The Covered Deep

by Brandy Vallance

Bianca Marshal is holding out for the perfect husband. Finding a man that meets the requirements of her “must-have” list in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains has proven impossible. Bianca’s mama insists that there’s no such thing as a perfect true love, and that Bianca’s ideal man is pure fiction. On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Bianca discovers a devastating statistic: her chance of marrying is now only eighteen percent. Unwilling to accept spinsterhood, Bianca enters an essay contest that propels her into a whirlwind search for her soulmate. Via the opulence of London and the mysteries of the Holy Land, Bianca’s true love will be revealed, but not without a heavy price.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Christian, Fiction, Historical Romance

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2014

About the author

Brandy Vallance fell in love with the Victorian time period at a young age, loving the customs, manners, and especially the intricate rules of love. Since time travel is theoretically impossible, she lives in the nineteenth century vicariously through her novels. Unaccountable amounts of black tea have fueled this ambition. Brandy hopes to avoid a similar fate as the writer, Honoré de Balzac, who met his death via caffeine poisoning. At this point, the balance may not be tipped in her favor. Brandy's love of tea can only be paralleled by her love of Masterpiece Theater Classics, deep conversations, and a good book.

Brandy is the 2013 Operation First Novel winner and the 2012 winner of the ACFW Genesis Contest for historical romance. www.brandyvallance.com

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really have no clue what to say about this book. It was amazing-characters, storyline, setting, and spiritual content. Paul was dreamy, yes, even when the truth about him became known. Bianca sometimes was a little ridiculous but I felt for her in her desire for marriage and longings of the heart. And being an Ohio girl too, I felt close to he character.

There is a strong testimony of faith, forgiveness, and hope throughout this story. Despite this, there were several euphemism's used for God's name and on the last page several references to God name that seem flippant (it could be the author didn't intend for them to be that way, but they sure came across that way).


This story will blow you away. All the historical content and quotes from authors was downright amazing. The trip to the Holy Land was a big eye-opener and I loved how many verses (KJV) were quoted and referenced.

I didn't appreciate the dynamics of the story my first read through, but now having read it again some of my nitpicky opinions were actually not the same. I'm impressed with the depth of the story. Also, I don't think I quite understood Sir Adrian either but his struggle became very apparent. Wow. That about sums it up!

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fans of historical and inspirational fiction may find themselves a little disappointed in this novel by first time author, Brandy Vallance. But before any of you vindictive Christian bloggers bite my head off (you know who you are!), let me explain the pros and cons of this book and how I reached my decision.

What I enjoyed about this book:
The premise was pretty unique; it's 1877, a naive young Ohio woman wins the trip of a lifetime to go abroad to the Holy Land with a carefully selected group of travelers. In the beginning, I even enjoyed the strangeness of Sir Adrian, the eccentric millionaire who creates the contest looking for unique and compatible travelers to journey with him to Jerusalem. The little historical touches were also educational and fitting with the story. It helped bring the travelers and their surroundings to life.

What I could have done without:
Bianca is far too naive and suddenly loses all common sense when journeying to the Holy Land. Walking around the garden in just her nightgown, walking alone with men, letting her hair out, and begging to be kissed are just a few of the things she does that are sharply in contrast to her naive pure, Christian nature which she embodies elsewhere in the book. Her lover, Paul, is thankfully not so pure. He has a dark past filled with stealing and adultery which he has to somehow has to get Bianca to understand and forgive. Of course, Bianca can't wrap her head around it (can you blame her?) or forgive him so their short relationship is doomed. Speaking of short relationships... Love at first sight? Really?! It was like instant love. Bianca meets Paul and thirty seconds later she's wondering what their children will look like. They both fall head over heels in love and within a week they're talking about love, marriage, and what Bianca's father will say. Thankfully, things don't get too passionate because Paul has awesome timing and etiquette for bringing up his sordid past (yes, that was sarcasm). Finally, the last thing I could have done without was the hidden planning/game of Sir Adrian's. Really? Get a life mister. I can't believe some crazed millionaire would really plan for two years to find the perfect match for Paul just to see if he would confess his dirty past, thus being a true Christian.... I just don't see it. It's not even that exciting. The story would have been much better without all those weird little schemes, that didn't really go anywhere.

Overall, it wasn't awful, but it wasn't great. I enjoyed the historical aspects of it and the writing was eloquently worded but... that was about it for me. For a first novel though, Brandy Vallance has nothing to be ashamed of, this was at least readable and at times, enjoyable, which is more then I can say about most first time authors. I wish her well in future works and look forward to reading any of her upcoming novels :)

I received this book for free from Worthy Publishing in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“Some Dreams Are Worth Searching For
Bianca Marshal is looking for a man who can quote both Jesus and Shakespeare. Not surprisingly, the man is hard to find in the small Appalachian town where she lives. Her mother insists that Bianca lower her standards. On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Bianca wonders if her mother is right.
Still set on experiencing love, or at least a little adventure, Bianca wins an essay contest that propels her into a whirlwind search for the perfect romantic hero. Via the opulence of London and the mysteries of Palestine, Bianca’s true love will be revealed—but not without a price that might be too heavy to pay.”


Series: As of now, no.


Spiritual Content- Jeremiah 33:3 is at the front; Many, many, many Scriptures are quoted; Many, many, many talks about God; Many Prayers; Many, many, many mentions and talks about things that happen in the Bible, going to those places and Who walked there; Church going & hymns are sung and written; “Drive like Jehu!” is said and Jezebel is mention a few times; Bianca’s mother says that Europe’s museums “are nothing but a collection of idols. Dens of sin glorifying the heathen nations.”; Madeline calls the Bible a book of fairy-tales; Mr. Tabor is a Darw*n man; “Good God” is said many times. Many Musl*ms and all are violent;
*Note: Minor cussing including: four “Great Jehoshaphat”s, three “laud”s, two “h*llish”, a “what the devil”, three “where the devil”s, a “Poor devil”, a “Devil take it”, a “she-devil”, a “devil-wind”, a “devil of a fool”, a “devil's handmaid”, a “go to the devil”, wind is described as “h*ll's fingers”, “screamed like the d*mned”.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a “curse it all”, a “posh”, a “cur”, a “blast it”, a “shut your mouth”, two “bloody”s, two “blimey”s, two 'shut up's, two “dash it all”, three 'idiot's, four “blasted”s, five “Gad!”s, five “stupid”s; two curses are said but not written. Bianca hits a frog with a spear (to eat it; detailed); Bianca says many Shakespeare insults; Blood, Fighting, Hitting, Screaming (highest being board line semi-detailed to detailed); a Mention of a dead man’s body burning (India, semi-detailed); Prison camps (pretty detailed and gross); Mentions of suicide and a character tries to do it (pretty detailed); Mentions of drinking; Poison.


Sexual Content- Wanting to kiss; A semi-detailed kiss; Three detailed-on-the-feelings embraces; a hint about a wedding night; two Mentions of a harem; a Mention of King David & Bathsheba and their story; Minor cussing including: a lady is called a “cow” and a “witch”, a “wanton”, two ‘wh*re’s; three “harpy”s; On Bianca’s Soul Mate list #6 (of 7) is that he must be “a more than capable kisser”; A mentions of a woman who ran for the United States presidents it’s added “that woman has no respect for the marriage bed.”; Flirts & Flirting: Staring & Studying (highest being semi-detailed); Madeline mentions about a lover’s touch, their lips & compromising situations(highest being semi-detailed); *Big Spoiler but very important to the story* Paul is India “bed a wh*re, cause her divorce, and steal a diamond” (Madeline and it’s mentioned many times though not above semi-detailed). *End of Big Spoiler*; Madeline thought that a couple had a secret liaison (they didn’t); A women’s dress gets torn (barely above not-detailed but it’s implied that she’s almost raped); Love, falling in love, looking for a soul mate, trying not to be in love, & lots of emotions.

-Bianca Marshal
-Paul Emerson
P.O.V. switches between them and Sir Adrian
Set in 1877
397 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star?
New Teens- One Star (and a half)?
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)?
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)?
My personal Rating- Two Stars to Three Stars (and a half)?

{Can I not do ratings on this book? Because, honestly this has to be the hardest book I’ve ever had to rate.}
{A very trusted adult should read this book before the girl}

Okay, so I have no clue where to start on this review. Part of me wants to give it two stars because of the Negative & Sexual Contents. The other part wants to give it a three & a half because of the crazy-how-did-the-author-think-of-it-crazy plot line and the amounts of details of the Biblical content. I recently watched thoroughly the original “Around the World in 80 Days” (over the course of many days—that movie is long…and not the cleanest either…) and was reminded of it at different parts in the story (Most the India ones). This was a book with an insanely intricate plot and lots of details, but I think a very trusted author should read before the girl.


Link to Review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...




*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Worthy Publishing) for this review.

[Iola · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the concept of The Covered Deep: it’s 1877, and a young woman from a small town in Ohio wins a competition to travel to London, and on to the Holy Land. Bianca Marshal is twenty-five, well-read, and holding out for True Love (encouraged by her father). It’s soon apparent to the reader, if not to Bianca, that Sir Adrian Hartwith has selected his travel companions based on their unknown relationships, and this is what provides most of the conflict in the story. He has an ulterior motive, but I thought this didn’t come out until too late in the story.

I had two main problems with The Covered Deep. The first is common to many American authors who use historical English settings and characters: they get the details wrong, to the point where it detracted from the story. Bianca can’t have read Sherlock Holmes, because the first Homes novel wasn’t published until 1887, ten years after the setting of The Covered Deep. English girls wear plaits, not braids, there has been no national flag of Great Britain since 1801 (when it became the flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland), and the British were subjects, not citizens, in 1877. And Bianca’s assumption that Paul Emerson is single because he doesn’t wear a wedding ring is anachronistic: British men only started wearing wedding rings in the 1960’s. Pedantic? Maybe. But these are the details which pull me out of the story.

That’s not to say the writing isn’t good: some lines are brilliant. But parts of the story felt as though the author was trying too hard, often because she used a word in the wrong context (e.g. bee’s knees, which dates from 1922), or used the almost-correct word (e.g. “her acute eyes” or “howbeit” where “albeit” would have been a better choice).

My second problem was with the character of innocent naive Bianca. She is twenty-five, unmarried, and this is the first time she’s ever left her home town. But she’s spent those twenty-five years living with parents who barely like each other, a mother who has continually encouraged her to marry, a father who has encouraged her to hold out for true love, and with books. How could she have read authors like Shakespeare, Austen and the Bronte sisters, and not realised that some people will lie, cheat and scheme in order to get what they want? (Not to mention reading The Bible, which is full of object lessons in what not to do.) It didn’t ring true.

The result is I found it hard to care for Bianca, and harder still to care for any of her travel companions. Finishing the book was a chore, not a pleasure. I liked the concept, but the writing didn’t resonate with me.

Thanks to Worthy Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a man, I approach most romances with certain expectations, such as formulaic plot lines. But from the first page, Brandy Vallance's engaging writing alone would have kept me interested in the story. As the story unfolded, the humor of Bianca's search for the perfect husband led her on adventures that changed her life kept me turning pages so quickly, I felt the story was over far too soon! The Covered Deep is a romance—but not just a romance. The Covered Deep is a story that touches the heart and mind of both men and women alike.

[Natalie Gleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first captured by the title. Then the cover. Then the blurb.

Then I heard this book was 14 years in the making. Fourteen YEARS.

I alternately wanted to weep and gape at the literary genius I was certain these pages would contain . . .

I was not disappointed.

Read my breakdown of this novel (Heroine, Hero, Baddies, Plot, Setting, The Ending, Overall Effect) here:
http://sweetsouthblog.blogspot.com/20...

And ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR A PAPERBACK COPY. Giveaway ends 1.31.15.

[R.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY GENERAL THOUGHTS: I really, really liked this book. It was different yet exciting at the same time. The writing is so beautiful and easy to follow and the characters were well made, even though they seemed to be flawed at times, which only made them that more realistic. The history facts throughout this book were also fun to read about. Though, at times I did find Bianca to act a little like a child concerning her naivety, she put herself in potential danger by walking around alone with men in only her nightgown (?) just to attempt capturing the attention of a man she had decided was her future husband. But I suppose that the author wanted to show her grow into maturity towards the end of the book, which was very well demonstrated in my opinion.

QUESTIONABLE CONTENT: As I previously said, Bianca did often place herself into potentially dangerous situations in the order of capturing the attention of a man. There were some sexual issues such as adultery, in addition to stealing and sneaky schemes. However, there was not much violence, if any.

RATING AND RECOMMENDATION: Overall, I did enjoy The Covered Deep and rate it 4 out of 5 stars for a very well read. I recommend it to anyone who loves Historical Romance!

"I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

[Jenmartini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have yoy ever started a book thinking this might be pretty good, I'll just this first chapter tonight, Then at 3 am you realize you haven't put the book down? That this book.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I enjoyed the journey of the story: the way the author eases into the conflicts and mysteries of everyone.
If you enjoy Georgette Heyer and/or Christy by Catherine Marshall I'll wager you'll enjoy this.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dizzying mystery. Thickly woven plot. An excellent read for anyone that loves a little adventure! Read my full review: here.

[Rachel McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

from my review on Novel Crossing:

The Covered Deep is smarter than you might think it is.

On the forefront, it is an engaging romantic adventure about a young woman, late of Appalachia, who wins a contest and follows her dream and heart to England and beyond. But what makes this book stand out is not only its reverence of and homage to the 19th Century romances we know and love, it is the fact that it relies on a similar narrative trope.

The book is told in a style that recalls the melodramatic and sensational adventures of yesteryear. This not only asserts Vallance as an exceptionally sly and smart writer, it also differentiates this book from any other CBA historical I have read this year.

When Bianca’s poetry entry guarantees her a trip to London and the Holy Land, she immediately pulls out her list of credentials required for the hero of her dreams. One fateful night at the British museum, she meets the intellectual and brooding Paul Emerson. Paul, dear reader, is the best hybrid of Darcy and Rochester and Bianca is immediately smitten. On the ship to Palestine, they learn more about each other as well as the other contest winners, and Bianca realizes that intrigue is well-paired with the adventure and romance that so remind her of the hours she has spent in the pages of a book.

The unique setting of the Palestinian regions and the opportunity for the characters to wander into settings of Biblical renown is an interesting one, especially for the CBA. Vallance’s expert research and beautifully painted settings provide a colorful and ornamented backdrop for what turns out to be a gorgeous character piece worthy of Bronte or Dumas. No one is quite as they seem and Bianca and Paul’s budding romance is threatened by whispers of the past. Strong faith driven themes such as forgiveness and grace are interwoven while Bianca learns that God outdoes any of her human expectations and that the truest relationship is the one experienced with Christ.

Lush, colorful, romantic, and embroidered with beautiful prosaic lines and expert historical imagery, The Covered Deep reminded me of the dusty old tomes I adore: The Count of Monte Cristo, The Scarlet Pimpernel and even the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters.

I often say that if one were to steal into my daydreams, they would find Bianca’s adventures and romance there, for the opulent Victorian world and penchant for adventure is one so close to my reader’s heart.

That being said, I think that The Covered Deep is best read with a sense of abandon. Yes, there are sentences and similes that may seem overhanded, while some instances and coincidences might seem to border on the overly dramatic. In both cases, I encourage readers to fall into it: into its world and into its words which, I believe, very much harken back to stories of the era in which it is set.

The Covered Deep is a reading experience unlike any you will find in the CBA Historical realm this year and it is best met with a heart full of adventure, a wise knowing wink to the past, and a throwaway sense of romantic abandonment.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Covered Deep is fantastic. So richly romantic, and so fresh with its settings and situations, author Brandy Vallance had me reading till dawn.

The set-up was perfect. I've looked at enough historic newspapers that I can see Sir Adrian's advertisement clearly, an invitation to four lucky winners, page 7, fifth column, positioned between the court-ordered public notices and the Nectar of Paradise Miracle Elixir testimonials, ;) calling them to an incomparable adventure to the Holy Land.

I loved Bianca Marshal immediately. How could you not--on one hand, a fiercely intelligent woman with an exacting list of qualities required for a soul mate and impenetrable standards... and on the other, an ingenue whose dreams of romance send her around the world searching for that man. She's so relatable, from her nervousness about meeting the expectations of London society to her heartbreak over--well, you'll see for yourself about that...

It took me a few pages to warm up to Paul Emerson, but this was due to my lazy reading. You see, Paul is terrifically handsome (love those green eyes!), but my freshest point of reference for the accent of a cultured Brit is the fellow who played Jarvis on ABC's Agent Carter, so I developed the wrong image of our striking hero. (If you're not familiar, that actor looks a bit like Benedict Cumberbatch, which doesn't sound too bad until you know that I must be the only woman out there who doesn't find him attractive in the slightest. I always imagine the scene in Star Trek where he's sitting on the table in sickbay, straight-backed and tight-lipped in his onesie. But I digress.)

In spite of this, Paul won me over in short order with his brilliant mind, and that's much better than a pretty face. In fact, all of the characters are colorful and real, and the personality conflicts and secrets made for particularly fun dialogue between them.

Yes, I love this novel, to the point that I may need to dive back in. I've tweeted and raved to my mother and written this review, and even now, I have a book hangover like you just wouldn't believe.

[Kerry Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished The Covered Deep yesterday, and I still catch myself gazing at the cover. Thinking about Bianca and Paul. Replaying zippy dialogue and vibrantly-described scenery in my mind. Savoring phrases used like word sculptures throughout the prose. And smiling at the last few pages, though it was painful to close the book.

I called home about this one.

My mom's a voracious reader too, and we enjoy many of the same stories. Many of the books I read I pass on to her when we get together. But a few rare books - like The Covered Deep - I call home about.

"Mom, you HAVE to read this one." My mom's life is still fairly busy, so on the phone I urged her to put this story atop her TBR (to-be-read) pile. She enjoys history and sweet romance as I do. She also appreciates lively dialogue, mysterious characters, and plot twists you can't quite put your thumb on.

The Covered Deep has all of these story facets, and so much more.

Brandy Vallance has written a unique, adventurous romance, a story that is breath-taking in its twists and turns and secrets. Her characters are larger-than-life, humorous, and relatable. The secrets the story holds will drive you pages and pages in, until questions finally get answered and God's grace is revealed on the streets of Bethlehem and back home in the heart of the US.

The story begins at the banks of the Ohio River, carrying the reader along to museums in London and the moon-drenched streets of Jerusalem on the back of an Arabian horse. Each scene packs emotional punch and builds to the story's end, bringing full-circle the themes of forgiveness and grace we all desperately need. I will long remember brave, strong-willed Bianca and handsome, thoughtful Paul, main characters whose interactions on the page were lifelike and sigh-worthy.

The Covered Deep offers readers the heart-pattering chemistry of a romance, the vivid detail and background of a historical, and the buried secrets and regrets of a mystery. It's truly unique and unforgettable story, one I highly recommend.

I look forward to this author's books to come, because Brandy Vallance has a talent with words and description and a soft magnifying glass into the workings of the human heart.

[Reet Champion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantic to the hilt, Bianca Marshal takes after her father in so many ways, much to the chagrin of her frustrated mother. When her father presents her with a chance to see the world as she has always wanted to Bianca enters the opportunity of a lifetime and wins. In England she meets up with her travel companions who all seem to be hiding their own dark secrets. Before long Bianca is caught up in a whirl of mystery that threatens to overcome her good nature as the group travels to the Holy Land where danger comes in yet another form.

The Covered Deep has a lot of elements that make a good and fast-paced novel. Secrets, scandal, high-speed chases, near-death encounters and stark raving mad people come together to create a historical fiction and gothic thriller story not soon to be forgotten. The characters kept me a little confused. One moment I would be mentally berating them for what I thought they were followed by remorse as I seem to have misjudged them. This was really a story that was very different from what I read and I must say it was rather interesting. It had its slow parts but it was an educational view of how depraved people can be and also of redemption.

DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “The Covered Deep” provided by the publishers, Worthy Publishing, through Netgalley.com in exchange for our honest review.

reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical romance isn't my usual genre--in fact, I usually avoid it--so when I find one I love, I love it that much more! The poetic writing and Bianca's lively personality made this a win for me from the beginning. I love what a unique heroine she is! And once I met Paul, I was a total goner. The emotions are beautiful, the characters are flawed yet heroic, and the love story is beautifully done. I can't recommend this book enough!

[Christin · Rating 1 out of 5]

How did this book get so many stars?? I couldn't even read the whole thing. I had to skip to the end after the first third. I think the author really lost me when Bianca started fainting and sobbing at the idea that a man she just met could be engaged. Not for me. As other reviewers have noted, the book is also riddled with anachronistic references.

[Melissa]

I would recommend this book to readers who seek out books for their wordsmithing, or cool turns of phrase, and setting the scene and anyone tired of the same ol’ same ol’ settings.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is the first novel by Brandy Vallance and a fine start, I think. Bianca Marshal is a young lady heading for her 25th birthday in the 1870s when 25 is an age of spinsterhood. She takes a dare from her father and enters a contest to travel to London, England, and then to the Holy Land. She is not necessarily expecting to find a husband, but at least she will widen her opportunities. So far she has turned down many suitors who don't live up to her exacting standards. What she wants is perfection, handsomeness, humor, wit and intelligence, and a deep faith in God. Will she find it? Or will she be tested almost beyond her limits with what and who she does find? This story seems to flow seamlessly off the pages and kept me in suspense all the way through. The only issue I had is one of religion. I am not a deeply religious person myself, but the biblical references seemed to fit here. Bianca is a deeply religious character, but also just as human as the rest of us. I enjoyed reading her story.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar debut, The Covered Deep possesses such incredible passion and prose that I couldn’t peel myself away from the pages. Brandy Vallance easily clenches a “Best of 2014” in the category of Christian Romance. Through a thrilling and often harrowing expedition to the Holy Land, love is tested, secrets revealed, and deceptions lurk. The Covered Deep boasts unexpected plot twists, diverse and compelling characters, as well as playfully witty humor.

From her quiet hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio, Bianca sets off on an adventure to find true love in a foreign land. Armed with a list of attributes, she is convinced that she will recognize her future husband the moment she lays eyes on him. Oh he’s out there, but will she be willing to accept all of him and not just the parts that fit her mold. While treading upon sacred ground her faith will be tested, passions inflamed, and limits of forgiveness tested.

The Covered Deep’s many endearing qualities will win the hearts of readers. I thoroughly enjoyed how Bianca’s naïveté and her humorous euphemisms contrasted with London’s aristocracy. The importance of public perceptions and modesty are oft mentioned throughout the book and perhaps it’s because these ideals have fallen so drastically, I find myself craving books that include them. Beyond an embrace or an impassioned kiss you will not find any lustful drivel within these pages. What you will find is the searching, testing, and the resilience of the characters’ faith in Christ. Woven throughout the story are prayers and scriptures from which the main characters draw strength.

A perfect selection for Christian romance and history buffs alike, The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance captures 5 out of 5 stars. Get your copy October 14th, 2014 when it releases from Worthy Publishing.

**I received this book free as a member of Worthy Publishing's FIRST LOOK review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca Marshal has dreams of a dashing hero coming in and sweeping her off her feet. She's even got a list of the qualities in the man she's been dreaming of. When her father learns of an essay contest with the prize being a trip to the Holy Land, he encourages Bianca to enter. She does, never expecting to be chosen as one of four finalists. Bianca soon finds herself on a ship to London where she will meet the other contestants and from there they will journey to the Holy Land. Fascinated by all that is new and interesting, Bianca soon forms an attachment to Paul Emerson, a historian. But there are secrets that Paul is keeping, secrets that could devastate Bianca should she find out. Will she have her heart broken or find her dreams coming true?

I'm not sure if I've ever read a Christian Romance set in the Holy Land. This one wan't the typical formula for romance either. By adding an aristocrat with nothing to do with his time but to create social experiments, the entire romance had a touch of mystery in it.

I'll admit. I did find that parts dragged a bit, most in the detail of the history of whatever site the travelers were at. But that aside, the fact that it didn't follow a formula, kept my attention. I was quickly engrossed into Bianca's journey. And Paul's. And even Sir Adrian's experiment.

Yet, I didn't necessarily like Sir Adrian's experiment. At times, it seemed cruel and unnecessary. Sure, I guess it showed human nature, but still, I didn't like it. And yes, it was necessary to the story.

Still, this was a pretty good read. It was interesting and different. Not at all what I expected when I looked at the cover.

I received a free pdf copy of this book from Worthy Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Jody Hedlund,

Rating - 4 stars

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical boy-meets-girl story! There is a lot packed into this book, which starts out innocently enough with a fairly sheltered young woman named Bianca, from a small town in 1870's Ohio, who wins a trip to England and the Holy Land. She naively thinks she will find a perfect man along the way, who matches her list of criteria for whom she will marry. It seems to be a trip made for romance starting with a cruise through the beautiful Mediterranean, headed to Palestine, with all expenses paid and interesting companions. Things are revealed however, that unravel her fairytale spin on romance, and ultimately test her faith.
Full of wonderful descriptions and historical details of the sights along the way made this an informative read. The more that was revealed about the characters, however, and how they reacted to events--past and present--made the story really interesting. It read like a mystery in some parts, kept me looking for clues to secrets, and guessing at motives. The prevalent theme of the need for forgiveness, redemption, acceptance and love added depth to the story and made me think about it long after I finished.

Not a quick read by any means at nearly 400 pages, but definitely a worthy one. Recommend to fans of Christian historical romance fiction. (If you liked Lisa Bergren's Grand Tour series, you will love this.) 4.5 stars

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

I must say, both the cover and the synopsis of Brandy Vallance’s The Covered Deep had me hooked from the get-go. I love a good historical romance and I set my expectations high for this one – and luckily, it did not let me down. I have read a lot of novels set in the late 1800s, especially recently, but rarely do they venture into the Holy Land, as The Covered Deep does. So, this novel’s setting, rich in vivid historic detail, offers a new and intriguing look at that era, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. To this refreshing setting, Vallance adds plenty of intriguing mystery, heartening (albeit a bit instant) romance and inspiring themes of faith and forgiveness. For fans of inspirational historical romance, The Covered Deep is an all-around great read and I certainly recommend it.

Thanks to Worthy’s First Look, I received a copy of The Covered Deep and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Charity Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

How often does an author write their debut novel with such well deserved fanfare? Not often! Brandy Vallance explodes onto the the Christian Fiction scene with The Covered Deep. (Are you still stuck on the fact that I used the word “fanfare”? Me too!)

Bianca Marshal has won the adventure of a lifetime. Being chosen as one of four to go on a Holy Land excursion, she is ready to completely enjoy herself and, just maybe, fall in love. She finds that there is much more to being chosen than she originally thought. Her faith in God is put to the ultimate test and she must fight to forgive where forgiveness is most impossible.

I love the depth of scripture and faith in this book. So often, in a Christian romance, we find fleeting discussions of faith, but nothing of substance. This entire book is based around her faith and trust in God. It is also full of adventure, intrigue, romance, mystery and forgiveness.

See my full review + giveaway: www.aTransParentMom.wordpress.com

[Carla Laureano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandy Vallance's debut novel is the lush, detailed, and vividly realized story of Bianca Marshal, a naive young woman who enters an essay contest in order to win a trip to the Holy Land. However, she soon finds that neither the contest or the companions are what they seem--revelations that will test both her faith and her innocence.

I'm not a wide reader of historical romance because I find the plots to be very similar. So, I was pleased to find that the book lived up to its original premise and kept me on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. I usually have most of the twists figured out by a quarter of the way through, but this one kept me guessing almost to the end.

In short: capably plotted and loaded with spiritual meaning, The Covered Deep is a worthy escape for anyone looking for something fresh and different in inspirational historical romance.

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bizarre. Full of purple prose. The heroine's obsession with finding a husband weirded me out. I know it was the Victorian era, but surely even back then women didn't automatically decide they were going to marry a man just because he was handsome, or think they could deduce his entire personality by the way he held their hand (at least not when they were 25! Bianca had the maturity of a 16-year-old). The ending is rushed. And there were tons of pretty glaring historical errors.
At the end (SPOILER ALERT),
the main character kills a man, and this is treated as an extremely minor plot point. What?? One thing I will say, though: I do appreciate that the author didn't give her characters overly flowery names.

[A Busscher · Rating 2 out of 5]

poor rom com. I skimmed every other page b/c i couldn't get into the book. Bianca has her head and the clouds and everything at her fingertips. She likes to think she has had a rough life with her mother nagging her about finding a husband. Then she "happens" to win the contest and falls in loved with a voice of a man and once she seems him, she KNOWS. And he follows all of her rules and requests for a man. BUT WAIT... he's a bad boy. He's slept with a married woman and stole a diamond. Phew, I thought this man was perfect. Then they have a falling out and BOOM 6months after a separation, they must get back together and are happy and can't live without each other.

[Cynthia Marcano · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I Loved...

Boy oh boy, was this book something else! I loved how I was right in the thick of things emotionally with Bianca. I can't say too much else because I do not like to give away the plot, especially with a book like The Covered Deep. It's an emotional rollercoaster of a book. Oh yeah and lots of romance...my fave! Hoo-Rah!

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[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the high praise for this book has me stumped. A really bad read with cardboard characters & ridiculous, unbelievable plot. Didn't even finish - just scanned to the end to see what happens & it got worse.

[GJ S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my kind of romance

I couldn't connect with the characters or the story skimmed thru it to get it read. I don't think the author isn't a good writer, I just didn't like the whole plot.

[B.D. Riehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Simply exquisite. The imagery, the characters and their relationships were real and intriguing. I highly recommend this beautiful book.

[Julynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the visiting of the Holy Land that described places I have only read about in the Bible. I liked the two main characters. The story line about their love story is fraught with tragedy and sadness which was a pretty heavy read. The evil they are exposed to is not sugar coated at all and painful. I appreciated how the author wrapped up the story both theologically and romantically. Excellent style of writing, depth of story and beautiful inspiration. I really enjoy Ms. Vallance!!! One of my new favorite authors for sure.