A Gem of Truth

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Secrets of the Canyon #2
Release Date: September 20, 2022

Escaping her shattered past is much more difficult than she imagined.

Julia Schultz has a reputation for being a storyteller, or as others see it, a liar. But with her dark and painful past, stories are all that have kept her company throughout her life. Longing for a fresh start and a second chance to earn real trust, Julia takes a job as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel, where she's challenged to be her true self.

Learning the trade of a master jeweler is hard work, but Christopher Miller takes pride in running his family's small shop and earning the respect of the people around him. But when he discovers that he has six weeks to buy his building from his landlord before it is sold, he must find a way to save his grandfather's legacy.

United by the discovery of a legendary treasure, Chris and Julia find hope in each other. But when Julia's past catches up with her, doubt creeps into Chris's heart. Can he really trust her and her stories?

---

Reviewer: Billi Varela

This is my first novel by Woodhouse, and I’m amazed by her talent! In my opinion, very few authors can elicit the feeling they are trying to portray in a novel to their readers. I am not one to cry over a book, but as I read A Gem of Truth, I shed quite a few tears. It is a very moving novel with its ups and downs, and it became hard for me to put down. 

Julia reminded me of people who fake their life in school just to be who they want to be, to fit in, or to be popular. I saw a little of myself in her. 

Chris is the typical gentleman. He wants to ensure he has a solid income before he courts the woman he has been smitten with. Honestly, what a gentleman. And he’s a man who believes in honesty, which was a downfall because of who Julia was. 

This book is set in the past, but there are many lessons for people living now. If you are looking for a book with romance and a few lessons, this is the perfect book. 

This book is clean and free from any profanity and sexual content. There were a few action scenes but nothing gory. 

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

Harvey girl Julia hides the shame of her past behind the outrageous but entertaining stories she tells, all to gain the self-esteem she lacks. Christopher is a jeweler commissioned to take his craft to El Tovar, the shining star of the Harvey House chain.

This story is filled with secrets, a treasure hunt, villains, and upstanding characters. We see more of the Grand Canyon and the Hopi artists from the first book. We also meet the new Harvey Girl, Julia, and Chris, who has his own set of problems when the landlord of his rented jewelry shop decides to sell.

Spiritual struggles play out with mentor and head waitress Ruth, trying to reach Julia for the Lord. And even though Chris, a believer, is showing interest in Julia, he does not know if he can trust her.

It was interesting to see how the author created a legend of lost treasure and weaved it into the story that caused the characters to examine their faith. A theme that resonated was that God pursues us and loves us. My favorite verses: Romans 8:38-39, were used to draw Julia to Christ.

I liked the descriptions of the jewels and jewelry making because I dabble in making jewelry. The whole story was intriguing and kept me turning pages. I cannot wait to see what happens to Ruth and who her suitor will be.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Thomas Brown

A Gem of Truth introduces us to complex, relatable characters in a well-written and flowing story from the turn of the 20th century.  

I found Julia's character a great allegory for each of our struggles to find significance and love – ultimately through the love of our Heavenly Father. You see her mature from intro to conclusion while exploring for treasure and teaching the reader a bit about the history of American culture during the early 1900s.  

Chris also provides a picture of a common believer's life in his struggle to hold faith in God's provision.

I give the story 5 stars as a great read that drew me in and never got dull. This is book number two in a series, but I had no trouble following it without reading the previous title.

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

---

---

Reviewer: Nikita Wells

I loved this book so much! I had no idea how much I needed to read this genre of western historical fiction, but it's definitely something I'll be digging into from now on.

Ms. Woodhouse has painted a wonderful tale full of faith, forgiveness, and sacrificial love. She did a brilliant job of depicting the Grand Canyon and its natural scenic beauty. This book is rich with truth, masterfully and seamlessly woven into this story of redemption.

Her leading lady, Julia, was relatable, realistic, and funny. I also loved reading about jeweler Chris and his love of creating pieces to last a lifetime and capturing the essence of the Hopi-Indian heritage.

I've found a new favorite author, y'all! This book was squeaky clean, and magnetic. Now I can't wait for the next book in the series, which features Julia's mentor Ruth and her story.

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. It's been my pleasure to give this book 5 stars. A positive review was not required of me but was freely given. The thoughts and musings above are my very own.

---

---

Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

With a setting in the Grand Canyon in 1907, A Gem of Truth continues the Secrets of the Canyon series by talented author Kimberley Woodhouse. It was fun to return to El Tovar Hotel and the Harvey Girls who worked there. I’ve enjoyed learning more about this slice of history.

Woodhouse has created a cast of colorful, engaging characters and placed them in a beautiful, historic setting. This tale stars Julia Schultz as a story-telling Harvey Girl and Christopher Miller as a jeweler invited to show and sell his wares at the Hopi House near the hotel. Julia’s stories have caught up to her, and she is striving to be more truthful and develop some friendships with the other girls. Christopher needs to earn enough money to buy the shop he’s been renting.

When Julia finds part of a legendary treasure, things begin to get exciting but dangerous. Adventure, twists and turns, inspiration, and a dash of romance combine to make this an entertaining addition to the series. It can be read as a stand-alone book, but many of the characters from the first book appear in this one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

---