Monday, March 21, 2011

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf


Genre: General Fiction/Mystery
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 352
Book Source: ARC courtesy of Harlequin & NetGalley

Synopsis: Allison Glenn tried to hide what happened that night...and failed. The consequence? Five years in prison. Now she's free. But secrets have a way of keeping you caged...When Allison is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult in her downfall. Her sister, Brynn, faces the whispered rumours every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school. It's Brynn - shy, quiet Brynn - who carries the burden of what really happened that night. All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her. But then Allison is released, and is more determined than ever to speak with her sister. Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.

Review:
I was enthralled with Heather Gudenkauf's debut novel, The Weight Of Silence so jumped at the chance to review the author's newest book, These Things Hidden. It surpassed my expectations, dragged me kicking and screaming through a gamut of emotions and had me gasping til the last page.

These Things Hidden is one of those rare books that has you holding your breath in shock and horror, weeping in despair and sighing with hope and relief. Ms Gudenkauf portrays the complexities of the human spirit with sensitivity and a mesmerising clarity ... frailties on one hand and selflessness and goodness on the other.

The lives of four women are intricately woven to create an intense, brilliantly crafted story. I read with my heart in my mouth, so completely immersed in the story and invested in these women's lives that I had to know the outcome.

I can't say too much without giving away spoilers but suffice to say the characters tug at your heartstrings. I liked Allison, her strength and goodness shone through despite her tragic past. I really admired Claire and Charm too, their love, compassion and honesty were portrayed with emotion and realism. I loathed Mr and Mrs Glenn for their shallow expectations and emotional barrenness and can see how their coldness shaped the lives and decisions of Allison and Brynn.

A favourite read for 2011, I urge you to run out and buy These Things Hidden; it's that good!



Visit Heather Gudenkauf's website to find out more.

Purchase These Things Hidden @ Amazon or The Book Depository

See my review for The Weight Of Silence.

Posted by at 5:00 PM
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32 comments:

  1. NomesMarch 21, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    I *loved* her debut as well. I need to get my hands on this one and stop procrastinating!

    Love your review :D

    Have you read many of Maggie O'Farrells books? She has a similar style. She's one of my fave fave fave authors :) You might enjoy her as well...

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  2. NomesMarch 21, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    ARGH! i just checked my library: EIGHT reserves! It'll be a long wait, haha.

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  3. AlaineMarch 21, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Just started it and can't wait to get into it. Great review!

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  4. AnonymousMarch 22, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    I loved the Weight of Silence as well...this book is on my TBR list, I just haven't had time to run to the bookstore to pick it up. Great review!!

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  5. BlodeueddMarch 22, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    Run and buy, high praise from you today :) But it does sound good

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  6. RobbyMarch 22, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    This sounds fantastic. Wow.

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  7. Ann SummervilleMarch 23, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    Thanks for the review. Sounds like a must read.
    Ann

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  8. VivienMarch 23, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    This novel sounds very well rounded and emotional. Loved the review.

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  9. LindaMarch 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    Not familiar with this author, but the book sounds fascinating.

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  10. JessyMarch 23, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    I will have to add this to my TBR list right away. It seems like a book that will keep me on the edge of my seat for hours. Thanks for the review!

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  11. ReadingMarch 24, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    This sounds so good. All those secrets. I always feel bad for the families of high profile crime suspects. They are innocent too.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  12. Shooting Stars MagMarch 24, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    wow, sounds intense. I really want to read this one. it sounds awesome. great review.

    -Lauren

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  13. UnknownMarch 24, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    I've heard nothing but good things about this book. Can't wait to read it!
    amandarwest at gmaildotcom

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  14. Lexie@BookBugMarch 24, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    Wow! Sounds like there is a lot going on in this book! Can't wait to read it!
    lexie.bookbug at gmail dot com

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  15. StaciMarch 25, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    When you're totally invested that's saying something!! I must read this one!

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  16. SharonMarch 26, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    This sounds like a really great read, it's going on my wishlist!

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  17. nfmgirlMarch 28, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    Glad to hear that you loved it! I quickly added it to my Wish List when I first read about it. I haven't read anything by this author yet.

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  18. AlaineMarch 28, 2011 at 3:29 AM

    This really was an amazing book. Thanks for reading to me when I was in hospital xoxo

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  19. AngieMarch 30, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    I loved The Weight of Silence and I just got this on audio- I can't wait to listen to it. Your review only makes me more itchy to start!

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  20. stacybuckeyeMarch 31, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Thanks for reminding me I need to read The Weight of Silence.

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  21. Deborah A.April 1, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    I love when books have just the right amounts of elements like shock and horror, but also relief and hope.

    As an author, I would love to have a review just like this. Well done.

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  22. ChristieApril 2, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    How can I not read it after your review! You make it sound like such and amazing book and one that is going to keep me up late at night not wating to put it down!

    Thanks for this review

    swaggirl01 at gmail dot com

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  23. KaylieApril 3, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Wow!!! Can't wait, this is amazing

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  24. Betty: Reflections with CoffeeApril 3, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    When you say it is one of the best so far in 2011, I'm convinced I want to read this.
    bmcbroom(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. KatiaApril 3, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Can't wait to get my hands on this great read.

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  26. AngieApril 5, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    I LOVED The Weight of Silence and I can't wait to read this one!

    aksimmo at clearwire dot net

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  27. CherylS22April 7, 2011 at 4:27 AM

    I haven't read any books by this author yet, but your review makes me definitely want to read "These Things Hidden". Thanks!

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  28. AnonymousApril 8, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  29. AnonymousApril 8, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    Great review! I would love to read more about Allison Glenn.
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. BirgitApril 8, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    I heard so many great things about the book and your review only makes me want to read it even more - thanks!

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  31. Sarah EApril 9, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    These Hidden Things sounds like a fantastic book! It's on my To Be Read list.

    Great review!

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  32. Marlene DetierroAugust 28, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    Oooh I think I may put this on my wishlist if nothing else I am really intrigued. thanks for the great review.

    Marlene Detierro (Gun Accessories Supply)

    ReplyDelete

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