This captivating, unputdownable treasure exceeded my highest expectations! It is a story of family and faith, romance and mystery, and SO MANY secrets! The plot twists and turns with surprises around every curve. The richly drawn characters in both storylines captured my heart and soul. Gifted storyteller Rachel McDaniel, with her flowing expressive prose, brilliantly and seamlessly weaves together two compelling stories into one extraordinary time-slip novel. Both storylines, set a century apart, are equally interesting and captivating and are tied together beautifully as the mystery unravels. The romance in both storylines is sweet and tender. I appreciated the strong faith element flowing naturally throughout the book. True historical facts and people believably infused into the fictional story add interest and authenticity. This is the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page is turned. It is a must read addition to Barbour’s amazing Doors to the Past series—a series of stand-alone novels by various authors. I loved this book and highly recommend it and the series especially for lovers of historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am in LOVE!!! Rachel Scott McDaniel knocked this novel out of the water! A dual timeline pulls you into a mystery like none I've ever read, introducing you to a historical steamboat and two fictional women who's lives are forever changed aboard it.

Hattie is the "admiral" of The Belle of Louisville, or the Idlewild as it was known at the time, her whole life absorbed by this vessel. Hattie is a rare gem during this time of the 1920's. Strong, independent, and self-assured, and aspiring to be the first woman captain of the steamboat, Hattie is a character that I respect and admire.

Devyn is a modern day wedding planner who has had her heart smashed in the most public was imaginable, and is now focusing on advancing her career, until a mystery lands in her hands, and her life turns into a beautiful chaos. Devyn is another character I admire, and love that two strong women drove this entire narrative.

I love that The Belle of Louisville is an actual steamboat, that is still working to this day. Oh, if that steamboat could talk! I could see a story like Hattie and Devyn's being an actual tale from this historical vessel, and love that though it is fiction it has an authentic, true to life feel. I even had this dreamy haze that came over me while I was reading Hattie's story, and it was so cool!

I immensely enjoyed Undercurrent of Secrets and can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the Doors to the Past series!

Undercurrent of Secrets is part of the Doors to the Past Series published by Barbour Publishing. I love dual timeline stories and this one hooked me from the beginning and wouldn't let go. I haven't read much of Rachel Scott McDaniel's work but I loved this one. Setting the story on the Belle of Louisville was perfect and added to the entire ambiance of the story. The mystery of the woman in the torn photograph made the pacing of the story balanced and kept the plot moving along. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Scott McDaniel

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my first book by Rachel Scott McDaniel but it will not be my last. Her writing is engaging, humorous, fast-paced, and difficult to put down.

Some engagements end in happily ever afters, and some just end...on social media.

I enjoyed both timelines in this dual-time novel and would be hard-pressed to say which one was my favorite. There are elements and intrigue in both, as well as strong females, and irresistible males. Also, both scenes where the lead female meets the lead male are humorous and memorable!!

I'm just wondering if your voice is the sound of an angel guiding me along, or a siren drawing me in to my demise.

In the present, we have Devyn and Chase and I love their witty, bantering friendship. I love that Devyn is herself from the beginning, not looking to impress or capture Chase's attention. The Belle is what brings them together as they work together on Devyn's project and Chase's mystery.

Floating between two shores had been my one anchor. My only constant. I didn't know my true name, parents, birthplace, or anything else that gave substance to my identity.

In the past, we have Hattie, who has been raised on the Idlewild by Duffy, and Jack Marshall, the new first mate to the Idlewild. It was really interesting learning about Hattie's life aboard the ship and how Jack came to be there.

I loved this story and hope to read more from this author. There was nothing that I did not like about this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, romance, mystery, intrigue, and books that have so much to offer!!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to leave a positive review but am more than happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Undercurrent of Secrets is the fourth book in the Doors to the Past series, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. 4 of the Doors to the Past series, Devyn Asbury loves her job as a wedding coordinator aboard the steamboat Belle of Louisville and is trying to win a wedding venue contest. When a photograph from 1920 threatens the perfect reputation of the steamboat, Devyn starts to investigate. This is a dual-time novel flashing from the present back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the past, Hattie Louis is facing a mystery of her own as strange occurrences keep happening aboard the Belle of Louisville. Can Devyn and Hattie solve their respective mysteries and save the Belle of Louisville's reputation? How are these two mysteries connected? I really struggled to get into this book and found it to be just an okay read.

Another fun story to the Doors of the Past series. This one starts us out in current times with Devyn, who is a wedding coordinator on an old steamship. Chase comes to the boat looking for information about a woman in a picture. They agree to help each other with their projects, hers being getting the boat ready for a competition, and figuring out the theme etc, and his, helping find information on this woman. We meet a few others in the present, such as Devyn’s boss Steph and her brother Mitch. When we head to the past, we meet Hattie, Duffy, “Face” and Jack primarily. Fun story, the is very easy to get into and hard to put down. The stories between the past and future meld well together as the mystery to the past starts to come together to a culmination.

Undercurrent of Secrets
by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Pub Date 01 Sep 2021
Barbour Publishing , Inc., Barbour Fiction
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance



I am reviewing a copy of Undercurrent of Secrets through Barbour Publishing Inc, Barbour fiction and NetGalley:




Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true as wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville. Her own engagement sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom; of the Ohio River but that hasn’t stopped her. 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. But what she didn’t plan for was Chase Jones, showing up with a mysterious photos from the 1920’s.





A century before Devyn Ashbury was a wedding coordinator on The Belle of Louisville, 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.




I give Undercurrent of Secrets five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

I loved this book. The author effortlessly blended the stories of the two time-lines and when the secret was uncovered, I was pleased and surprised...I did not see that twist coming.

The romance between Devyn and Chase melded sweetly with the romance of Jack and Hattie and you couldn't help wishing for happy endings for both couples.

I liked how prevalent the characters faith were (in both timelines). There were several themes in Undercurrent of Secrets one of which is that we can trust God to take care of us and see us through difficult times.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

I was invited to read this book after having reviewed a similar book. I might not have selected this on my own, but really enjoyed it and I'm glad I took advantage of the offer. This novel has everything that I like in a book, the dual timeline genre, interesting historical facts, and a mystery that needs to be solved. The dual timeline chapters are quite long and so well done that I kept forgetting that I was reading a dual timeline. Especially in the beginning of the book I found myself having to switch gears once I got to the next chapter. The characters are delightful, their lives and the situations they find themselves in are (mostly) realistic. I like the author's writing style, her descriptions immediately conjure up images in my mind. The novel takes many turns and every time you’re convinced you have it figured out, there’s another twist which keeps the story interesting and moving along at a steady pace. The ending was lovely! If you like this genre, I think you’ll really like this book. Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.

this was a beautifully done story, I enjoyed getting to know the characters, as I thought they were great. The story was engaging and I had a lot of fun reading this.

Undercurrent of Secrets is written by Rachel Scott McDaniel. This is book 4 of 4 of the Doors to the Past series. This has been a series that has been written by different authors that has taken place in present day and long ago. Dual time lines is usually not my go to genre but this series has been a great read. I have been fortunate enough to read the entire series, but they can be read as Stand alone books. I have read several of the authors books and have always loved every single one.

In this book Devyn Asbury is a wedding coordinator for the historic 100 year old “The Belle of Louiseville”. Devyn takes pride in her work even though she hasn’t been very lucky in her love life. She is given the challenge of identifying the story behind a 100 year olds photograph and what she uncovers will tie Devyn and the woman in the photograph together.

Hattie Louis is an interesting character. She’s e adopted daughter of the steamboat captain. She is untamable. She is spunky and feisty. Just like I like my main characters. She loves the boat she’s on. When things start to happen she wants to know who is behind them.

When you think you start figuring things out boom you will switch time periods. I loved the way the author kept my attention. I learned a lot about steamboats and their use in the 1920s. The author did great research to ensure her story was real feeling as possible.

Well written characters, fun and interesting storyline.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

I love time slips! I really enjoyed this story. The meet-cutes in both stories were some of my favorites this year. The characters had texture and depth. I loved the romance of both stories and really liked the ending.

This is book 4 of the Doors to the Past series, a historical Christian Romance book. This book of the series takes you back into time of the era in the 1920's on a steamboat. It starts in the present and how Devyn meets Chase, who has a photo from the past of the boat's history and could this be the story that she needs for winning a contest? What is the history of all this? Does she find more than she thought? Is this photo more trouble than it is worth?

I recommend this book to those that want the suspense, drama and romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a great book that is a page turner into the night. It is book 4, but all from the series are stand alone reads, the series part is that all books are from stories that are from history and really happened. (the story has been changed, but the true story is always written in the back, for the reader to see the changes.) I hope the series never ends, they are all sooooo goood!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

4.3💫
Haa! Finally a timeline romance I enjoyed..yes, being one of those people who isn't a fan of timeline stories..this book was well written
It's not even that I don't like timeline stories. it's more like I want it to be well intriguing and well worth of both the times and stories

I enjoyed this book so much..all the story was put together in a perfect-to-go way to set me into it..having enjoyed both the stories and romances. I greatly enjoyed the personalities and characters of all the main protagonists
The main focus being directed towards God's Word and God's love I'm in love with the way it was mentioned in the story and how deep the truth was represented by the story.
To be honest It took a bit of time to get INTO the book but once I got I'm too interested to know the truth

I'm happy I got to read this book
*Thanks to publishers and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
All the views expressed are my own

I'm usually not a fan of dual timelines, but this one was done well. You could tell there was a distinct voice difference between the two heroines when they told their part of the story. I appreciated the distinction, because sometimes it's easy to get lost in a timeline as a reader when there are two protagonists speaking. I'm sure it's hard for an author to write well! Brava.

I liked the flashbacks into history and that our 1920s heroine was ahead of her time in regards to entering a male-dominated profession/world. The historical parts seemed well-researched and I felt like I came away learning something about steamboats. It's always nice to have a little romance and learn something new at the same time in books.

Overall, it was an engaging read if you like historical fiction with some clean romance and a bit of mystery. The novel is Christian fiction.

I do love a story with dual timeline. And a good twist, too! And this story is both! With two strong female characters, both of them go-getters, the verbal sparring—and the sparks that flew—with their male counterparts was both entertaining and charming. Well, annoying at times, too.
Hattie didn’t let her status in life keep her from excelling at life; she took a task and turned it into a skill. And the extreme double-twist [SPOILER] at the end—oh my!
Devyn, on the other hand, faced the task before her as a failure. And the swoony Chase Jones as a hindrance.
Ms. McDaniel takes both her female leads, indeed all her characters, through some paces and brings them to new [SPOILER.]
Ms. McDaniel’s writing is smooth sailing (pun intended) and keeps the reader’s attention. She draws the reader eagerly to the unexpected and satisfying end.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Undercurrent of Secrets, Rachel Scott McDaniel, Celebrate Lit Publicity

Get pulled into page-turning adventures and suspense with "Undercurrent of Secrets" by Rachel Scott McDaniel. Both story lines in this excellent dual timeline book are equally captivating. In the past, Hattie grew up without a proper upbringing. In the present, Devyn is trying to stay hidden from the world. It isn't smooth sailing for either of them when unexpected situations rock the boat and change the course of their lives. The perfect blend of heartwarming relationships, surprising twists and turns, and historical tidbits will satisfy all the reasons why you read.

Characters: I quickly invested in Hattie and Devyn. Their back stories were appropriate to the given timelines and it was easy to relate to their dilemmas and dreams. Chase and Jack added waves of sweet romance. They were almost too perfect, but that is what was endearing. They added such sweet charm in the midst of danger. Other side characters played important roles that carried the story forward and each one was interesting and necessary.

Setting: A steamboat was the main setting in both timelines. And what a steamboat!! It was a character in itself with its history and feel of steadiness. I loved imagining what it would be like to walk on its deck or to take a sunset cruise. See more about this amazing historical boat at https://belleoflouisville.org

Plot: There is evidence that this is a well-researched book with a lot of thought given to plot detail. Not being a writer myself I ask, "How did this author do this?" How did Rachel Scott McDaniel write such a witty, lighthearted book that kept me reading until I finished the book? This book pulled me out of a disappointing summer of DNF books and began my Autumn reading on an encouraging note. I love this book for that reason.

Spiritual Content: This isn't a heavy, preachy book. Instead the spiritual content is subtle and is relevant to the story. Unlike most inspirational stories, faith in God is practiced more than spoken and is important to the development of the characters. Scripture references are dispersed throughout the book as nuggets of growth and the becomes the backbone to good, moral living.

Relationships: The relationships in this book vary from distrust to trusting, from shallow to emotionally deep, and from unhealthy to healthy. There are ones you can guess and unexpected ones that cause you to gasp. All of them cause you to cheer for the protagonists and hope for the best.

Why Not a Solid 5 Star Rating? The only reason this book didn't get a solid 5 star rating from me relates to the romantic relationships. Some scenes became too physical for what one would expect to read in a Christian romance book. I want to make it clear that this is a very clean book and it fits the standard for an inspirational story, but if a reader is sensitive to emotions which romantic scenes evoke then this is a trigger warning.

Recommend: Loved this book! I could recommend it to anyone over 16 years of age. It was clean, wholesome and full of everything that makes a reader keep turning pages. It is a new favorite. I also recommend what I'm going to do. My reading friends don't know it yet, but a read-along of "Undercurrent of Secrets" would be perfect before scheduling a dinner/sightseeing cruise on the historical "Belle of Louisville." How fun that will be!

I received a free book from Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley, to review. I was not required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own.

Barbour Publishing’s Doors to the Past series just keeps getting better and better! Each standalone, dual-timeline story is penned by a different author and features a combination of romance, mystery, and faith. Barbour stands out to me for its excellent series these last few years, including but certainly not limited to Brides of the Mayflower and True Colors. Something that I truly appreciate is when I read a book that I otherwise may not have and love it so much that I know it will be one of my favorites for the year. “Undercurrent of Secrets” fits the bill, and the literary finesse that Rachel Scott McDaniel demonstrated in her debut, “Above the Fold,” becomes even more prominent in this fourth Doors to the Past book.

As the two storylines in “Undercurrent of Secrets” emerge, a delightful cast of characters surfaces. In the present, Devyn Asbury serves as wedding coordinator for The Belle of Louisville, trying to blend into the background after a disastrous end to her engagement, while her 1926 counterpart, Hattie Louis, lives an unconventional life on the river as the adopted daughter of an elderly steamboat captain. Both young women find the course of their lives altered by unexpected revelations and unforeseen romance that has enduring reverberations. Mystery creeps into Devyn’s already-full schedule through the appearance of Chase Jones and an enigmatic photograph from a century ago, while new first mate Jack Marshall’s arrival interrupts the steady flow of Hattie’s routine. The turbulence is reflected in Jack’s words, “I’m just wondering if your voice is the sound of an angel guiding me along, or a siren drawing me in to my demise.”

One aspect of split-time fiction that seems to characterize the genre, and one that speaks to me, is the theme of belonging to two different worlds, or feeling caught between two existences. A nostalgic identity crisis, of sorts. Whether this plays out as being drawn to the past in order to resolve something that happened there, or being either ahead of one’s time or old-fashioned, this premise lends itself to the heart of stories such as “Undercurrent of Secrets.” I love how McDaniel connects her characters, and how the contemporary characters unearth the mystery and intrigue surrounding those of the past, as a puzzle to solve rather than just having the answer handed to them, with faith leading the way. As Devyn proclaims, “Love is bold. It doesn’t cower, but expresses itself. Think of Jesus. What He did on the cross was bold. He gave His life without any guarantee that anyone would love Him back. It was daring and beautiful.” The intersection of the characters’ stories intertwines throughout the narrative, coalescing at the very end in a satisfying conclusion that brings together all of McDaniel’s skillfully dropped hints. Above all else, trusting God to guide us through every high and low, allowing Him to be the captain of our lives, is the most important message. For “God had a way of leading His children. It may not be the course Devyn had imagined, but as long as she stayed in the current of His love, she knew she could rely on Him in both the still and the troubled waters. He was faithful to steer her through it all.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

A captivating dual timeline novel by an author I love. Rachel Scott McDaniel did a great job of capturing the essence of life for each of the characters. I felt swept up into both stories and loved the experience of seeing the beauty of the steamboats through Devyn and Hattie’s eyes. There is a perfect balance of mystery, history, and romance. Another great installment in what is shaping up to be an excellent series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

I loved this novel! It is one of the best I’ve read this year. The prose sings with beautiful, classic, descriptive writing. Faith is a priority for our protagonists, and spiritual battles are relevant, including one of my own long-time challenges. I enjoyed seeing the 1920’s and the effects of our actions on future generations. The author’s first dual timeline novel is coordinated beautifully for maximum impact. It is the best of drama, history, intrigue, and romance as the main characters walk out their faith in daily life. As a fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed reading about the era and the Belle of Louisville. As a fan of mysteries, I was fascinated by the search for Hattie.

Months earlier, Devyn submitted a proposal on behalf of the company she works to enter the Once Upon a Wedding contest. It was accepted weeks ago but she just learned about it. Devyn does not think there is enough time now, despite the award being the most prestigious in the industry. Her boss, Steph, wants her to go for it.

Days later, Chase meets Devyn on the Belle of Louisville, the national landmark she chose as the contest venue. Her company uses it frequently for weddings and other events. Steph sent Chase to Devyn as she knows much of the Belle’s history. He wants to learn about a beautiful young woman in a torn portion of a photo about a century old. She was on board the Belle, then called Idlewild. The photo had been with his great-grandfather’s things. The only clue to the young woman’s identity is the name Hattie on the back.

Devyn loves to research, but her priority is the contest. Chase, with his charm and teasing, will have to find someone else to search for her. He offered to barter for her help. As an artist, he can design invitations, flyers, and any similar materials needed. She refuses to be charmed or romanced by him, not after the huge, public betrayal by her ex-fiancé. Design services in lieu of research, and healthy boundaries, might make it worthwhile.

We meet Hattie in 1926 on the Idlewild. Once a foundling infant, Hattie grew up on the paddlewheel boat. Duffy, the captain, took her in almost 21 years ago. She learned most aspects of working and making repairs to the boat. One night after excursion guests left, she sees a strange man on board. Duffy said the man is his new first mate. Hattie is shocked, as she has been doing the work of a first mate, but Duffy had not let her to take the officer test. Her 21st birthday brought an amazing party and a worse shock. Everything she believed about her life has been a lie.

Devyn’s faith is demonstrated more than spoken with a few notable examples. One is when telling Chase that “Love is bold.” Jesus’s death on the cross was bold, daring, and beautiful, dying for people who might not ever love Him. Her spiritual battles are not glossed over or tucked neatly under the deck of the Belle of Louisville, and she receives criticism well. We see fun times, such as the romance of the Chicken Dance, and struggles, such as Hattie leaving Duffy and the only life she knew. The intrigue, twists, and turns kept me guessing. There are fabulous surprises to close out both timelines, and every loose end is tied up. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate dual timeline novels with faith, mystery, and characters that are easy to become invested in.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Celebrate Lit, through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.