Wow! Once again, Kimberly Woodhouse pens a story full of creativity! There's so much going on: mystery, intrigue, murder, multiple personalities, missing people, and love! I thought this was just a book about a female paleontologist, and boy, was I surprised!

The characters are relatable! Anna drove me a little crazy with her indecisiveness, but the relationship with her father made her likeable! Joshua is awesome, in my opinion. He's committed to his family, and he looks out for everyone. He's also a hard worker, and he sees things others overlook. Julian- wow. I won't add spoilers, but he's someone who's been hurt in the past and deals with his pain in the best way he can.

I liked learning about paleontology; it's always been interesting to me. I enjoyed the excerpts from Earl Douglas. They contributed to the historical fiction and added depth.

I was provided a copy of the book from NetGalley through Bethany House. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

WOW! What an incredible awesome book The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse is. Filled with flash floods, dinosaur bones, missing children, mental illness, kidnapping, romance, and faith. All of this, and more will keep you glued to this story filled with suspense from beginning to end. There are two themes that stand out in this story. The first one is to love others as God loves us, and the second is forgiveness.

I have read several historical Christian books by Kimberly Woodhouse, but this one captured me like none of her previous works. She picked a wonderful subject for the first book in this series, women in the field of Paleontology. I felt what Anna felt being swept through the waters of the flash flood, her excitement in discovering the dinosaur bones, her anxiety over not being considered knowledgeable in the field she loves due to her sex, and her feelings for Joshua. Kimberly Woodhouse kept me on the edge of my seat throughout with her outstanding prose, character development, and scenic description.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review. ( )

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. ( )

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.
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CW/TW: child disappearance; death of a parent (previous to book); attempted and committed murder; mental health dysfunction; horse accident; health issues with parent
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**Thanks to the publisher and Austen Prose PR for the copy. I have provided this honest review of my own volition. ( )

An enjoyable Christian historical fiction story set in Wyoming Territory in the 19th century.

There are two main protagonists and one antagonist. Alternating chapters were written in the third-person omniscient POV of each. The author doesn't describe the characters physically, so I had to use my imagination.

The writing itself was good, but the main characters made some foolish decisions and there was too much agonizing over relationships and introspection for my taste. I wasn't at all surprised by the "twist" at the end. The bone-hunting would have been more interesting if it had included more details.

The story includes lots of Christian references and prayer. There are some frightening moments, but little violence, no sex, no foul language.

Thank you to the publisher, Bethany House, and the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )