Even if dual-timeline stories aren’t your usual cup of tea, give this series a try! I’m usually a historical fiction fan, and do not tend to enjoy dual timeline stories where one timeline is set in the present. But, I have loved this entire series - and usually found myself enjoying the present day timeline just as much if not more than the historical part.
I absolutely loved Devyn’s character and could totally relate to ending up in a relationship that went so far south before you realized how bad things really were. The integration of faith in God and the change it brings for the characters in this series is such a positive and hopeful message in a time when there is so much negativity.
Swoon-worthy clean romance with happy endings and good mysteries. While this book is considered part of a “series”, they aren’t
Interconnected. They can be read in any order . The common theme is each book has a mystery and romance hidden in the past, and a romance in the present day between people trying to unravel the mystery. A great series for anyone looking for great writing, a good mix of humor and heart, and sweet romance.

Two stories, two mysteries, two romances, separated by one hundred years, joined by the love for a paddle-wheeler that had its beginnings in 1914 and that is still plying its trade along the Ohio River serves as the backdrop for this well-told plot. The author weaves the stories together using two narrators, one from the past and one from the present. Together these two narrators allow us to follow the lives of Devyn Asbury and Hattie Louis and their loves and adventures. Bootleggers, kidnappers, arsonists, and murderers all add to this exciting tale.

There are few books that will bring tears to my eyes as I finish them - this one did. I give this piece of faith-based historical fiction five-stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

ith two equally compelling storylines and a perfect blend of the past and present, Rachel Scott McDaniel's latest novel Undercurrent of Secrets is her best work yet. Readers will be captivated by the secrets that the 100 year old steamboat holds and fall in love with two handsome heroes. This book was perfect for my romance loving heart.

Undercurrent of Secrets will definitely be on my top 10 reads of 2021. It is highly recommended for readers of historical fiction, contemporary romance, and time-slip novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This is one of the best dual time line books I’ve ever read! Wow!
Rachel Scott Mc Daniel is a new author to me, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books! This book is a complete page turner, sweet, romantic, historical, deep and relatable, very intriguing, and faith inspired too! Everything I love in a book! And I have to say, it is completely unpredictable! I really couldn’t put it down! First, because I fell in love and was so engaged with the characters, and second, because the plot was so masterfully done, weaving two completely different eras, while connecting the characters through family and a haunted story behind a single old picture of a beautiful woman aboard a steamboat, all mixed in a mysterious story that transcended through time!
Devon Asbury is a wedding coordinator for the 100 years old steamboat The Belle of Louisville. Ironically, while she is still recuperating from a humiliating and extremely painful broken engagement, her days are spent in making other women’s wedding of their dreams come true. When she discovers The Belle has been selected a finalist for The Timeless Wedding Venue Contest, she determines to make everything in her possibilities to ensure The Belle shines her best at a Special Ball when the judges will visit and evaluate. But time is running short. So, when a handsome guy by the name of Chase Jones appears with an almost impossible quest, and promises to help her with the preparations of the Ball in exchange of her help in solving a mystery, she reluctantly accepts, knowing she’s not in an emotional state for a new relationship. But a new friend and ally can do no harm right? Chase’s quest is to find a woman named Hattie who appears in a 1920’s old picture his Great-Grandfather seems to hold on to with sadness and regret. This picture seems to have been taken aboard the steamboat Belle of Louisville, named the Idlewild then. As their mission takes them on unexpected routes, and a friendship -with a growing attraction- blossoms, Devyn is afraid to trust her heart, and Chase seems to hide something personal as well. Will their budding romance survive the discoveries that this mystery is bringing to light?
A century earlier, Hattie Louis is the adopted daughter of the Captain of the Idlewild. She was left by the Louisville wharf and taken in by Duffy, the fatherly figure she has ever known. She knows no life outside the boat, where she has always felt loved and safe. She fears the outside, where she is an unwanted nobody. But her life is turned upside down when Jack Asbury takes her place as first mate. He can steal her breath away, but she knows he’s hiding something. Yet her new enemy can be as kind and charming that all the animosity quickly melts away. And when mysterious things start to happen on the Idlewild, they both determine to find out who may be behind some illegal activities aboard the boat. But things become dangerous, and suddenly it’s difficult to know who to trust. Can Hattie, an unwanted orphan, find a place -a heart- to truly belong, outside the boat that has seen her grow and become who she is?
Wow! Really, this is on the list of my favorite books ever! It had all the feels! It made me cry, sigh, and laugh out loud at the same time! And the mystery, so unexpected! There were some twists near the end that kept me reading and wanting to know how everything would end. A fabulous story! I loved how the change in era flowed perfectly, even if the contemporary story was told in third person and the historical in first. How did she manage that? And I loved the four main characters, they each won my heart with their personalities. Devyn and Chase, I loved their quirky banter, and Chase’s protectiveness and sweet ways. Hattie and Jack, I loved they were both fiery and loyal to the bone, their love so true. I also liked some secondary characters, like Duffy, my heart ached for him.
All in all, an incredible tale that is based in historical facts and places, like the Belle of Louisville. I was happy to discover all the true facts in the story at the end. I also felt as if the Belle/Idlewild was a character in itself. I had never seen that before.
And the faith inspired message about trusting God with your fears and giving Him the control of your life was something beautifully portrayed in the characters and their struggles.
I highly recommend this book! Historical and Contemporary lovers, this is a gem!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

4.5 stars- This is the latest addition to the new. “Doors to the Past” series, tying in real life landmarks with fictional romance. This was the first book I have read by this author and I hope it won’t be my last. She did a great job of weaving 2 captivating stories together across the span of almost a century.
I fell in love with Hattie and Jack and their adventures on the river. Hattie was such a down-to-Earth, likable young lady that wasn’t interested in letting some newcomer take over her duties on the Idlewild. I enjoyed the feel of the 1920’s and the time hop back to that era.
Devyn and Chase in modern day Louisville were also a sweet pair. Their camaraderie and
easy bantering back and forth made their relationship seem more natural. Dual timelines are not my favorite type of tale and it seems like the fiction market has become super saturated with them in recent years. But this was a very pleasant addition to the mix. This was one of my favorite reads so far this year. This was a sweet, romantic story, full of moments that will make you smile, but with some touches of mystery and danger. A great read for a cozy winter night by the fire. I look forward to reading more books by Rachel.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic book! I absolutely loved how the stories in the two separate timelines of Undercurrent of Secrets came together. I love learning something new when reading historical fiction. Barbour's Doors to the Past has been wonderful in introducing me to some new American Landmarks. This fictional story of old family secrets linked to the Belle of Louisville, a historic steamboat, captured my imagination.

McDaniel does an exceptional job weaving historical fact into an inspirational story. Usually I am partial to the older storyline, but I absolutely fell in love with the contemporary story. This new-to-me author grabbed my attention with her expert pacing, masterfully crafted characters, beautiful faith thread and sweet romance. Looking forward to reading more books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

OH MY GOODNESS! Rachel Scott McDaniel outdoes herself in this new story brimming with romance and mystery. Each chapter will keep you engaged, entranced, and devouring the storyline. The two time periods flow perfectly together and complement each other so well, without giving away too much too fast. They are intertwined perfectly and keep you wanting to turn the page. I have enjoyed all of Ms. McDaniel's books, but this one definitely takes the top spot. The characters, the steamboat, and the mystery were just SO good! Definitely give this one a try...it will not disappoint.

I received a complimentary copy of this story through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Devyn is an event coordinator working at the Belle, an old steamboat. She recently broke up with her ex-fiancé so she's not looking for love and fully focusing on her job. Under some circumstances, she meets a pirate-looking artist named Chase that would work for her for free in exchange of helping him finding a woman that once was on the steamboat.

I like that the book tells two story in different time lines. I personally enjoyed Hattie's story a bit more, maybe because I prefer Hattie and Jack love, the heartbreak and all the stuff they go through for their love. Devyn and Jack storyline are great too. Furthermore, I love Devyn's self-discovery and gain courage to love again.

Overall, I enjoyed this book so much! I even told my sister to read it. This book is a gem!

Undercurrents of Secrets is an enjoyable split-time romance laced with mystery. I appreciated the clear writing and the historical details, especially the uniqueness of the riverboat and its past. I was especially drawn to the historical timeline over the contemporary one. Both heroines are strong and interesting, but Hattie was my favorite of the two. There was definitely intrigue building throughout her story.

If you’re looking for a split-time novel with an air of mystery, I think you’ll have a good time with this one!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.*

This dual timeline story is connected through a steamboat. Devyn Asbury is the wedding coordinator for the 100 year old steamboat Belle of Louisville. Even though her own marriage fell through, she loves helping everyone make their wedding dreams come true. A century earlier, Hattie Louis is the adopted daughter of the steamboat captain of the Belle of Louisville. When Chase Jones shows up with a photo from the 1920's showing someone on the Belle, will Devyn and Chase be able to put the pieces together?

Well written, enjoyable dual timeline with characters from both who capture your attention and never let go until the final page. McDaniel's write a story full of romance, mystery and history that intertwines two time periods beautifully melding two time periods into an intriguing story.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Undercurrent of Secrets
by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Pub date: Sept 1, 2021
Barbour

Undercurrent of Secrets is the first book I've read by author Rachel Scott McDaniel. I was immediately hooked, and this beautiful dual timeline story kept me turning pages. Great character development, wonderful perfectly timed unveiling of secrets, wonderful heroes, and spunky heroines. Loved this story!

A perfect blend of page-turning contemporary and historical fiction, mystery, and romance!
I am recommending it highly.

5 star

A really enjoyable split-time novel that was filled with heart, mystery, and romance. Thoroughly loved the characters and the unique setting.

Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel is part of the Doors to the Past series. In this split time story, we follow Devyn Asbury as she uncovers the secrets surrounding Hattie Louis, who worked aboard the same steamboat as Devyn, only 100 years earlier.

Steamboats and a story line set during the 1920s? I knew I’d enjoy this story! Hattie was a fun character who had quite the collection of secrets surrounding her. I kept trying to figure out how she related to Devyn’s story, but the author did a fabulous job of slowly unfolding details at just the right pace to keep me guessing.

And I very much wanted the two two romances, the one in the present and the one in the past, to work out. Whether they would and how it would all play out … those questions kept me turning the pages. And I loved how it all tuned out. The ending was fantastic!

Stories like this are ones readers have to experience, so I won’t say anything more. I highly recommend you give Undercurrent of Secrets a read.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Undercurrent of Secrets was fabulous. It took me a bit to get into the story. (I'm not a fan of duel time period novels). After awhile, however, I just couldn't put this one down. The mystery was intriguing the romance was sweet. The ending was satisfying. I definitely recommend it. My only complaint was that the two females in different time periods sounded too similar in personality and voice. But I still enjoyed it.

I received a free copy from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars!

Oh my stars, this book! Be still my vintage-loving heart! I became a forever fan of Rachel Scott McDaniel’s books when I read her debut novel almost two years ago. She’s one of those authors that I automatically want to read everything they write, even before I know anything about it! So, needless to say I was eagerly anticipating Undercurrent of Secrets, and oh my word it exceeded every single one of my sky-high expectations! This story swept me away from page one, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters when I turned the final page! Devyn is an amazing character and I found myself relating to her in several ways. And Chase, oh my, talk about a sweet, swoon-worthy hunk of a hero! And historical hero Jack is equally swoon-worthy in his own right! (I totally and unashamedly finished this book with two new book boyfriends!) And, of course I can’t forget Hattie, I loved her so much, she’s such an inspiring character, and I totally wanna be like her when I grow up!
As a history nerd I love the way Rachel makes history come alive for the reader, and she writes so beautifully and brilliantly that the story plays out like a movie in my mind’s eye. I felt like I was really there on the Idlewild/Belle of Louisville sailing on the Ohio river!
The faith story in this book is utterly magnificent, powerful, and soul stirring. It touched my heart deeply!
Aside from getting two amazing stories in one book the thing I love most about time-slip novels is the way the two storylines intertwine, and in this one, oh my goodness, the amazing way Hattie and Devyn’s stories connect is so beautiful it not only put a huge smile on my face, but in my reader heart as well, and nearly brought me to tears! Bravo, Rachel!
I absolutely and completely adored every single moment of this book, and I’m already eagerly looking forward to a re-read!
I most highly recommend Undercurrent of Secrets! If you only read one book during the remainder of 2021 make it this one, you won’t be sorry!
Undercurrent of Secrets is everything I want in a book and so much more, it’s one of my favorite reads of 2021, and has a permanent spot on my keeper shelf!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Undercurrent of Secrets was my first book by Rachel Scott McDaniel and it definitely will not be my last. This book had all the five star things! It is a split timeline story which was written seamlessly. I don’t want to give anything away, but there was such a fabulous connection between the two timelines. I loved both Hattie and Devyn (the historical and contemporary heroines). I could really relate to Devyn with her love of 90’s contemporary Christian music and m & m’s being her go to choice for emotional eating. 😉

I should say that historical is not my go to genre so it says a lot when I am drawn into the historical side of the story as much as the contemporary and I definitely was in this book. The setting was perfect and the story was complete with romance, family secrets, and mystery.

I was provided a copy of this story by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am usually not a fan of a time change novel, however, I loved this one. This characters in both stories were well written and easy to follow. For once I didn't become lost in either of the stories. Each story was funny and romantic. This was my first novel by Rachel McDaniel. I plan to research more on this author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

If you ❤️ Romantic Suspense Novels, or enjoy dual Time-Line Stories like I do, then you need to 📖 Rachel Scott McDaniel's "Undercurrent of Secrets"! The character in both time-lines is the paddlewheel steamboat, Belle of Louisville.

Chase meets Devyn on the historic steamboat, while trying to identify a 1920s picture of Hattie. Chase found the picture, while going through his Great Grandpa Jack's effects.

Who is Hattie? How is she related to the Steamboat? How does Jack relate to Hattie? Does Devyn have any relationship to Hattie? How does God heal Devyn's shattered self image through Chase? I Highly Recommend You 📖 this 💎 of a Romantic Suspense, to find the answers! 😍📖 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a lovely dual-timeline story! I've just gotten into reading them recently and absolutely love how the author pieced this one together.

This has so much going for it; not only is it two timelines, it's also two love stories that intertwine at the end. And if it's anything I love the most, is reading a great romance story! The mystery behind The Belle aka Idlewild was very unique and obviously the heart of this story. Reading the “Author's Notes” at the end gave a fascinating history lesson and just added depth to the book.

I enjoyed getting to know Hattie, Jack, Devyn, and Chase. Watching them go about everyday life, falling in love, and even the funny banter between them endeared me to each one. They became my people, ones I could easily see myself making friends with. The author added a great faith element that I thought was very refreshing. As a reader of Christian fiction, I love when an author can feed my soul along with giving me a great story.

If you love dual-timeline stories, historical fiction with romance, getting immersed in a book and being reminded to trust God in all things, you will enjoy Undercurrent of Secrets ! I think this belongs on everyone's TBR pile.

* I received a complimentary digital copy from Barbour via Netgalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

Another instalment of Doors to the Past series. This one set on a steamboat in the 1920's about an orphaned young lady, raised by the captain and a mysterious new first mate. This story took some time to engage me but after a few chapters, I really started to feel invested in the main characters lives. It is a split time line, with one story following Hattie and Jack in the 1920's and the other time lie following Devyn and Chase in present day. As there stories intermingle, we follow along the two couples as they both navigate their growing romance.

Thanks to #netgalley for this ARC of #undercurrentofsecrets