About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Saturday, September 4, 2021

Undercurrent of Secrets (Doors to the Past) by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Undercurrent of Secrets (Doors to the Past)ABOUT THE BOOK

Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.
 
A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.
 


MY THOUGHTS.....

Romance, history, intrigue, and faith. What more could I ask for in a book? How about two stories with all of these elements, set in different eras, but ultimately linked together? Author Rachel Scott McDaniel includes all of this in her new dual timeline book, and her characters rank high on my list of all-time favorites, including the very best character of all, The Belle of Louisville. This famous riverboat is dear to all of us in Kentucky, and I love that McDaniel includes so much of its history in these stories. In her author's notes, she explains that this beloved Kentucky icon had two names, Idlewild and Avalon, before it was renamed The Belle of Louisville in 1962.

It is the Idlewild that is the setting for the first story. In 1926, Hattie and Jack meet on the Idlewild and fall in love, with a devotion that is special indeed. There are, however, people and circumstances that are a threat to Hattie and her future. Is there any chance that she and Jack will enjoy a life together?

A century later, Devyn and Chase are drawn into a longtime mystery surrounding two people who turn out to be Hattie and Jack, and this partnership offers Devyn and Chance a chance for their own special romance, this time on The Belle of Louisville. I loved their witty banter with each other and I admired their Christian faith, but Devyn and Chase's path to happiness is also plagued with obstacles.

McDaniel has written two swoon-worthy romances that touched my heart, and she's packed them with intrigue and questions. She kept me guessing until the very end, and I was amazed at the connection between Devyn, Chase, Hattie, and Jack! Undercurrent of Secrets is a captivating dual timeline novel that will totally satisfy fans of both historical and contemporary Christian romance. Five stars for sure, but I would give it more if I could!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.


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2 comments:

  1. Very nice review.
    Sounds like a good book.
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    ReplyDelete
  2. Great review. You make me want to read this book.

    ReplyDelete