A Deep Divide (Secrets of the Canyon Book #1)

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.

A Deep Divide Secrets of the Canyon #1 By Kimberly Woodhouse Emma Grace has been running for the last five years and she finally feels that she may be safe from the danger of her past. She has moved her way up through the ranks of the Harvey Girls and has been offered a position at the El Tovar Grand Canyon Hotel. She feels she may finally be far enough away from Boston and her father's "business" dealings to be safe. But when she starts having dreams about the past and the man she fears may still be looking for her she doesn't know what to think. Ray Watkins has been sent to the El Tovar on business for his father who is seeking to expand his business empire. But the associates his father sent along just seem off to Ray. And when a little gambling incident goes wrong Ray knows something is wrong. Why would his father employ such people and when accusations are thrown at his father by these same troublemakers Ray can't believe it of his father. When Emma Grace happens to serve Ray Watkins on his first night at El Tovar he is impressed by her professionalism, grace and her personality. Hoping to get to know her better he makes her his go to server. But wealthy men make Emma Grace more than a little leery after all greedy men have ruined her life and left her wanting nothing to do with the social circle she was born into. But Ray is different and Emma Grace is more than a little intrigued as to why. When Ray shares why he is different he hopes that Emma Grace will accept the saving grace that has given him the peace and caring that now are a daily part of his life and soul. But when danger arrives she may not get the chance to embrace the peace that Ray and her new friends have found and shared with her. Has her past caught up to her or is connected to a nearby robbery? A Deep Divide is a lovely piece of historical fiction set on the edge of the Grand Canyon. This is a book of second chances, grace, romance, and mystery. I really liked the historical bits about the Harvey House and the descriptions of the Grand Canyon. And I loved Ruth (Emma Grace's boss) she was a calm presence who had a powerful influence on Emma Grace with her caring and her faith. I paired the physical book with the audio and it made for a nice combination so that I could enjoy the book during my commute. The audio version was narrated by Jeanine Bartel and the presentation was excellent. The pacing was good and the narrator's voice inflected well for the various characters and emotions that the book offered. I was provided a complimentary physical copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

*** 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.