with her sick father, who shouldn't be stressed out at all because she just had to be right. She was wrong, btw.
Now for the thing that I absolutely hated. Having a character that's abused and traumatized develope multiple personalities and become a crazy murderer. Yes, trauma can cause mental illness. My mom had schizophrenia due to it, but then using that for your evil villain is disgusting. These people already have to deal with enough hardships and stigma from their disease. We don't need to be adding to the stereotype. I had a feeling the author was going that way, but I really hoped I was wrong. It was so disappointing when it played out.
I know my feelings on this might be extreme, but it hits close to home for me, and I think using mental illness that way is just awful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
When children go missing, our hearts break in half. If we do not find them, how can we go on? They are our light that shines when everywhere else is dark. First Mary and then, Caleb are lost. They trust in God to help find Caleb. While this is happening Anna and her father continue to think of their beloved hobby. The finding of fossils in Wyoming. This time there are dinosaur bones. Paleonatology is truly exciting.
I love reading about the dig. Everyone is in one accord. Searching for what will make life worth living. All of these losses and findings lead to togetherness and love.
I love reading about the dig. Everyone is in one accord. Searching for what will make life worth living. All of these losses and findings lead to togetherness and love.
September 15, 2023
”The garden—his garden—was alive with color today, while the inside of him was black as death.” With this ominous opening sentence, I could see The Secrets Beneath would be quite different from other historical fiction books Kimberley Woodhouse has written.
While Woodhouse’s books are on my “buy first, ask about content later,” list, Woodhouse has elevated her historicals to include psychological suspense, channeling Jaime Jo Wright or Janyre Tromp. This may be one of my best reads of 2023!
I had never heard of the Bone Wars of 1877-1892. I actually looked them up. Woodhouse meticulously researches these, and weaves a beautiful, intricate story of a Wyoming archaeologist, Peter Lakeman, and his daughter, Anna, an aspiring archaeologist. Anna has a few regrets about young men from years ago that come back to play important roles in her present life. I stayed up way too late to finish this book, as the mystery and romance had me enthralled and unable to escape.
I loved Anna’s father for his wisdom, quiet observations, and clear assessments of situations as well as parental love for his daughter. His example shows how a child will later better understand the one True Father. When one has a father more like the neighboring Julian Walker has, comprehending the love of a good Father can be very difficult.
Every chapter starts with a quote from Earl Douglass. Historical notes are always a pleasure to read, separating fact from fiction. I love the well-woven spiritual truths that are hidden within the book, as well.
Because of all the emotions evoked, the surprises, and the choices characters make, I would highly recommend The Secrets Beneath for a book club.
I received a copy of the book from the author and from NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
But if people could see him differently . . . that would help him to be a better person.
“If only faith and science could be reconciled. Why couldn’t the two come together?”
“Isn’t it dangerous to believe and rely on love changing a person here on this earth?” Dad shook his head. “The only love that can truly change anything or anyone is God’s love. His is supernatural. Our love here on earth fails. It falters. It isn’t enough. We shouldn’t love someone based on the idea that they will change. That’s wrong thinking.”
“You don’t need kindness—although that’s nice isn’t it? You don’t even need a friend. But you do need to see God’s love. He’s the only one who can restore you.”
While Woodhouse’s books are on my “buy first, ask about content later,” list, Woodhouse has elevated her historicals to include psychological suspense, channeling Jaime Jo Wright or Janyre Tromp. This may be one of my best reads of 2023!
I had never heard of the Bone Wars of 1877-1892. I actually looked them up. Woodhouse meticulously researches these, and weaves a beautiful, intricate story of a Wyoming archaeologist, Peter Lakeman, and his daughter, Anna, an aspiring archaeologist. Anna has a few regrets about young men from years ago that come back to play important roles in her present life. I stayed up way too late to finish this book, as the mystery and romance had me enthralled and unable to escape.
I loved Anna’s father for his wisdom, quiet observations, and clear assessments of situations as well as parental love for his daughter. His example shows how a child will later better understand the one True Father. When one has a father more like the neighboring Julian Walker has, comprehending the love of a good Father can be very difficult.
Every chapter starts with a quote from Earl Douglass. Historical notes are always a pleasure to read, separating fact from fiction. I love the well-woven spiritual truths that are hidden within the book, as well.
Because of all the emotions evoked, the surprises, and the choices characters make, I would highly recommend The Secrets Beneath for a book club.
I received a copy of the book from the author and from NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
But if people could see him differently . . . that would help him to be a better person.
“If only faith and science could be reconciled. Why couldn’t the two come together?”
“Isn’t it dangerous to believe and rely on love changing a person here on this earth?” Dad shook his head. “The only love that can truly change anything or anyone is God’s love. His is supernatural. Our love here on earth fails. It falters. It isn’t enough. We shouldn’t love someone based on the idea that they will change. That’s wrong thinking.”
“You don’t need kindness—although that’s nice isn’t it? You don’t even need a friend. But you do need to see God’s love. He’s the only one who can restore you.”
September 20, 2023
Can I just say WOW?! I did NOT see that ending coming! My jaw literally dropped. This book is so good! I enjoyed all of the characters a lot! Joshua and Anna were once together but had a falling out but now that Joshua is back home from medical school they start over again. Anna is working on a dinosaur dig and has to lead it due to her father falling ill. This is during a time where women didn’t do such things. Joshua helps out on the site. Julian, whose land they are digging on, has recently found out some unpleasant news and is dealing with that but makes a friend in Anna. Julian is really good at gardening and teaches Anna how to do it. I also liked the mystery part of this story. There are suspicions thrown around and disappearances that keep you in suspense throughout the book and wanting to know how it will turn out. The writing is amazing! Very well done! I definitely recommend!
I also really liked this quote because it’s speaks truth: “The church shuns science because of the new prevalence of evolution. And scientists shun the church because they think we’re ignorant.”
“I know. We’ve encountered a lot of that. Especially since science has been trying to understand dinosaurs and when they lived on the earth. I don’t get why they think the two have to be separate. To me, they go hand in hand. Dad’s never once had trouble with it, and you know Dad’s passion has been on finding his own dinosaur.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: murder, and the bad guy is very evil, content might not be suitable for everyone.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I also really liked this quote because it’s speaks truth: “The church shuns science because of the new prevalence of evolution. And scientists shun the church because they think we’re ignorant.”
“I know. We’ve encountered a lot of that. Especially since science has been trying to understand dinosaurs and when they lived on the earth. I don’t get why they think the two have to be separate. To me, they go hand in hand. Dad’s never once had trouble with it, and you know Dad’s passion has been on finding his own dinosaur.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: murder, and the bad guy is very evil, content might not be suitable for everyone.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 19, 2023
Wowza! A captivating beginning to what promises to be a stellar new series by Ms. Woodhouse. With a delightful peek into history, Woodhouse centers her story around a young paleontologist during the Bone Wars of the late 1800's. As Anna unexpectedly finds herself leading the dig, she uncovers unforeseen secrets beneath the ground. The author pens an intriguing mystery that just might have links to unsolved mysteries of the past.
Expertly plotted, Woodhouse will keep her readers totally invested in the story until the last page has been read. While the mystery has some positively creepy moments, I found this to be a beautiful story of family and love, of faith and forgiveness. Eagerly anticipating reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Expertly plotted, Woodhouse will keep her readers totally invested in the story until the last page has been read. While the mystery has some positively creepy moments, I found this to be a beautiful story of family and love, of faith and forgiveness. Eagerly anticipating reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 26, 2023
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.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Read
August 18, 2023DNF at 71%
I'm starting to wonder if this genre isn't for me or if the selection is severely lacking. Honestly, this is about 2 1/2 stars for me, but I'm not far enough along to give a rating.
The sentence that made me say no more...
“...that kiss . . . well, that brought the fire of passion inside me to a roar.”
Imaging eating a lemon like an apple. That's what my face looked like for most of this book. Honestly, I'd rather eat the lemon.
The character Julian had the most depth and The research into paleontology in the 1900s was well done.
The writing style and dialogue is what really killed this for me. Oh and Joshua is an ass. The writing felt juvenile and corny. Don't even get me started on the annoying romance and how the plot could have so much happening and yet still make me fall asleep. The only redeeming sections were the paleontology and Julian.
Read this book if you want. I literally don't care at this point.
I'm starting to wonder if this genre isn't for me or if the selection is severely lacking. Honestly, this is about 2 1/2 stars for me, but I'm not far enough along to give a rating.
The sentence that made me say no more...
“...that kiss . . . well, that brought the fire of passion inside me to a roar.”
Imaging eating a lemon like an apple. That's what my face looked like for most of this book. Honestly, I'd rather eat the lemon.
The character Julian had the most depth and The research into paleontology in the 1900s was well done.
The writing style and dialogue is what really killed this for me. Oh and Joshua is an ass. The writing felt juvenile and corny. Don't even get me started on the annoying romance and how the plot could have so much happening and yet still make me fall asleep. The only redeeming sections were the paleontology and Julian.
Read this book if you want. I literally don't care at this point.
August 17, 2023
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.
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.
September 18, 2023
I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book that left me feeling scared, but this book did that. The premise was extremely intriguing, and the antagonist was so well thought out. The mystery kept me turning pages. The romance between Anna and Joshua was sweet, and I felt myself rooting for them the entire time. I loved learning more about paleontology through this story. Kimberley Woodhouse did her homework, and it shows in this novel. 10/10 would recommend!
I was provided a free copy of this book in order to offer my review, but my opinions are all my own.
I was provided a free copy of this book in order to offer my review, but my opinions are all my own.
August 16, 2023
I am already a major Kimberley Woodhouse fan--I even follow and chat with her periodically on Facebook. But when I found out she was writing a book series that takes place during the Dinosaur Wars? I was all in! Female paleotonigist? Yes please!
The Secrets Beneath is the first book in the new series. This book takes place in Wyoming in fictional Walker Creek. The book centers around three people: Anna, Joshua, and Julian. Anna is the lead female--she is a talented artist who travels all over with the her scientist father who is a recognized paleotoligist. He loves to hunt for the bones and has shared his passion with Anna. She too loves the hunt and enjoys capturing the find on her paper. She would love to get more recognition for her efforts--but women in science in general are struggling for any recognition. But her father gives her as much credit as he can.
After they return home from their travels, a big 100 year flash flood occurs and in doing so, it rips open the gully of the river and low and behold---BONES! Dinosaur bones to be exact. Right here in her own hometown. But, its on the property of their neighbor--Julian Walker. Julian is an odd man who has lived a life of abuse at the hand of his nasty father. But, Anna has hope that Julian will allow them the access they need.
Meanwhile, Joshua--Anna's former almost fiance--returns home for the summer to visit his family before he completes his final time at medical school. He hopes to reconnect with Anna and apologize for their falling out years ago and maybe just maybe rekindle their relationship since he's just as in love with her now as he always was.
And Julian. Julian is a tormented young man. Robbed of his mother when just a boy, he's been left to live with his highly volatile abusive father with no one to protect him except his brother Damian. If only he could find a way to keep the darkness from taking his mind away. He knows that the darkness will lead him on a path of his father, and he owes it to his mother to prevent that. He is a pivotal character in this story...
The title The Secrets Beneath begins to make even more sense once you get midway through the book for it's more than just dinosaur bones that are being revealed.
I enjoyed this story and the big BAM moment at the end caught me off guard even though I had a tinkling of a feeling earlier in the book.
A solid read. 4 Stars. Can't wait for book #2!
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGAlley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all my opinions are 100% my own.
The Secrets Beneath is the first book in the new series. This book takes place in Wyoming in fictional Walker Creek. The book centers around three people: Anna, Joshua, and Julian. Anna is the lead female--she is a talented artist who travels all over with the her scientist father who is a recognized paleotoligist. He loves to hunt for the bones and has shared his passion with Anna. She too loves the hunt and enjoys capturing the find on her paper. She would love to get more recognition for her efforts--but women in science in general are struggling for any recognition. But her father gives her as much credit as he can.
After they return home from their travels, a big 100 year flash flood occurs and in doing so, it rips open the gully of the river and low and behold---BONES! Dinosaur bones to be exact. Right here in her own hometown. But, its on the property of their neighbor--Julian Walker. Julian is an odd man who has lived a life of abuse at the hand of his nasty father. But, Anna has hope that Julian will allow them the access they need.
Meanwhile, Joshua--Anna's former almost fiance--returns home for the summer to visit his family before he completes his final time at medical school. He hopes to reconnect with Anna and apologize for their falling out years ago and maybe just maybe rekindle their relationship since he's just as in love with her now as he always was.
And Julian. Julian is a tormented young man. Robbed of his mother when just a boy, he's been left to live with his highly volatile abusive father with no one to protect him except his brother Damian. If only he could find a way to keep the darkness from taking his mind away. He knows that the darkness will lead him on a path of his father, and he owes it to his mother to prevent that. He is a pivotal character in this story...
The title The Secrets Beneath begins to make even more sense once you get midway through the book for it's more than just dinosaur bones that are being revealed.
I enjoyed this story and the big BAM moment at the end caught me off guard even though I had a tinkling of a feeling earlier in the book.
A solid read. 4 Stars. Can't wait for book #2!
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGAlley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all my opinions are 100% my own.
August 16, 2023
The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse has taken me on a dino-dig filled with adventure, heartache and surprises. The author kept me glued to this book from the first page to the last.
I loved the dinosaur element in this book. Not only do we learn about paleontology, but we get to experience it from a woman's point of view. My daughter is an animator who loves dinosaurs, so I was constantly picturing her as Anna while this story unfolded.
Anna Lakeman had the perfect amount of frustration over men who think women can't do what they do. In this case, it was drawing detailed pictures of the bones Anna found at the dig site. While it may seem absurd that men thought they could draw better than women, this arrogance continued even when Walt Disney set up his studios.
The relationship between Anna and Joshua seems to rely on Anna being able to hold her tongue and mind her temper. The theme of forgiveness plays heavily into this book, with Anna needing to ask for forgiveness from Joshua more than once. Joshua seems like the perfect man who is more than a little intimidated by Anna. His fear of telling her how he really feels and her assumptions as to what he feels often made it seem like this couple didn't stand a chance. Proving that communication is the key to any relationship.
The theme of loving others as God loves us was also present. Anna tried her best to befriend Julian (a neighbour everyone thought of as "odd") in memory of her best friend, who also befriended Julian when no one else would. The surprising turn of events where Julian is concerned will keep you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning.
This is a book that I found hard to put down. I hope we get to follow Anna to more "dino-digs" in future books. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
I loved the dinosaur element in this book. Not only do we learn about paleontology, but we get to experience it from a woman's point of view. My daughter is an animator who loves dinosaurs, so I was constantly picturing her as Anna while this story unfolded.
Anna Lakeman had the perfect amount of frustration over men who think women can't do what they do. In this case, it was drawing detailed pictures of the bones Anna found at the dig site. While it may seem absurd that men thought they could draw better than women, this arrogance continued even when Walt Disney set up his studios.
The relationship between Anna and Joshua seems to rely on Anna being able to hold her tongue and mind her temper. The theme of forgiveness plays heavily into this book, with Anna needing to ask for forgiveness from Joshua more than once. Joshua seems like the perfect man who is more than a little intimidated by Anna. His fear of telling her how he really feels and her assumptions as to what he feels often made it seem like this couple didn't stand a chance. Proving that communication is the key to any relationship.
The theme of loving others as God loves us was also present. Anna tried her best to befriend Julian (a neighbour everyone thought of as "odd") in memory of her best friend, who also befriended Julian when no one else would. The surprising turn of events where Julian is concerned will keep you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning.
This is a book that I found hard to put down. I hope we get to follow Anna to more "dino-digs" in future books. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
September 20, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Kimberley Woodhouse’s Secrets of the Canyon series which made me fall in love with the Grand Canyon. When I learned she was starting a series about the Bone Wars (also known as the Great Dinosaur Rush) with female paleontologists I was very intrigued. The Secrets Beneath was wonderful. I was surprised how much I enjoyed a book about dinosaurs. Kimberley crafted a story that has me wanting to know more about this time in history.
Anna has spent years working alongside her paleontologist father. They discover dinosaurs bones close to home but her father soon becomes ill. Her former beau is back in town and comes to help. The last time Joshua and Anna spoke had been with words of anger causing a major rift. Now adults with this second chance they learn to forgive and trust each other again. One of the things I really appreciate about the author is how the faith of her characters is a natural part of their conversations with the each other. They encourage and challenge each other with biblical truth. Her books are always a refreshing read because of that. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. No positive review was required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Anna has spent years working alongside her paleontologist father. They discover dinosaurs bones close to home but her father soon becomes ill. Her former beau is back in town and comes to help. The last time Joshua and Anna spoke had been with words of anger causing a major rift. Now adults with this second chance they learn to forgive and trust each other again. One of the things I really appreciate about the author is how the faith of her characters is a natural part of their conversations with the each other. They encourage and challenge each other with biblical truth. Her books are always a refreshing read because of that. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. No positive review was required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 11, 2023
Listen, when I tell you I finished this book like 9 minutes ago. I swear, I love it so much. Like, I don't even know where to start! First off, dinosaurs! Who doesn't love a great book about dinosaurs and women paleontologists and Wyoming? Second, Josh is just about the cutest little derp ever! I'll be honest, Anna is pretty much a spoiled brat, but she grows on you, and her dad is the most precious! Julian... he gives me the creeps, and Damian, I had him pegged for at least 200 pages. Don't tell me how, I just did. The plot... I was so glad that Rosemary was just a minor inconvenience, because it would have made me mad if she were any more annoying. I loved watching the relationships play out. The parallels between Caleb and Mary were heartbreaking. Honestly, I was hooked from the prologue.
Fair warning: Kimberley Woodhouse was temporarily, I believe, possessed by Jaime Jo Wright, and for the first time ever, I had to put one of her books down because I was afraid I would have nightmares. Seriously, preorder the stupid book. Okay!
I did receive a copy of this as part of the review crew, but all opinions are my own.
Fair warning: Kimberley Woodhouse was temporarily, I believe, possessed by Jaime Jo Wright, and for the first time ever, I had to put one of her books down because I was afraid I would have nightmares. Seriously, preorder the stupid book. Okay!
I did receive a copy of this as part of the review crew, but all opinions are my own.
September 19, 2023
Wheeeeewwwwwww!! Have to get my heart rate to slow down enough to write a review now. And I'm still trying to reconcile how Kimberley's bubbly, sweet personality can write a thriller like this! The cover looks so sweet and innocent...
I'm not sure where to start. I'm seriously still reeling.
I loved this book. Everything about it. Many people are fascinated with dinosaurs, and to see a woman paleontologist in the 1800s? Even better. She has a temper, which irritated me at times, but you know one of the things I loved? SHE didn't expect everyone to change for HER. She realized when she was in the wrong, and did some apologizing. I loved that. The characters here were all spectacularly written, and I just really need the next book right. now.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
I'm not sure where to start. I'm seriously still reeling.
I loved this book. Everything about it. Many people are fascinated with dinosaurs, and to see a woman paleontologist in the 1800s? Even better. She has a temper, which irritated me at times, but you know one of the things I loved? SHE didn't expect everyone to change for HER. She realized when she was in the wrong, and did some apologizing. I loved that. The characters here were all spectacularly written, and I just really need the next book right. now.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
November 13, 2023
1878-1880 Wyoming Territory
A nice blend of fiction with historical details. Anna enjoys working with her father, a paleontologist. She and her former fiance, Joshua, had a falling out about her ability to continue in that role.
After spending three years in Chicago studying to be a doctor, Joshua returns home to visit his family. While there's some positives that have occurred in his absence, there has also been tragedy.
Unraveling it all was engaging from beginning to end. Look forward to the next in the series.
A nice blend of fiction with historical details. Anna enjoys working with her father, a paleontologist. She and her former fiance, Joshua, had a falling out about her ability to continue in that role.
After spending three years in Chicago studying to be a doctor, Joshua returns home to visit his family. While there's some positives that have occurred in his absence, there has also been tragedy.
Unraveling it all was engaging from beginning to end. Look forward to the next in the series.
October 12, 2023
I loved this wonderful historical fiction novel that talks about many interesting secrets that many of these characters possess. I enjoyed getting to know some of what paleontologists do and that some women did do some work at the time of this novel. I loved Anna and Joshua. I enjoyed how Julian was handled in the story. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Want to read
August 12, 2023I was so excited to read The Secrets Beneath and I was not disappointed!! It had dinosaurs, romance, mystery and a touch of creepy! I loved it!
October 9, 2023
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.
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.
April 13, 2025
Well, it’s a solid miss for me, but since it’s the first miss I’ve had from this author in a long while, I’ll not spend any extraordinary amount of time ranting. The characters didn’t seem real and the bickering was so immature. I didn’t “see” much of the love they kept saying they had for each other. The Damian storyline was super creepy and yet very transparent to me as a reader, and it felt like a contrivance that no one in the small town didn’t notice anything amiss about the richest rancher’s number of sons. At least the ranch hands would have known this! On top of all that, the writing is very choppy and filled with fragmented sentence bits, so it felt very modern instead of old-fashioned. Oh, and what ten-year-old boy doesn’t know the meaning of common words?
Meh. It needed another solid draft, at least.
Meh. It needed another solid draft, at least.
December 25, 2023
I knew when I heard that The Secrets Beneath had a mystery and dinosaurs? I knew I had to pick it up.
I did feel like the main character struggled with some stubbornness in the beginning but I feel like the Lord really helped both of the main characters in the story with the problems they each faced. I really enjoyed the plot of the story and the mystery, I did a good job and figured out what was really going on, I won't spoil it though 😁.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own.
I did feel like the main character struggled with some stubbornness in the beginning but I feel like the Lord really helped both of the main characters in the story with the problems they each faced. I really enjoyed the plot of the story and the mystery, I did a good job and figured out what was really going on, I won't spoil it though 😁.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own.
October 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I'm fascinated by paleontology (comes from the Jonathan Park audio adventures I listened to so much as a kid, I'm sure), so reading about the origins of the field was really cool. That said, we all agree Anna was an idiot, right? Like, so dumb on so many levels. I think she made, like, five good choices in the whole book? That said, loved Josh. Great guy.
September 19, 2023
Kimberley Woodhouse has once again proven herself to be a great storyteller. The Secrets Beneath was an emotional ride from its very first pages. It does start out with a darker side, and some gripping action that hooks you in. I was surprised that the title of the book was not what I expected, which was the excavation of dinosaur bones. This was a main part of the story, but there was much more to it. The title ended up referring to something completely different. Some of the darker moments were, for me, a little disturbing, but if that was the authors intent, then she succeeded.
The story definitely kept me turning the pages. Like many of Kimberley’s novels, there were good guys, villains, and some rollercoaster romance. Some I liked, some not so much. I do appreciate that the characters were well developed. Knowing their backgrounds was helpful in understanding their behaviors and personalities. Some of this was absolutely heartbreaking. I always enjoy this author’s well researched history. I didn’t know about the Bone Wars, so I found that interesting. I can also see how a woman paleontologist during that time would have a hard time being accepted in what was considered a men’s only occupation. A part toward the end of the book was so heartbreaking, and had a completely unexpected twist.
What I love about Kimberley’s novels is how she includes the gospel in her stories. Little Caleb’s story was so sweet with his heart for repentance. In other situations there was, in spite of the darkness and some misunderstandings, acts of grace, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
All in all I feel The Secrets Beneath was very well done. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. All comments and opinions are mine only.
The story definitely kept me turning the pages. Like many of Kimberley’s novels, there were good guys, villains, and some rollercoaster romance. Some I liked, some not so much. I do appreciate that the characters were well developed. Knowing their backgrounds was helpful in understanding their behaviors and personalities. Some of this was absolutely heartbreaking. I always enjoy this author’s well researched history. I didn’t know about the Bone Wars, so I found that interesting. I can also see how a woman paleontologist during that time would have a hard time being accepted in what was considered a men’s only occupation. A part toward the end of the book was so heartbreaking, and had a completely unexpected twist.
What I love about Kimberley’s novels is how she includes the gospel in her stories. Little Caleb’s story was so sweet with his heart for repentance. In other situations there was, in spite of the darkness and some misunderstandings, acts of grace, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
All in all I feel The Secrets Beneath was very well done. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. All comments and opinions are mine only.
November 8, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This book has intrigued me ever since I saw the cover and heard the synopsis: I mean come on, dinosaurs/paleontology in Christian fiction?!
This story is a great blend of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and suspense! I loved learning a bit about the Bone Wars (loooooveeee the historical notes at the beginning and end of the book) since I'd never heard of them before. The dig scenes were some of my favorites, I could picture the tools chipping away at the rock to uncover more bones and Anna drawing away.
There is a second chance romance which I'm learning is rare for me to entirely love. Although Anna and Joshua did have some sweet moments, I was a bit frustrated at points with some of the immaturity.
I did correctly see quite early on how the plot might go, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
And I can always count on Kimberly Woodhouse to have great faith in her books!
Christian faith rating: 3/3
Content: missing child, child abuse, mental illness
This book has intrigued me ever since I saw the cover and heard the synopsis: I mean come on, dinosaurs/paleontology in Christian fiction?!
This story is a great blend of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and suspense! I loved learning a bit about the Bone Wars (loooooveeee the historical notes at the beginning and end of the book) since I'd never heard of them before. The dig scenes were some of my favorites, I could picture the tools chipping away at the rock to uncover more bones and Anna drawing away.
There is a second chance romance which I'm learning is rare for me to entirely love. Although Anna and Joshua did have some sweet moments, I was a bit frustrated at points with some of the immaturity.
I did correctly see quite early on how the plot might go, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
And I can always count on Kimberly Woodhouse to have great faith in her books!
Christian faith rating: 3/3
Content: missing child, child abuse, mental illness
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