I never read contemporary fiction, but I wanted to give this time-split novel a try because I adore Rachel McDaniel’s first two books. I was not disappointed. As an author, I can appreciate the complexity of writing a book with a dual timeline and basically two entirely different casts of characters, but McDaniel pulled it off in a way that felt seamless and did the work for the reader, leaving me free to enjoy the story without confusion.

Since I don’t read books with characters who have names like “Devyn”—in fact, don’t even like most twenty-somethings I meet—I was unprepared for her to be my favorite character. She had depth, pluck, and was hilarious. Her banter with Chase was so much fun. Most of all, she felt real, like somebody I could sit down and have a pizza with and we’d talk for hours about history, classic movies, and relationships.

Hattie and the 1920s storyline were both delightful. It was sweet watching how she grew in her courage and how Jack slowly earned her trust and expanded her narrow world. I loved learning about the Belle, with several other interesting historical tidbits thrown in. As with McDaniel’s first two books, it was clear she did her research, and she weaves it in expertly.

Finally, the book was a page-turner. I stayed up way too late because I got anxious for the characters and had to know how everything resolved!

I did not realize this was part of a series when I started so I can attest you can read this as a stand-alone book. I did do a little research and it turns out I had read one other book in the series. I will be reading the other three now.

This series is interlinked by the way it integrates history with a modern day story. I was new to this author so I didn't know what to expect, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the stories that she wove. I felt both were unique stories and I liked the way they progressed over the course of the book.

The characters were likeable on both parts of the story and I enjoyed the added mystery element to it.

I got this free in exchange for an honest review. I would definitely be okay with buying this and I will be recommending this to others. It was a really good read!

What an excellent second installment to the Doors to the Past series by Barbour Publishing! Rachel Scott McDaniel seamlessly weaves the roaring twenties with present day into two parallel stories readers will enjoy.

The Belle is a steamboat that has a lot of history and is shrouded in a bit of a mystery. The boat connects present day wedding planner Devyn Asbury to Hattie Louis, the adopted daughter of the steamboat captain in the twenties. Readers are immersed in the time when rumrunners roamed the Ohio River, when money and power took precedence over family. Hattie Louis, as far as she knows, is an orphan nobody wanted. Yet there’s a darker secret she’s about to discover.

Devyn Asbury experienced the ultimate humiliation for all the world to see and finds solace in her job as the wedding coordinator for The Belle. When a major bridal magazine holds a contest for best historical wedding venue, Devyn is eager to compete. Yet while she dreams of first place, she’s met with a handsome stranger who holds secrets of his own.

The pages are filled with likeable characters, especially secondary ones who make life interesting and colorful for the heroines.

This story was a light, enjoyable read. There is some intrigue that keeps the readers guessing who Hattie really is, and who Devyn’s mysterious stranger will turn out to be.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love a good split-time novel. I usually wind up loving one time over the other, even if just the tiniest bit, but I have to say that I loved both time periods in this one! "First Mate Charming" had me intrigued from the moment he walked onto the page. And boy! What a meet-cute! Haha! There were some excellent cliff-hangers that left me eager to get back to each time period as well, which meant putting the book down was no easy feat! (But I'm not complaining one bit! I love it when that happens!) The setting was unique and the characters were all fantastically written. And I adored every last Audrey Hepburn reference this book had to offer. Rachel McDaniel has a unique style and voice and has become an auto-buy author for me.

Undercurrent Of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel is a delightful dual timeline novel and part of the Doors To The Past series.
A hundred year old steamboat unites the two time periods which alternate between chapters.
There are the parallel themes of identity, and love for the steamboat and water. In present day the leading characters search for the identity of the lady in half an old photo, known simply as ‘Hattie.’
Our true identity is to be found in our hearts. We are children of the King and we are loved. True love transcends all our circumstances.
The characters were all well drawn, likable and realistic. The leading ladies in both time periods are brave, steadfast and have a huge strength of character. They are overcomers who stand firm.
We all have dreams. Sometimes in life we lay down our dreams for love. Sometimes love changes our dreams.
The steamboat is as much a character as the humans. It holds secrets. If only walls could speak.
Undercurrent Of Secrets was a perfectly charming read. Both stories were delightful and warmed my heart.
I received a free copy from Celebrate Lit via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel created a story that allowed the mystery of secret loves and secret lives to come to the readers’ attention. The time slip element of the two time periods really captured my attention. I have read a number of stories by other authors, like Rachel Hauck and Jaime Jo Wright who have crafted their stories in the same vein. This allows the readers to actually see the past mystery as it is unfolding and the present day story to work through the mystery at the same time. The plot, to begin, was a little dry and not enough action, but then the plot deepened and became more interesting as the story moved along. The romance in both time periods really had no beginning. Both couples jumped right into feeling emotions for each other and dived right into the romance. Overall, Undercurrent of Secrets has a deeply engrained mystery to it that was interesting to see unveil near the end of the novel. There was a reflection section near the end of the novel that was a nice way to tie both stories together. I believe this was a delightful novel to spend a couple of days with.
I received a complimentary copy of Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

The first half of the book was 3 stars and the second half was about 4 so I decided overall it’s a 3.5 star read for me. I loved the dual timelines but particularly loved Hattie’s story in the 1920’s aboard the steamship Idylwood. Her story felt real and unique and I wanted to hear more and know more. In present day we had Devyn who is a wedding coordinator for the Belle of Louisville steamboat and her story felt unbelievable and unrealistic. I couldn’t connect with the character because everything felt over the top - and I’m not really sure the point of some of the ex-fiancée Travis, he truly didn’t change the outcome at all. This was a Christian romance book that was really cute, and the last 1/3 of the book really made it for me.

This dual timeline novel that takes place 100 years apart on the legendary Belle of Louisville steamboat hit it right on all levels for me. The two storylines were equally entertaining and sweet with just the right amount of mystery and intrigue to keep me turning the pages. This author has a great voice for both historical and contemporary storytelling. I hope this isn't the last split time novel she writes.

What a beautiful love story in this time split novel! This book grips you from its opening pages with mystery and intrigue and keeps you turning the pages with its lovable characters and romance.

Two women born a century apart longing for love and acceptance whose lives are connected by a steamboat, the Belle of Louisville. Witty banter flies from both women in their respective eras making them believable and lovable. Each face inner struggles and outward dangers that bring mystery and intrigue to their stories all while searching for never ending love.

I found this book utterly charming and difficult to put down. It took many surprising turns that I did not expect coming. The time splits flowed flawlessly between each other, interweaving seamlessly making the story flow. I hated to see the book end!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

What an amazing story, that captured my heart from the beginning. So believable and true reminder to seek God in all our relationships and follow his leading. Knowing God has a plan and will reveal it in his time is an amazing truth that I was reminded of while reading this book.

Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel is a truly amazing dual-timeline historical fiction novel that has it all: history, suspense, mystery, romance, a stunning narrative, and an addictive cast of characters that kept me engaged from beginning to end. It is the fourth novel in the Doors to the Past series.

I cannot recommend this book, and this whole series, enough. In a world where we are saturated with dual timelines and HF abound, there are few books that end up shining like a bright star, and this book is one of them.

Living next to the Ohio River, of course I was drawn to this book as well due to its location and descriptions of the historic steamboats that I know so well. It was nostalgic and also a breath of fresh air.

I loved the interweaving of the two stories both about 100 years a part and incorporating the same steamboat (Belle/Idlewild). I loved how the author carefully crafted both women: Hattie and Devyn and their respective character casts and romantic interests. The dialogue, plots, pacing, surprises, and the progression of each story was truly spectacular. I love how each woman was represented, their intelligence and sparkling personalities were portrayed, their foundations of faith were solidified, and their respective endings that sealed the deal for me with this wonderful novel.

One of my favorites this year. Don’t miss this one!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Barbour Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to NG only at this time and will post to GR and Bookbub closer to publication day per publisher request and will post to Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/1/21.

"Undercurrent of Secrets" is an engrossing dual-timeline novel. The 1920s are recounted in the first person by delightful heroine Hattie Louis, while the contemporary events are relayed in third person. There are two lovely romances at play here.

As a lifelong resident of Louisville, Kentucky, I was intrigued by the premise of this book. I've ridden the Belle a few times, and have seen it and heard its calliope countless times. This author has really done her research.

The book lives up to its title, and more. There are secrets galore, and their one by one reveal is satisfying. There's humor throughout and yes, wearing your rival's t-shirt can be cause for comment (not necessarily a good-natured one). Banter throughout is clever and witty. Characters are well-developed, and this Christian novel is clean, well-written and gently inspirational. Rachel Scott McDaniel's prose is lovely and the complex plot is riveting. I look forward to more books from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this enjoyable novel.

#undercurrentofsecrets #netgalley
This is my first book that I’ve read by Rachel Scott McDaniel and I’m now a huge fan! This book has the best mystery, romance and suspenseful storyline. I absolutely loved it !

UNDERCURRENT OF SECRETS by RACHEL SCOTT McDANIEL is a most enjoyable historical romance novel which takes place over two time frames, linked in quite an amazing way and with an unforgettable love story in each timeline. The book is based on scriptures such as "Perfect love casts out all fear", and it is good to see the main characters holding on to the Lord and His unfailing love. A quotation that I especially like is "Love is bold. It takes a good deal of courage and a trusting heart."
In present time, Devyn Asbury is getting over being dumped by her fiancé Travis Leeman on the social media site, Space Station, which they developed together, where he put their relationship on display and manipulated her shamelessly. It took her a while to realize that "Her security came from God, not what the world said about her."
She is now working as a wedding coordinator on the one hundred year old steamboat "The Belle of Louisville", where her love of history combines with a love of romantic old movies to provide a setting for marriages that she hopes will last.
She meets Chase Jones, an artist who is going to help her get ready for a benefit ball for the Once Upon a Wedding competition, on condition that she helps him find out about Hattie, a young girl whose picture his grandfather had.
In 1926 we are taken about the "Idlewild" (the original name of the Belle) and meet Hattie Louis, the young woman in question, Duffy, the captain who took her in as a baby and jack Asbury, the first mate.. We see her story unfold parallel to that of Devyn and Chase and gradually all their secrets come to light.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you. It is a beautifully written novel, with unforgettable characters and a plot twist that I certainly was not expecting! I cannot recommend Undercurrent of Secrets highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Oh-my-oh-my! I wish I could give this a million stars! I’m not typically a fan of split-time novels, but Rachel Scott McDaniel has made me one! The settings, characters, relationships, and faith elements on the contemporary and historical storylines were AMAZING! The setting of a steamboat? BRILLIANT! This will be one of my regular “re-read” books for sure. I can’t wait to see what Rachel Scott McDaniel writes next!

A sweet Christian romance story! I really liked the dual timeline - and how Hattie's and Devyn's lives are tied together. Very well written - loved the characters and the history the story touches on. The location is a 100 year old steamship, the Belle of Louisville, it's an interesting setting.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

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 late into the night! 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!

What I love about dual timeline stories is how the two are connected by the end. For the historical fiction portion, upon finishing the story, I love googling the history I was unaware of until this book! When I finished Undercurrent of Secrets and the author's notes, I immediately googled The Belle of Louisville, trying to see if I can work that into my upcoming travel plans not too far from there.

Codebreaker Elizabeth Friedman is mentioned in this book. (I was excited to know who she was since I read 'The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America's Enemies" a few years ago after visiting the National Cryptologic Museum, during a reader/writer weekend in Maryland.)

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy of Undercurrent of Secrets. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait to read other books by this author that are on my to-be-read pile! All opinions are my own.

I have enjoyed each of Rachel Scott McDaniel's historical novels and wondered if she could pull off a split-time. You all. She totally did. Typically I have a favorite timeline and I rush through the other to get back to the favorite. But the pacing, the romance, and the mystery in both was spot on. She has a lovely spare style that leaves you with beautiful pictures of the Ohio River, the Belle, and all her main characters without getting bogged down with unhelpful details. If you like mysteries and romance, this is your book!