I can’t stop thinking about this story. I hardly know where to begin in telling you my thoughts about it. The Hidden Side is such a powerful tale of God’s grace in the lives of those who are hurting. It’s full of heartache and healing. You won’t be able to put it down.

The historical half of the story gripped me with ease. Each scene is so very well written and pulls you deep into the revolutionary spy ring right along with the heroine. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by mysterious spies and charming soldiers quoting poetry, right? 🙂

What I wasn’t expecting was to become so captivated by the other half of the story, the modern-day part that wraps around the history. To me, it is Natalie’s story that is the heartbeat behind the whole book. Her story is exceptionally difficult, and at times even hard to read, but her painful reality opens up opportunities for abounding grace and mercy to slip in and reach her and her family, as well as readers.

The author did an amazing job of delicately and compassionately telling this tale. I love her unique voice in storytelling and I eagerly await her next book. She’s not afraid to address hard issues as she points us all to the comfort and strength found in Christ. This is definitely a book I recommend!

I received a free copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

New York, 2016
Natalie Abbott offers answers for hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But she struggles to connect with her teenagers, with her daughter in an unhealthy relationship and her son uncommunicative and isolated. When one member of the family commits an unspeakable act, Natalie is forced to uncover who she truly is under the façade of her radio persona.

New York, 1776
Mercy Howard is shocked when her fiancé, Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When she’s asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, she sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly harder as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.

Mercy’s journals comfort Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and shame, wondering how deep God’s mercy extends.

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Purchase Links
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / CBD
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Heidi Chiavaroli began writing eleven years ago, just after Jesus had grabbed hold of her heart. She used her two small boys’ nap times to pursue what she thought at the time was a foolish dream. Despite a long road to publication, she hasn’t stopped writing since! Heidi won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. Both her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, and her sophomore novel, The Hidden Side, are 4½-star Romantic Times Top Picks. Freedom’s Ring was also a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi loves exploring places that whisper of historical secrets, especially with her family. She loves running, hiking, baking, and dates with her high-school sweetheart and husband of fourteen years. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.Heidi is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

Visit her at http://www.heidichiavaroli.com/

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