Kidnapped as a child and disillusioned by the way her kidnapping ended, Emma Grace knows she must depend on herself first and be careful of whom she trusts. Fleeing her home when her father threatens to marry her off to the highest bidder, she makes her own living as a Harvey Girl. But the past has a way of catching up to you, and Emma Grace is again in danger. This well written story has great characters and an intriguing plot. The author works in Christian morals and beliefs with a deft hand. This novel is Part 1 of the Secrets of the Canyon series, and a great start to the series. ( )

If you were on the outside looking in, you would think that Emma Grace is a person to be envied. She is wealthy and beautiful. You would think that she had it all, but she has emotional scars and is running from her past. Her outlook was forever changed when she was kidnapped as a child and she learned that not everyone is trustworthy.

This story is set in the Grand Canyon. Kimberley Woodhouse gave wonderful descriptions. I could almost picture it in my head. She brought the time and the place alive in my imagination. I can honestly say that I was lost in the story.

The relationship between Emma Grace and Ray starts off slow. He is a good man, but wealthy, that immediately sets off red flags to Emma Grace. It takes a while before she can determine whether or not to trust him. He is patient and kind as he helps her rediscover her faith and while she learns to trust him.

Ms. Woodhouse does a great job of disguising some of the bad guys. It is a bit of a surprise when you learn everything. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. ( )

“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.” ( )

I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and this book made my desire even stronger! A Great Divide is filled with adventure, mystery, intrigue, and the beauty of the Grand Canyon, as it was in 1905. Emma Grace McMurtry is an heiress who runs away to escape her ruthless father and ends up working as a Harvey Girl in Arizona. As I read this new book by Kimberley Woodhouse, I was right there with her, working at the famous El Tovar Hotel, serving the customers, and constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure that no one was following me. Emma Grace soon finds friendship with Ray, Ruth, and Frank, but Ray Watkins is the one who carves a place in her heart. He understands the pain associated with a misguided father, and he knows first hand the grace and acceptance that comes from believing in God. Can Ray help Emma Grace find that same peace and comfort?

A Deep Divide is absorbing historical fiction with realistic characters, a sweet but thrilling romance, and a strong thread of faith woven throughout its plot. Greed is the cause of much suffering and pain, but Woodhouse shows how forgiveness and redemption can buffer the hurt. A Great Divide is a five-star read for me, and I look forward to the next book in the Secrets of the Canyon series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

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. ( )