Wednesday, September 1, 2021

UNDERCURRENT OF SECRETS by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Reviewed by Kim, Paula, and Trixi #ReleaseDay



KIM'S REVIEW:
Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel’s is a time-slip novel that is a must read and will for sure be one of my top reads for 2021! I literally loved everything about it! The mystery builds at a great pace, the story lines merge perfectly, and the writing is excellent!

Usually in a time-slip novel, I prefer one story over the other or one hero/heroine over the other, but I equally loved both stories and all of the main characters! I couldn’t wait to find out how everything all came together at the end.

I loved Devyn and Chase’s romance! They have the best chemistry and their banter was perfection! I loved their first encounter with each other! Hattie was such a wonderfully different character and Jack was just perfect for her! I loved the secondary characters as well and felt they really added to the story. I would love Face to get his own story!

I could go on and on about why I loved this story so much. There’s literally nothing I would change. With this story, Rachel McDaniel is definitely on my short auto buy list!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This author knows how to write a tale of romance, danger and mystery in an intriguing time-slip book.

Ms. McDaniel did a superb job of weaving the two time periods together by connecting them in unexpected ways. Just when I thought I had it figured out-BAM! Plot twist!

With a cute meet, we have Devyn and Chase who could be at odds but decide to join forces and search out information about a girl in an old photo and what connection she has to the historic paddle wheel boat Devyn works on. Meanwhile, Chase agrees to help her with a contest she has entered to showcase The Belle of Louisville as a wedding venue. The author takes us back in time when Hattie Louis worked and lived on the steamboat where she meets Jack who might not be who she thinks he is.

Her descriptions make me want to visit the old steamboat and Louisville, Kentucky. The faith thread was constant within: “God had a way of leading His children. It may not be the course Devyn imagined, but as long as she stayed in the current of His love, she knew she could rely on Him in both still and troubled waters. He was faithful through it all.”

Polished and interesting with swoony romance, this is why I love dual time books.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
5 stars and a strong faith thread

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
What a lovely dual-timeline story! I've just gotten into reading them recently and absolutely love how the author pieced this one together.

This has so much going for it; not only is it two timelines, it's also two love stories that intertwine at the end. And if it's anything I love the most, is reading a great romance story! The mystery behind “The Belle” aka “Idlewild” was very unique and obviously the heart of this story. Reading the “Author's Notes” at the end gave a fascinating history lesson and just added depth to the book.

I enjoyed getting to know Hattie, Jack, Devyn, and Chase. Watching them go about everyday life, falling in love, and even the funny banter between them endeared me to each one. They became my people, ones I could easily see myself making friends with. The author added a great faith element that I thought was very refreshing. As a reader of Christian fiction, I love when an author can feed my soul along with giving me a great story.

If you love dual-timeline stories, historical fiction with romance, getting immersed in a book and being reminded to trust God in all things, you will enjoy “Undercurrent of Secrets”! I think this belongs on everyone's TBR pile.
* I received a complimentary digital copy from Barbour via Netgalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

BackCover Blurb:
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.


Barbour Fiction, September, 2021
Available in digital ebook and paperback:

Buy Undercurrent of Secrets at Amazon
Buy Undercurrent of Secrets at Christianbook.com
Buy Undercurrent of Secrets at Baker Book House

 

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