Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.
In this interview, Kimberley gives us some insights into her latest book, The Secrets Beneath.
FF: The Secrets Beneath is the first book in the Treasures of the Earth Series. What inspired the idea behind your series?
I had several different ideas for upcoming series I wanted to write, but I put it out to my readers on Facebook and Instagram, asking about what they would like to see in historical fiction. One of my friends brought up the Bone Wars, and I instantly knew that was what I wanted to write next.
FF: What do you hope readers will gain from reading The Secrets Beneath?
I always pray that the readers are able to see grace and forgiveness in every story. This one is ramped up quite a bit–not only for the hero and heroine, but for another major character.
FF: Why did you choose to set The Secrets Beneath in the late 1800’s and feature the Bone Wars?
Like I mentioned above, it was a great idea suggested on my author page. Once I started doing the research, I was sucked into the era. And then! I was able to speak with Earl Douglass’s granddaughter. Earl is the man behind Dinosaur National Monument! I’m so excited to have so much information—journals and such—from this amazing man to be able to use in the series.
FF: What type of research was required to accurately write about your female protagonist, Anna Lakeman’s, role in paleontology and her experiences with the Bone Wars?
I spent almost two weeks out in the field doing research in addition to all the reading and investigating that I did. Meeting a female paleontologist (Dr. Sue Ann Bilbey) was a highlight of the trip. She is such an amazing person with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
FF: Medical student Joshua Ziegler is returning to Wyoming. What is his connection to Anna Lakeman?
They have known one another since childhood. His sister was Anna’s best friend. He and Anna were very much in love before he left for medical school, but a horrible argument drove them apart.
FF: How many books will be in the Treasures of the Earth Series?
There will be three books in the series. The second, Set in Stone, releases in March of 2024.
FF: What is the connecting element for all the books in the series?
The connecting element for all of the books in this series is women in paleontology.
FF: What do readers have to look forward to in the rest of the series?
Lots of digging for dinosaur bones, a race against time for a prestigious museum display, lots of suspense, the opening of Dinosaur National Monument, and so much more!
The Secrets Beneath
Treasures of the Earth Series #1
Kimberley Woodhouse
Bethany House
Genres: Historical Romance
Release Date: September 26, 2023
ISBN-10: 0764241680
ISBN-13: 978-0764241680
Book Summary:
Some secrets can only stay buried for so long…
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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