This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Hidden
Avon Inspire (May 27, 2008)
by
Shelley Shepard Gray
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.
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
MY REVIEW:
With the recent popularity of Amish Christian fiction, I was expecting pretty much more of the usual fare. I was happy to find that Hidden is a fresh look at Amish life through the eyes of an outsider.
Hidden is the story of Anna, a young woman on the run from her abusive fiancé. Anna’s life has been one of privilege and indulgence. When she seeks refuge with her Amish friend Katie, she finds the Amish way of life a place where she feels needed and content. The tension between Anna and Katie’s brother Henry is electric. The suspense that develops as as obsessed Rob searches for Anna is riveting. All in all, Hidden is an engaging story for a first time author. I look forward to future books from Shelley Shepard Gray.
Come visit the blogs on the tour: Abi at lighter side Adam at Northwoods Blumer Alexis at Ramblings From Life Amy at Simple Folk Schoolhouse Amy at My Life Andie at frommipov Andrea at The Laughs Will Go On Angela at One Baby, Seven Dogs, and a Mommy April at Projecting A Barbara at Victoria Hill Farm Becky at Savvy Mom Bonnie at Bonnie Writes Brittanie at A Book Lover Caleb at Reviews Plus+ Camy at Camy Tang Carol at Blogging With Carol Carolyn at Serenity CeeCee at Book Splurge Christy at Christy’s Book Blog Christy at At Split Ends Dave at Novel Spotlight Dea at Been Farmin’ Long? Deborah at books, movies and chinese food Debra at Soul Reflections Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine Georgiana at Georgiana D Gretchen at Inspire Me Heidi at Reviews by Heidi Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm Janna at Cornhusker Academy Jenn at Blessed is She… Jennifer at So Many Books…So Little Time Jenny at Come Meet AusJenny Jim B. at The Bedford Review Joleen at timetotalk Karen at Mommy of Three” Karla at Ramblin’ Roads To Everywhere Kim at Window To My World Kim at Rainy Day Diamonds Kimberly at QuiddamChickee To Save The Day Krista at Welcome To Married Life Lacy at Novel Inspirations Laura at Laura William’s Musings Leah at Ponderings From My Heart Linda at Mocha With Linda Linda at Faith In Love Lori at Noggin Bits Lundie at Lundie’s Life Lynetta at Open Book Lynnae at Lynnae’s Bookshelf Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author Michelle at Just A Minute Michelle at Michelle’s Great Blogs Michelle at Raising Little Women Pam at Mom’s Mutterings Pam at Daysong Reflections Peg at Sips ‘n Cups Cafeteria Rachelle at Stifled Squeal Rel at Relz Reviewz Sean at Bookmark Cafe Sherry at Everything Moms Susan at His Reading List Tamera at Tamera Alexander’s Blog Tara at Tara’s View Of The World Victoria at Footprints In The Sand Virginia at CeCe Lane Margaret at Creative Madness
