Review: Undercurrent of Secrets

 

Undercurrent of Secrets

by Rachel Scott McDaniel

 

About the Book

 

Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.

 

Walk through Doors of the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

 

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had 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 endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes 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 untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. 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 Thoughts

 

Filled with faith, romance, and suspense in equal measure, Rachel Scott McDaniel’s latest release earns a spot on the must-read lists of readers across the board.

 

When it comes to Rachel Scott McDaniel’s novels, I have never been able to pace myself. Try as I might to keep the magic going even longer, I can’t keep myself from devouring her books! Undercurrent of Secrets was no exception. In fact, I do believe it has been my favorite of her books so far.

 

The thing that is so addictive about McDaniel’s writing is that it has amazing flow. The dialogue is always snappy, which definitely fits her niche of the 1920s era, but it also fits in seamlessly with the contemporary timeline, proving her deft ability at writing stories that take place in both the past and the present. Just thinking about it has me longing to get lost in those pages again!

 

The characters in the book are so well developed, you feel like you really know these people when it’s all said and done. Devyn was such a delight! From her love of all things vintage, particularly old movies, to her devotion to junk food, and the way she put her whole heart and soul into everything she did, she was so relatable and felt like the type of character you would want to befriend in real life. And Chase was my favorite kind of hero; strong and full of heart. These two were perfect for each other.

 

Hattie was a joy to read about as well. She’s as tough as any of the men in the steamboat’s crew, but there is also a softness about her; she has a sweet personality that really draws you to her. Reading her amazing story was a true joy.

 

The Belle of Louisville is a character herself in this story. It was so intriguing to read about the different changes the steamboat went through over the years. I totally want to visit this place that meant so much to Hattie and Devyn someday!

 

Undercurrent of Secrets is the perfect title for this book, because secrets abound throughout the story. There were so many twists and turns that kept me guessing and made for a truly fun reading experience. When you combine this with lifelike romance, a sweet message of faith, and a bevy of historical facts, you have a truly amazing novel.

 

Full of faith, mystery, romance, and history, Undercurrent of Secrets is a book that I would recommend to anyone. A must read!

 

All opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to the author and Barbour for a complimentary copy of this book.