Kimberly Woodhouse does not disappoint! I loved this book and all the morals that are in it. It's one of those books that you finish and want to be a better person from it and grow stronger in your faith. Overall the story line was really good and it was a hard book to put down. I love all the books in this series and would love to read more books by this author! Definitely will recommend to friends and family!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Julia has suffered a traumatic childhood. So as not to give away anything to those who haven't read the book, I won't say much, but life has not been easy on her. To make up for the lack of love and unconditional acceptance, Julia turned to made-up fantastical stories to try to earn friends and gain acceptance. It really didn't work.

Finally granted the opportunity for a fresh start, she heads to the Harvey House on the Grand Canyon where she hears about the legend of a lost treasure. This intrigues and ignites her adventurous spirit and she purposes to find it. Of course, there are twists and turns in this hunt, but the story felt too easy to be life-like.

What Julia most needs in her life is not wealth and fame, but to accept the unconditional love and acceptance that Jesus has to offer her.

I enjoyed the book. It makes me want to visit the Grand Canyon and do some hiking of my own. I felt the book came together too easily in some ways, though there were also some unexpected twists and turns that you didn't see coming. And, of course, always a little romance that comes through in the form of a jeweler this time.

I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinons expressed are my own.

Harvey Girl Waitress, Julia Schultz, was severely disappointed in her childhood by her parents. She goes into foster care and is later adopted by a loving couple who die too young before giving Julia a firm foundation. When she's finally of age to work, Julia moves into the Fred Harvey system and makes her way. Due to the lack of tether as an adolescent, she won't let people close to her and guards her story solidly. So firm, in fact, that she spins tales about her past instead. The lying gets her into trouble, of course. She is offered a plum assignment to El Tovar location at the Grand Canyon, with the stipulation that the story-telling will cease.

Chris is a jewelry-maker and shopkeeper from nearby Williams, Arizona. He is named the jeweler of the Grand Canyon park and will be regularly at their site.

As she learns to make friends, Julie and her friend experience mystery and danger in their hikes on the Bright Angel trail. New friend, Chris, also gets mixed into the mystery.

Talk about pulling on your heartstrings right from the start!!! The opening to this story had me in near tears, so be sure to have those tissues handy my friends. The emotions do not stop there either. Nope, they hang on through the entire book!

Woodhouse manages to create a character that I can totally relate to, even though we are in different time periods and circumstances. Julia's character goes through so much, and I loved seeing her character blossom. Even moreso, I really enjoyed how the gospel message is presented in this book. It's so beautiful, natural, and relatable. The message is clear but not preachy. You can see Woodhouse's heart on the pages of this book, and it shines.

History buffs will appreciate the time and attention Woodhouse also puts into her research, which is clearly evident by all the attention to detail in the story. With history, romance, mystery and faith, you cannot help but fall in love with this book. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My thoughts: Kimberley Woodhouse is one of my favorite authors and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. A GEM OF TRUTH lived up to every thought I had about reading it and I literally couldn't put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was one unexpected twist, but otherwise it was fairly predictable. I can't wait to read book 3 and find out what happens next. If you love historical romantic suspense, heavy on the romance and on the faith message, you will love A GEM OF TRUTH. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

This Story Just Moved Me…

All I can say is wow! This second book in The Secrets of the Canyon series was full of mystery, romance, a treasure hunt and friendship that was beyond what most people would do. It was hard to put it down and get things done around my house! I’m on to the next book in the series. A Mark of Grace…

A fun adventure novel. When Julia Schultz gets a promotion to the El Tovar at the Grand Canyon as a prestigious Harvey girl (waitress), no one is aware that her history of embellishing stories of her past are covering a deep secret. Julia feels unworthy without her stories but she is trying to be honest and trustworthy. Then she stumbles across a legend of hidden treasure in the canyon, but who will believe her.
This was an enjoyable, gentle historical romance. A quick read.

At first, I was having a hard time getting into this one, but I soon realized I was not liking reading on my phone because I was in a mood. (Sometimes you just need to be able to hold it, am I right?) As soon as I got the print copy, I was able to devour it like it out to be devoured. The characters in this book are very dear to me, and it's so hard to explain. Ruth is my absolute favorite and I was going to pitch a fit if she didn't get done right by, but no worries. No fits here! I'll be honest here. Ever since coming back for the school year, I've been feeling so dry and shallow inside. This book touched me and I think healed me more than I ever expected or anticipated. I was in tears for most of the last hundred pages. I identified with Julia's struggles (well... not so much the lying... but the rest) and there were so many things that I wanted to happen in this book that absolutely did! I love it more than book one and I'm moving it to my favorites shelf post-haste. Happy Release Day to the book that was a balm to my heart just when I needed it most.

I listened to the audio version of this book. I enjoyed it. There was danger and mystery mixed with adventure of treasure hunting. The main character was on a very personal journey. I love how the author took her through that journey.

I adored this treasure hunt of a novel. Strong in faith and characters that showed their walk with the Lord throughout. I loved that there was a treasure hunt in it as well.

I loved every single thing about this book! From beginning to end, I was so caught up in the story of Julia Schultz, she really tugged at my heart and I found myself rooting for her to live her best possible life. Not only did the author craft endearing characters, she also placed them in the beautiful setting in the Grand Canyon at the El Tovar Hotel.

I find the history of the Harvey Girls fascinating, I could read about them pretty much anytime, but I also love a storyline with some good and some not so good characters, there are both in this well-written, perfectly paced novel. I highly recommend A Gem of Truth to readers pf historical fiction and those just looking for a fantastic read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Set at El Tovar in the Grand Canyon, this story looks into the life of one of the Harvey Girls in 1907. Julia has had a difficult life, she has no friends, no family, no one. " She craved hope. Craved love. Craved family and friends." Julia meets Chris, a jeweler and designer. Slowly her heart starts to open. "I, (Chris) understand what Gramps said about love. That it was the finest gem to be found. " Add in the legend of a treasure, outlaws and mountain lions, you'll find yourself eager to find out what happens next. Wonderful characters and inspirational text makes this book one of a kind!

A Gem of Truth
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Pub Date 20 Sep 2022
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance


I am reviewing a copy of A Gem of Truth and Netgalley:


Julia Schultz is known as a storyteller, or as some see it a liar. With her dark and painful past, stories are all that have kept her company throughout her life. Longing for a fresh start and a second chance to earn real trust, Julia takes a job as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel, where she's challenged to be her true self.


Christopher Miller takes pride in running his family's small shop and earning the respect of the people around him despite the difficulties in learning the trade as a master jeweler. But when he discovers that he has six weeks to buy his building from his landlord before it is sold, he must find a way to save his grandfather's legacy.



Brought together by the discovery of a legendary treasure, Chris and Julia find hope in each other. But when Julia's past catches up with her, doubt creeps into Chris's heart. Can he really trust her and her stories?


I give A Gem of Truth five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Julia was an orphan, but in the early nineteenth century there was bit of ignominy associated with that word, so Julia made up stories to conceal her background and to prove to herself that she was person of worth. Julia was one of the Harvey Girls--women who worked as waitresses in hotels at railroad stations. Harvey girls had strict rules about proprietary and Julia followed those rules, but had trouble making friendships with her co-workers because she was not truthful. When she was transferred to a new station she resolved to change her ways under the mentorship of Ruth, her new supervisor. She was being successful, but then someone from her past catches up with her, there was a mystery of missing treasure and the promise of romance. This was a sweet love story. Spoiler alert--Ruth's story did not end with this book, so I will have to read the sequel. I received an arc was under no pressure for a positive review.

Grand Canyon, grand book!
"The canyon seemed to have a magnetic pull on anyone who caught sigh of it."
And so begins Chris's first experience with the Grand Canyon in Kimberly Woodhouse's latest in the Secrets of the Canyon series. Once again readers are whisked away to the scenic Grand Canyon and the El Tovar Hotel.
Here readers are treated to the story of Julia, a Harvey Girl with an imagination and a penchant for storytelling in addition to a past that she can't seem to let go.
As she begins her new position of a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel she meets new friends who help her find her true self and a treasure to boot.
Chris is getting his footing in the jewelry business and is looking forward to selling his designs at the Hopi House at the Grand Canyon. Little does he know that his new business venture will lead to intrigue, danger and a new found relationship.
Woodhouse matches interesting characters with majestic scenery to unfold her story of treasure, betrayal and trust. Readers will be captivated by the mystery of the Canyon and the connection of Julia and her friends.
I received a free copy from Bethany House and the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This was a beautiful historical romance that warmed my heart! A delightful read!
Julia Schultz is an orphan with a family past she is ashamed of, which no one should ever now. She is a Harvey girl through and through. She is a very hard worker and has earned her prestige as an excellent waitress. But in her need to win the approval of others, especially her coworkers, she loves to weave extraordinary tales about herself. Julia sees no harm in it, but the others are not so graceful and think her a liar that can’t be trusted, which leaves her with very little friends. But the opportunity to start anew comes in the way of a new position at El Tovar, the shining star of the Harvey House chain. Miss Sue Blain, the head waitres,who truly cares for her, warns her about the need to be truthful from now on, so she can make deep connection and true friendships. But old habits are hard to break, and Julia struggles to cut her penchant for storytelling and learning to be her true self. Who is she really, she is about to discover?
Christopher Miller is a master jeweler and a hard worker too. He has inherited his grandfather’s shop and aims with all his heart to make him proud. But when his landlord tells him he is moving to another state and needs to sell the building of his shop, he is given the deadline of six weeks to purchase it or he’ll have to sell it to another buyer. Chris will do just about anything, even work at night, to save his grandfather’s legacy. It’s a race against time! When he’s given an opportunity to sell his jewels and teach the trade to the Hopi at El Tovar, he knows God is guiding him to fulfill his dream. And when he meets a sassy redhead named Julia, he can’t help a growing attraction like nothing he has felt before. United by the discovery of a legendary treasure, Julia and Chris find solace in each other. But when Julia’s past catches up with her, Chris wonders if he can really trust her. Can Julia learn to be true to herself and to understand that one’s worth does not depend on other’s opinions, but on God’s Unconditional Love?
This was a beautiful story that warmed my heart! Julia, with all her flaws, and her tendency to invent and exaggerate stories, was an endearing character. My heart ached at how much she must have suffered when she was younger in order to feel such compelling need to make herself desirable and admirable to others by embellishing stories about her. She had spunk and sass, and in spite of her flaws, she was a steadfast person, and had a kind heart. She just needed a true friend to show her where her real worth lied. I loved that the persons that were in charge of her, like Miss Sue Blaine at Hotel Castañeda or Miss Ruth Anniston at El Tovar, were genuinely worried about her and wanted to help her become a better person! Ruth was my favorite secondary character, and I’m so excited to know that the next book will be about her. She was so kind and caring, and she helped Julia discover Jesus love. Christopher was a wonderful hero: I loved his integrity, his work ethic and his big heart. I love the dialogues he had with Julia, and how he helped her see the light too. He was also very understanding of Julia as her past catches up with her and her tendency to lie comes out. The story has a great plot, with danger and adventure as they search for the lost treasure, with some villains persecuting them. The scenery is stunning and so well described that I felt in a movie and imagined perfectly the beautiful canyon and its trails, the river, etc. I ended up with a yearning to visit the Grand Canyon and meet for myself all that natural beauty. I also loved the descriptions of the jewelry Chris made and taught to the Hopi. I’d love to see those pieces too.
All in all a wonderful historical romance that I didn’t want to end! Loveable characters and engaging plot, and I especially liked the faith inspired message about God pursuing us, loving us for who we are, and redeeming us. It didnt feel preachy but flowed naturally from the characters. The ending was heartwarming! I can’t wait for the next story to arrive!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I enjoyed this book. Did not know the legend about the jewels and have never been to the Grand Canyon.
I must admit that when that mountain lion screamed it gave me the chills, as if I was there. That is the work of a very good author.
I was pulling for Julia and was glad to see the last of Florence..
Can’t wait until the next book about Ruth.
Thank you Ms Woodhouse and Netgalley.

As this was my first time reading a book by this author, I struggled a little to get into the book at first. But after a couple chapters and learning the author's style, I was hooked! I will definitely be looking for more by this author!

The unexpected twists in this story kept my attention and made it hard to put down. I loved how the author held back information about the main character and let the suspense of her dilemma build around her. It was simple, yet complex. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Julia cannot stop from making up stories about everything, from her personal life to her accomplishments. Because of this she cannot seem to make any long lasting friendships, something she deeply longs for. After moving to a new job can she start all over and stop with the tall tales? Julia also goes on an adventure in the Grand Canyon. All her life she keeps looking at her past and is afraid it will define her. She keeps her past a secret from everyone, but if she wants real friendships and love she must open up. God can love even the worst of sinners as long as we turn to him and accept that He can love us even when we don't feel worthy.

The prologue of this book tugged at my heartstrings! Eight-year-old Julia Shultz loses her parents and begins an existence filled with made-up stories because she doesn't want to forever bear the label of orphan. Eighteen years later, hoping to find a fresh start, she becomes a Harvey Girl at the famous El Tovar Hotel, but she still finds herself telling stories to hide her past. Just when do the stories made up by children turn into lies told by adults?

Author Kimberley Woodhouse paints a poignant picture of that lonely little girl who is now a lonely adult. Julia's luck seems to change when she begins a search for long-lost treasure with Christopher Miller and, for the first time, experiences the joy of friendship. Julia's life seems on the upswing until her past comes to light. Will this man who values honesty and truth continue to be her friend?

A Gem of Truth has likable characters involved with adventure, danger, and mystery in the legendary setting of the Grand Canyon. It also has a sweet romance and a powerful faith message that kept me totally engaged. I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review.