Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse is the second book in the Treasures of the Earth series. This exciting look at the Bone Wars will keep you reading well into the night.

This well-crafted book takes the reader deep into the beginnings of the Bone Wars and what serious paleontologists had to deal with as they pursued their dreams of digging up a dinosaur. In this fictional account, we meet Martha Jankowski, who has always dreamed of being a paleontologist like her father. When she finds a fully intact dinosaur, it becomes a race against time to dig it up before another team digs up their dinosaur first.

This novel offers a bit of everything. Detailed research into paleontology and the early beginnings of The Bone Wars, romance, and a murder/mystery that had me guessing until the very end of the book.

With romance and a strong faith element, this book was hard to put down. I loved that there was a clear message about how to know the Lord. It was interesting to see Martha grow in her faith and Jacob's patience with her while he waited for her to trust God and him.

If you have not read the first book, The Secrets Beneath, don't worry, as this is a standalone book. Although I highly recommend you read the first one!

If you love historical fiction with a wonderful "who-dunnit," you will enjoy Set in Stone.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

Book two from Kimberley Woodhouse's Treasures of the Earth series, Set in Stone, was a beautiful read. I loved it and am giving it five stars.

Set in Stone
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Series: Treasures of the Earth, Book 2
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “A dangerous scheme could bury their long-held dreams forever. . . .
From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton--one that could win her an acclaimed exhibit--she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery.
Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all.”

Impressions: Although this is the second book of the Treasures of the Earth series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel as well. This book followed the historic dinosaur digs as the previous book did. I enjoyed the characters in this story and the struggle that Martha went through in discovering her faith. I think that the mismatched faith would be more concerning for Jacob however I can see how finding a woman who loves paleontology as Martha did in this period might be a rare thing. Having common interests and a spark of romance can distract from being yoked in faith. Jacob struggles with this towards the end as he realizes Martha's faith may not be founded in God’s grace. I think Jacob did a great job navigating the confrentation of this in he and Marthas relationship. He was gentle and tactful in sharing the gospel but emphasizing his own sin as well as hers needing God’s mercy through Jesus. Just as the last book had me guessing until the end who was deviously causing rukus in this story too had me hooked until the end.

Quotes: “Prejudice of any kind wasn’t honoring to God. All right, Lord, please help me to guard my thoughts and mind while I’m at work.”

“The people around, the opinions and words they said, the culture, the attitudes. All of it had an effect. He couldn’t allow that to happen though. As a follower of Christ, he had a higher calling. To be transformed- not conformed to the world. And that was probably one of the greatest struggles man faced. It was easy to get caught up in the quest for money or accolades.”

“Two people sholud be allowed to converse on a mutually agreeable subject. Regardless of social station.”

“My fears were not from the Lord. And holding tightly to them wasn’t helping anyone. You are in your Heavenly Father's hands, and I pray that He uses you in your beloved science.”

“Each trial seemed to be worse than the one before. And though he didn’t always understand the ways of the Lord, he needed to trust Jesus. Trust His Word... ‘But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubles on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsake; cast down, but not destroyed.’”

“’ But to love someone means forgiving when it hurts, believing the best about the other, and holding each other to what the Bible says.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Lovedvthe historical content and mystery. The book contained just the right mix to keep me intrigued.

The Colorado setting was perfect etting for the archeological dig. The author did a great job with the descriptions.

The characters Martha and Jacob are done to perfection, but I found myself really beginning to dislike Martha at certain point. She seemed to give Jacob mixed signals.

The mystery and twists and turns were great!

Recommend.

Another well researched and gripping story by Kimberley Woodhouse. The book grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go until the end. I found it nearly impossible to put it down and wow, did it keep me guessing! And just when I thought I knew what was going on . . . BAM! Another surprise.

As is typical of this author, there were very strong faith elements in the book as well as fascinating history. In this case, the history was about the “Bone Wars,” a competitive (and that’s putting it mildly!) period in the western United States between the 1870s and 1890s when paleontologists were discovering and recovering dinosaur fossils. What’s unusual in this story is that the paleontologist in charge of an important dig is a woman.

While I appreciated the epilogue, my only quibble was how quickly the main storyline was wrapped up just before the epilogue, leading to my rating of 4.5 stars. Since that isn’t a rating choice on this site, the book was riveting enough to merit a 5 star rating.

I highly recommend Set in Stone for readers of Christian fiction who enjoy history stories with a little romance and a lot of suspense!

I received an advance reader copy of this book. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Determined to win the contest and funded by her wealthy family, Martha leads her crew as they unearth the dinosaur skeleton she hopes will be displayed with her family's name. Though she seeks to bring honor to her family, she is troubled by the increasing distance she feels from her socialite mother and her father, who returned from a trip with injuries that seemed to change him into a man Martha no longer knew. Martha meets Jacob, a man who shares his faith, hard work, and heart with her. As Martha digs into Scripture with the same fervor that fuels the excavation, she sees her need to let God change her.

Meanwhile, tension grows throughout the story. A mysterious woman emerges. She murders those who get in her way. She has plans to manipulate the contest, and people will get hurt.

I enjoyed Kimberley Woodhouse's previous series about the Harvey Girls. This one, focused on "The Bone Wars" of the late 1800's, was equally enjoyable. The historical setting is vividly drawn, the characters are sufficiently complex, and the sense that trouble is brewing kept me turning pages--and led to an ending I didn't expect!

I received an ARC through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

I loved this second book in this series. The POV of the villain throughout was fantastic. It kept me guessing throughout as to who it was and she played it to where it could have been several people.

"Maybe being alone wasn’t so bad. It was just her and the bones set in stone."

This is a great story! Intrigue keeps the pages turning. A love that sets hearts free! I loved this book. My heart followed Martha through her ups and downs as she works in paleontology. Kimberley Woodhouse wrote a wonderful book.

I received an advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I didn’t know that this was a second book in a series so now I need to read the first. It can be read stand alone though. I loved it! I was excited to read about paleontology in the 1800s and the mystery that went with the book was intriguing. If you like digging up the past you would enjoy this book!

This is the second book in the Treasures of the Earth series. I eagerly awaited this book to be able to delve into the Bone Wars and the history of dinosaur digs in America again. Through in the twists and surprises I have come to expect from Kimberley Woodhouse this story was impossible to put down. With Kimberley Woodhouse's attention to detail and ability to paint a vivid picture with words, the reader can feel the heat of the day and see the rolling hills and valleys formed by the digs. The evident research added another dimension to the story and helped bring the past into sharp focus. I loved the learning I was able to do while enjoying this thrilling story.
The characters jump off the pages and into the reader's imagination, feeling more like friends writing letters on what is going on in their days. The depth of development allows the reader to feel the emotions of each character and join them in the excitement, hurt, and love that flows off the pages. The story moves at a fast pace, leaving the reader to try and figure out what is going on behind the scenes. And just when you think you have the answers another twist comes making you question what you think you know. The dangers Martha and Jacob both face mount with each day that brings the dig closer to finishing. But who is behind these dangers? And why does the danger continue to grow as the two of them grow closer to each other? Don't miss this trilling new addition to the the Treasures of the Earth series. I can't wait for the next book! Kimberley Woodhouse has quickly become a favorite author and I look forward to another thrilling adventure! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse is the sequel to The Secrets Beneath continuing the story of the Bone Wars. Set in western Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, Set in Stone uses excepts from the diary of Earl Douglass, paleontologist.

The main character Martha has her interest in paleontology created by her father, who is also a paleontologist. Coming from a wealthy family and being an only child, Martha is allowed to hone that interest in a time when a female paleontologist was not welcomed in the field of study. Jacob is a from a poorer family and working to pay his way through college to attain a degree in paleontology. Martha and Jacob end up working the same dig.

Throughout the book Martha is trying to reconcile her scientist brain with her weak, undeveloped faith in God. Will creationism or evolutionism win out? Will she and Jacob establish a relationship even though they are from very different social classes?

Many twists to the story reveal themselves along the way, but a significant one is revealed at the end. Releasing March 12. A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.

Women in science is commonplace enough these days that it is a struggle to imagine the days when a woman digging for dinosaur fossils was considered inappropriate. That’s the period where this story unfolds. How much more difficult must it have been for a woman of society? That’s exactly where our heroine, Martha, finds herself. She does her best to hold her own as she oversees her own dig, but things keep happening. Things that point to someone close to her being untrustworthy and even dangerous. While she struggles with her heart and her faith, the world around her seems to unravel.
As usual, I was riveted! As the plot twisted and revealed certain secrets, I was on the edge of my seat trying to predict the ending. Another AMAZING book from Woodhouse and a great second book for this series. I’m very glad to have received a copy of this book.

This is the second book in The Treasures of the Earth series by Kimberley Woodhouse, detailing the Bone Wars of the late 1800's. I really appreciate all the detailed research that the author brings to her historical novels. They are rich in detail but these enhance rather than detract from the story. She is a master class.
While this is a second book in a series, it is not necessary to read the first book before reading this one. There is no crossover of characters, or even reference. This book simply occurs later in the time period of the infamous Bone Wars.
i did miss the characters in the first book. i felt Martha and Jacob could have used more development and growth. I didn't really feel drawn into their love story, especially with all the other dramatics going on in the story. There were also a few twists and turns in the story that I felt could have been expanded on and it would have brought more clarity to them (I can't expand more -as that would be a spoiler!).
Overall, it was an okay story. I really enjoyed Woodhouse's Secrets of the Canyon series and look forward to reading more by her but Palaeontology is not one of my passions. If you are interested in this field, I would recommend the story to you.

As always, another win-win from Kimberley Woodhouse.
I've really enjoyed this series so far. I can't wait to see the third book. I hope there is one!
Martha is a wonderful character, and I loved her journey. In my opinion, she's a woman before her time.
This an awesome adventure that you won't be able to put down. I loved every minute of it.
My favorite thing was the mystery part. I really loved the guessing who done it. I was actually quite surprised in who it actually was!
Woodhouse excelled in that.
The science lesson was done very well too. I feel like I've learned quite a bit.
There are some beautiful Christian messages throughout this novel that I loved. Wonderful reminders for me and other readers as well.
God is an awesome God.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Set In Stone is a delightful historical mystery with a little romance. Kimberley Woodhouse does not disappoint again! Set in Colorado with archeological setting, the author amazingly provides a great example of a person who thinks she is good and knows God but realizes there is much more to believing He sent His son to die on a cross for our sins and that He wants to have a daily, close relationship with Him. A pleasure to read.

Strong women galore!

At the close of the 19th century and on into the early 20th, there was an historical/scientific event known as The Bone Wars or The Great Dinosaur Rush. It was by spurred on by Edward Cope and Othniel Marsh, two world renowned, but unscrupulous, paleontologists. Highlights of their story is woven into the pages of SET IN STONE, by Kimberly Woodhouse.

Woodhouse gives a minimal amount of information on dinosaurs and a moderate amount on the actual digging of the bones. If you’re looking for a detailed, paleontology guide, this isn’t it. She mentions a few tools and very brief techniques to lift stubborn bones but that’s it.

More in keeping with her strength as a writer, Woodhouse gives us great characters. Martha, the central protagonist, starts out like the over done trope of an entitled debutante who meets a guy below her station and yada, yada. As her circumstances become more difficult, she rises to the challenges, buoyed by memories of her former Nanny and new friend/worker at the dig site who have something in common…

Martha’s new governess is nothing like her old Nanny but as she’s now an adult, they have become more like friends - or are they? This woman actually works for Martha’s mother, who is cold, demanding and formidable, not to mention a total enigma. Martha’s home life is not nurturing; something is a bit off.

I wasn’t expecting the strong mystery elements in this book but I enjoyed it very much. Woodhouse makes exquisite use of an unreliable narrator to toss readers about between choices for who the baddie is and THEY. ARE. BAD!

The reason I awarded 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the Epilogue. A few cute paragraphs to tie up the romance arc and account for social responsibility just didn’t do it for me. This wham, bam, HEA ending that many authors are employing currently, is not doing justice to their work, imo. The characters, book and quite frankly, readers, deserve better📚

Set in the Colorado territory in the late 1800s, this book is full of faith, science, intrigue, and a sweet love story! Kimberly Woodhouse is one of my favorite authors, and I enjoyed reading this book! Her writing is full of surprises and how faith in God can change your life!

What a cast of characters! I liked Martha from the very beginning! She loves digging for bones, and when she gets the chance to be in charge of a dig, she excels at it! Phoebe has a strong faith in God that she uses to encourage Martha. Jacob is passionate about digging for bones. His faith is the most important thing in his life.

There is a huge mystery in this book. I thought that I knew who the perpetrator was, but I was genuinely surprised when the person was revealed! The love story was a little complicated. There were some misunderstandings and hurt feelings, but it all worked out in the end!

This is a definite must-read! I enjoy learning about science and history, and this book combines them both! I look forward to reading more books by Kimberly Woodhouse!

I was provided a copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

This was the second book in the Treasures of the Earth series. Martha has been interested in becoming a paleontologist since she was a young girl. I loved the first book and enjoyed this one as well. I was intrigued and surprised until the very end of the book. This was sweet and the suspense kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed “Set in Stone” and hope there will be another story in the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for the arc in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts.

Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse is a mystery historical novel. I really loved the mystery element that Woodhouse threw into the story. I love the concept of digging up dinosaurs bones as a competition. I love the setting and the Bone Wars - era story. Totally original and unique storyline. One of the issues I had with the plot is that in the beginning, the heroine, Martha, was told that she could not dig for bones anymore, then jump a head a couple of years, and she is on a dig. I want to know what happened that made her parents change their minds. It would have been nice to see that conversation where they allowed her to do the digging, but then give the stipulations of how and why she can. On the other hand, the romance between Martha and Jacob Duncan were a wealthy girl to a poor man love story. Forbidden, yet adventurous at the same time. I love seeing the heart of the two characters, however, the romance did develop a little bit over time. Many moments of indecision as they struggle with should they be feeling this way or not. Overall, Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse is a delightful story that has not been seen before. I love learning about characters that uncover historical items or animals, in this story. I great story to spend time with.

I received a complimentary copy of Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Within the pages of Set in Stone is where the worlds of faith and science, mystery and romance, and high society and the Wild West all converge for an irresistible tale that you will not want to put down.

Set during the nineteenth-century Bone Wars-era, Set in Stone will either unearth a love for paleontology that you didn’t know existed or increase your love for dirt, rock, and fossils. And through the seamless and engaging storytelling of Kimberley Woodhouse, you get to journey alongside Martha and Jacob and see how God sows and waters the seeds of faith through one’s life, guides and protects those who call on His name, and breaks through the classes of society and a malicious scheme to bring forth His sovereign plan.

Set in Stone is the second book in the Treasures of the Earth series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. And though this is my first book by Kimberley Woodhouse, it will not be my last as I have already ordered book one in the series, The Secrets Beneath, and cannot wait to start it!

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.