A Deep Divide

*** An Unexpected Pleasure ***

"The deep blue sky was beautifully decorated with clouds, as if the Master Painter had used a brush to spread the wispy white layers for the light to play with."

It felt like a movie and I definitely liked getting caught up in the show.
I love Harvey House/Harvey Girl stories! Ray Watkins faith and desire to please were very sweet. After her troublesome youth, Emma Grace has escaped to become a strong, self-dependent woman who ends up on a journey toward faith and connection. The descriptions of the El Tovar and the Grand Canyon made me want to hop a train and go visit, and I enjoyed the interaction with the Hopi Indians.
I liked the mystery elements as well.

I received an ebook from NetGalley and the Publisher. All opinions are mine alone.

Additional reviews posted at: CBD, B&N, GoodReads, GooglePlay Books, BAM / Pending for release date on AMZN & Kobo

Fans of historic Christian fiction will really love this one! It follows a young heiress who has had a difficult time due to her father's greed, and her attempt to escape and find 'normal.' She ends up being a Harvey Girl working near the Grand Canyon, where she meets a nice young man. There is mystery and intrigue, a little underlying romance, and of course a sweet happy ending!

A DEEP DIVIDE by KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE is an historical romance novel with a strong Christian message and lots of suspense and twists and turns, all of which make for an exciting and inspirational read. The author has obviously done a great deal of research into the history of the Harvey Houses and the Grand Canyon and the description of the magnificent scenery is very well done.
Emma Grace McMurray runs away from home at the age of seventeen due to her father’s determination to literally sell her in marriage to the highest bidder. She changes her last name to Edwards and works for five years all over the country as a Harvey Girl, ending up at El Tovar on the Grand Canyon. Since her kidnapping at the age of eight, her mother’s death and her father’s unhealthy obsession with money, she lives in constant fear of being found by her father’s killer or one of the men who had paid her father for her. It is only at El Tovar that she starts having a feeling of finally being part of a family now that she has friends. She has always felt abandoned by God as well as her father, but, as her new friends share with her what the Lord has done in their lives, she clings on to scriptures such as psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears,.” and is gradually delivered from fear.
Ray Watkins has also come from a wealthy background with a father who prides himself on being one of the richest men in the country. Since giving his life to the Lord he is no longer the entitled young man he used to be. He is a keen photographer and takes many photos of the beautiful surroundings and the equally beautiful waitress that he has befriended.
The truth of being saved by grace and not by works comes out strongly in the story.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publisherx. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Emma Grace had come to the edge of the Grand Canyon to be a part of the new Harvey House that has opened there. She has been a Harvey Girl since she ran away from home at 17. She is trying to escape the people who are looking for her since her father died and left her an heiress who was tied up in legal contracts for marriage to her father's investors which was a major scam. Meanwhile, Ray, a wealthy young gentleman who is trying to please his father so he can take over his father's business. His father wants him to take pictures of the local sites and do some research for him.

I love reading about the Harvey House hotels / restaurants in the early 1900s. This book was especially interesting and there was intrigue and surprises enough to satisfy fans of that genre. It was well researched and well written.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I always find books about the Harvey Girls to be very interesting. This one is no exception. It’s unique that the main character Emma Grace has ran away from her very wealthy father because he’s forcing her to marry and is taking the highest bidder. Then as she’s in the run, she finds out her father was murdered the night she left. She’s in housing for many reasons and ends up at the beautiful Grand Canyon. The author did a fantastic job of describing the Canyon and the hotel. I’m ready for a trip back to explore it! Ray arrives at the hotel and Emma Grace is his waitress. They begin a friendship and many things occur along the way. Twists and turns that we’re unpredictable. Such a good book! I’m looking forward to more in this series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated are my own.

Perhaps she wouldn’t have to move again. She could just stay hidden here forever.

With vivid detail, the author takes us to the Grand Canyon in all its glory. One can only imagine the secrets around this incredible place! El Tovar, an exquisite hotel on the edge of the Canyon, is the perfect setting for a wonderful story about the fascinating life of just one Harvey Girl. This career, sought after by many in early 1900, brought financial relief to many families. In fact, I’m quite sure I would have enjoyed such an opportunity as a young lady.

There is more than one deep divide that this narrative brings for the reader to consider. As a young child, Emma Grace experienced a total loss of trust in those who should have been caring for her. Leaving all that she knew behind, she became a Harvey Girl, seeking to be the best that she could be. Trust in those around her did not come easily, continually living in fear of being found out. Learning to leave those fears with the Lord would also help her learn to trust - but could she do it? Would it be possible for that broken trust to ever be restored?

An ARC of this first book in the Secrets of the Canyon was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Such a great captivating story. I love books about the Harvey Girls, and this one did not disappoint, and we learn how our girl, Emma Grace, knows about them, first hand information.

We are also given a young man, Ray Watkins, and his journey to eventually own his father's business, and do Good with his profits.

These two have a lot in common, both come from wealthy backgrounds, and have father's that they never seem to please, and now fate, or God has put these two on the same path.

This read has a lot of action, from kidnapping to murder, from new identities to finding oneself, along with seeing some of this beautiful country through the eyes of these characters. A very enjoyable read!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Loved reading about the Harvey girls! Emma Grace made the perfect Harvey girl and her dilemma will keep readers anticipating the outcome. The history of the expansion of the Harvey girls to the west, the Kolb Brothers amazing photography and the El Tovar Hotel all enriched the story. Strong message about money being the root of evil. I always like the author's notes. Recommended!

"A Deep Divide" is a Christian romance set in 1905 at the Grand Canyon. Emma ran away when her father auctioned her off as a way to merge businesses. She later discovers he was murdered that very night. She's afraid that the murderer will force her to marry him and then kill her. Ray was a self-centered, rich young man until he nearly killed a boy due to reckless driving. God changed him, and now he wants to use his wealth to help others...but his father has no intention of giving money away.

Historical details about what the Grand Canyon and the Harvey Girls were like at that time were woven into the story and brought the story to life. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Ray's kindness and humility slowly won Emma over to agree to spend time getting to know him. This included a hike into the canyon and time at the Hopi house. Emma and Ray shared interests and values and were a good personality match. Emma's also dealing with indications that someone has nearly found her, adding suspense.

Emma's attracted to the grace-giving God that Ray and her new friends at El Tovar believe in. She learned Bible verses to help her deal with her fear. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I recommend this enjoyable historical romance.

A Deep Divide is another outstanding offering from amazing storyteller Kimberley Woodhouse and a wonderful beginning to her new Secrets of the Canyon series! I was fully invested in this book from prologue through epilogue (actually through the author’s notes which are also excellent). Expressive prose and detailed descriptions bring the Grand Canyon setting to life. The well-researched historical aspect featuring the Harvey Girls, the Kolb brothers, and Hopi House is informative and entertaining. The romance is sweet and slow-building. I especially appreciate the inspiring spiritual truths infused into the story. Emma Grace’s spiritual journey is one of the major highlights for me as she comes to experience the truth of God’s Word written in Psalm 34:4 —“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.’’ Add a suspenseful, smoothly flowing plot and endearing, relatable characters and you have an exciting, satisfying read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Deep Divide
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Pub Date: October 5, 2021
Bethany House Publishers

I have read most of Kimberley Woodhouse's books. She writes outstanding Historical Fiction and often pairs up with another of my favorite writers, Traci Peterson. I have seen both of them in interviews and they are quite interesting. A lovely start to the Secrets of the Canyon Series! A Deep Divide includes well-written characters, atmospheric scenery, turmoil, and romance.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC. Our patrons will really enjoy this one!
5star

I absolutely loved this book. It is the best book Kimberley has written in my opinion.
It is very intriguing, I absolutely could not put it down once I started it.
I love historical books that I can learn from and the author's research is immaculate. I also loved the research books she listed if you want further information on this story and I will be looking into these as well.
I lived in Yuma,Arizona and visited the Grand Canyon and it is as breath taking as described in the book. It's absolutely majestic! I greatly look forward to the next book!

Pub Date 05 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a wonderful romance that has a bit of suspense. I love the descriptions of the Grand Canyon and the surrounding area. This shows the love/hate relationship between some fathers and their children. I love the wonderful characters that depict what the Harvey Girls might have really been like. This is a beautiful story that you will not want to put down. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House and the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Kimberley Woodhouse starts her new series with a couldn't put it down book! I was sad when I was finished because I didn't want it to be over.

This beautiful book takes place on the rim of the Grand Canyon. I absolutely love books and movies about Harvey Girls. They are fascinating!

Emma Grace had a tumultuous childhood and started a new life as a Harvey Girl. Ray Watkins is sent on a business trip by his father to the new hotel at the Grand Canyon. Emma Grace and Ray soon bond and have to face and overcome challenges from each of their pasts that have caught up with them.

I love how Kimberley Woodhouse ties faith into her books. I always end up being so encouraged. I highly recommend this new book in the Secrets of the Canyon series.

This interesting historical book of a missing heiress was well written, giving a message of hope for all of us. The Harvey Girls that Emma Grace Edwards was a part of and the grand hotel of El Tovar were described in such detail that I felt as though I was there. The Grand Canyon never seemed so real as when reading this book.

I enjoyed the journey that Emma Grace experienced as she came to know that she could trust God and others to let go of the past. It was a touching moment when she realized she could be free and recognizes that she can’t let fear keep her from allowing her to live. I loved when she said, “I want to have a future…if I want to have friends and a family—real friends and love…— I’ve got to tell the truth.” I was happy to see that she could put aside the things that would hinder her from realizing her dreams and she had Ray, Ruth, and others who would love, help, and support her.

Ray was a unique man because wealth did not matter to him after he encountered Christ. He set his sights on ways that he could use the money that he had been blessed with to help others. He didn’t see people as any different than himself. “This was why Ray disliked society and all its rules of classes and such. Why couldn’t people simply be people? All equal?”

I was delighted to be caught off-guard when Emma learns the truth of what actually happened to her father. The twist in the plot of the story made it all the more interesting.

This is the first book in the Secrets of the Canyon. If you like westerns, romance, suspense, and some mystery, you will enjoy this book. I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reading a Kimberley Woodhouse novel is like getting a history lesson. Except history is your favorite subject and it's taught by your favorite teacher.

I love every story Woodhouse has told. There's always a lovely cast of characters and a riveting story line. She always includes action, love and faith. And honestly, can you get much better than that?

My heart went out so much for Emma Grace. At one point I had to set the book down and I told my sister I was done (I obviously wasn't) because of the hurt she had to endure. The hurt inflicted on her by the men who were supposed to protect her. But with grace she rose above it all and became someone to be proud of.

I truly loved Ray as well. The way he was so confident until it came to Miss McMurray was adorable. He had so much growth and I really enjoyed seeing it.

The story kept me on my toes for sure. I loved the mystery of the whole thing. It had me turning the pages until sadly I came to the end. I feel as if I never get enough of Woodhouse’s books!

I was so happy to hear that this book was a Harvey House girl, it's a storyline I would love to see more of! Learning about the El Tovar and the Grand Canyon was incredible. And I know Woodhouse has visited the places she writes about so I felt as though I was there. One day I'm definitely going to visit.

Also I may have left this book with many opened tabs on the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar and the Kolb brothers. Seriously if you check this book out definitely listen to the authors note and check this stuff out. It's so interesting!!

I never leave a Woodhouse novel without feeling encouraged in my faith. No matter what, God always uses her books to help me in my season of faith. Somehow I'm always going through something similar as one of the characters... Gotta be a God thing. But it's by far my favorite thing about reading these books!!

**I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher. I was in no way required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**

There are times in life when, only seeing a small piece of the larger picture, we may feel like God does not care about what is happening to us or around us. At those times fear often sets in. In our current times there are many things going on that might elicit a spirit of fear. In A Deep Divide Kimberley Woodhouse takes us back to the early 1900s to examine the theme of fear in relationship to faith, allowing us to examine this separate from the emotions of our current circumstances, then allowing us to apply what we glean to those circumstances.

On a more basic level, A Deep Divide is a wonderful story, with a great balance between historical accuracy, intrigue, and sweet romance. Woodhouse uses her words to paint beautiful pictures of the Grand Canyon's grandeur, as well as to develop her characters into people readers will know and care about.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

"Emma Grace could hardly wait to get to the rim in front of her. Every step closer brought more into view. The deep rusts, oranges and reds of the canyon...never in her life could she have imagined anything so beautiful."
Emma Grace is the main character in Kimberley Woodhouse's new novel A Deep Divide Secrets of the Canyon Book 1. She is the epitome of grace, resolve, and kindness. She is also a Harvey Girl, a fact in which Emma Grace takes great pride.
While unfolding the story of intrigue and disguise, Woodhouse also wraps the reader in a history lesson. Set on the rim of the Grand Canyon, A Deep Divide showcases the history surrounding this majestic landscape. As she arrives at El Tovar Hotel, Emma Grace is caught up in the beauty of the canyon, expertly described by Woodhouse, and meets the Kolb brothers. The Kolb brothers (Ellsworth and Emery), El Tovar Hotel, Harvey Girls and the canyon itself are a part of the historical aspect of the novel and readers won't be disappointed.
While I enjoyed the strong characters (I think Frank definitely needs his own story! ), the tidbits of history, and the story of Emma Grace and Ray (the man she slowly admires and then to love) , I felt that the ending became rushed, not letting the story really wrap itself up. I enjoyed the story and look forward to book two. I received a free copy from Bethany House and NetGalley any comments, thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Set in the early 1900s. Emma Grace is the daughter of an extremely wealthy man, whose ambition for more money took him over. When she was still 17 she ran away from him and being his pawn. She became a Harvey girl, strove to be her best, and was able to transfer to the new restaurant at the Grand Canyon. She was tired of disguises and hiding, hoping she had run far enough away for them to find her. She had learned that her father had been murdered after she left, and she was afraid.
Ray was the son of another extremely wealthy man who was obsessed with getting more. He wasn't like his father, and little by little Emma Grace began to see him as he really was, a man of God and faith, who wanted to help others, and not like other men of their social status.
Kimberly Woodhouse is so good at creating fully real, lovable characters with great depth. Excellent story that I didn't want to put down. Beautiful Christian lessons that give a strong foundation throughout. Interesting information about the Grand Canyon and Hopi Indians from the area. Looking forward to the next in the series!
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ADeepDivide #NetGalley

The author has done it again! A Deep Divide is set in 1905 at the Grand Canyon and is about the Harvey Girls who work at El Tovar Grand Canyon Hotel. Emma, who has been a Harvey Girl since she turned 17 wanted to be a part of the new Harvey House. She is looking to escape those who have been looking for her since her father passed away and left legal contracts for marriage to Emma, which turned out to be a scam.
A Deep Divide will take you back in time to when going on an adventure was the thing to do. I have visited the Grand Canyon and it is simply stunning and majestic, a true masterpiece to what God has created. I loved the inspirational message throughout the story, simply trust God, and live the way He want’s us to. I am looking forward to book two in the series.
I highly recommend the book.

This is an absolutely wonderful book. It is full of beautiful scenery, romance and suspense. I loved this book and hated to see it end.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Endearing:
This was a lovely book that was simultaneously entertaining, emotional and educational. I thought the title was especially fitting as not only was the setting the Grand Canyon but it also explored the chasm between the different social classes, plus it expounded on the great divide caused by sin. I liked that there was a mix of historical fiction, sweet romance and intrigue. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept my attention and me guessing, yet I liked that there was good resolution at the end.
My heart went out to poor Emma Grace who had to endure so much and I was especially glad when she finally came to the understanding that she'd never been abandoned by the Lord. Overall I thought the author did a wonderful job of sharing the Christian message which came across as relatable and authentic without being overly preachy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

My thoughts: Kimberly woodhouse it's one of my favorite historical romance writers with good reason. She is an element of suspense included in her stories with plenty of twists and turns that I never saw coming,.. the plot is not your ordinary run-of-the-mill plot either. You read stories about Harvey's girls before? You probably haven't read Kimberly Wood houses. The heroin was not your ordinary waitress. She was on the run. But from whom? Can she trust anyone? There are plenty of twists and turns in the story and some surprises that I never saw coming. Who done it? You'll have to read the book to find out because you'll never guess. I love this book and highly recommended. This will make a great gift for somebody on your Christmas left this year. I was given a copy for you and I'll turn you into my own.

“Her whole identity was a façade. How could she be real with anyone?”

I really loved A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse. I think it may be her best work yet. A historical set mostly at the Grand Canyon, we see plenty of great descriptions of this beautiful landmark. The writing style is solid, with a touch of wistfulness that will draw you in with its suspense, romance, and faith. Plus, the great historical detail Woodhouse includes shows her meticulous research.

Emma Grace McMurray learns in childhood that those most responsible for caring for her cannot be trusted. Now she is in hiding, trusting no man, always looking over her shoulder.

I like Emma Grace’s character. She is humble and not too proud to work when many in her position would be. She befriends those around her in need. She does have an issue with those of the upper class and quickly categorizes most as snobby and self-absorbed.

Ray Watkins has his work cut out for him. Interested in the calm, collected, and beautiful waitress, he has a hard time getting her to pay him any attention. Ray is someone I felt very sorry for. His father is very domineering, with some health issues, that make working for his approval nearly impossible. Ray tries hard to live up to his new faith, but his father and his associates make that difficult.

I loved Ruth, who ended up being such a loyal friend. Always ready to listen, ready to comfort, ready to think the best of her new friend.

I loved learning about the Harvey Girls and the Harvey House, El Tovar, at the Grand Canyon.
We saw a display about the Harvey House Girls while we visited the canyon, but we were in a hurry at the display, and I didn't catch the significance. Thank you, Ms. Woodhouse, for this great, fun education on the Harvey House Girls and the Grand hotel there!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and no positive review was required.

Notable Quotables:

“A man was a man, no matter his status.”

“She’d love to have a real friend, but she had too many secrets.”

“…you are valuable to us for who you are.”

“You’re so busy trying to be brave and take care of yourself that you’ve shoved God back because you don’t think He can be trusted.”

A Deep Divide is the first book in this series, and the main part of the book takes place in a hotel staffed by Harvey Girls and it was interesting to learn more about the way it was run according to the dictates of Fred Harvey. Our heroine is a missing heiress who has found shelter in various Harvey Hotels. It has been five years since she ran away from her domineering father as she goes from hotel to hotel. The next day after she fled she learned her father had been murdered. Would the murderer come after her too? Emma Grace Edwards is now working at the grand hotel of El Tovar in the Grand Canyon. Loved how Woodhouse described the scenery of the canyon and also the El Tovar historical Hotel. This book has it all…romance, danger, excitement, unanswered questions, insight into dementia and fearful emotions. You will get lost in the excitement this first book brings to the reader. Thanks to the publisher for an early copy and I am glad to leave my review.

I enjoy reading books in a setting that I can visualize. I cannot imagine what it would be like to work at a national park and interact with new people each day. Emma Grace gets a chance to do that when she goes to work as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Grand Canyon Hotel. She tries to be careful in her friendships, but soon meets Ray. They team up to find out who had been stealing from the hotel and soon find out more than they bargained for.

I really enjoyed following the adventures of Emma Grace and Ray and look forward to the next installment.

A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Kimberly offers readers a wonderful story based mostly at the Grand Canyon Harvey House with some engaging characters who find love in the most unexpected place.

I love all stories that have to do with the Harvey Houses. Everything about that company is fascinating and entertaining to read. Fred Harvey employed women in a time when respectable jobs for them were hard to come by. So when I saw this story available to read for review, I signed up right away. I was certainly not disappointed and love the originality that Kimberly put into the story. Emma and Ray came from the same backgrounds but had not let it change them into greedy or arrogant people. And their journey to love was wonderful to see given all they had to contend against. I really enjoyed the elements of suspense Kimberly placed in the story to keep readers engaged and curious about the outcome. I certainly was determined to read to the last page to see how everything turned out. The inclusion of Faith that was woven through the pages was also a delightful addition. It was real and natural and never preachy. I will certainly be recommending this story to others in the hope they will enjoy it as much as I did.
I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review but am pleased to do so. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Kimberly Woodhouse transports readers back to the early days of the Grand Canyon tourism with her novel A Deep Divide. This book is the first in the Secrets of the Canyon series. Those who fall in love with its beauty will be only mildly disappointed to finish the book, because there is a promise of more tales from this scenic wonderland.

The story of Emma Grace will have readers feeling deeply sorry for her and her experiences will bring out some rageful feelings. As the story progresses, it is hard to wait for things to go the way one hopes they will. There are so many unknowns and one has to read quickly to finally figure out who is responsible for what in the end.

As readers relive a past moment in history, they will find many actual people who have been added to the story. These characters lend authenticity and interest to the story. It is intriguing to read about their lives and have the fictional characters interacting with them as well.

Review of a Digital Advance Reader Copy provided by the Publisher