HIDDEN Paperback – 11 Feb. 2020

It's no secret that I'm a big Linda Gillard fan, and have loved all her books, and Hidden is no exception, and also has confirmed the reason why.As I got stuck in, I realised, picking up a new Linda Gillard book, doesn't ever feel like meeting new characters in a story, it feels like catching up with the kind of old friends that you don't see often, but when you do the conversation starts up and flows as if you've never been apart!A dual time-frame book, Hidden provided me with such characters, that I know would be friends if they were real. Admittedly it was easy to identify with both Miranda and Esme, due to my own history, but they are such well-written rounded characters, I think that anyone would be able to connect with them, regardless of whether or not they had shared similar experiences to them. (I don't want to say too much for fear of unravelling spoilers for those yet to read!)The story though, was also gripping, and I had to keep reading to find out the fates of both our heroines, which was great for the reading experience, but also meant I finished far too quickly!!But, as with all Linda books, it's 100% the characters that make them, she has a way of writing people that feel so real, they get inside your head and heart, every time.Hidden will stay with me for a long time, and I think it's story will resonate with a lot of people.Highly recommended!

This was a fascinating story, of duty, obligation, love, domestic abuse and family. It wasn't an easy read. There some evenings where what I was reading made it difficult to get to sleep. The atmosphere created in the story was tense, and haunting. I like dual-timeline stories anyway (think Victoria Hislop, Kate Morton) but I know they're not everyone's cup of tea. This was worth the read though.

Hidden - another thought-provoking work by Linda Gillard, one of my very favourite authorsThis story covers two time-frames - with the main story-line being an year in 1917-18 just before the end of WW1. Myddleton Mote is owned by an artist, Esme Howard who's married to a deeply damaged officer - both in body and mind - Captain Guy Carlyle. We then have an year in the present day when Miranda Norton inherits Myddleton Mote together with a collection of paintings by Esme Howard, and moves in with her extended family. As a result of problems from her own past with her ex-husband, Miranda starts to unravel the story behind Esme's paintings.This is a very powerful and emotional read and whilst one dreads coming to the end of what you feel cannot end well, you cannot stop reading, as if that will bring a happier ending to Esme's plight. I do love the way the two storylines knit together for a satisfactory ending - but one I did not expect.As always, very well written and researched - highly recommended.

I loved this book. The history and the characters are so intriguing and it was a great story. This is the second book I have read by this author and I was not disappointed. Highly recommend this author.

Uplifting; I was delighted to finally have this latest novel by Linda Gillard in my hands, desperate for a well written read.Heart wrenching; tears in Costa, unbidden gasps of astonishment at home, genuine angst for the postpartum trials (I'm a Midwife) and the ending . . .Gut wrenching; no feelings of the reader spared, no gentrification of the horrors of war and the impact on lives affected.Bravo! take a bow Linda!Can the next book be along the lines of Star Gazing, if you have managed to expunge the more evil aspects of humanity from your literary reservoir?Now, I intend to read all your books again, in order and, delighting in your style of prose and construct, have a literary feast!

The author is a great storyteller. This novel is an other amazing one about two women of different times connected by a house and that they both suffered because of domestic abuse. A beautifully told story about suffering and tragedies, about strength and above all, about love.

Beautifully written and full of suspense.The story of Esme, set just after the end of World War I, was so well written and researched. I found it hard to stop reading and yet dreaded how it might end. Linda Gillard has written very well about shell shock (PTSD) in one of her previous novels (Untying the Knot), and this was no exception.We sometimes forget how few rights women had then, but the book made me realise just how much women were regarded as the property of their husbands.The ending linked the two stories beautifully.I've enjoyed all of Linda Gillard's books and she's certainly on top form with Hidden.

Took me a while to get into it, as it went back and forth from the past to the present but then it romped along and I read the second half in one night.

What a terrific read! A new look at post WW2 and how it affected those who came home ill and injured. Love the toggle between the past and present. Can’t wait to read another of her books!!

Once again Linda Gillard has written an unforgettable book. She is truly a master at what she does. Her two plot lines were intriguing and her characters, well drawn and memorable. Her writing is suffused with atmosphere, and the setting, itself, is one of the most important elements to the story. I stayed up late last night because I just couldn't put it down!! I have loved all of Linda’s books, but Hidden has become one of my favorites! Highly recommend!!!

I was totally mesmerized by this wonderful storytelling and engaging characters.

An incredible story of how war can affect soldiers and their families with sometimes devastating consequences. Also shows how still not enough is being done to help those who return

The story is unique and the surprise ending definitely makes up for the tragic events in the book. I was definitely rooting for Esme even though you know she doesn't quite get the happy ending. I gave it 4 stars because I felt the author short changed Miranda's story with her ex husband. After all the hinting at abuse in the relationship it is mostly resolved in a tidy solution. Also it seems unlikely that if your ex-husband was really that terrible that you would still want one of your children regularly visiting with them.