Undercurrent of Secrets

Rachel Scott McDaniel

Sep 2021 · Doors to the Past Book 4 · Barbour Publishing

About this ebook

Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. 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. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.
 
A century earlier, 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.

Ratings and reviews

Undercurrent of Secrets is a riveting and heartwarming split-time romance that takes place on an old-fashioned riverboat in both the 1920s and present-day. Split-time romances are typically hit or miss for me, but this book is one of the best split-time stories I have ever read! Both the historical storyline and the present-day storyline weaved together perfectly to create mystery that kept me guessing and invested until the last page! I adored both sets of couples, and both heroes were extremely dreamy. The scenes of courtship, adventure, and romantic reunions were full of chemistry and often had me weak in the knees. The ending of this story was a happily ever after that had me teary eyed, and I hardly ever cry at books! I cannot wait to see what Rachel Scott McDaniel writes next, and I highly recommend Undercurrent of Secrets to those who love a delightful story with lots of swoon-worthy romantic moments and a touch of mystery. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own—I really did love it!

As long as she stayed in the current of God’s love, He would safely steer her through still and troubled waters. What a wonderful story! The Belle is a steamboat built in Pittsburg in the early 1900’s. Having changed its name and purpose several times over the years, it is now a boat for special occasions, like a wedding. Devyn Asbury is a party planner with the job of preparing this lovely venue to win the Once Upon a Wedding contest, a most prestigious designation. Chase Jones, an artist, is looking for someone last seen on the Belle, back in the late 1920’s, a mystery that begs to be solved. An orphaned child, a crusty sea captain, a suave second in command, prohibition and more send our intrepid mystery solvers into all sorts of different places. Come on down to the river to join them as they try to figure out the code left many years ago. This ARC of a Doors to the Past novel was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

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.