Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

I have been in need of a good fiction book to get "lost" in!

It began in the middle of action and captured my attention from the start. That being said, it was not difficult to get to know and understand the characters plight. Parr wove a unique story, centered on life in the early American city of Philadelphia in 1831, versus the familiar setting of the west which came a few years later. I have read quite a few historical fiction novels that center around the west, so I really enjoyed an alternate setting for the same time period.

The characters were not "perfect" but instead believable and "messy." I liked both Annabelle Tyler and Harrison Graymoor and their supporting characters. As the plot unwound I found myself emotionally involved, for example, frustrated at their lack of communication which, just as in marriages today, provides a "comedy" of errors, that those on the outside wish they could whisper to those involved to see.

It was a quick, enjoyable read. I wanted to finish it all the way through, but decided to go to bed before midnight last night and just finished it up this morning instead. I wished the story would continue further so that I could stay a part of these characters' lives.

Previous to this book, I have not been familiar with this author, but I will be checking out her prior work after reading this.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”