Undercurrent of Secrets + Giveaway

Two women, a century apart, expose a secret aboard a steamboat.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Ashbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavours to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.

A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untameable as the river that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to booking. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.

My Review:

published in 2021

So, I might be a tad obsessed with steamboats now. Before I started reading Undercurrent of Secrets, I thought steamboats were mostly a Mississppi River thing. I couldn’t resist checking to see if Canada had any in our history and — surprise! — yes we do! Steamboats transported troops during the War of 1812, and they ferried gold seekers up to the Yukon and they’re even the reason Ontario has a sophisticated inland canal and lock system! Who knew? And, I know you don’t care and this isn’t pertinent to my review but I do so adore a book that inspires me to do my own research.

Plus — steamboats seem so romantic to me now! McDaniel does such a wonderful job of bringing the Belle to life — honestly, she’s as much a heroine in this story as Devyn and Hattie are! And the idea of a steamboat wedding venue is such a great backdrop for the contemporary timeline. It makes a nice contrast to the working life of the steamboat in the 1920s.

And the way the author expertly interweaves these two timelines is just mind boggling. I was equally invested in both stories, as desperate as Devyn to find out what happened to Hattie. I was on tenterhooks all the way through.

Of course, there’s romance — times two! Eeeep!!! I honestly don’t have a favourite hero — I fell for them both. Hard. Which kept me a wee bit discombobulated until things got sorted out. So many ‘aha’ moments. Oh — and both meet-cutes are hysterically funny! I love the way McDaniel blended comedy with drama and included layers of faith. The perfect combination for an unputdownable read.

I listened to the audible edition, narrated by Leonor Woodworth and she did a wonderful job of breathing life into these characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Undercurrent of Secrets, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

36 thoughts on “Undercurrent of Secrets + Giveaway”

    1. There have been quite a lot of dual timeline stories coming out in recent years and I’m really enjoying them — especially when the stories mesh well together like in Undercurrent of Secrets. Good luck, Stephanie!

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  3. I’m glad you enjoyed this one as much as I did. I love the steamboat angle and have romanticized them too. You said it best, perfect combination of comedy, drama and layers of faith.

    I still have Ann Gabhart’s steamboat book lingering in my mind, there are so few fiction books written about them. Happy reading Tuesday Kav and Bestreaders 🙂

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    1. I glad you recommended it to me! I bought the paperback but then I heard it was coming out in audio so I waited and now I’m on the hunt for more McDaniel books…and a steamboat books as well. lol Happy Reading, Tracey!

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  7. I just read my first book by this author in 2023. I listened to In Spotlight and Shadow. I have this one saved to read so I’m not entering the giveaway. I just wanted to comment. 🙂

    I have many saved from that collection of Doors to the Past. My first was Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham which became one of my most favourite books ever. So I saved all the others and I’m working my way through them.

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    1. I think Hope Between the Pages was my first Doors to the Past book too. I haven’t read many of them but I’m one closer to completing the series now. 🙂 Good to know you liked Spotlight and Shadow — it’s on my audible wishlist and I’ve been dithering. Thanks for sharing your thoughts…Happy Reading!

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  8. I’ve only read one of Rachel’s books, but really enjoyed it (The Mobster’s Daughter). ANd I do enjoy a good dual timeline story.

    pattymh2000(at)yaho(dot)com

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  9. When you mention dual timeline, I’m always all in. This one sounds amazing and love the addition of the steamboat. Just saying it adds a bit of romance to the mind.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  10. This sounds like the most interesting storyline. Really enjoy reading all your comments and what an interesting read this one has been. I haven’t heard of Rachel or any of her stories so I’m going to remedy that fact soon. Thanks Kav for this one.

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  15. I went searching, too, and there are twelve more books in this series by authors we have read! Dual-timeline are so interesting, learning about the before story that connects today. Thank you for your sweet review, Kav! And… I like that you checked out steamboats plus I found Rachel has two more novels to add to new TBRs. How did I miss that February 2023 one?! You keep us active in new book pursuits! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com

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