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Hiding Places
Family means safety. Family means protection. Until it doesn't.
Eleven-year-old Kate Whitby leads an invisible life, the youngest member of her odd family. They live in their historic small-town hotel, where she is an expert at keeping everyone’s secrets: her sister’s a thief, her great-grandmother isn’t as crazy as people think, her mother lives in the past, and her beloved grandfather might have killed his best friend.
Devoted to the people she loves—more than they have ever been to her—Kate vows to protect each one.
Charlie Fuse has lived on the streets since his alcoholic father threw him out. When Charlie’s powerful street family tests his loyalty by demanding that he kill the son of a rival gang leader, he refuses. They frame him for the murder, forcing Charlie to run.
When Kate finds Charlie injured and penniless, she hides him from his enemies and her uncharitable relatives, unaware that he has a connection to her family as old as the hotel itself.
The murderous gang tracks Charlie down. To flush him out, they take the clueless family hostage and threaten young Kate. Even then, Kate keeps Charlie hidden, putting all her childlike faith in one terrible hope: that the family who has never been able to protect her before might learn how to do it now.
Eleven-year-old Kate Whitby leads an invisible life, the youngest member of her odd family. They live in their historic small-town hotel, where she is an expert at keeping everyone’s secrets: her sister’s a thief, her great-grandmother isn’t as crazy as people think, her mother lives in the past, and her beloved grandfather might have killed his best friend.
Devoted to the people she loves—more than they have ever been to her—Kate vows to protect each one.
Charlie Fuse has lived on the streets since his alcoholic father threw him out. When Charlie’s powerful street family tests his loyalty by demanding that he kill the son of a rival gang leader, he refuses. They frame him for the murder, forcing Charlie to run.
When Kate finds Charlie injured and penniless, she hides him from his enemies and her uncharitable relatives, unaware that he has a connection to her family as old as the hotel itself.
The murderous gang tracks Charlie down. To flush him out, they take the clueless family hostage and threaten young Kate. Even then, Kate keeps Charlie hidden, putting all her childlike faith in one terrible hope: that the family who has never been able to protect her before might learn how to do it now.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
28 people are currently reading
2701 people want to read
About the author
Erin Healy
15 books332 followersErin Healy is a supernatural-suspense novelist and an award-winning fiction editor. She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding stories before their collaboration on KISS, the first novel to seat her on "the other side of the desk."
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 8, 2015
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson-Fiction and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Erin Healy delivers captivating and adventurous HIDING PLACES, a world of intrigue, suspense, and mystery surround the multi-layered story and a Nancy Drew type young girl, named Kate – as she tries to make sense of this world of crazy adults, her family history, danger, secrets, and treasures.
Set in a resort mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado-- Kat, eleven-years-old seems to be the protector of the family. She is caught in the middle of all her family members and grandparents. Her family operates The Harrison Lodge, a historic mountain resort, and has done so for many generations. Years ago, the lodge was a private mansion a summer getaway for rich businessmen. However, before Kate was born, someone had turned the mansion into a hotel.
The resort consists of a popular restaurant on the first floor and well -appointed guest rooms and a library on the second, and a third story event center, and spacious detached cottages, and grounds. As with most grand hotels, and resorts of this grand nature; there is always drama with the guests, and oh so many secrets, passageways, hidden treasures, and stories buried beneath. If the wall could speak.
We meet a variety of eccentric, strange, dangerous, and funny characters: Great- Grandma Pearl, Gran & Grandy, her mother, Janet, and two older sisters, Alyssa and Olivia. Great-Granma Pearl is quite the character! In addition to the secrets and a safe haven for the guests, Kate finds the family members are keeping secrets.
Told primarily from Kate’s view, she likes to play detective and suspects one of her family members is involved in a murder. She has seen and heard things.
In addition to all the drama surrounding the entire family, readers are introduced to other families, from different walks of life— from a homeless man who sees a robbery gone wrong . . . runaways living under a bridge, a gang member who seeks revenge for the death of his son . . . and Charlie, a boy who has lived on the streets, with no money, and an alcoholic father. Someone wants him to kill someone, someone is being framed and Kate plays the Good Samaritan by hiding him; not realizing the danger. However, she has no clue how he may be connected to her family’s history.
How can three different families’ lives connect? How can Kate protect them all --and keep them from harm’s way?
A mystery, heartwarming, redemptive, and coming-of-age story of an innocent and trusting young girl, and her altruistic need to take the burdens of the world upon herself. To protect and be protected. (Loved the front cover)!
There are so many elements to the story, and Erin does a fabulous job connecting all the storylines, building with mystery and intrigue, with nice character development. Kate loves to hide out, intuitive-- reminding you of a Nancy Drew; readers will fall for her charm and Pearl, the one everyone thinks is crazy. Loved the relationship between the two, with a nice takeaway.
“Don’t you play hide-and-seek? Hiding places are only good for as long as they stay hidden.“
As The Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
HIDING PLACES was my first book by Healy— have heard so much about Motherless, I just purchased the audiobook. Look forward to reading/listening, as well as her previous books.
On a personal note: Was attracted to the book initially, due to the hotel, as a consultant for historic hotel properties— they (former owners and guests) all have history, mysteries and secrets of the past. I love writing the research for the web, and digging up its past, naming the rooms, connections, and capturing earlier times and eras. Fascinating!
JDCMustReadBooks
Erin Healy delivers captivating and adventurous HIDING PLACES, a world of intrigue, suspense, and mystery surround the multi-layered story and a Nancy Drew type young girl, named Kate – as she tries to make sense of this world of crazy adults, her family history, danger, secrets, and treasures.
Set in a resort mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado-- Kat, eleven-years-old seems to be the protector of the family. She is caught in the middle of all her family members and grandparents. Her family operates The Harrison Lodge, a historic mountain resort, and has done so for many generations. Years ago, the lodge was a private mansion a summer getaway for rich businessmen. However, before Kate was born, someone had turned the mansion into a hotel.
The resort consists of a popular restaurant on the first floor and well -appointed guest rooms and a library on the second, and a third story event center, and spacious detached cottages, and grounds. As with most grand hotels, and resorts of this grand nature; there is always drama with the guests, and oh so many secrets, passageways, hidden treasures, and stories buried beneath. If the wall could speak.
We meet a variety of eccentric, strange, dangerous, and funny characters: Great- Grandma Pearl, Gran & Grandy, her mother, Janet, and two older sisters, Alyssa and Olivia. Great-Granma Pearl is quite the character! In addition to the secrets and a safe haven for the guests, Kate finds the family members are keeping secrets.
Told primarily from Kate’s view, she likes to play detective and suspects one of her family members is involved in a murder. She has seen and heard things.
In addition to all the drama surrounding the entire family, readers are introduced to other families, from different walks of life— from a homeless man who sees a robbery gone wrong . . . runaways living under a bridge, a gang member who seeks revenge for the death of his son . . . and Charlie, a boy who has lived on the streets, with no money, and an alcoholic father. Someone wants him to kill someone, someone is being framed and Kate plays the Good Samaritan by hiding him; not realizing the danger. However, she has no clue how he may be connected to her family’s history.
How can three different families’ lives connect? How can Kate protect them all --and keep them from harm’s way?
A mystery, heartwarming, redemptive, and coming-of-age story of an innocent and trusting young girl, and her altruistic need to take the burdens of the world upon herself. To protect and be protected. (Loved the front cover)!
There are so many elements to the story, and Erin does a fabulous job connecting all the storylines, building with mystery and intrigue, with nice character development. Kate loves to hide out, intuitive-- reminding you of a Nancy Drew; readers will fall for her charm and Pearl, the one everyone thinks is crazy. Loved the relationship between the two, with a nice takeaway.
“Don’t you play hide-and-seek? Hiding places are only good for as long as they stay hidden.“
As The Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
HIDING PLACES was my first book by Healy— have heard so much about Motherless, I just purchased the audiobook. Look forward to reading/listening, as well as her previous books.
On a personal note: Was attracted to the book initially, due to the hotel, as a consultant for historic hotel properties— they (former owners and guests) all have history, mysteries and secrets of the past. I love writing the research for the web, and digging up its past, naming the rooms, connections, and capturing earlier times and eras. Fascinating!
JDCMustReadBooks
September 17, 2015
4 stars!
I really liked this book a lot! There was a lot going on. A gang member gets shot, a pawn broker gets murdered and his store gets vandalized, a wanderer wrecks his motorcycle into a cougar and a resort lodge that has been in a family for decades becomes the focal point where all of the action from the whole book comes together.
In a way, it's kind of funny, but while your reading it, it's kinda serious. It's definitely thriller and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. There are a lot of bad guys in this book and they do not have a conscience. They are part of a gang and they are on a mission that they WILL complete.
In the middle of everything is eleven year old Kate, pure as the driven snow, but not stupid. She knows a lot of secrets, but she holds on to these secrets. Then you have Great Grandma Pearl. Is she crazy as a loon or is it just an act? Then there are the family secrets that everyone has and is hiding. It all comes out of the woodwork when all these strangers with guns come into their peaceful little resort with evil in their hearts.
This was definitely one that I could not put down. There were so many things going on. I didn't yell at this book though. It was a more peaceful frenzy as there were a few moments to breath stuck in there.
Huge thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was thoroughly entertained and loved it. I highly recommend this book!!
I really liked this book a lot! There was a lot going on. A gang member gets shot, a pawn broker gets murdered and his store gets vandalized, a wanderer wrecks his motorcycle into a cougar and a resort lodge that has been in a family for decades becomes the focal point where all of the action from the whole book comes together.
In a way, it's kind of funny, but while your reading it, it's kinda serious. It's definitely thriller and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. There are a lot of bad guys in this book and they do not have a conscience. They are part of a gang and they are on a mission that they WILL complete.
In the middle of everything is eleven year old Kate, pure as the driven snow, but not stupid. She knows a lot of secrets, but she holds on to these secrets. Then you have Great Grandma Pearl. Is she crazy as a loon or is it just an act? Then there are the family secrets that everyone has and is hiding. It all comes out of the woodwork when all these strangers with guns come into their peaceful little resort with evil in their hearts.
This was definitely one that I could not put down. There were so many things going on. I didn't yell at this book though. It was a more peaceful frenzy as there were a few moments to breath stuck in there.
Huge thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was thoroughly entertained and loved it. I highly recommend this book!!
October 23, 2015
I'd never have finished this read if not for Kate. I didn't care for any of the gang members, violence, and murders.( This is a clean read, tho, so no worries on the language scenes, etc. ) However, Kate is a girl with little love from her family, and who has a knack for spying. Following her adventures and caring spirit pulled me through to the end. Kate is just plain fun, and she seems to care about everyone around her while no one cares about her.
This story falls flat at the end for me. It could have been a great redemption, Grace, and love story. However, there really isn't a Christian theme in this book at all. Thus the three stars. I'm not fond of reading of gangsters and the like, but I don't mind if it leads to a great Christian Fiction read.
If you like suspense, gang wars, etc this book is for you. I love mystery/ suspense reads, but I like the hope Christian fiction brings. The one good thing...the family finally realizes Kate needs love...and lots of it!
I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion which I have given.
This story falls flat at the end for me. It could have been a great redemption, Grace, and love story. However, there really isn't a Christian theme in this book at all. Thus the three stars. I'm not fond of reading of gangsters and the like, but I don't mind if it leads to a great Christian Fiction read.
If you like suspense, gang wars, etc this book is for you. I love mystery/ suspense reads, but I like the hope Christian fiction brings. The one good thing...the family finally realizes Kate needs love...and lots of it!
I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion which I have given.
September 17, 2015
Hiding Places is the first book I have read by Erin Healy. After reading this one, I will definitely be picking up more by her. It did start off a little slow at first but it quickly picked up and I didn't want to put it down.
Great story.
4 stars.
Great story.
4 stars.
April 15, 2019
I loved this book. So many cool characters and Kate was an amazing kid. Protecting the family she loved at 11 years old.
July 8, 2023
An amazingly good story!
I tried this book because I heard Erin Healy is a great editor (that is true!), and I wanted to get to know a bit about her through her writing. My goodness, can she tell a story! This book is not what I expected, because I understood she wrote in the paranormal category, and that's not this... but that's my fault for not researching the book a little more.
This book isn't really my style (I prefer fantasy), but it knocked my socks off. The characters leap off the page. The way the plot unfolds, bouncing around in different POV with lots of twists and turns, is compelling. There are some dark moments—Erin does not pull her punches—but in the end, it's a moving picture of family, mistakes and redemption, and what it means to be very, very human.
I tried this book because I heard Erin Healy is a great editor (that is true!), and I wanted to get to know a bit about her through her writing. My goodness, can she tell a story! This book is not what I expected, because I understood she wrote in the paranormal category, and that's not this... but that's my fault for not researching the book a little more.
This book isn't really my style (I prefer fantasy), but it knocked my socks off. The characters leap off the page. The way the plot unfolds, bouncing around in different POV with lots of twists and turns, is compelling. There are some dark moments—Erin does not pull her punches—but in the end, it's a moving picture of family, mistakes and redemption, and what it means to be very, very human.
December 12, 2021
Hiding Places is the second book by Erin Healy that I've read, and I'll be reading more. She weaves intricate storylines, creates multi-faceted characters, and writes with a level of craft I so admire. One of things I appreciate most about Hiding Places is how the setting, the Harrison Lodge, is practically a character in the story as well. Hiding Places is a story about family secrets, finding one's place in family, and the lengths people go to protect the people they love. Kate, one of the main characters, is a precious young narrator trying to make sense of the adult world, which she views through a lens of innocence and naivete.
September 4, 2015
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Erin Healy’s Hiding Places will keep its readers on the edge of their seats. With a lot of suspense, action and drama packed into a short, but well-paced timeline, I couldn’t stop reading this book until I found how it ended for Charlie, Kate and the rest of her family. The characters exist within dysfunction, providing interesting interactions, and in the midst of it all, eleven-year-old Kate is easy to like with her caring spirit and knack for spying. An overall addictive and intriguing book involving family and hiding places - both literal and figurative - Hiding Places offers fans of suspense a highly enjoyable read. I recommend it.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Hiding Places and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Erin Healy’s Hiding Places will keep its readers on the edge of their seats. With a lot of suspense, action and drama packed into a short, but well-paced timeline, I couldn’t stop reading this book until I found how it ended for Charlie, Kate and the rest of her family. The characters exist within dysfunction, providing interesting interactions, and in the midst of it all, eleven-year-old Kate is easy to like with her caring spirit and knack for spying. An overall addictive and intriguing book involving family and hiding places - both literal and figurative - Hiding Places offers fans of suspense a highly enjoyable read. I recommend it.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Hiding Places and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Read
February 19, 2022Ok so what I have read of this book has been interesting. But I can't seem to focus on it. I will finish it but right now I have no motivation to. So this is my review of what I have read of the book.
The main character in Hiding Places is Kate, an 11 year old girl, and she knows secrets about her family that nobody else knows. She is good at hiding, keeping secrets and spying. Then there is Charlie Fuse. When Charlie gets into some trouble with the gang he is a part of he runs away, and that's when Kate meets him. Kate finds him injured and wants to help so she hides him and helps him the best she can. Pearl, Kate's grandma, knows secrets about the lodge and helps Kate use and find more hiding places. Meanwhile a rival gang member is out for revenge for the murder of his son.
When I finish the book I will come back and finish my review but for now that's all. :)
I received a free book from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Fiction Guild in return for an honest review.
The main character in Hiding Places is Kate, an 11 year old girl, and she knows secrets about her family that nobody else knows. She is good at hiding, keeping secrets and spying. Then there is Charlie Fuse. When Charlie gets into some trouble with the gang he is a part of he runs away, and that's when Kate meets him. Kate finds him injured and wants to help so she hides him and helps him the best she can. Pearl, Kate's grandma, knows secrets about the lodge and helps Kate use and find more hiding places. Meanwhile a rival gang member is out for revenge for the murder of his son.
When I finish the book I will come back and finish my review but for now that's all. :)
I received a free book from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Fiction Guild in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2016
Hiding Places was by far so much better than the first. The plot, characters, and description all were complex and marvelously woven together. Even though parts of the story line at first seemed like they wouldn't be able to connect, Erin Healy did a great job twisting the people and plots together.
October 16, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was a pretty good book all considering. It wasn't really "Christian" though - I mean, it was clean, nothing graphic, immoral, evil, but there was no God. :( Review to come.
This was a pretty good book all considering. It wasn't really "Christian" though - I mean, it was clean, nothing graphic, immoral, evil, but there was no God. :( Review to come.
September 28, 2017
11-year-old Kate is the keeper of her family. Loving as only a child can love those who doesn´t know and/or want to love her, she tries to keep their secrets, undo their wrongdoings and protect their happiness. But the storm of events is coming into Harrison Lodge and this storm will re-establish their family hotel and relationships. For better or for worse?
20-year old (or so) Charlie Fuse is an outcast and on the run from the murder accusations. And the father of the dead child and his gangster brothers are after him. Charlie doesn´t know how to trust people, hurting inside. But Kate offers her help and touches his heart within the process.
Heartwarming and beautiful.
I am used to Ms Healy's books to have a bit of supernatural touch. Not in this case - but great as well. This is a bit family drama, a bit of heart drama and tells a story of forgiveness, closeness and family members having their backs.
The Harrisons has forgotten than once their family was more than willing to help the excludes groups (the American-Japanese people within the WWII), now they are together but everyone of them is alone, living their lives in some kind of want. Until the crisis unites them.
Charlie was never the one to help - but he tries his best anyway, but without results. He is very hurt, but his heart his miraculously not totally hardened. Somehow he and Kate are of the same kind of people, even he is much more bitter. And their sacrifice will awaken the others.
And I love them very much for their hearts.
Because heart can be broken easily, or be silenced. Every adult knows that. And it is very hard to love when one has suffered - and the longer the period of suffering, the more is the love in the heart silenced.
Thanks be for all the Kates and Charlies and Grandma Pearls of the world!
I want you in my life, too.
20-year old (or so) Charlie Fuse is an outcast and on the run from the murder accusations. And the father of the dead child and his gangster brothers are after him. Charlie doesn´t know how to trust people, hurting inside. But Kate offers her help and touches his heart within the process.
Heartwarming and beautiful.
I am used to Ms Healy's books to have a bit of supernatural touch. Not in this case - but great as well. This is a bit family drama, a bit of heart drama and tells a story of forgiveness, closeness and family members having their backs.
The Harrisons has forgotten than once their family was more than willing to help the excludes groups (the American-Japanese people within the WWII), now they are together but everyone of them is alone, living their lives in some kind of want. Until the crisis unites them.
Charlie was never the one to help - but he tries his best anyway, but without results. He is very hurt, but his heart his miraculously not totally hardened. Somehow he and Kate are of the same kind of people, even he is much more bitter. And their sacrifice will awaken the others.
And I love them very much for their hearts.
Because heart can be broken easily, or be silenced. Every adult knows that. And it is very hard to love when one has suffered - and the longer the period of suffering, the more is the love in the heart silenced.
Thanks be for all the Kates and Charlies and Grandma Pearls of the world!
I want you in my life, too.
June 26, 2018
All choices have consequences, sometimes dangerous ones...
I'm going to be honest right off, I really had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story for the first half of the book and as a consequence it took me a LONG time to read it. The second half of Hiding Places, however, really took off and did quite a bit to make up for the slower start. The final showdown in the lodge was tense, dramatic, chilling, and kept me glued to the page desperate to find out if Kate and her family would make it or not.
This was not my first Erin Healy book, and I loved the previous one I read, so I'm not going to let my difficulties with this one deter me from reading more of her books when I get the chance. Hiding Places had a less of a spiritual element, delving more into the lives and thoughts of a very dysfunctional family, especially the oldest and youngest members whom I really came to like by the end of the book.
While this book didn't have a strong Christian message it did have important themes of love, sacrifice, this importance of family, and of doing what is right even when faced with strong opposition and potentially dire consequences.
This gritty and sometimes dark story from Erin Healy is likely to appeal to fans of Ted Dekker so if you enjoy his books, Hiding Places just might be for you.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I'm going to be honest right off, I really had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story for the first half of the book and as a consequence it took me a LONG time to read it. The second half of Hiding Places, however, really took off and did quite a bit to make up for the slower start. The final showdown in the lodge was tense, dramatic, chilling, and kept me glued to the page desperate to find out if Kate and her family would make it or not.
This was not my first Erin Healy book, and I loved the previous one I read, so I'm not going to let my difficulties with this one deter me from reading more of her books when I get the chance. Hiding Places had a less of a spiritual element, delving more into the lives and thoughts of a very dysfunctional family, especially the oldest and youngest members whom I really came to like by the end of the book.
While this book didn't have a strong Christian message it did have important themes of love, sacrifice, this importance of family, and of doing what is right even when faced with strong opposition and potentially dire consequences.
This gritty and sometimes dark story from Erin Healy is likely to appeal to fans of Ted Dekker so if you enjoy his books, Hiding Places just might be for you.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
February 6, 2021
There is a character in this book whose "street name" is Merridew. Because gang members really go out of their way to make sure their street cred is tied to classic literature. And that is pretty much all you need to know to show you that this book is tone-deaf and cringy. The plot was eye-rolling and predictable. The "gang violence" was painfully unrealistic. The parts that could have brought something real to this story were glazed over so that either the 60 year old white women this was written for wouldn't faint or to disguise the fact that this author has no clue about the topics they are writing about. To top it off, ***spoiler alert*** all the Asian people in the area end up being related. That is the big twist in the end. The only reason I finished this book is because I have an intense compulsion to finish books that I start.
March 16, 2021
Edge of your seat! Not “preachy”
I really enjoyed this! It’s hard to find I good, well written, exciting Christian book. (I believe I’ve read them all already.)
For all you that don’t like “preachy”...it wasn’t. I love preachy 😁 no real bad scenes or bad language which is great. I stayed up till 1am..which I never do...finishing this! I’m going to read some more by this author! Thanks for a seriously wild amazing ride. Need more IMMEDIATELY 😃
I really enjoyed this! It’s hard to find I good, well written, exciting Christian book. (I believe I’ve read them all already.)
For all you that don’t like “preachy”...it wasn’t. I love preachy 😁 no real bad scenes or bad language which is great. I stayed up till 1am..which I never do...finishing this! I’m going to read some more by this author! Thanks for a seriously wild amazing ride. Need more IMMEDIATELY 😃
May 19, 2017
Love it
Erin Healy is an amazing writer who draws you into the story! Hiding Places is another one of those stories that makes you feel like you are right there with the star characters. This story is one that reminds you what true family is and in the purity of the love of a child.
Erin Healy is an amazing writer who draws you into the story! Hiding Places is another one of those stories that makes you feel like you are right there with the star characters. This story is one that reminds you what true family is and in the purity of the love of a child.
October 6, 2019
I read or listen to a variety of fiction by different authors as part of my desire to learn more about crafting stories. This book taught me a lot and the storyline kept my interest alive. I liked the similies the author used. The ending left me satisfied. Their characters' faith journey was evident; the writing, clean, and the suspense, electric at times.
April 22, 2023
I’ll admit, it was a little rough getting into the book at first. I had a hard time keeping all the characters straight. However, I’m glad I stuck with it. I love how Healy wove the history of the prejudice against the Japanese after WWII into the plot.
Being a Colorado native, it was very cool to read about locations in my home state.
Being a Colorado native, it was very cool to read about locations in my home state.
August 14, 2017
No sex or language though there is a murder. Erin Healy is one of my favorite authors but this wasn't my favorite of hers. It wasn't bad but there wasn't her usual supernatural element. It was eluded to early on but , sadly, wasn't developed.
April 9, 2018
This was an exciting book, with a credible plot and well developed characters.
It spans several generations.
Some of the reviews mention religion. I don't know how the book is marketed. There is some discussion of God, but I don't recall any mention of organized religion. Which I appreciate.
It spans several generations.
Some of the reviews mention religion. I don't know how the book is marketed. There is some discussion of God, but I don't recall any mention of organized religion. Which I appreciate.
September 20, 2017
This book was ok. I enjoyed the second half of the book it was faster paced and overall more useful to the storyline.
November 1, 2018
The fifth star is for the amazing audio production of this book. It is the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to!
July 11, 2021
Held my attention while hoping for a happy ending
October 26, 2021
This wasn’t a terrible book, I just couldn’t get into it.
I finally finished it just to finish it. It was just ok for me.
I finally finished it just to finish it. It was just ok for me.
January 15, 2025
*** bc I finished the book’ I enjoyed Kate and Pearls characters but disappointed overall with the story- I do believe this heart of this story was family…but a lot of it was just misplaced for me
August 13, 2025
slow burn
October 28, 2015
While I've heard Erin Healy's books discussed around the book blogosphere a fair amount, this is my first try at experiencing her writing. I was a little hesitant getting into this one after reading the back cover because I couldn't help thinking wow, that sounds like a lot trying to get crammed into one storyline. Sure enough, by novel's end I still felt that way. It wasn't an absolutely terrible novel necessarily, the writing style itself is solid. I think it was more just everything Healy tries to work into the plot ended up not working for me as a reader. There were just so many different directions trying to merge that the whole lot ended up feeling kinda muddled.
First we have 11 year old Kate, whose family owns and runs Harrison Lodge, a Colorado mountain retreat. She is the sort of kid that tends to just stay in the background of things because that's where her family seems to keep her. Her mother is mostly absentee parenting, her sisters either ignore or torment her, her grandmother is never quite satisfied with her. Kate's most positive interactions are with her grandfather Grandy and great-grandmother Pearl. But even Grandy starts acting odd, clearly hiding some major secret from the rest of the family. This family though. A whole novel could have been made just around this family's dramas!
So Kate becomes that character that, because she's driven to the proverbial shadows, she becomes privy to the secrets of everyone around her, just by being silent and unseen. She's also inspired by her love of Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. Kate's ability to go unnoticed comes in handy when she discovers an injured man in the woods, deciding to get him to a secret place in the lodge where she can help him heal. This tender-heartedness is also displayed in the way she goes behind her grandmother's back to help a family in need (the stingy grandmother going the route of we're not running a shelter here). Multiple times we see Kate offering assistance to the hurting and hungry, which I really liked. Kate seems to be the ballast, of sorts, in an otherwise shaky environment. I also really enjoyed her relationship with her great-grandmother Pearl, and Pearl herself is a pretty fun character!
Sidenote regarding Kate's family: One thing that really bothered me about this book's design was how there is nothing on the cover or synopsis that discusses the fact that Kate and her family are Japanese-Americans. In fact, there's clearly a white girl on the cover. Though I am not Japanese myself, I still feel it does a disservice to readers, who want to see people of their particular race / culture featured in a storyline, not to mention this anywhere within the book's synopsis or design, at least when it comes to a main character. That's just my mini-rant there, but back to the story itself.
The other major plot point (though there feels like half a dozen tiny veins of sub-plots running through) involves a gang leader who calls himself The Fox. There's a pothead character that's introduced prior to the reader meeting The Fox (one of those side stories that runs into the main one later) that -- now, I got a little confused keeping it all straight at this point -- I think unwittingly gets himself mixed up in some gang activity involving a family member of The Fox. Doesn't end well for the family member, but pothead guy walks away (but more like on the run now). So now we have The Fox hunting this guy down. Which leads everyone back to the Harrison Lodge. So yeah, everyone's problems and criminal activity intersect at this lodge, things get ugly, lots of yelling, more hiding, some hostage situations, cops get involved... just an unpleasant night all around. And just for good measure, since my head wasn't quite befuddled enough apparently, Healy also works in talk of the Yakuza and what's this about the lodge maybe being haunted as well?! Ugh. Too many thoughts in the room for me.
Aside from the plot getting confusing and muddled, I didn't find too many of the characters that compelling or complex, except for Pearl & Kate. Also, the dialogue was not fantastic. Again, not horrible, but it wasn't helping drive the story as I'd hoped. So this one was a bit of a dud for me, but if you've read Healy's stuff previously and liked it, by all means check this one out and see what you think.
FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
First we have 11 year old Kate, whose family owns and runs Harrison Lodge, a Colorado mountain retreat. She is the sort of kid that tends to just stay in the background of things because that's where her family seems to keep her. Her mother is mostly absentee parenting, her sisters either ignore or torment her, her grandmother is never quite satisfied with her. Kate's most positive interactions are with her grandfather Grandy and great-grandmother Pearl. But even Grandy starts acting odd, clearly hiding some major secret from the rest of the family. This family though. A whole novel could have been made just around this family's dramas!
So Kate becomes that character that, because she's driven to the proverbial shadows, she becomes privy to the secrets of everyone around her, just by being silent and unseen. She's also inspired by her love of Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. Kate's ability to go unnoticed comes in handy when she discovers an injured man in the woods, deciding to get him to a secret place in the lodge where she can help him heal. This tender-heartedness is also displayed in the way she goes behind her grandmother's back to help a family in need (the stingy grandmother going the route of we're not running a shelter here). Multiple times we see Kate offering assistance to the hurting and hungry, which I really liked. Kate seems to be the ballast, of sorts, in an otherwise shaky environment. I also really enjoyed her relationship with her great-grandmother Pearl, and Pearl herself is a pretty fun character!
Sidenote regarding Kate's family: One thing that really bothered me about this book's design was how there is nothing on the cover or synopsis that discusses the fact that Kate and her family are Japanese-Americans. In fact, there's clearly a white girl on the cover. Though I am not Japanese myself, I still feel it does a disservice to readers, who want to see people of their particular race / culture featured in a storyline, not to mention this anywhere within the book's synopsis or design, at least when it comes to a main character. That's just my mini-rant there, but back to the story itself.
The other major plot point (though there feels like half a dozen tiny veins of sub-plots running through) involves a gang leader who calls himself The Fox. There's a pothead character that's introduced prior to the reader meeting The Fox (one of those side stories that runs into the main one later) that -- now, I got a little confused keeping it all straight at this point -- I think unwittingly gets himself mixed up in some gang activity involving a family member of The Fox. Doesn't end well for the family member, but pothead guy walks away (but more like on the run now). So now we have The Fox hunting this guy down. Which leads everyone back to the Harrison Lodge. So yeah, everyone's problems and criminal activity intersect at this lodge, things get ugly, lots of yelling, more hiding, some hostage situations, cops get involved... just an unpleasant night all around. And just for good measure, since my head wasn't quite befuddled enough apparently, Healy also works in talk of the Yakuza and what's this about the lodge maybe being haunted as well?! Ugh. Too many thoughts in the room for me.
Aside from the plot getting confusing and muddled, I didn't find too many of the characters that compelling or complex, except for Pearl & Kate. Also, the dialogue was not fantastic. Again, not horrible, but it wasn't helping drive the story as I'd hoped. So this one was a bit of a dud for me, but if you've read Healy's stuff previously and liked it, by all means check this one out and see what you think.
FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
December 7, 2018
I liked this book
September 15, 2015
Hiding Places by Erin Healy is a fast paced suspense novel weaving a story of courage, devotion, love and hope. Another astonishing piece of work from this gifted author!
Hiding Places by Erin Healy combines the determination of a father to avenge his son's death, the battle of a struggling homeless man's inner turmoil to find belonging, and the strong willed determination of a young girl to do what families are supposed to do...protect one another.
I absolutely love this newly released book! Actually, that comes as no surprise, since Erin Healy is one of my favorite authors. However, there is good reason why she is on the top of my, "Christian Fiction Favorite Author" list. Her consistency is once again unveiled in her most recent publication of Hiding Places. If she isn't already there, Healy belongs on your "top Christian author" list too. Erin Healy Books always manage to successfully provide the top five things that are imperative in a Christian Fiction novel. Those five things are to: renew hope, entertain, inform, educate, and worship. Erin Healy delivers in every category with her latest book, Hiding Places.
The book begins with a level of apprehension and curiosity that only increases with each turn of the page. The characters are realistic and endearing, especially Great Grandma Pearl, who happens to be my beloved character, not only for her humor, but for her uncanny ability to understand the needs of her family and then respond to those needs in a beautiful way. The main character, Kate, is not without charm and likability as well, as she moves through the pages with simplicity and naivety. That leaves Charlie, Merridew, and Grandy, each with a lesson to teach the reader through their unique passions.
All of the characters represent a different age and unique stage of life. They come from varied levels of experience and the reader is fed some valuable information about gang mentality, life on the streets for a homeless person, struggles of an aging adult, what it's like to live life with regret for past decisions, and finally the gentle reminder of a child's perspective of our world. Hope is presented from several different angles and at various points throughout the book. As the story winds down, there is a feeling of inspiration to lead a life that takes into account how our actions will impact those around us.
Hiding Places by Erin Healy also includes discussion questions at the end of the book to assist the reader in gentle reflections about family and how we relate to one another. This book would be a fun choice for a "Book Club". Utilizing the questions provided would allow for deeper analysis of certain areas of the heart and it has the potential to unearth hidden hurts and thus bring them to the surface where they can be addressed. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense novel, but be forewarned...there is a lot hidden beneath the surface! Enjoy!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc for this review copy of Hiding Places by Erin Healy provided through the BookLook Bloggers review program. I was not required to write a favorable review, but to simply to read the work in it's entirety. The opinions within this review are strictly my own.
Hiding Places by Erin Healy combines the determination of a father to avenge his son's death, the battle of a struggling homeless man's inner turmoil to find belonging, and the strong willed determination of a young girl to do what families are supposed to do...protect one another.
I absolutely love this newly released book! Actually, that comes as no surprise, since Erin Healy is one of my favorite authors. However, there is good reason why she is on the top of my, "Christian Fiction Favorite Author" list. Her consistency is once again unveiled in her most recent publication of Hiding Places. If she isn't already there, Healy belongs on your "top Christian author" list too. Erin Healy Books always manage to successfully provide the top five things that are imperative in a Christian Fiction novel. Those five things are to: renew hope, entertain, inform, educate, and worship. Erin Healy delivers in every category with her latest book, Hiding Places.
The book begins with a level of apprehension and curiosity that only increases with each turn of the page. The characters are realistic and endearing, especially Great Grandma Pearl, who happens to be my beloved character, not only for her humor, but for her uncanny ability to understand the needs of her family and then respond to those needs in a beautiful way. The main character, Kate, is not without charm and likability as well, as she moves through the pages with simplicity and naivety. That leaves Charlie, Merridew, and Grandy, each with a lesson to teach the reader through their unique passions.
All of the characters represent a different age and unique stage of life. They come from varied levels of experience and the reader is fed some valuable information about gang mentality, life on the streets for a homeless person, struggles of an aging adult, what it's like to live life with regret for past decisions, and finally the gentle reminder of a child's perspective of our world. Hope is presented from several different angles and at various points throughout the book. As the story winds down, there is a feeling of inspiration to lead a life that takes into account how our actions will impact those around us.
Hiding Places by Erin Healy also includes discussion questions at the end of the book to assist the reader in gentle reflections about family and how we relate to one another. This book would be a fun choice for a "Book Club". Utilizing the questions provided would allow for deeper analysis of certain areas of the heart and it has the potential to unearth hidden hurts and thus bring them to the surface where they can be addressed. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense novel, but be forewarned...there is a lot hidden beneath the surface! Enjoy!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc for this review copy of Hiding Places by Erin Healy provided through the BookLook Bloggers review program. I was not required to write a favorable review, but to simply to read the work in it's entirety. The opinions within this review are strictly my own.
November 8, 2015
If you are young. If you are someone who is living in the shadows of adults, then your story might be that which saves many lives. Kate is a darling character. She is gifted with a wisdom into the true character of those in her life. She is brave and courageous. She adores her Grandfather (Grandy) and her family is precious beyond their unique quirks. Before her story is finished, you will discover that Kate's passion towards those in need will not be in vain.
"Can you believe this old beast still works?
She's yours, Agent K.
Don't let the film canister go to the bad guys."
Kate's story begins with a sweet interchange with Grandy. They share many secrets that allows Kate to bloom as a young trouble-shooter. On this day of "surprise gifts," Kate overhears her Grandy as he is arguing with his best friend. Her Grandy never gets angry, why is he threatening to kill Mr. Gorman?
"Mr. Gorman should say he's sorry so you guys can make up...
That's what we have to do at school when someone does something stupid."
Keeping her fears to herself, Kate and Grandy travel into town. At the Kwik Kash Pawnshop, Kate will experience a theft while Grandy and Mr. Gorman are in the back room. From that point on, Kate will experience a series of events that will lead her toward decisions that endanger the lives of her family and their home at Harrison Lodge.
Charlie is a young man who has experienced violence, abuse, abandonment, betrayal, hypocrisy, and "every type of fight for respect, resources, or relief". He doesn't have much other than a harmonica. The gang he hangs with is on the verge of a robbery. Merridew acts as the "dad" for the gang, he calls the shots. He decides what will be done and who will do it. What unfolds will be a series of fatal decisions. For Charlie, he will need to decide if he is going to get involved or run.
Fox is a man, a husband, a father, a gang leader, and an informer. His life is hard and on a fast track to a fatal decision. The morning after his son was abducted and killed, he finds himself between two worlds. One of anger seeking revenge. Another of regrets, grief, and a nauseating realization that life is valuable.
On the day of the robbery, many will be changed forever. The moment death enters the scene, many will be confronted with choices in which their true strengths or weaknesses will determine their actions. Kate will extend a hiding place to Charlie. Charlie will need some time to recover. Grandy will need to share his secret in order to save his family. Great grandma Pearl will need to confront her family about their deceptions, denials, and the truth behind the creation of Harrison Lodge.
"The lodge was full of such hiding places, where an eleven-year old could spy out all the secrets..."
Seamlessly woven, six lives unfold. Six futures will be determined. Each life has a past that will "collide" at the Lodge. So vivid are the decisions. So carefully crafted are the scenes. So defined are the characters. What begins as a young girls story will end with a reader's experience that is flawlessly portrayed and played out as if it was viewed on the big screen.
Intriguing suspense in which every turn of the page causes you to want to hope,
MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
"Can you believe this old beast still works?
She's yours, Agent K.
Don't let the film canister go to the bad guys."
Kate's story begins with a sweet interchange with Grandy. They share many secrets that allows Kate to bloom as a young trouble-shooter. On this day of "surprise gifts," Kate overhears her Grandy as he is arguing with his best friend. Her Grandy never gets angry, why is he threatening to kill Mr. Gorman?
"Mr. Gorman should say he's sorry so you guys can make up...
That's what we have to do at school when someone does something stupid."
Keeping her fears to herself, Kate and Grandy travel into town. At the Kwik Kash Pawnshop, Kate will experience a theft while Grandy and Mr. Gorman are in the back room. From that point on, Kate will experience a series of events that will lead her toward decisions that endanger the lives of her family and their home at Harrison Lodge.
Charlie is a young man who has experienced violence, abuse, abandonment, betrayal, hypocrisy, and "every type of fight for respect, resources, or relief". He doesn't have much other than a harmonica. The gang he hangs with is on the verge of a robbery. Merridew acts as the "dad" for the gang, he calls the shots. He decides what will be done and who will do it. What unfolds will be a series of fatal decisions. For Charlie, he will need to decide if he is going to get involved or run.
Fox is a man, a husband, a father, a gang leader, and an informer. His life is hard and on a fast track to a fatal decision. The morning after his son was abducted and killed, he finds himself between two worlds. One of anger seeking revenge. Another of regrets, grief, and a nauseating realization that life is valuable.
On the day of the robbery, many will be changed forever. The moment death enters the scene, many will be confronted with choices in which their true strengths or weaknesses will determine their actions. Kate will extend a hiding place to Charlie. Charlie will need some time to recover. Grandy will need to share his secret in order to save his family. Great grandma Pearl will need to confront her family about their deceptions, denials, and the truth behind the creation of Harrison Lodge.
"The lodge was full of such hiding places, where an eleven-year old could spy out all the secrets..."
Seamlessly woven, six lives unfold. Six futures will be determined. Each life has a past that will "collide" at the Lodge. So vivid are the decisions. So carefully crafted are the scenes. So defined are the characters. What begins as a young girls story will end with a reader's experience that is flawlessly portrayed and played out as if it was viewed on the big screen.
Intriguing suspense in which every turn of the page causes you to want to hope,
MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
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