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.

32 comments:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. wow, sounds intense. I really want to read this one. it sounds awesome. great review.

    -Lauren

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

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

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

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

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

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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. Wow!!! Can't wait, this is amazing

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

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

    aksimmo at clearwire dot net

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

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

    Great review!

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  31. 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)

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