Member Reviews
A Hope Unburied is the last in the Treasures of the Earth series. This reader has read several titles from Kimberly Woodhouse and have really enjoyed them. However, I missed this series. This reader is not a fan of archaeology/paleontology, so I was not really anticipating loving this title but loving the writing style of Kimberly Woodhouse, I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. A Hope Unburied was written where any reader can quickly catch up with the story line. Although there were aspects of archaeology/paleontology sprinkled into the story, the main focus was the relationship between Devin and Eliza which was so sweet and the struggles of women in the early 20th century. A Hope Unburied, is highly recommended to any fan of historical/romance fiction.
I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Publisher Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the advance electronic copy via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Eliza Mills' best friend has always been Devin Schmitt. And Devin would do just about anything to help Eliza, including stuffing his feelings for her down until they are locked tight away. So when Eliza publishes some important scientific articles on paleontology under a male pseudonym and needs to produce a male to pose as the author, Devin can't say no. So starts a summer at a dinosaur dig in Utah. But soon bad things start happening and people start dying, and the two of them are in a rush against time and danger to reveal the truth and achieve glory.
I was intrigued by this book--it felt like a combination of several different types of books. There was the couple kept apart by a meddling, rich, snobbish grandfather. There was a dastardly villain, wanting his own power and glory and jealous of Carnegie and Douglass’ success in paleontology. The Christian faith the protagonists hold was throughout too. I found Eliza to be pretty clueless--demanding a lot from her male friend while simultaneously being in a position of monetary power over him--but her detachedness may have been part of her charm. Then, mixed in are the elements of suspense where we see a shadowy desperate woman with a secret. The whole was mixed together well and became more than the sum of it's parts.
I loved reading this one. I missed the first two in the series (which I am working on fixing that!). But I really enjoyed the plot of this one. I love a good friends to more story. This was excellent. I loved the history; I know very little of this topic! This was great. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Plunge into the history of digging for dinosaur bones amid danger and daring to pursue such a career as a woman. In 1916, wealthy Eliza Mills has reached her childhood dream of working in this emerging field, working at the Carnegie Museum and at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, two prestigious places. However, prejudice against her family’s money and her female gender present challenges in her struggle to succeed. She strives to make her own way but remains concerned she doesn’t achieve results on her own. Her upper class also impedes her relationship with her close childhood friend, her tutor’s son, Devin Schmitt. The story deals with relationships, faith, and self-perception, among other things, amid a plot filled with suspense and touching drama. This book is part of a series about the world of paleontology in the early twentieth century, but stands on its own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
4,5 stars, rounded to 5
This was the first book by Kimberly Woodhouse that I’ve read and I enjoyed it a lot. (So it’s obviously not necessary to read the first two books of the Treasures of the Earth series to understand book 3.)
What I loved the most was the historical setting and insight and to be honest the quotes from Earl Douglass at the beginning of each chapter.
Since my kids are still in their “dinosaur phase” if I dare call it that, reading about some of the early days of paleontology was extremely interesting.
I loved the tough questions that were asked and it felt easy to empathize with the Christian characters, confronted with new information concerning the world they live in.
Eliza’s struggle between love for science and her faith felt very real and I think the different views and opinions were handled respectfully and with care.
Eliza deals with some extremely judgemental and hypocritical Chrisitians as well as with people who don’t want women in the world of science.
The villains were a bit too cliché for me or maybe it was just too obvious who posed the threat for me as a reader to experience the story as really suspenseful.
The friends-to-more romance was sweet and heartwarming andI did love the characters, especially Devon. He is sweet and caring and I loved his relationship with his father and how he tried to approach each situation with faith and prayer.
His character next to the historical aspect was my favorite thing of this book, which made the story deeper and let us see Eliza in a different way than her POV did.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read a copy of this book. I received the book via LibraryThing. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable read. I have to say I don’t blame Eliza for being fascinated and passionate about paleontology. Digging up history is never boring. Back in the early 1900s it was unheard of of women working certain jobs. But Eliza is an exuberant and positive person to deal with and she doesn’t give in to those pressures including the missing family mystery at the ranch. She has a great friendship with Devin, who, by her father’s standards doesn’t measure up to his ideal husband for his daughter. And Devin is faced with what to do with promises and promises to those he deeply cares about. Poor Devin doesn’t know what he will step into next. I believe you would enjoy this book over a nice cup of tea. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.
I love this author’s books. This series has been a really interesting one to read. I love how she incorporates a bit of mystery, romance, and history to write a compelling story. I feel like I am experiencing things right along with the characters. I loved how this story was a friends to more story and I loved how they supported each other in their passions. I also loved learning more about paleontology and the history behind it. I would recommend this series and this author.
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.
Did you ever have one of those friends growing up that you pledged you would always be best friends? Eliza and Devin make just that promise. Years pass by and Devin never forgets his sweet Eliza . She has no idea that her dad made Devin a deal that kept him away from his best friend. Did he make the right choice to further his career at the price of a friendship?
I loved the adventure when Eliza get a chance to dig at a place she has been wanting to for a long time. Paleontology is fascinating and the author definitely does her homework making this story realistic. I found myself a little taken aback that the women in the church didn’t support women in this field. They are very opinionated but that will not stop Ekiza.
When Eliza starts getting threatening notes she must be cautious. Why is someone afraid of what she will find? Soon her dear friend Devin joins her and finds that secrets will reveal something that has been a mystery for awhile. They soon realize that they must trust God and deal with old hurts. With a threat to get rid of Eliza, Devin must protect her at all costs. Will they survive? What happens when a long buried secret exposes betrayal .
Don’t miss this exciting book three in a series filled with history, secrets, renewed relationships and a future that shares forgiveness in a very sweet way. Be sure to read the notes at the end.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
A Hope Unburied is book three in the Treasures of the Earth Book Three. The series is written by Kimberley Woodhouse. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. One of my most favorite things about this author is that fact that she does such careful research and transports readers back in time. She always chooses such amazing settings, where you feel like you are learning something while reading.
It's 1916 and women still have limited rights. Eliza has a passion for paleontology and has published work under a pseudo name. She gets the opportunity to go on a dinosaur bone dig she asks her child hood friend, Devin to come with her. This is when she arrives she suddenly finds herself in danger. People are not too keen on a female on scene.
Devin keeps his feelings at bay. He will give up part of himself to keep her safe and to accompany her on her adventure. She comes from a family of weatlth and prestige. She defies the social standards of the norm.
Devin and Eliza are likable characters. The storyline is engaging right from the start. The story is well written. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
A Hope Unburied by Kimberley Woodhouse is the third and final book in her Treasures of the Earth series. Full disclosure: I did not read the first two. 😂 That has been happening a lot to me here lately! That said, this book can be read as a standalone novel. This was my first read by Kimberley Woodhouse and I was absolutely delighted! I consider this a medium-paced read with enough going on to keep you flipping from cover to cover. While this is categorized as a Historical Romance, there was a bit of mystery and suspense with the unique ability to see from the villain’s point of view which was super fun to read.
Devin and Eliza, our main characters, are such a fun couple! This is a friends-to-lovers novel but for a good chunk of the read, you get to see Devin and Eliza as just best friends. I loved reading how they defied societal norms with their friendship. Also a quick shout-out to Devin’s father, a sweet side character, who gave me all the best fatherly vibes I didn’t realize I needed.
I loved the level of detail in this novel which points to the amount of research the author did for this story! I know next to nothing about paleontology but Kimberley did an amazing job at creating a captivating storyline that was immersive and fascinating. You do not need an understanding of paleontology to enjoy and appreciate all of the tidbits and details present in this book!
The faith aspects of this novel were excellent. They left me examining my own faith, much like Eliza, trying to figure out which areas I'm holding back from God! I love it when a novel can make me examine my own faith. This was a fun, quick read that left me wanting to go back and read the first two in the series!
Thank you to the publisher’s generosity, I received a complimentary copy of this novel through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are truly my own and a positive review was not required.
Eliza Mills is determined to follow in her family's footsteps, to pursue a career in paleontology. While in the fields she reconnects with an old friend, and together they try to unravel the dangerous events unfolding on the site, that are threatening the dig.
An engaging historical read, with an endearing friends-to-lovers romance. I liked how Devin has always liked Eliza, and is there for her when trouble comes calling. He is dedicated to keeping her safe, and is always willing to help her out, and always has her back. I liked the friendship between them, as well as the great interaction, and how they worked together to get to the bottom of the mysterious goings on.
A high stakes adventure, set in the bone fields, with likable characters, strong faith, and great interaction. I really liked how Eliza, was passionate her work, sharing her love with others and inviting them into her passion for paleontology. This was a fun read, and the author successfully created villains that were absolutely terrible. An excellent addition to the series, and perhaps my favorite so far! Great for fans of historical romantic adventures!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Hope Unburied is a wonderful historical fiction novel that you’re going to love. Taking place after WWI and involves digging up old bones. What fun!
Our main character is Eliza. She’s worked hard to gain recognition in her field and be allowed to work in a “man’s world”. While she’s doing this she has a best friend who is a man. Of course, he has unrequited and hidden feelings for her. When he finally decides that he’s going to get over her and move on with his life she calls him to Utah to help her with something.
And of course, he comes running.
But even though you know that will happen it’s a wonderful read with other turns and whirls to keep you wondering what might happen next.
History is woven into this novel. History in the form of real people and real events/discoveries. But it’s done in such a way that you don’t really know what parts are fiction and what is true. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and getting to know Eliza. She’s been born into privilege but wants to work and use her hands. She just doesn’t realize how much resistance she’ll get for that out west.
Devin is such a stand-up guy.
You can’t help but love him. He respects her grandfather’s wishes to not act on his love because of the differences in their social status. But can he maintain that forever?
This book is part of a series. Please read them in order. This is also an amazing piece of Christian fiction. You’re going to see the characters grow in their faith and in their journey. And maybe along the way, you’ll find a piece of wisdom that will help you grow in your faith as well.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. 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.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
A Hope Unburied
Titus 3:4-7 ESV
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Am I worthy enough? Does my life have value?
I believe that these are two questions everyone asks themselves. Eliza did.
I appreciated the story about a strong, but vulnerable woman who loves the Lord.
Not often can I find a book like this. Eliza had her weak moments but GOD put the right people at the right time in her life.
Eliza was interested in paleontology. This is quite different career choice for a woman in 1916. Devin was more interested in literature. They were as different as chalk and cheese but their relationship worked.
Devin and Eliza were lifelong friends. But could they be more? I hope so because I loved their characters.
A Hope Unburied by Kimberly Woodhouse is the third book in the Treasures of the Earth Series. While this is part of a series, this is a great stand alone story. This is an amazing story that gives a look into the world of paleontology in 1916. As Eliza works at Dinosaur National Monument, she also gets permission to dig up bones on a neighboring ranch. She finds herself being looked down on and threatened. People are not who they say they are. But she has one true friend to rely on when her life long friends Devin travels to be with her.
This is an enjoyable story to read. I enjoyed the parts of her childhood I also enjoyed the suspense and mystery surrounding the ranch. The author does a wonderful job of show how important faith is for Eliza and Devin as they search for the truth. I found it very inspirational to see the outcome of the promise Devin made to her grandfather years earlier.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
I loved this third book in the Treasures of the Earth series. I loved learning more about out how dinosaur fossils were discovered and uncovered. I loved Eliza and Devin and how they discovered each other as more than just the friends they had always been. I loved the intrigue in this story. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
“A Hope Unburied” pulled me in from the first line. I love it when a first line makes me pause and reread it as I let it soak in. Perhaps it was the sort of mood I was in at the moment, but it made me curious. And although I had planned to read the book at a different time and just wanted a quick taste of what it was about, I continued reading and savoring the story long into the night.
I just love a friends-to-more story! And I enjoyed witnessing the friendship that began in childhood between Eliza and Devin, grow deeper and more significant. Eliza is a fascinating character, but it is Devin who I gravitated to most. He stole my heart in this story.
Sweet romance, growth in faith, and throw in a bit of danger and mystery, and I find myself turning pages well into the night when I know I must get up early.
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine.
Kimberley Woodhouse has become one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. Like Woodhouse’s previous series about the Harvey Girls, this series allowed me to learn about a little-known aspect of history through the eyes of characters I wanted to be friends with. In this story, Eliza, a female paleontologist employed by the Carnegie Museum, grew in her faith and matured in her relationships through the struggles she faced in a field that proved less than welcoming to women. An interesting era, murder, romance, and real people woven into the story, made this another of Woodhouse’s page-turning reads.
Want to learn about bones? Eliza Mills defies society among the wealthy in the early 1900s by studying paleontology! Eliza has obtained a position at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah digging for bones when her grandfather dies. You will love how Eliza's grandmother does not want her to learn about the death in a telegram so sends her childhood friend, Devin Schmitt, to tell her in person. Mysterious and dangerous happenings take place among some of the dig sites which lead to Devin and Eliza turning to their faith with their needs. I am not really interested in dinosaurs or paleontology so that part didn't really interest me but it was still an exciting book and I did learn from it. I received a print copy of the book from the publisher and an e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
I highly recommend this book. Dinosaur fossils and a Christian women paleontologist what is not too love, what a fantastic book.
Thank you to the author, Bethany House, and NetGalley for this #gifted book!
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Title: A Hope Unburied
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Genre: Historical Fiction
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Synopsis: “The battle between science and faith was real. Overwhelming at times. But she wasn’t in this to prove when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. She wanted to show people how awesome the Creator was for bringing these beasts to life.” Eliza Mills has a prestigious job with the Carnegie Museum, but she still feels the pressures of society as she tries to find her way as a woman in paleontology. When asked to go to Utah and work at the Dinosaur National Monument, Eliza is thrilled at the chance to dig! She soon discovers that secrets lay buried all over the area and invites her childhood friend, Devin Schmitt, to visit. Devin is apprehensive since he’s trying to move on from his unspoken feelings, but with a haunted property, hidden dinosaurs, and mysterious disappearances, he can’t leave Eliza to fend for herself. As the two seek to discover the secrets of the past, they might just unbury a hope for their future.
Analysis: Kimberley Woodhouse brings us this intriguing ending to the Treasures of the Earth trilogy! One thing I love about Kimberley’s books is the layers. You’ll get faith, romance, and suspense all blended into the story! I loved both main characters, and even the “bad guy” will have you second guessing your feelings about them up until the end. The author also always has a strong faith message that isn’t cheesy but points you to our only true hope in Jesus. I love this unique historical perspective of women in paleontology. This boy mom might just love the connection to dinosaurs too! I’ll be adding a visit to the Dinosaur National Monument in our future and you should add this book to your TBR!
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.