Hidden (Sisters of the Heart, Book 1)

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Paperback, 2008

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Series

Sisters of the Heart (1)

Genres

Publication

HarperCollins Publishers (2008), 240 pages

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?… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member picklechic

Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray is the inspiring story of a young woman, Anna, on the run from an abusive relationship and a life she is not proud of. She seeks refuge with an old friend who is Amish and hides out at her friend's family's bed and breakfast. While there, she adapts easily to their

simple ways and their work ethic. Anna falls in love with the Amish way of life and ultimately decides to alter her life's journey and become Amish. There is a touch of G rated romance as Anna also finds love with her friend's brother. The book is a very sweet, simple story and a quick, easy read. While I would consider the book religious fiction, the references to God and praying are relatively few and not overpowering. Reading the book sparked in me an interest in learning more about the Amish and their customs. I look forward to reading more about Anna and the rest of the Brenneman family in the continuation of the series. 4 stars.

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LibraryThing member judyg54

This was an enjoyable story. Anna finds herself fleeing her abusive but influential boyfriend Rob. She can't turn to her parents because they don't believe Rob is as bad as Anna makes him out to be. So Anna flees to where no one would look for her - her Amish friend, Katie, who helps her family run

the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast. Anna is welcomed by the whole family, except for Katie's oldest brother Henry, who doesn't take kindly to her intruding upon them and possibly putting them in danger. Anna adopts the Plain clothing and lifestyle around her as she "hides out" and begins to feel she has truly found a true home. Can Henry trust his heart to her, or will she grow tired of the Amish way and leave? And will Anna's chance for true happiness be taken away when the man she is running from catches up with her.
Although there weren't alot of surprises to this story, I still enjoyed it. I enjoyed the Brenneman family and how the took in and helped out someone who was not Amish. You usually read how an Amish person leaves to become "worldly", but in this story someone sees how much they enjoy the slower pace and the fewer "things" they truly need to be content and happy and want to join the Amish community.
I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

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LibraryThing member wearylibrarian

Anna has left Rob, her abusive boyfriend. She cannot ask her parents for help because Rob has convinced them he is a sweet and loving man. She knows her parents will call Rob and tell him where she is hiding. Anna turns to her Amish friend, Katie and her family for help. She shows up on the door of

the Brenneman Bead and Breakfast, suitcase in hand and asks for refuge. She knows Rob will stop at nothing to find her so, to blend in, she begins dressing in Amish clothing, and helping around the inn.

Katie's family welcomes Anna, except for Katie's older borhter, Henry. He says that Anna has put his family in danger by coming to the inn.

Anna soon realizes she has falling in love with Henry and Henry soon admits he has fallen for the beautiful Englisher.

When Rob discovers where Anna is hiding he shows up at the inn, intent on bringing her home where she belongs. Anna is willing to go with Rob in order to protect her family and friends but Henry has other ideas.

This is a great read. I could barely put it down.

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LibraryThing member ReviewsbyMolly

Why have I NOT read this series yet?! I can't believe there is an Amish series out there that I have NOT read! Somebody yell at me please! Oh my goodness! I LOVE Shelley's work with her Seasons of Sugarcreek series but man oh man....her first book, Hidden, in her first series, Sisters of the

Heart,was phenomenal. Utterly phenomenal. She captured me from the first page of the prologue and held me until the final sentence of the last page.

In Hidden, Ms. Gray takes so many emotions, from hurt and abuse, to hope and understanding, and combines them into one fabulous book. Anna was a wonderful character. She was instantly a part of me and I felt her struggles like my own. And sweet, sweet Henry, bless his heart, he was a wonderfully amazing character,too. The secondary characters of this novel really added flavor to the story but not overbearingly so. This book was wonderful! I can't say that enough!

Through a touchy subject of abuse, and the incredible love of the Amish, Ms. Gray weaves her story of Anna and Henry with vivid detail and care. She mixes Gods redeeming love and mercy through out making this a fantabulous 5 star novel (though I would give it a thousand more!) that NO ONE should miss! If you aren't already a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray, then please, don't hesitate to start with this book in her first series....if you are a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray and haven't read Hidden yet, then I must HIGHLY recommend that you do! I can't wait to dive into book 2 in this beautiful series, Wanted.

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LibraryThing member mrsjason

I love reading stories about the Amish lifestyle. I especially love the storis where the Amish and English worlds collide. This story clearly showed the differences between the two cultures but also how they could blend together. Rob is a really bad guy who wants to control everything possible. Yet

I can totally see why it took so long for Anna to get away from him. With his smooth talk, he's a wolf in sheep's clothing. It's a completely realistic portrayal of an abusive relationship and why it's so tough for women to get help. Even when they do cry out for help, if someone doesn't want to see the wrong in someone they will turn a blind eye. I really didn't understand why the Brenneman's turned a cold shoulder to Anna's problems. Yes she did bring her issues and situation to their peaceful community the way Henry and his parents were acting seemed like she was in the wrong for running away and trying to get help. Did they want her to stay in the relationship and get hurt even more? I hope not, but that was the reaction that I got from them. The only complaint I had about this book was that it was a little short. I felt like there could have been more told about Anna and Henry's growing relationship plus expounding on how she was going to switch over to the Amish lifestyle. I am looking very forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love stories about the Amish lifestyle, be sure to pick up this outstanding debut.

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LibraryThing member delphimo

Gray explores the Amish way of life in her many of her books, such as theses series: Sisters of the Heart, Seasons of Sugarcreek, and Families of Honor. I have enjoyed exploring her writing in two of the series. Both series present a simple formula for the story with mild characters and simplistic

setting. The main emphasis in each book is family and the power of God. In this story, Anna runs away from her "English" life of modern day comforts and possessions to hide from a cruel boyfriend. Anna runs to the Brenneman Amish Bed and Breakfast and adopts the Amish way of life while hiding. Anna also falls in love with Henry, the son of the inn's owners. In the conclusion of the story, Anna must choose her path, but with God's guidance.

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LibraryThing member ThesePrettyWords

2.8 stars - Nice, light read - perfect for a cold Saturday afternoon. Nothing in the book is especially wonderful or horrible - it just 'was'.

LibraryThing member SABC

Anna leaves her abusive boyfriend whom everyone believes to be wonderful. Desperate, she runs to the only place she would feel safe--the Amish Brenneman Bed and Breakfast. She has escaped, but what now??????

LibraryThing member Lindz2012

This book is heartwarming. I have read another series called Seasons in SugarCreek you should for it as is heartwarming and a good read. I plan to read the rest of "Sister of the Heart Series". This book as got me wanting more and to see what happens to Anna and Henry.

LibraryThing member Lindz2012

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