Book description:
Beyond the perilous landscape lies a love that defies extinction. . . .
In the bustling world of paleontology in 1916, Eliza Mills defies societal expectations to pursue her passion. Having published her early groundbreaking papers under a false name, she has finally earned her place at the Carnegie Museum and seizes the opportunity to work at Dinosaur National Monument with a renowned paleontologist. But things in Jensen, Utah, aren't what they appear. When Eliza gets the chance to dig up bones at a ranch with a dark history, it sparks a chain of events that will rock the very fabric of her carefully constructed world.
Devin Schmitt, Eliza's closest friend since childhood, harbors unspoken feelings for her but knows he will never be able to win her heart. Just as he vows to give her up for good, Eliza begs him to visit her in Utah for another grand adventure. He reluctantly agrees, and within a few days of his arrival, he and Eliza find themselves entangled in a web of danger where the stakes are much higher than they ever anticipated. Together, Devin and Eliza must hold on to God as their hope as they navigate a treacherous terrain of betrayal to unbury the truth and save Eliza from those who wish to see her fail.
My review:
I may have said this before, but I was a tiny bit dubious about a Christian fiction series about digging for dinosaur bones...but Woodhouse is quite the versatile author, and I figured she could pull it off.
And pull it off she did. Here I am having just finished the third and final book in the series, and man did I learn a lot. I had never heard of the Bone Wars before I read these books, and learned a lot about that and the people who were working on digs around that time. Woodhouse puts a lot of historical facts and historical people in her historical novels, and I always learn stuff.
The romance in this one was a bit different, and I loved it. Eliza was raised by wealthy grandparents, and along with Devin, was taught by his dad. Eliza and Devin grew up as best friends, and he had been in love with her since he was sixteen years old. Due to his promising her grandfather he would never pursue her romantically, he just stayed her best friend. And man was he a likable character. One of my favorite parts of the book was when he was summoned for the second time by Eliza's grandmother, and she said "Devin........" Now for me to complete that would be a huge spoiler. So read the book. 😀
As with most of this author's books, there was an element of suspense, and a bad guy or two causing mayhem and trouble. The book bounces back and forth between Pittsburgh - which is cool since I have been there several times and am only about an hour from it - and Utah. And both places had a bad guy. I am proud to say I guessed the Utah one several pages before the mask was removed. (Figuratively. There was no actual mask).
And as always, there were some Biblical lessons and truths woven into the story. This time it was about being judgmental and loving people.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The drama, the romance, the history, the fossil digging. And definitely the end. Woodhouse again has shown she can write a great historical novel that entertains and educates.
This is one series that the books could be read in any order.
Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
About the author:
Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in Colorado. You can connect with Kimberley on her website, KimberleyWoodhouse.com.
This is either her 39th book, with #40 coming next month.
Book #1
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