Hidden (Sisters of the Heart) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Description:  When Anna decides it's time to leave her abusive boyfriend, she doesn't know where to turn. Rob has completely won over her parents, and the entire community, with his good looks and smooth charm. Only Anna has seen his dark side.

Desperate, she runs to the only place she's ever felt completely safe—the Amish Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, where Anna met life-long friend Katie Brenneman. The family welcomes her in, and with few questions asked allows her to stay, dressed in Plain clothing, and help around the inn.

Katie's older brother Henry is the only one who doesn't take too kindly to the intrusion. He tries to ignore Anna, knowing no good would ever come from caring for an Englisher like her. But as he gets to know Anna, he discovers her good heart and is surprised with her readiness to accept their lifestyle.

The more time Anna spends with the Amish, the more she feels she's found a true home. But how can she deny the life she left behind? And will her chance for happiness be stolen away by the man from her past?

My Review:  Another new author for me (yay!).  I've been so pleased to "meet" these new authors and their wonderful works!  Hidden is a great read about a young woman who like many young women falls for the suave guy.  Suave guy is not what he seems and now issues ensue!

Anna is young and naive and, unfortunately, also known to be flighty.  She doesn't think she has a good relationship with her parents but as young adults sometimes forget....parents are humans too.  The story begins with Anna and her flight to safety.  As the author so delicately points out in times of need we run to those we feel are safe and who we can count on.  In Anna's case she rune to her Amish friend's bed & breakfast. Wonderful, gut food and gut times for Anna.

Of course, the sweet romances of this book capture the heart for the pure and simple times.  

I like reading about the Amish but don't enjoy a trite, I know.what.is.waiting.on.the next.page.read!  So, I truly enjoyed this fast, not so light read. 

This story could have taken place in today's society....so I'd call it a modern story.  Seemingly nice guy wants to control and hurt sweet, innocent young lady. Young lady has enough sense to see that suave guy is a Nut and feeling that she must leave heads to yonder city. 

Henry, Oh Henry! (Sorry just couldn't help myself =)  Is a wonderful gut man!  I love his character and maybe, just maybe, he can see beyond Anna'a exterior.  

Then there's sweet, lovable Katie!  Who really does understand Anna as only a true friend can do.  

Parental issues with both the Amish young people and the English child were well written by this author.  It seems that no matter who you are or where you are in life....we all tend to be humanely the same!

Reading this 5 star book was like eating a soft, moist, just-out-of-the-oven oatmeal raisin cookie.  Sweet but not too sweet, lovable without being sickly and best of all wanting more!

Can't wait to read her next book Wanted!

*I reviewed this book for Zondervan*