A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse

🌄A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse 🌄

Book one in the Secrets of the Canyon series. 

Blurb: 

With her past behind her, she has nothing–and everything–to lose.

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona Territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the family business and doing good with the profits. 

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can’t let go of the deep-rooted fear that he’s just like every other wealthy man she’s known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true.

My thoughts:

It is a blessed fear which drives us to trust.

This is the second time I read this book and I still enjoyed it… probably as much as the first time! 

The Prologue intrigued me from the beginning and the whole plot and mystery kept me reading furiously. 

It was really sad to read of Emma Grace’s past and how poorly her father treated her; to be honest, it made me mad at times. 

Emma Grace was a piece of work, you could say. She was headstrong, hardworking, and independent; but behind all that, she was full of fear and not trusting anybody, much less a man. I loved how Ruth, Ray, and Frank all tried to lead her to Christ; telling her that she could trust in God and that she didn’t have to be afraid, only believe. 

Ahhh Ray Watkins. He is just the sweetest man Emma Grace could ever ask for! Like seriously! All those sweet awkward moments, in the beginning; where Ray is trying to talk to her and wanting to know her name, while she was waitressing….my heart, those moments were priceless! It’s even better because he’s a Christian! I liked the way the author showed a difference in the way Ray’s character was shown and also reading that Emma Grace saw something different in him; that he wasn’t like the rich men that she’s met. I just loved Mr. Ray Watkins! That sounds like a detective name… huh. 🤔😂

Reading about Harvey House girls and the hotels was interesting. I’ve heard of them but didn’t actually know a lot about it, and it was nice to read about. 

Ok, but the plot twist?? Did not see that coming.. I was wondering why Ray’s father was in the picture, but I didn’t think it was going to be THAT crazy!! But I do enjoy a good little mystery, and this sure was one.

Anybody who enjoys a very sweet, very clean historical fiction novel with a hint of mystery would absolutely love A Deep Divide! 

⚠️ Recommended age: 13-14+ ⚠️

My rating: 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 

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Ages 10-12 rating: ⭐️💫

Ages 13-14 rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ages 15-16 rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sexual Content: 

A forehead kiss and a semi-detailed kiss. Holding hands, light touches, embraces, caresses, and blushing. Noticing and Teasing. A mention of a woman liking her curves and sturdy frame. A mention of a young boy having a crush on his teacher. A few comments were made by a few businessmen about women (Not really suggestive). Few mentions of flirting. Emma was almost forced to be married to any of the men her father sold contracts to. 

Someone whistling when a couple was kissing. (Happened once) Love, falling in love. 

Profanity:

Stupid and dumb is said. A sucker. 

Violence:

A kidnapping happened twice. The trauma of Emma’s kidnapping. Nightmares, being attacked, and getting tied up. Pain, trying to not pass out, actually passing out, and throwing up. Mentions of stealing and lying. Lying and mentions of cheating. 

POV’s: Switches between-

       Emma Grace McMurray 

       Ray Watkins 

       and one other (5x) 

314 pages 

I very much enjoyed this first book of the series and look forward to continuing the series. I would totally recommend this book.. such a sweet cozy read!