Review: These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Goodreads: 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 rumors 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.

Kritters Thoughts: A great book that will not arrive on shelves until February 2011. Thanks to NetGalley I was able to download this book and read it off my computer.

A story twisted among the viewpoints of several women - I found this book to keep me sucked in for hours at a time. I was able to read this in three sittings, because once I started there was no way to stop. A gripping story of betrayal, loss and heartache that are all wrapped up in this unknowing little boy. I loved how the author slowly unloaded all the details throughout the book, so the reader kept waiting for each small moment to realize more of the backstory.

This book has successfully recharged my reading batteries. I was having a slump and because of this book, I am headed straight to my shelves to pick up another in hopes of getting deeply involved in another story.

As far as passing this book along - I would send this book to all my lady readers. Not for younger eyes, but definitely a great read for women who are mothers, daughters and sisters.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 400

GR Oct-Dec Challenge - Copyright Year Rally (Feb 2011)