Monday, June 30, 2008

Hidden


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Hidden

Avon Inspire (May 27, 2008)

by

Shelley Shepard Gray




MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoy books about the Amish style of life. Something about living a more simple life, even though the work is incredibly difficult and neverending, causes me to stop and think about what is really important. I love the sense of family and togetherness that is portrayed by their lifestyle.

Hidden is the story of a woman of the world who has to escape from an abusive relationship. As I first read the book I was disappointed by how easily Anna seems to fit into a totally different lifestyle -- I guess I was looking for the struggle of giving up the amenities most of us are used to. Anna, the main character, didn't seem to have these difficulties, but by ignoring those situations Shelley Shepard Gray lets us step into Anna's struggle to find herself.

This book is easy to read. It ended earlier than I wanted it to, which makes me more anxious for the sequel to be published!


ABOUT THE BOOK


Hidden is a remarkable story about the unlikely love between a modern girl on the run and an Amish boy from the family who shelters her.

When Anna decides it's time to leave her abusive boyfriend, she doesn't know where to turn. Rob is a successful and respected person in her community. He has completely won over her parents with his good looks and prestigious position at a top law firm. Only Anna has seen his dark side. But when Rob hurts Anna yet again, she realizes that she must finally help herself.

Desperate, she runs to the one place she’s always felt completely safe, the Amish Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, where years ago she and her mother once stayed, and where Anna met life-long friend Katie Brenneman. When Anna shows up years later unexpectedly, the family welcomes her in, with few questions asked, and allows her to stay, dressed as the Amish in Plain clothes, and help around the inn.

But Katie’s older brother Henry doesn’t take too kindly to the intrusion. Anna wonders if it’s because he’s already had his heart broken. To Henry’s shame, from the moment he sees Anna, he feels a strong attraction. To cover his infatuation, he tries to ignore her, knowing no good would ever come from keeping an eye on a fancy woman like her. But as he sees that Anna has a good heart and is not the selfish, spoiled woman he imagined her to be, he feels his heart pointing towards her.

Anna comes to realize that she’s found a home and true love in the last place she’d expected. How can she deny the life she left behind? And will her chance for happiness be stolen away by the man who can’t seem to let her go?

If you would like to read the Prologue, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hidden is Shelley’s first foray into inspirational fiction. Previously, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. Shelley is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and is part of the Telecare ministry, which calls homebound members on a regular basis. Shelley looks forward to the opportunity to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

2 comments:

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

It's hard to read your review because it's in yellow.

Susan Stitch said...

Thanks, Michelle -- I'll change it.