Kimberly Woodhouse takes her readers on an amazing adventure with her extraordinary prose to the Colorado territory during the Bone Wars. Set in Stone is strong in faith with an oh-so-sweet love story that reaches across the social class divide in the late 1800s, with a murder/mystery. I was in suspense, reading late into the night, this totally intriguing who-done-it!

Woodhouse also educates her readers in paleontology history and science, of the era, in such a fun way, as we join Martha and Jacob digging for dinosaurs. I was rooting for Martha throughout this heartfelt story, as Jacob with his steadfast faith and patience, guided her throughout her journey to reconnect with God.

Kimberly Woodhouse is one of my favorite Historical Christian Fiction authors, and I always enjoy reading her stories. A definite must read, Set in Stone, is the second book in the Treasures of the Earth series, which can be enjoyed as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews through NetGalley for an honest review. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review and all opinions are my own.

Wow! What a riveting sequel in the Treasures of the Earth series! Kimberley Woodhouse brilliantly combines history, a compelling mystery, a rollercoaster romance, and faith in this exciting new book. I’ve always been fascinated by dinosaurs and loved learning more about the Bone Wars in Set in Stone. Set in the late 1800’s when female paleontologists were unheard of, this story captured the competitive, thrilling, painstakingly difficult job of excavating dinosaur bones in the quarries of Utah & Colorado made even more challenging for a woman in a predominantly male field. It’s a page-turning historical mystery/romance I eagerly devoured!

Martha Jankowski grew up admiring her father’s work and as a child, enjoyed participating in his paleontological digs up until she was forced to stop after her father was severely injured. Now as an adult, she’s reawakened her dream of discovering dinosaur bones and having her name in a museum despite her mother’s disapproval. The competition for finding the next big discovery is fierce, and dangerous, especially when there’s another team working against her. Finding obstacles and sabotage at every turn, the only person Martha can rely on is her friend Jacob, a paleontology student who appreciates her intellect and shares her passion for dinosaur bones. But, when Jacob’s motives are called into question and he’s accused of theft and murder, can she trust him? And what of her fledgling faith Jacob reintroduced her to?

Absolutely loved this story and the opposites attract romance! Where Martha’s from the wealthy, upper class, Jacob struggles to help support his family, and their class differences are definitely a hurdle to overcome. There’s also the question of faith between them. With Darwin’s discoveries and writings, Martha struggles with the tension between science and religion while Jacob is a strong believer. As they reconcile differences, their sometimes turbulent relationship develops into a beautiful love. Jacob is ever patient and I appreciated his humility and willingness to work things out when Martha was often quick to judge and understandably wary of trusting others. I loved how their relationship evolved and they grew together.

The mystery definitely kept me turning the pages, especially with a female villain! I loved getting her chilling perspective and don’t worry, I’m not spoiling anything because there are several suspects with motivations for murder. While I definitely had my suspicions, I loved the uncertainty until the very end when the devious plot is all revealed.

I also appreciated the history incorporated in Set in Stone. Each chapter begins with a compelling quote from Earl Douglass, a turn of the century paleontologist who first discovered dinosaur bones where the Dinosaur National Monument now sits. I loved how the author captured a glimpse of what must have been like to find these amazing discoveries through the eyes of the characters.

Highly recommend this well written, unique, exciting, historical mystery/romance! Though part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. Now, I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Wow! The ending to this book left me speechless and that’s near impossibly to do. This is a fantastic read with lots of surprises and twists and Kimberley has become a master at creating remarkable villains. The villains in this series have been a cut above and make these stories all the better. Loved this one!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also pre-ordered my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.

Set in Stone is the second book in Kimberley Woodhouse's Treasures of the Earth series. It is the character that remains in the shadows for most of the story that holds the reader's attention. A serial killer lurks in their midst and Martha Jankowski is completely unaware. Martha is focused on fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a full-fledged paleontologist. In those efforts, Martha is leading a dig in competition with another for the right to display a full dinosaur skeleton in a Denver museum. While rules are in place to keep the competition above board, someone is pulling strings to cause increased tension between the competitors.

An important part of this story revolves around the compatibility between the Christian faith based on the Bible and science, specifically paleontology. While not all of the questions often posed are answered, one can appreciate the characters wrestling and coming to terms with what seems contradictory to many. One also has to appreciate the author's perseverance in gifting readers with a wonderful story while also caring and grieving for a beloved family member.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Set in Stone from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

You know how you want to slow down your reading and drag a good book out to make it last longer? But you still aren't sure exactly what's going to happen or how, so you just really want to finish it? That's Set in Stone. In fact, I'm writing this paragraph now in order to make the final 40 pages last longer. I have my suspicions, but nothing sure, plus something just happened, so there's more coming, and I don't want it to end, but I NEED TO KNOW!!!

Read about 15 more pages. Had to stop again to make it last...things are coming to fruition!

Down to 16 pages left. I don't want this to end! But I need it to! What a dilemma Kimberley Woodhouse has put me in!

And, finished. What. A. Book!! If you, too, want to be pulled in 2 different directions, grab it!

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions (and angst!) are my own.~

I found this to be a very compelling read but outside the scope of my blog. I have left an honest star review as I greatly appreciate the read, but I will not be including it in my publication. Thank you.

My high expectations for this second book in the Treasures of the Earth series were met and exceeded! The story is set in the late 1800s in Colorado with the world of the Great Dinosaur Rush as a backdrop. The plot—skillfully crafted with action, suspense, romance, and faith--kept me immersed in the story from beginning to end. I guessed early on who the duplicitous villain was, but that did not distract from the enjoyment of the read. As always, the author excels in bringing alive her compelling cast of characters. I love Jacob and the way he stands by his faith despite accusations and even physical harm. I had ambivalent feelings toward the heroine Martha but enjoyed and appreciated her spiritual journey. I love the way their sweet romantic relationship develops with all its ups and downs. The historical detail woven into the fictional narrative is entertaining as well and informative evidencing extensive and impeccable research. If you are looking for an enthralling, faith-filled read, I highly recommend this one. Note: Each book in the series is a standalone read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in Stone is book two in the Treasures of the Earth series. While this is a series, they are also great stand alone stories. This one focuses on Martha and her father’s love of being paleontologists. Martha and another man are in a rush to provide a full skeleton to a museum. The first one to do so will have theirs displayed. This story is filled with action, suspense and mystery, yet it has the touch of romance. It is so well written and very descriptive, it was easy for me to imagine. I especially enjoyed the information the author gives about the digs. I found this story so enjoyable in so many ways. I enjoyed how freely Jacob shared his faith, the mystery behind Martha’s parents, and the strength and dedication Martha has for the dig. I was left guessing to the end of the story as to who is causing the troubles with the digs and why.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

"...Martha Jankowski, are you ready to work on your first dinosaur dig?" She stood and straightened the canvas smock that covered her brown dress. "Yes, sir."
Long have people been curious and excited about the discovery of dinosaurs from little children to adults. Kimberly Woodhouse brings this fascination to the pages of her newest book in her Treasures of the Earth series. As she did in The Secrets Beneath, book 1 in the series, Woodhouse introduces a strong female character well versed in the interest of paleontology and a keen sense of scientific matters. Martha, the aforementioned character, learns at her father's knee about dinosaurs and dinosaur digs. She enthusiastically awaits the time she can truly dig with her father and find a major discovery that will contribute to the area of paleontology. She is extremely disappointed when, after experiencing a life changing accident, her father no longer has the ability or desire to dig for dinosaurs. Woodhouse then leads Martha into her young adult years where she has made a huge discovery: what she believes to be an Apatosaurus skeleton. With this discovery and dig she will be able to get her name into the scientific world and help interest in dinosaurs to grow. Little does she know that this venture will have devastating consequences for her, her constant companion Lily Rose, and for her new found friend Jacob. In a fierce competition against another dinosaur dig, Martha learns about trust, human connection and standing on her own courage.
Woodhouse has successfully captured the stress the Bone Wars had on the area of dinosaurs. She has created characters that seek to further that tension and fighting but also characters that champion saving the field of paleontology and making it so that everyone can benefit from these magnificent discoveries.
It was my pleasure to read a copy of this book and I'm grateful to the author and to Bethany House Fiction for that opportunity. My thoughts on the book are my own opinion and freely given.

It’s the late 1800s and the height of the Bone Wars in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains outside Denver. Martha is determined to be the first woman to discover an intact dinosaur skeleton with the dig her family is financing.

Unfortunately, the museum has pitted her in a race against another team, forcing her to hire more men and speed up. One of the men she hires is Jacob, who comes from a very humble background, looking for real world paleontology experience. He has put his schooling on hold for this dig and left his family behind in Chicago. Initially Jacob and Martha’s mutual love for paleontology brings them together, but it’s their theological discussions that forge a deeper connection.

Marketed as Christian fiction, this book has a whole lot of Jesus in it especially as it delves into the science vs. Creator debate. I wish there was more depth to Martha and Jacob’s discussions after they attend university lectures regarding the subject. I found Martha infuriating. As a woman of faith, she lacked a lot of it when it came to her romantic interest, often changing her mind on what felt like a whim. Also, the antagonist of the story felt very underdeveloped and almost an afterthought as though the author needed a bad guy for the story to be complete.

This is book two of a series, but one doesn’t need to read book one to get into this story. Though the premise sounded interesting, it was not the book for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers, and the author Kimberley Woodhouse for the advanced copy of the book. Set in Stone is out on March 12th. All opinions are my own.

Readers who enjoy archeology will enjoy enjoy this book. The race in the Bones War was quite intriguing. A female villian is unusual. Martha and Jacob's story is very enjoyable. Love the author's notes. Recommend.

I have come to look forward to reading Kimberley's books. Before starting this one, I realized I hadn't read the first and of course I had to read it first (even though they really are stand alone books). Well, the first one was really good, but this one gave me even more. I have never read a book particularly on this little corner of historical fiction, but it was entertaining, informative and interesting.

Martha is a strong main character, but like us all still has her insecurities. She is determined to follow her dreams of leading a paleontology dig and find a way to connect with and show her family they can be proud of her. Jacob is humble, but strong and I loved his respect throughout for Martha and how he showed her the love of Christ in many ways. There was mystery, intrigue and a villain. I mean what more could you want? There is a tone of evil from the villain that slightly makes you shudder. I kept thinking I knew who the "bad guy" was from about a third of the way through the book, but then second guessed myself and then second guessed again. I really didn't figure it out until it was there at the end, and boy was there not one, but two shocks. I really kept just wanting to read to figure out what was going to happen and how it would end. There will be another one. There has to be. And I'm anxious to see how this story will fold into another one to come to a conclusion, that I was not granted by finishing this book. Well done. Now I have to wait...

Book 2 in the Treasures of the Earth series, this can be read as a standalone. But I urge you to read book 1, The Secrets Beneath. It’s so good!

I love reading about women as paleontologists back when women didn’t have such careers. Woodhouse has done so much research about the Bone Wars that it brings that time to life.

Adventure and suspense, science and Christianity. Woodhouse makes it all work so well. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction I highly recommend Set in Stone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I have always been fascinated by archeological digs. I even collected a few fossils as a child. This book scratched my itch for more information about the early years of paleontology in the US. Not only did the details keep my attention, the plot was excellent and the main characters were likable. Mystery and intrigue permeated the story and the history of Bone Wars was deftly woven in. I liked the way Ms. Woodhouse portrayed a spiritual element in Martha and Jacob’s lives and the ethical struggle that Jacob had after being fired. Martha could be stubborn but that trait served her well in her search for the truth about scripture and God and reconciling the Bible and Science.
This was a compelling historical,containing a sweet romance and suspenseful scenes.
I am really loving this series set in the 1800s about women in the field of paleontology. This was a clear winner for me.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

I won a copy of this book through the LibraryThing giveaway. This review is fully my own.
The book is quite well written but is just not my cup of tea. I cannot tell you exactly what put me off except maybe the details of the digs.
The book is part historical and part murder mystery. The first murder came early in the book but nothing more was written about it for quite some time. This put me off a bit also.
The grammar was well done and the story mostly flowed well. If you like historical fiction with a murder mystery, you will probably like this book.
I give this a solid 3 out of 5-star review.

Kimberley Woodhouse has delivered a mystery with a backdrop of faith and science and a good dash of romance. I appreciate a book that shows paleontology as strengthening faith rather than repudiating it.
I loved Jacob. His steadiness and integrity made the book for me.

Absolutely loved it!!! The beginning of this story starts off really intriguing and kept me wanting to finish asap. Two words. Female Villian! Yes, the villain in this story is a woman, which I feel like isn't done that often so that was fun. Besides that, we have Martha who grew up rich but has a love for digging in the dirt, to find dinosaurs! She has a dig site for a dinosaur excavation and is competition with another excavation team to get their dinosaur out first in order to secure it in the museum. This is during the Bone Wars, so there are sabotage risks. Jacob was working on the opposing team, but then got fired and then is on Martha's team. They form a friendship and then more, but Martha struggles with her faith in God and in Jacob. Jacob witnesses to her and helps her understand. There is danger afoot with unsolved murders. I was able to figure out exactly who the villain was pretty quickly and what happened, but I was still not 100% sure throughout the book and I wanted to keep reading to find out for sure. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic book, full of Christian Content.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: murders

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

No one but a master storyteller can keep cranking out one outstanding story after another. Kimberley Woodhouse has proven herself one such author transitioning from contemporary suspense to historical romance with ease.

In Set in Stone, Ms. Woodhouse transports her readers to the late nineteenth century Bone Wars, an event I had little knowledge until I started reading this series. As readers follow Martha's and Jacob's adventures, they will discover the world of paleontology and what it was like to be a paleontologist in the late nineteenth century. I absolutely loved the way she incorporated the debate between faith and science.

Ms. Woodhouse's love of research provides rich historical detail to a romance filled with adventure and suspense. Martha must discover whom she can trust as sabotage and murder follow their trail. Told from the points of view of both Martha and Jacob....and the villian. I love the way the author allows her readers to get inside the villains head. Definitely adds to the sinister, creepy aspect of the story.

While this is a series, each book can be read as a standalone. Looking forward to reading the final book in the series.

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

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I didn’t like this one as well. There were two different storylines being woven together in this book that might have been better if done differently. The main storyline was well written, but the “villain” storyline just felt like an afterthought. I really enjoyed the dig site parts and when Martha and Jacob were interacting, but the rest of the story just fell flat for me. The whole book seemed rushed while dragging at the same time. I also thought the characters from the first book might be mentioned, but these seem to be stand alone books.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I love this Treasures of the Earth series! It is so interesting to read about these leading women paleontologists. There is history, a little bit of mystery, light romance and a lesson to be learned in these stories. Martha's family has been a part of paleontology but after her father has a terrible accident he changes, her life changes and digging is no longer talked about in the household. When Martha becomes of age, she can hardly believe that her dream of walking in her fathers footsteps has been approved by her mother and now she is in charge of one of the largest digs. But everything is put on the line when she is given a deadline and put up against another very large dig site for the chance to win an exhibit in the museum with her name on it. There are strict rules to be followed and Martha only works aboveboard and will do all it can to prove herself and her team. It seems though all is against her when one thing after another continues to hinder their progress and as the deadline looms even stranger events happen that pull her away from the site. Working to keep her faith and yet untangle truth from lies from those she cares about, Martha is truly tested. With a shocking unraveling of a scheme long in the making, the person she has been pushing away just might be the only one she can trust. Thank you to the publisher and author for the complementary ebook and for allowing me to be a part of the launch team. This review is of my own opinion and accord. I look forward to the next one in the series.