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Book Review

Publisher's Note:

Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they're given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and Joshua Ziegler, an old beau, returns for the summer, Anna's world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters. Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. After Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed.…

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The Secrets Beneath

by Kimberley Woodhouse

Overall Book Review:

The Secrets Beneath is the first book in Kimberley Woodhouse’s Treasures of the Earth series. Woodhouse always finds unusual historical fiction topics. This book is a mixture of terrifying and fascinating. Reading this story really brings to mind the challenges faced by early paleontologists and women.

The book is an interesting read, but also one that causes a person to truly feel sorry for those who have been mistreated by others. The loneliness of Julian is heartbreaking. His need to be loved and accepted is conveyed in a thoughtful and insightful way.

There are a number of unexpected events that keep readers wondering what will happen next. In some cases, one wonders just how much sadness and disappointment a heart can take. This story is about learning to follow the Lord’s direction and rely on Him. It is about learning how to love others and show compassion.

Review of an Advance Reader Copy Provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore:  Multiple scenes of a man beating his child or of the child recalling the beatings; many references to a child being struck by his father; a man admits to killing a woman; a character kills his aging father; a woman is kidnapped; a person intentionally arranges physical harm to come to another; a person is shot and killed, blood is mentioned.

Sex/Nudity: Non-married characters kiss and embrace.

Mature Subject Matter:

Child abuse, death of a parent, emotional disorders, murder.

Drugs/Alcohol Use:

None

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
0
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
4
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
1
10

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About the Reviewer

I primarily read fiction from all genres. I have six children and many happy hours have been spent reading together. I also love quilting, hiking, and camping.