Publishers Weekly
07/05/2021
In McDaniel’s enjoyable fourth installment to the Doors to the Past series (after Bridge of Gold), a boat changes the lives of two women nearly a century apart. In 1925 Louisville, Ky., Hattie must figure out what to do when her adopted father, the captain of steamship the Belle of Louisville, announces his plans to retire and appoints first mate Jack Marshall as his replacement. Jack wants Hattie to stay on to help search for the smugglers he’s been warned are using the ship. In the present day, jilted would-be bride Devyn Asbury takes a job as wedding coordinator on the Belle and sets her sights on winning the Timeless Wedding Venue contest. While putting together the plan, Devyn is approached by a young man who wants to learn more about a woman his great-grandfather used to speak of. The only clue he has is a torn picture of the woman aboard the Belle with the name Hattie written on the back. While investigating the ship’s records, she learns of Hattie’s past betrothal, her difficult life on the river, and the dangers she faced while trying to root out the smugglers—and gains the confidence she lost with her failed engagement. Both tenacious women overcome doubt and trying circumstances by relying on faith. Fans of Julie Klassen should take a look. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
"Rachel skillfully binds dual-timeline love stories together against a fascinating backdrop—the Belle of Louisville steamboat. I thoroughly enjoyed uncovering the twists and turns of the mystery surrounding a woman who went missing a century before. Surprising. Heartwarming. A beautiful overlapping of past and present." –Becky Wade, Christy Award-winning author of the Misty River Romance series "Anchored by a historic riverboat, Undercurrent of Secrets links past and present in a tale featuring two sweet love stories. Readers will enjoy the lively banter and the relatable themes of finding yourself and following your dreams. Romance, adventure, and mystery abound in this charming split-time story!” —Denise Hunter, bestselling author of the Bluebell Inn series "I love a good dual-timeline novel and Rachel McDaniel makes a fantastic foray into the genre with Undercurrent of Secrets. I so enjoyed both storylines and found myself relating in many ways to Hattie and Devyn. The romances are lovely and both the history and the mystery kept me turning pages. . .and I especially loved the steamboat setting! McDaniel's latest is sure to charm readers. Highly recommended!" –Melissa Tagg, Christy Award-winning author of Now and Then and Always “With her latest novel, Undercurrent of Secrets, Rachel Scott McDaniel makes waves in the world of split-time romance with two marvelously intertwined tales set one century apart on the Belle of Louisville riverboat. The dreamy heroes and courageous heroines offer plenty of witty banter and moments to swoon over. While McDaniel’s talent for designing breath-stealing romance highlights the enchantment of the Belle, her instinct for creating page-turning suspense draws the reader along the shadowy riverbends and into the murky waters below. Be prepared to make room on your favorites shelf with this one!” –Janine Rosche, bestselling author of the Whisper Canyon Romance series
Midwest Book Review - James A. Cox
Written with the passion and attention to detail that characterizes the Doors to the Past series, Undercurrent of Secrets sweeps the reader into both an unfolding shipboard intrigue, and a vibrant love story. Highly recommended, especially for connoisseurs of the genre!
