All That is Hidden
by Laura DeNooyer
All That Is Hidden is a beautiful novel, the kind of book that sweeps you up in its story, makes you fall in love with its characters, and breaks your heart along with theirs.” — Writer’s Digest
Are secrets worth the price they cost to keep?
Ten-year-old Tina Hamilton finds out the hard way.
She always knew her father had a secret. But all of God’s earth to Tina are the streams for fishing, the fields for planting and harvesting–a world snugly enclosed by the blue-misted Smokies. Other than the seasons, nothing ever changed.
Until the summer of 1968.
Tina’s life changes forever. Trouble erupts when northern exploitation threatens her tiny southern Appalachian town.
Some folks blame the trouble on progress, some blame the space race and men meddling with the moon’s cycles, and some blame Tina’s father.
A past he has hidden catches up to him as his secret settles in like an unwelcome guest. The clash of progressive ideas and small town values escalates the collision of a father’s past and present.
My Thoughts
This is a book from a new-to-me author. It is kind of out of my usual reading lines (classed as YA), and this book wasn’t even on my radar until the author contacted me asking if I would be willing to read and review it.
The story starts out slow. I found myself pondering, trying to just figure out what was going on, and wanting to get to know the characters. It takes place in the 1960s, back in those good-ole-days when life appears to have moved at a slower pace, in a small backwoods community, in Appalachia. Down-to-earth home folk kind of people.
Tina, the main character, quickly grew on me. Her life seems easy, at first. But, as I read, I learned that it was anything but easy. I enjoyed seeing her grow, and watching to see what happened next.
Overall, I found this to be an inspiring, enjoyable read, and I recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
All-of-a-kind Mom 