The Hidden Child by Rebecca Griffiths
Published: February 24, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 361
Genre: Crime Fiction
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Rebecca Griffiths grew up in west-Wales and went on to gain a first-class honours degree in English literature. After a successful business career in London, Dublin, and Scotland, she returned to rural west-Wales where she now lives with her husband, a prolific artist, their four black cats, and two pet sheep the size of sofas and writes full-time.
As local farmer Ronald listens to the news, he is shocked by what he hears. He has spent his life away from the spotlight, quietly tending to his farm. But when a young couple begin acting suspiciously on his land, he knows that trouble is about to reach his door.
And then he sees her. A girl in a bright red coat who looks completely lost. Ronald knows he needs to help keep her safe and find her family. But on the wild and desolate farmland, Ronald has buried his own dark secret. Can he risk it coming to light to save her life?
“No rest for the wicked.”
Ronald has a lifetime of secrets, regrets, and doubts. He has spent his life on the moor, tending his sheep, and minding his business. When his peaceful existence is interrupted terrifyingly, the last thing he expected was to reconnect with his long-lost love.
This was an interesting read. I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed the alternating narrations and perspectives. I think the most interesting aspect of this book is that so much is revealed to the reader, so we are going along as things are happening.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. I found them realistic and well-developed. I appreciated that Rebecca did not shy away from having flawed characters. No one is perfect, and that was well represented here.
The buildup was slow but well done. A slow burn that is well written and engaging is an actual work of art. This novel captured the difference in time without being glaringly obvious.
The location descriptions were beautifully done, and I loved that the moor was a character, just as prominently as Ron or Connie.
A beautiful story about protecting yourself, forgiveness, love, and second chances, everything about this book was a win for me.