These Things Hidden
by Heather Gudenkauf

List Price: $15.95
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780778328797
Publisher: Mira

Allison Glenn tried to hide what happened that night...and failed. The consequence? Five years in prison. Now she's free. But secrets have a way of keeping you caged...When Allison is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult in her downfall. Her sister, Brynn, faces the whispered rumours every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school. It's Brynn --- shy, quiet Brynn --- who carries the burden of what really happened that night. All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her. But then Allison is released, and is more determined than ever to speak with her sister. Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.

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1. Charm, Claire and Allison all serve as Joshua’s mother at some point in the novel. In the end, who is the best mother? Why do you think so? How does each of these characters evolve throughout the story?

2. The women in the story all love Joshua in their own way. What else do they have in common? What are their differences?

3. Describe Charm’s relationship with her mother. How does Charm demonstrate her determination to be different than her mother? What qualities do they share?

4. Olene, the director of the halfway house where Allison resides, tells her to “meet the world with hope in your heart.” What does this quote mean for each of the main characters? What does it mean for your own life?

5. Water is consistently referenced throughout the novel. What is its significance? What message do you think the author is trying to relate to the reader?

6. Many of the characters in this novel have hopes and expectations for their family members that are not met. How do the various characters deal with their disappointment? Are their reactions justified? Do you relate to this in your own life?

7. We see glimpses of Allison and Brynn’s parents through each girl’s eyes. How have their parents shaped each girl? How have their roles in their family defined their relationship? How have your parents shaped you?

8. How does public perception of Allison and Brynn differ from how the sisters view themselves --- and each other? How does this change throughout the book? How did your perceptions of Brynn and Allison change as you learned more about each character?

9. It is Christopher that connects Allison to Charm, yet his presence in the story is seen only through the eyes of women in his life. What was your impression of Christopher? Why do you think Allison fell in love with him?

10. In These Things Hidden, several characters take on the role of a parent --- for example, Devin, Olene, Gus --- for a child to whom they are not biologically related. What makes a good parent? Has there been anyone in your life who has represented the role of a parent for you? Have you done this for anyone in your life?

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"Heather Gudenkauf skillfully weaves an explosive tale of suspense and…the healing power of love."

— No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

"Heather Gudenkauf is one of those rare writers who can tell a tale with the skill of a poet while simultaneously cranking up the suspense until it’s unbearable."

— New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen

"Brilliantly constructed, this will have you gripped until the last page."

— Closer

"Fans of Jodi Picoult will devour this great thriller."

— Red Magazine