A Deep Divide

Written by Kimberley Woodhouse

Narrated by Jeanine Bartel

With her past behind her, she has nothing—and everything—to lose.

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining
chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona Territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the
family business and doing good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can’t let go of the deep-rooted fear that he’s just like every other wealthy man she’s known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El
Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705039328

Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse (KimberleyWoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of thirty-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

Reviews for A Deep Divide

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kidnapped as a child and disillusioned by the way her kidnapping ended, Emma Grace knows she must depend on herself first and be careful of whom she trusts. Fleeing her home when her father threatens to marry her off to the highest bidder, she makes her own living as a Harvey Girl. But the past has a way of catching up to you, and Emma Grace is again in danger. This well written story has great characters and an intriguing plot. The author works in Christian morals and beliefs with a deft hand. This novel is Part 1 of the Secrets of the Canyon series, and a great start to the series.

[bookworm_lisa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you were on the outside looking in, you would think that Emma Grace is a person to be envied. She is wealthy and beautiful. You would think that she had it all, but she has emotional scars and is running from her past. Her outlook was forever changed when she was kidnapped as a child and she learned that not everyone is trustworthy.This story is set in the Grand Canyon. Kimberley Woodhouse gave wonderful descriptions. I could almost picture it in my head. She brought the time and the place alive in my imagination. I can honestly say that I was lost in the story.The relationship between Emma Grace and Ray starts off slow. He is a good man, but wealthy, that immediately sets off red flags to Emma Grace. It takes a while before she can determine whether or not to trust him. He is patient and kind as he helps her rediscover her faith and while she learns to trust him.Ms. Woodhouse does a great job of disguising some of the bad guys. It is a bit of a surprise when you learn everything. I really enjoyed the characters and the story.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Her whole identity was a façade. How could she be real with anyone?”I really loved A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse. I think it may be her best work yet. A historical set mostly at the Grand Canyon, we see plenty of great descriptions of this beautiful landmark. The writing style is solid, with a touch of wistfulness that will draw you in with its suspense, romance, and faith. Plus, the great historical detail Woodhouse includes shows her meticulous research.Emma Grace McMurray learns in childhood that those most responsible for caring for her cannot be trusted. Now she is in hiding, trusting no man, always looking over her shoulder.I like Emma Grace’s character. She is humble and not too proud to work when many in her position would be. She befriends those around her in need. She does have an issue with those of the upper class and quickly categorizes most as snobby and self-absorbed.Ray Watkins has his work cut out for him. Interested in the calm, collected, and beautiful waitress, he has a hard time getting her to pay him any attention. Ray is someone I felt very sorry for. His father is very domineering, with some health issues, that make working for his approval nearly impossible. Ray tries hard to live up to his new faith, but his father and his associates make that difficult.I loved Ruth, who ended up being such a loyal friend. Always ready to listen, ready to comfort, ready to think the best of her new friend.I loved learning about the Harvey Girls and the Harvey House, El Tovar, at the Grand Canyon.We saw a display about the Harvey House Girls while we visited the canyon, but we were in a hurry at the display, and I didn't catch the significance. Thank you, Ms. Woodhouse, for this great, fun education on the Harvey House Girls and the Grand hotel there!I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and no positive review was required.Notable Quotables:“A man was a man, no matter his status.”“She’d love to have a real friend, but she had too many secrets.”“…you are valuable to us for who you are.”“You’re so busy trying to be brave and take care of yourself that you’ve shoved God back because you don’t think He can be trusted.”

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and this book made my desire even stronger! A Great Divide is filled with adventure, mystery, intrigue, and the beauty of the Grand Canyon, as it was in 1905. Emma Grace McMurtry is an heiress who runs away to escape her ruthless father and ends up working as a Harvey Girl in Arizona. As I read this new book by Kimberley Woodhouse, I was right there with her, working at the famous El Tovar Hotel, serving the customers, and constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure that no one was following me. Emma Grace soon finds friendship with Ray, Ruth, and Frank, but Ray Watkins is the one who carves a place in her heart. He understands the pain associated with a misguided father, and he knows first hand the grace and acceptance that comes from believing in God. Can Ray help Emma Grace find that same peace and comfort?A Deep Divide is absorbing historical fiction with realistic characters, a sweet but thrilling romance, and a strong thread of faith woven throughout its plot. Greed is the cause of much suffering and pain, but Woodhouse shows how forgiveness and redemption can buffer the hurt. A Great Divide is a five-star read for me, and I look forward to the next book in the Secrets of the Canyon series!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoy reading books in a setting that I can visualize. I cannot imagine what it would be like to work at a national park and interact with new people each day. Emma Grace gets a chance to do that when she goes to work as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Grand Canyon Hotel. She tries to be careful in her friendships, but soon meets Ray. They team up to find out who had been stealing from the hotel and soon find out more than they bargained for. I really enjoyed following the adventures of Emma Grace and Ray and look forward to the next installment.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful romance that has a bit of suspense. I love the descriptions of the Grand Canyon and the surrounding area. This shows the love/hate relationship between some fathers and their children. I love the wonderful characters that depict what the Harvey Girls might have really been like. This is a beautiful story that you will not want to put down. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House and the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: A Deep Divide (Secrets of the Canyon #1)Author: Kimberley WoodhousePages: 320Year: 2021Publisher: BethanyMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.What an amazing tale! If you have never read any of this author’s books, like they say, no time like the present! In the novel, readers are introduced to Emma Grace McMurray. The year is 1891, and Emma Grace is shopping with an employee of her father’s. The next minute Emma Grace awakens in an unknown room in new surroundings! Fast forward nine years and Emma Grace is once again supposed to meet a potential suitor. When Emma confronts her father, refusing to marry any of the men he has chosen for her, she is told in no uncertain terms she’ll do as he has directed! Emma Grace decides to put a plan into play and disappears. Coming from a family of means, Emma must now work for a living and somewhere that allows her to blend in with her surroundings.Emma Grace meets a young woman named Ruth who is more than her supervisor, she’s a true friend even when she learns what Emma hasn’t told a soul. Emma Grace wants friends and family but how can that happen when fear is her constant companion. Emma Grace meets a young man by the name of Ray Watkins when he constantly sits at a table Emma serves. Ray was sent with a couple of his father’s business associates to take care of something Ray’s father won’t disclose to him. Ray has recently started living with a totally different moral compass and seeks only to do what God would have him do. However, his father, who is wealthy, seems to do all he can to redirect Ray’s focus elsewhere.Tension mounts in the novel with each page turned. There are characters sent to find Emma Grace at all costs, and her life seems to be in peril constantly. As I read the story, there were parts I thought would bring a swift resolution, but the author brilliantly introduces a twist that carried me away in a different direction. I enjoyed the setting at a hotel that is still active in the Grand Canyon, El Tovar! There is something in the novel for fans of romance, suspense, thrills, faith, and friendship. I think the author does a superb job of showing that faith can at times be a moment-by-moment walk, like breathing. The main character gained strength to conquer her fears through the love of others and watching them live out their faith while not having all the pat answers.Grab a copy and share a story that has the message of hope!Note: I received a free copy from Bethany House. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Perhaps she wouldn’t have to move again. She could just stay hidden here forever.With vivid detail, the author takes us to the Grand Canyon in all its glory. One can only imagine the secrets around this incredible place! El Tovar, an exquisite hotel on the edge of the Canyon, is the perfect setting for a wonderful story about the fascinating life of just one Harvey Girl. This career, sought after by many in early 1900, brought financial relief to many families. In fact, I’m quite sure I would have enjoyed such an opportunity as a young lady. There is more than one deep divide that this narrative brings for the reader to consider. As a young child, Emma Grace experienced a total loss of trust in those who should have been caring for her. Leaving all that she knew behind, she became a Harvey Girl, seeking to be the best that she could be. Trust in those around her did not come easily, continually living in fear of being found out. Learning to leave those fears with the Lord would also help her learn to trust - but could she do it? Would it be possible for that broken trust to ever be restored? An ARC of this first book in the Secrets of the Canyon was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a great captivating story. I love books about the Harvey Girls, and this one did not disappoint, and we learn how our girl, Emma Grace, knows about them, first hand information.We are also given a young man, Ray Watkins, and his journey to eventually own his father's business, and do Good with his profits.These two have a lot in common, both come from wealthy backgrounds, and have father's that they never seem to please, and now fate, or God has put these two on the same path.This read has a lot of action, from kidnapping to murder, from new identities to finding oneself, along with seeing some of this beautiful country through the eyes of these characters. A very enjoyable read!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.