This is a Christian historical romance that will not disappoint. I am fascinated with the history of the Harvey Girls and the culture around which the Harvey Hotels revolved, and we get to explore that in this novel. The addition of a lost treasure takes it up a notch. Although this is a Christian romance, it is realistic and our main character definitely has some flaws, which I appreciate. Recommended for anyone who enjoys compelling historical romances.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

I love stories that mention the Harvey Girls and Harvey Hotels that period of history sounds so intriguing. This was such a good story filled with secrets, adventure and suspense. Kimberley Woodhouse does a great job in the setting of this story. She makes you feel like you are at El Tovar and at the Grand Canyon. You can also tell that she has done extensive research and you read all the little details that brings the story to life as you read. Her detail to jewelry making was fascinating.

The characters were believable and relatable. You can feel the struggle that Julia has within herself. Chris is the master jeweler is such a fantastic leading male character. He has this huge heart and pride for his family's business that he will do anything to make sure that legacy does not die. Of course there is romance between Julia and Chris and it was a perfect match. He helps her see what love is.

There is a good thread of faith throughout this story. God loves us despite any circumstances and He pursues us to follow and love him unconditionally. It was a great reminder for us readers. I love when christian fiction books gives us these reminders.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. This is part of a series and I do recommend you reading the first one just so you know some of the characters that pop up in this one plus you will get to know the location a bit more if you read them in order! I can't wait for the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Gem of Truth is a gem(get it) of a historical fiction novel that you’re not going to want to have to put down! It’s also book 2 in a series! You’re going to love this one!

Didn’t read book one? That’s okay. Honestly, you don’t have to with this series, but of course, I advocate for you to do so. I’m all about adding books to my must-read pile! I might have more than a pile, more than a shelf even, more like a whole bookshelf full!

In this book, we meet Julia who has had a bit of a rough childhood. She’s an orphan and got bounced around a lot trying to find a forever family but now she’s an adult and a Harvey Girl. I love having the historical fiction and the history of the Harvey Girls. If you’ve never heard of them you’ll definitely learn a bit.

This is not just historical fiction but also Christian fiction so you’re going to hear about God and His love throughout. Whew. I don’t want to give too much away, but Julia has a bit of a habit of stretching the truth or rather lying and she’s going to a new position. Can she become someone else or is she going to keep reverting to her old ways?

I loved this book and know you will too! Grab your copy today! And then come back and tell me what you thought of it. I’m always up for hearing what other people got out of a book and what their favorite parts are.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This is a heartwarming story that immediately drew me in and made me apart of 1907 and the Harvey Girls! The rich descriptive details and well researched history along with the thrill of a treasure hunt and mystery made this book a page turner.

Kimberley weaves in the beautiful message that our Father above never abandons us as Julia, the main character, discover’s her self worth and love thru the loving actions of the friends who become family to her in this story.

This book can definitely be read as a stand alone novel without feeling like you are missing anything. However I know I want to go back and read the first book just to learn the story of one of the side characters.

Fans of stories by Tracie Peterson and Cathy Marie Hake will enjoy this novel.

I have, (unfortunately and hopefully that will change), never been to the Grand Canyon. However, I enjoy viewing videos or pictures of it on the computer and I really enjoy when authors base their stories there. Here is a story that takes place in 1907 at a Harvey hotel. Harvey hotels and how they were run with precision and efficiency never ceases to amaze me, and I wonder what it would be like to have gotten to visit one. Well, Julia Schultz is a Harvey girl, and she is very good at her job. She has transferred to the El Tovar Hotel and is in line for a big promotion. Only one problem, herself.

Julia has not had an easy life. Her parents died when she was just eight years old, and those brutal images she tries not to think about. She has been an orphan since tossed from family to family never really making friendships or deep relationships. To just get through life she becomes a storyteller about her life. She would have made a wonderful author, but these stories she tells to fit in, are lies she talks about herself. She needs to stop. She is expected to stop as per her new job. So, she tries to become a different person. Unfortunately, the past doesn't always like to stay hidden and even with the best of intentions, the past comes back to haunt.

Chris Miller is a jeweler trying to keep his place of business. He has been given a great opportunity to sell jewelry for the Harvey business, but he is in a bit of a time crunch to come up with the moneys he needs. Can he accomplish his goal? And what happens when a certain red head, Julia, catches his eye and pulls him into an adventure? Can he trust her as the truth of her past comes barreling at them both?

The Grand Canyon, Harvey girls, romance, bad guys, and buried treasure are all included in this adventure. And a young woman who just wants to belong to someone will find her place and a love to make her own. I think all of us from time to time have felt the loneliness that plagued Julia and has born our sense of belonging.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

A Gem of Truth is the second book in Kimberley Woodhouse’s Secrets of the Canyon historical romance series set around the Grand Canyon.

I loved returning to the splendor of the Grand Canyon. In this story, we explore a fictional legend that adds danger and intrigue to the story. I also enjoyed the interaction between Julia and Chris. It made the ending all more more climactic!

Julia’s wrestling with storytelling verses telling the truth … the author made her so relatable that I wanted everyone to believe her and for her to get to tell her stories!

The danger and mystery in this book were excellent. I wish there would have been a bit more romantic elements, especially since I loved watching those two interact. Overall, this was an engaging, entertaining story, which I enjoyed.

If you’re looking for a historical adventure, grab yourself a copy of A Gem of Truth!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

I liked this book by Kimberly Woodhouse. I loved the mystery as they tried to find the treasure. I also adored Julia. I thought she was a fun character and I loved how she tried through out the book to figure out who the real Julia was. I also adored her stories. I liked that she had people there who were trying to help her along the way. I liked how the romance developed between Chris and Julia. I also loved the setting. I have always found the Harvey Girls to be a fascinating topic. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

After reading Kimberley Woodhouse’s first book in the Secrets of the Canyon series, I knew I had to read the next, A Gem of Truth. What a gem it is, too! Set mainly at the Grand Canyon Harvey House in the early 1900s, history and romance marry action to form an exciting book you won’t soon forget.

“Instant friends. If only there were such a wonderful thing.” I could empathize with poor Julia who had trouble feeling worthy and making friends. Unfortunately, Julia tells fantastically entertaining stories to gain approval, but loses people’s trust in bargain. Will she learn to tell the truth before her life lays in shambles at her feet?

How many people can identify with Julia as “she still felt very much alone…Surrounded by people, but lonely.” This is so easy to fall in this trap. We often try to be good enough to please people, hiding who we really are, afraid of rejection if people discover the real us.

Told in third person, the novel switches back and forth quickly between characters and the reader must be alert.

I loved seeing our friends from Woodhouse’s first book, as well the new characters who added so much to the story. Ruth figures into this narrative until we are ready for her story, which will be out next year! (Yay!)

Woodhouse has done her Harvey House waitress homework, as well as incorporating a legend masterfully to add so much suspense! And her detail to jewelry making!

I appreciated that the main characters respected the Hopi Indians and treated them and their culture well. I would love to have seen that part of the Canyon, something we need to rectify next time we visit, as well as actually visiting the El Tovar.

Don’t miss this book!! I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley, plus I purchased my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.



Notable Quotables:

“Would she never be able to get past who she’d been? Would anyone ever truly love her for who she was?”

“There are no bad eggs, just a bunch of people with sin natures. God loves every one of us the same.”

“Humility is knowing your worth and choosing to put others ahead of yourself anyway.”

A Gem of Truth is the second in the Secrets of the Canyon series by Kimberley Woodhouse. Like the first one, this book is such a good read

We find ourselves at the Grand Canyon, and at the El Tovar Hotel with the Harvey Girls. This story deals with a hidden treasure left many, many years ago and the search to be the first ones to find it. We also get to know Julia, Julia has a habit of telling stories which isn't a bad thing, except her stories are greatly embellished and more often than not are not even remotely true. She started telling stories to avoid telling the truth about her past and her childhood. As always happens, the truth catches up to her. When confronted, Julie is given no choice but to begin telling the truth or she will have to leave the El Tovar.

Add in the mystery of the treasure, the recent chain of problems at the hotel, and Christopher who is trying to buy his jewelry store, and you have a delightful story that I could not put down.

It is not necessary to have read the first in the series to follow this book. If you have read the first book then you will recognize some characters who also appear in this story.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Just Read Tours and Bethany House. All views are my honest opinion.

A Gem of Truth, by Kimberly Woodhouse, is book two in the Secrets of the Canyon series. This story takes place in 1907 at the Grand Canyon. This story focuses on Julia, a Harvey Girl at El Tovar Hotel, and Christopher, a jeweler that makes items to sell at the hotel shop. Julia has a past that she keeps hidden and Christopher honesty is the most important thing.

This is a nicely written story with mostly nice characters. The story deals with stories of a lost treasure in the canyon. It also has suspense and mystery behind who is causing trouble near the hotel and why. The story is so clear it was easy to imagine Julie walking along the narrow ledge to search for the lost treasures. The story has a secondary story within it, that of Christopher struggling to buy his jewelry shop.

I enjoyed reading this story. Having not read the first in the series, I was easily able to understand the story. This story gives a look at how things that happened in Julia’s young life caused her to be a story teller to make her life sound exciting. But, the story telling caused other issues in her life. It was nice to see how hard she worked to overcome the story telling and just be herself. I enjoyed reading how things just worked out for Christopher. It is easy to see that God was with him at just the right time.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book through Just Read Tours and NetGalley, this is my honest review.

Julia Schultz’s turbulent past has left her longing for friendship and connection, and weaving fantastical stories about herself has been her way to fit in. But a fresh start prompts a vow for honesty—a vow that is quickly brought to test by the reappearance of an old adversary and a hunt for lost treasure. Will Christopher be able to overcome the truth of who Julia once was and see the gem she has become?

Legends of long-forgotten treasure, murder, and danger around every corner of the trail make this a page-turning read. And all the details about El Tovar, the Harvey Girls, and the Grand Canyon only add to the appeal. Wonderful!

*Thank you to Netgalley and Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book. While I enjoyed book 1 the most, this was a great follow-up. Parts of it seemed a bit far fetched, but Woodhouse developed the characters well. I LOVE the Grand Canyon setting and learning more about the Harvey girls.

I find the idea of the Harvey Girls something very interesting. I can just imagine all the people they met and the exciting things they ran across. Julia has the opportunity to become a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel and it gives her real insight into others and herself. While there she meets Christopher and they soon become good friends and more. But as time goes on and he learns more about her, he has to look hard to see who she really is. I really liked this story and learning about the time period. Look forward to the next one.

3.5 The storyline was interesting with some unexpected twists and turns. I felt the struggles that the main character, Julia, traumatized but the lack of love and her life, feeling not worthy of being loved and forgiven because of her past. And then is Christ the master jeweler and a hard worker. 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 will do anything even work more hours even at night to keep the shop. This book has everything, adventure, mystery, humor, hope, romance, and danger.

The story is about learning to be true to yourself and to understand that one’s worth does not depend on others’ opinions but on God’s Unconditional Love. I recommend it to those who enjoy Christian Fiction and Historical Romance. It can be read as a stand-alone but I will recommend reading the first book.

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

The Grand Canyon is an exciting setting for A Gem of Truth! I am always fascinated by Harvey House stories and A Gem of Truth's female protagonist is a Harvey House waitress! Christopher Miller is an excellent male protagonist as he lives a godly life and works as a jeweler craftsman. I loved how Julia Schultz learns that the truth is always important. You will enjoy being with Julia as she searches for lost treasure and faces danger. I recommend this historical romance to others. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House. This is my honest opinion.

LOL I totally just realized this was the second book in a series. I've done it again!

I do appreciate that I was able to read the book in its entirety without issue, though. I got the inkling that there was more to Emma Grace's story--but I didn't feel like I was lacking at all by not having read it. (That was not the case with another book I started recently; that one I had to set aside as I could just not get into it and felt I was missing too much not having read Book 1.)

While the editing, I felt, could be a bit tighter in places, the story was still intriguing and absolutely held my interest. (I'm sure it had _nothing_ to do with the National Treasure 2 reference in the foreword, haha! Nothing at all! :D) I was intrigued by this fresh take on the pursuit of Cibola, and indeed learned a good deal about how widespread the quest is (and has been, for hundreds of years). TIL, it wasn't just limited to Ben Gates and Riley Poole. Ha! ;)

I'm looking forward to going back and reading Emma Grace's story, and also am eager to read Ruth's when it comes out next year.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The second book in Kimberley Woodhouse's Secrets of the Canyon series will not disappoint. I truly enjoyed Julia’s story, the trips into the Grand Canyon and bits of Emma Grace and Rays story.

Gem of Truth is written by Kimberly Woodhouse. This is book two in the Secrets of the Canyon Series. I have read both books, but they can be read as a stand alone. One of the things that I love about this author is her attention to detail. She always does such careful research to ensure that her stories are as real as possible.
We start the book off in 1889. We are first exposed to the tragic event that changed Julia’s life. We then fast forward to 1907 where we see that Julia is now grown up and working as a Harvey Girl. Because of her tragic past she does not feel worthy or loved. She tells lots of stories to mask the pain. Julia requests to move to the El Tovar hotel in the Grand Canyon and her request is granted.
Christopher is a jeweler. He is commissioned to El Tovar. He takes pride in his work and his family’s business. He is a Christian and shows an interest in Julia, but he is not sure he can trust her. I love that the author created a non Christian, broken character and we see others around her trying to plant that seed and bring her toward the Lord,.
The author did such a wonderful job in showing what Harvey Girls did. She really brought history alive through her writing. I also felt like I learned a lot about being a jeweler. I love when I can learn something in a story. This might be my favorite story by this author yet!
Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

A Gem of Truth tells the legend of treasure buried in the Grand Canyon. Woodhouse was able to show the excitement of the hunt for the treasure in her writing. The description of the canyon and its trail and caves made me feel like I was there. The trails walked on are like the twist and turns of the characters’ lives. There was excitement, danger, romance and hope. Lessons of trust, truth and depending on God was evident at every turn.

I received an advance copy of this book from Bethany House and NetGalley without any obligation to write a review. I have expressed my own opinion.

This book is deeply moving and exciting in many ways. The emotions of a young woman who is traumatized by the lack of love in her life and the effects that has on the way she thinks people view her are heart wrenching. The excitement of lost treasure in a beautiful setting such as the Grand Canyon keeps you wanting more of the adventure. The slow build up of romantic and platonic relationships throughout the novel are sweet to read about. This book checked off all of the character and relationship development from many different angles.

It is also moving when various characters sincerely pray and plead with the Lord for guidance. The themes of honesty, sacrificial love, and God's care for us are abundantly clear and well expanded. I found the struggles of all the main characters relatable to life in general. I appreciated the prayers and scripture laid out for these issues. There was also a gospel presentation and talk about adoption into God's family, as well as where we are going after we die. I was not disappointed in this title being considered Christian - it definitely is and pleasantly so!

Overall, this novel had everything I like in a story. Emotional topics, biblical themes, suspense, twists, and clean romances. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun Christian historical romance.