Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Undercurrent of Secrets is an excellent novel by a new-to-me author.

Book Blurb

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.

My Review

I’ve never read Rachel Scott McDaniel before, but this book has made me a fan.

McDaniel does a masterful job balancing the contemporary and historical storylines, weaving them together as bits and pieces of the underlying mystery are revealed.

Devyn is definitely a heroine I can relate to, and I found it easy to root for her from the beginning. And Hattie has everything I love about historical heroines: grit, sass, and determination. I loved watching them as they struggled and picked themselves back up again, as well as their honest discussions of their faith.

Loving these characters so much is what had me glued to the pages through every plot twist, every flirtation and romantic interlude. I read this book in a day, reading long into the night because I could not part with it until I was finished. And I’m still amazed at the way McDaniel brings everything together.

Overall, Undercurrent of Secrets is a fantastic dual timeline novel mystery and romance fans will love.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Further Information

You can grab your own copy by clicking the book image or visiting your favorite book retailer.

For more on Rachel McDaniel, visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.