THESE HIDDEN THINGS

Author:  Heather Gudenkauf

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format:  eBook - iPad
Yearly Count:  3

From the Author's Website:

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.

These Hidden Things contains many seemingly unrelated characters.  They each tell their own story through short, alternating chapters that include stepping back into their recent past.  I felt most of the characters fit into the realistic realm, and I enjoyed getting to know them.  The story line, however, didn't compel me to quickly pick the book back up once down, because right from the get-go I surmised most of the "hidden things," so the suspense component was somewhat dulled.  However, some of the scenes were very gripping, as well as difficult to read.  Those same scenes were revisited by other characters.  Ultimately, I enjoyed reading the story to fruition and think it will be well received.

My thanks go to Harlequin (Mira) & NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.  It will be published January 18, 2011.