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.
MY COMMENTS:
This is not your typical Amish novel. While most stories set in the Plain community portray youth tempted by the modern ways of the world and toying with the idea of leaving the Amish way of life, this one is the opposite. As Anna takes refuge in the Amish Bed & Breakfast, I was drawn into the struggle of this young single girl. Oppression can come in many forms: as she is trying to escape her boyfriend's abuse that her family and friends refuse to believe is happening, she is also attempting to escape the dominance of her well-meaning but overly-involved parents. The lure and peace of the Amish lifestyle war with her desire to return to and reconcile with her parents and relate to them as a competent adult, not as their indecisive and confused little girl. While not everyone can flee to the Amish, many young women today have similar struggles. This is a wonderful story of how recognizing one's value in God's eyes gives one the courage to follow His leading in life. Don't let it remain Hidden on a shelf!
I enjoy stories set in Amish communities. Thanks for the review.
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