Hidden Places is a Christy Award winner for excellence in Christian fiction. Fragrant blossoms herald spring, but the orchard is also a place of secrets and heartache. After the death of her husband Frank, Eliza is left with three young children and mounting debts. When a gentle stranger enters her orchard, she experiences a peculiar sensation of familiarity with the man. But will his unknown past jeopardize all that she has fought for?
Download and start listening now!
"This book, I came across quite randomly, but I have to say it was amazing. A bit of a slow starter, but as I got into it I couldn't help but get sucked it. It's such a thick book though, I was sad that there were a couple times I had to put it down to go to work or sleep. However, it's definitely something to read on an empty weekend because once you get passed the beginning, it's hard to put down. It's set up in several of the characters' stories, which is also really nice to see. You don't see that style of writing too often. I especially loved Aunt Batty's story. Anyway, go read it!"
— Charlotte (4 out of 5 stars)
" Captivating page turned. I could not wait to have time to read at the end of the day. One of my favorite authors. "
— Gene, 2/12/2014" Wow! What an amazing book. I was laughing one minute and crying the next. I loved the characters in this novel. They were so real and so loveable. If you are struggling to deal with issues from your past. This novel will help you confront your fears by facing everything to help you recover.There is always hope and lynn austin displays that beautifully in this novel. A great read! "
— Etinosa, 2/10/2014" This book was an unexpected pleasure to read. It was my first book by Lynn Austin, and I'll be checking out more of her books this summer. "
— Kristina, 2/7/2014" Love this book! I've read it twice. It's one of those that are perfect for curling up by the fire with a blanket. Its one of the rather rare good Christian books- its romantic, but it also deals with many other things and is actually good literature as well as being inspirational! The characters are believable, and the use of many different story lines- past and present- means you never lose interest. I definitely recommend it. "
— Shell, 1/31/2014" Lynn Austin is becoming one of my favorite writers. "
— Trey, 1/10/2014" I always really enjoy Lynn Austin books. And I liked this one as well, although it was not my most favorite of hers it was light and easy and a fun read. "
— Trisha, 1/8/2014" One of my all time favorite books. "
— Julie, 12/31/2013" Loved it... You can always count on Lynn Austin for a captivating story... "
— Jill, 12/27/2013" Oh I loved this book. It makes you feel right at home with the characters on the apple orchard. Aunt Batty is my favorite character. "
— Michaelann, 12/24/2013" I really enjoyed reading this book. It was sweet and I always love a happy ending. Much better than the movie. "
— Jennefer, 12/18/2013" I saw the movie adapted from this novel and my sister and I were left confused at the end by many unexplained details. When I learned about the book I immediatly put it on hold at the library. I was not disapointed! I quite enjoyed the read and just how real the characters seemed. "
— Molly, 12/11/2013" It was really really good! I read it in 2 days! "
— Kate, 11/22/2013" Another awesome book by Lynn Austin!!! A reminder of God's unending love and how much He longs for a relationship with us!! "
— Angela, 11/21/2013" I loved this book! This is the third Austin book I've read and this is my favorite so far. I could read it again right now!! I can usually figure out the plot of the book long before the end but this had a good twist that kept me guessing. Loved it. "
— Brenda, 11/7/2013" Set during the depression. Eliza is faced with running Wyatt Orchards on her own. "
— Fran, 5/3/2013" Great book! I bought the movie and am waiting to watch it with a friend. "
— Michelle, 12/3/2012" Very good book. I really enjoyed the antics of Aunt Betty. The beginning was more enjoyable than the ending....it took an unusual turn that was a bit strange but it had a very satisfying ending. "
— Helen, 10/30/2012" East read. Christian writer, but not preachy. "
— Julie, 10/13/2012" Lovely story about a widow who takes in a complete stranger. Nice use of different narrators and various stories. Much less predictable than the usual Christian Romance. "
— Elizabeth, 10/11/2012" You learn about the past family relations that aren't pleasant to learn about but Austin writes in a way that tells the bad side of "real" life without making you feel depressed after. The current situation of a woman who has to step up and do a man's job is inspiring. "
— Janene, 8/2/2012" Just starting this. I love it so far! Warm, cozy, comfortable, intriguing. Can't wait to read each chapter. I really liked this book. "
— Lee, 7/17/2012" Good summer read; bit of mystery to this story. "
— Cheryl, 5/30/2012" I love all of Lynn Austins books. "
— Michelle, 4/19/2012" I did not really care for this boook. The subject matter seemed to negative and sad for me. "
— Jencey/, 10/9/2011" Very nice Christian fiction and a good movie too.....one of my favorites. "
— Peggy, 10/8/2011" Novel about hidden identity and the progression of generations on a depression era farm. "
— Stephanie, 10/7/2011" A love story from the "Great Depression" era. Has some fun surprises. "
— Jo, 9/29/2011" I read this after watching the movie & the book is spoof much better! Great intrigue and characters. "
— Jan, 9/6/2011" I really liked this book! Set during the Depression in small-town America, it has very likable characters and a plot that kept me guessing who Gabe was. Well-written and not too preachy. "
— Katherine, 5/14/2011" I really enjoyed this book! It gave great background stories to the characters you grow to LOVE that were so descriptive and enjoyable! I didn't want to put it down! Really well written! "
— Alisha, 4/25/2011" I liked the beginning but felt the author didn't develop the story as she could have. "
— Keri, 3/31/2011" I love all of Lynn Austins books. "
— Michelle, 3/21/2011" Loved this one! It was a good clean romance, which I really appreciate. The story had enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, even though we all know how the final ending of any romance will turn out :-) "
— Tamara, 3/7/2011" Characters were very real to me. A lot of emotion in those pages! Though I didn't love it, it was worth the read. "
— Lindsey, 2/7/2011" I loved Aunt Batty's insights into spirituality and how to live life. The story is engaging as well. "
— Amanda, 1/28/2011" I read this after watching the movie & the book is spoof much better! Great intrigue and characters. "
— Jan, 1/6/2011" I read this a few years ago and just realized I hadn't put it on Goodreads. I loved the book. "
— Kris, 1/3/2011" Great book! I bought the movie and am waiting to watch it with a friend. "
— Michelle, 1/2/2011" Wonderflul story about love, loss, and surviving! I really like all of Lynn Austin's works! "
— Cindy, 12/6/2010" Novel about hidden identity and the progression of generations on a depression era farm. "
— Stephanie, 10/18/2010" Set during the depression. Eliza is faced with running Wyatt Orchards on her own. "
— Fran, 9/25/2010" Overall, this is a good read but it could have been longer. As with a couple other books by this author, she attempts to cram alot of things in and rushes the ending. With all the information, there should have been a follow-up. "
— Ellyrock, 9/20/2010" One of my favorite books and author ever!! "
— Melissa, 9/1/2010" A book that was made into a Hallmark Movie. But, I think the book is better & it'll make you want to read the whole thing to find out the "why's" before you can put it down. About a young mother's quest to hold her family together and trying to hold on to her home & orchard "
— Sheila, 8/26/2010" Awesome book. Pretty diverse to have an abusive father and then a totally different story being about the circus. I loved this book. "
— Wendy, 8/16/2010Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie.
Ruth Ann Phimister has appeared off Broadway and in numerous regional productions, including Life with Father with Robert Reed. She has also worked in television, film, and commercial voice-over.