What Happened to Hannah

by Mary Kay McComas

As a teenager, Hannah Benson ran away from home in order to save herself. Now, twenty years later, the past comes calling and delivers life-changing news: her mother and sister have passed away, leaving Hannah the guardian of her fifteen-year-old niece.

Returning home to bitter memories and devastating secrets, Hannah must overcome her painful past to pave a future with her niece, the last best chance at a family for both of them. She begins to create a new, happier life with her niece and rekindles a relationship with Grady Steadman, one of the few people she's ever called a friend.

But she can't forget what she cannot forgive, or lay to rest those ghosts that will not die. Will love and trust--and the truth--give her the strength to stand her ground and fight for what she deserves?

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Family, Romance, Book Club, Adult

352 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2012

About the author

Mary Kay McComas is an acclaimed romance novelist and the author of twenty-one short contemporary romances, five novellas, and two novels. McComas has received numerous honors and prizes for her work, including the Washington Romance Writers’ Outstanding Achievement Award and two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times (one for Best New Novel and another for Most Innovative Romance Series). She has recently contributed to Nora Roberts’s J. D. Robb fantasy anthologies, with highly praised paranormal romance stories. McComas and her family live in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm very confused why this book had a pretty high rating on here. The pacing was terrible, the characters weren't particularly compelling and overall it was just damn frustrating. So many times I read only a chapter because I got so annoyed with the author's choices or because it was dragging.

This was so clearly written by an author that usually writes short stories. This idea really lends itself to a very long short story, but in order to make it a full novel the author added lots of useless and uninteresting details and passages. I yelled, "who cares?!" at the book so many times-- literally there were whole pages talking about different types of insurance policies.

Furthermore so many of the main character's choices did not fit with her smart/survivalist personality up until that point. I kept yelling, "No! NO ONE would do it like that. NO ONE would assume something that stupid." All of the main characters major changes of heart were actually explained... she was just hard set on doing something one way, then the next page she would wake up and be like, "OH IT'S SO CLEAR TO ME NOW!" and do exactly the opposite. It was really cheap writing.

Bottom line: just because a book covers some dark topics and has some passages that deal with very depressing circumstances doesn't make it a particularly deep or emotional book.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really know what to expect from this book - I hadn't heard of it or the author before I read it. And, if I'm being honest, I chose it based primarily on the cover & the fact that the very vague summary held my attention.

Books that read without having many expectations go one of two ways with me - I either find it great because I didn't expect much, or I never finish it because I have no reason to. Thankfully, this was the former.

Apparently this has been talked about in some places as being light chick-lit. Which... what? On the surface this book is about a woman who has escaped her small hometown & is forced to return when her mother dies & she needs to take custody of her 15 year old niece. But a lot more of the book is focused on her facing the horrific childhood abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, and the guilt she feels for leaving her sister and mother alone. There is also a lot of abandonment issues from both aunt and niece.

To be honest, even without the abuse background and the more serious notes, I would have loved reading the story of an Aunt trying to care for a niece she's never met, I'm a sucker for those kinds of stories, but the abuse & ~secrets plotline gave the book so much more.

The romance sub-plot (the sheriff in the town was Hannah's high school sweetheart) could also have been done wrong - it could have easily over powered the rest of the story, but there was just enough to be interesting & I liked that it wasn't an easy resolution.

The only thing I wish we could have seen more of was Hannah & Anna struggling to make things work once they were in Baltimore, I think that would have been really interesting to see more of - how Anna fits into Hannah's like rather than only the other way round.

Regardless, this book was really good, I'd been having an off-period with contemporary fiction but I think this has put me back on track.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I found this book to be rather disappointing. The story was trite and predictable, with all of the actual action very far removed from the story. Confused flashbacks and nightmares just didn't provide enough drama or excitement for me. But this did turn a tough subject (child abuse) into a rather light-hearted and sweet book, which is perhaps why it felt so unbelievable to me. Though not a long book, it was slow moving, with characters that just weren't well-rounded enough to instill much caring in the reader. The shifts in P.O.V. were not smoothly transitioned, or consistent. The ending had some rather strange ramifications as well, leaving me quite unsatisfied. But, I did finish the book and I was impressed the way such a disturbing topic was transferred into a very not disturbing book.

[Amy Lignor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grady Steadman is a small-town sheriff who has a pretty good life. In fact, he only has one regret, and that regret is something he has wanted to fix for a good, long time. When he finally tracks down his first love who had to run from their town in the middle of the night because of a truly horrific event, Grady takes a deep breath, and tries to figure out how to deliver her the news that she now has to come back home.

Hannah Benson, when she was a teenager, had to watch as her mother, her sister, as well as herself, got brutally beaten and abused by her horrendous father. After an event occurred in her young life, Hannah took off, leaving everything and everyone behind in order to find some sort of peace in her life. Year after year Hannah has ‘hid in plain sight,’ so to speak, working as an insurance saleswoman in Baltimore. When she receives a pone call from Grady Steadman, her panic attacks begin once again, wondering how the heck he tracked her down and what she’s supposed to say after all these years. When he delivers the news that Hannah’s mother has passed away; not only that, but her sister also passed away five years previously leaving behind a fifteen-year-old daughter named, Anna, who absolutely needs her ‘missing’ Aunt now, Hannah finds herself heading back into the town that was her ultimate hell.

Grady has gone from a wild child teen to a handsome reliable young man who preaches the law instead of breaks it. And he is the one and only person in town who is there to help Hannah face her demons, and try to learn how on earth she can be there for a child when she doesn’t have a clue how to take care of one.

Jumping back into this town and Grady’s family is difficult, especially seeing as that his teenage daughter, Lucy, is Anna’s best friend. Lucy is beyond angry because Anna is a five-star runner who wins prizes galore; she’ll even have some college scouts visiting her very soon. Not only that, but Lucy knows that Anna is falling for her very own brother, Cal, and Lucy’s mouth makes sure to let this strange Aunt know that she should leave Anna right where she is and go away.

As Hannah and Anna learn about one another - what they share, and what Anna was told about the past mistakes that Hannah made, the story becomes a vibrant, haunting tale of a woman trying to discard the past once and for all in order to begin again. A powerful story with a beautiful plot that will have readers routing for peace, romance, and second chances.

Until Next Time,
Amy

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really got caught up in this book. It made the subject of spousal/child abuse personal because I got so wrapped up in the story of Hannah. In view of the latest headlines one should question the ability to intervene in situations instead of turning a blind eye. Whether you sense something wrong with a child, a neighbor, or a friend, it seems that if the 'village' becomes vigilant when it comes to abuse, actions could be taken to make a change in someone's life.
I am giving this four stars instead of five stars only because I question the ability to put nightmares to rest merely by opening up and telling a secret that has been kept for years. It seems that the 'happily ever after' would be much harder to achieve than the ending of this book made it seem.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

What happened to Hannah? Probably locked in the boredom room. I simply could not get into this book at all, at first it had potential but it quickly went downhill with the lack of consistency and characterization. The entire time reading this, I was questioning why should I care what direction this story is going. It simply was not my cup of tea or anything, it was just one those books that did not pick up steam at all. Either that or I lost patience to see if it got any better. I tend to read too many books, so I really do not have any time to waste.

What happened to Hannah?

Who the hell cares?

NEXT!

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main character, Hannah Benson, is called back to her home town by her ex-boyfriend, now sheriff, to care for a niece she didn't know she had. Anna, who is 15, had been living with her grandmother (Hannah's mother), her mother having died several years before. The plot is paper thin so that I knew what was going to happen before it did, slow in too many places, and no connection was made between me and any of the characters. Sad.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah disappeared when she was 16. The people of the small town assumed she'd probably been murdered by her abusive father. Little rumors had been circling for a bit about him being alcoholic, the broken bones, unexplained bruises, etc. But there is a collective agreement to turn the other way in order to not be responsible for Hannah or their family.

It's 20 years later when the book opens. Grady, the new sheriff, and Hannah's one teenage love, knows she is alive and well in Baltimore. He finally makes the call to reconnect but also to drop the bomb that her mother has just died. Her beloved sister, Ruth, has been gone for a few years and, surprise! Ruthie had a daughter who is now 15 and needs a home. Hannah protests but finally agrees to meet Anna, her niece. So Hannah returns to her loathsome home town where her heinous childhood took place and still haunts her.

The story of Hannah's childhood and the blossoming of the romance between Hannah and Grady during their teenage years is slowly and sweetly revealed in flashbacks. Also remembered and voiced are the horrendous memories of abuse suffered by both her father, in an effort to control, and her mother, in fear. The time spent in Clearfield, getting to know Anna and her friends (coincidentally, they are Grady's children), getting reacquainted with Grady and his mother and Grady is a single father, by the way, is also punctuated by Hannah's cleaning out the old Benson home, haunted by the memories of her childhood yet symbolically, Hannah is cleaning out the anger and resentment she has clung to through the years.

Peripherally, Hannah speaks often to Joe, her mentor, former business partner, and dear friend in Baltimore. Joe, a religious and God-loving man, plays the part of reason and learning to trust and have faith. With the help of all of these supporting characters, Hannah finds who she really is, faces her past, and releases her demons. She has secrets. Many secrets that she is afraid to allow to see the light. How does one heal from such terrible experiences? How does a self-sufficient woman like Hannah forgive those who wronged her? Can she make room in her life for Anna? Will Anna accept her? What if the secrets she holds are shared? Might it jeopardize her taking guardianship of Anna? Can there be a romance for Hannah?

Good, solid chick lit with spiritual overtones of faith and forgiveness. Clean enough for an older teenager (teenage sex implied and one "f" word).

[Sara Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will tell you that I could not put this book down. It took me a little over a day to fly through it because I was so engrossed in the story. I have to say that I was afraid I wouldn't like Hannah's character- a lot of times when you read books with similar story lines, the main character comes off basically as a bitch. Not to be crude, but that's how they come off. Mary Kay McComas did Hannah's character so well and made her someone you really feel like you'd want to get to know. She isn't over the top, she's realistic, she's methodical, and she is genuinely scared of what would happen to her and her niece if people really knew about the night she ran away.

The ending- I did not see coming. I had an inkling things weren't as Hannah remembers them, but the little twist Mary Kay puts in there blew me away. In a good way though, because I was worried that it would end in a boring, you-saw-it-coming way. Not the case in this book! I also really liked Grady. Raise your hand if you've read a romance novel with a police officer guy who comes off as over domineering and kind of a jerk? Yeah, we've all read those- but that is not how Grady is in this book. He comes off as a guy you'd like to date or even marry, just an all around good guy who just does his best with what he has.

After reading this book I am anxious for pay day to come so I can see what other works Mary Kay McComas has available because her writing style is fantastic and she writes a great a story. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a good read or even something for a book club. I can't imagine anyone not liking this book!

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Thoughts after finishing: "What an emotional roller coaster ride and a satisfying read."

I am always looking for a book that keeps my attention all the way through to the end and this author delivers! I loved Hannah and her toughness, her need to keep everyone at arm's length, and the harder-than-nails exterior that she worked so diligently to keep in place. The author let Hannah tell the story of the reason why she left her home town in the middle of the night over twenty years ago and I thought it made the story work. Slowly, as you turn the pages, Hannah lets her guard down a little bit at a time. She begins to trust Grady and is taken aback at how much she loves her niece, Anna. This was a tough look at child abuse and you know that even as you read this review, a child or woman is being abused. That's hard to deal with, but we need to read their stories and we need to see that some eventually overcome their days of terror, learn to love and hopefully realize that they are worthy.

Recommend? Absolutely! I thought this was a really good solid story that captivated my imagination and had me wondering what was going to happen next. I read it in less than two days and every time I had to sit it down, I found myself anxious to get back to it. A great story of love, forgiveness, and second chances!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book... Tough subject... abuse of families - especially children is a devastating thread in our society, and this story actually deals with this very hard topic - in a way that leaves you feeling hopeful... loved the quote on page 120, "so THIS is the feeling most people know when they thought of family. Not fear, not resentment, not the burden of responsibility beyond their years. This is what it was like to have your heart bloom with gladness and pride for someone... not you, but close - if that made any sense at all. And maybe real families didn't.. make any sense, that is. God knew, and she knew, that living in a house with people related to you by blood didn't make you a real family. Not really. But individual, unique people trussed together on a visceral level, who were kind to and considerate of one another, who taught and learned from each other, who cared and looked after one another..."
All I know is that I kept thinking how grateful I was for my family... for the bonds that tie us through the tough as well as the joyful times... and life is full of both! Glad I read it...

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by this story. As a child, Hannah suffered abuse that most of us can't even imagine. She escapes and, despite the odds, becomes a successful adult. But the past never quite leaves her. When she gets a phone call telling her she's the only living relative left to care for a niece she's never met, Hannah has to go back and face the ghosts of her past. While learning to let go, she also learns to trust and truly love.

This story has many layers, at the core of which is courage, trust, and the kind of love that endures and enriches. Well-written and engaging, this is a book I highly recommend.

** I received this book as an ARC through Amazon Vine. **

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah ran away at 16 to escape an abusive home. No one has heard from her since. Now many years later, she must return her hometown after her parents and only sibling have died. She is to care for her teenage niece she has never met or knew nothing about. This story is about their developing relationship, facing memories from her childhood and reconnecting with the boyfriend she left behind so many years ago. It was a quick read for me because I was drawn to the story and characters. The memories of physical abuse were disturbing but not gratuitous and were essential to the story.

[Robin Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could figure out what happened to Hannah fairly early on, and at one point, considered ditching the book. If you like sappy stories that tie together very neatly/sweetly/predictably at the end, then you'll like this book. I didn't.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh! Read the first few pages and you will be able to predict exactly what is going to happen to Hannah. The answer: a bunch of stuff that only happens in bad chick lit.

[Linda Trionfo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not get too far, did not like the language, nothing too harsh but a lot of the Lords name etc...

[Deidre · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute love story with some child abuse violence weaved in.

[Asheley T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

(a similar version of this review can be found here at Into the Hall of Books: http://www.intothehallofbooks.com/201...)

What Happened to Hannah is one of those stories that gripped me from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the very last word on the last page. I devoured this book, which is so very interesting to me given the summary and themes in the story. Honestly, though, I just couldn't help it. While there were themes that were a bit dark and depressing, they were sitting inside a story of hope and it fueled my desire to just keep going until I found out exactly what did happen to Hannah.

So why should you read this book?

1. The Characters. They. Are. Fabulous. They're real, heartwarming people that we all know. They live in our towns and go to work with us, to our schools. I connected with them.

**Hannah Benson. Abused as a child. Ran away from town when she was around 16 years old, slept in churches and shelters until she found someone who took her in and gave her a job, treated her with respect, dignity, and humanity. It took her years to bury the events of THAT NIGHT. Never looking back, Hannah created a life for herself, building a successful business in the insurance industry in Baltimore. She didn't expect the phonecall from Grady that changed everything for her. ~ Hannah enters the story fiercely independent, but only because she has grown to be that way after a childhood of extreme physical abuse from her father. She spent so many days and nights wondering if she would even make it through the night alive, dreaming of a better life - it only stands to reason that she would keep anyone and everyone at arm's length to keep from getting hurt again. And certainly we can understand why she has never gone back to Clearfield and never wants to return.

**Grady Steadman. Sheriff of Clearfield and also Hannah's ex-boyfriend from many years ago. While Grady has since been married and divorced with children of his own, he has never forgotten Hannah, nor has he stopped loving her. But that's not why he called - he is calling her to let her know that her mother died. And her sister died five years earlier. And she has a teenage niece with no other living relatives. Grady needs Hannah to come back to Clearfield to meet her niece, Anna, and assume guardianship. Grady basically flipped Hannah's life upside down. ~ When Hannah fled town, Grady was on a camping trip. He was devastated because he was so in love with that girl. He waited for her to return and wept when she didn't. Eventually he gave up hope that she would come back but he never gave up hope that she was alive out there somewhere. Grady is marvelous, and I fell in love with him immediately. I loved him as a father; his wife left him some time earlier and his ease with his children showed his gentleness, his concern for them, and his unconditional love. His patience with Hannah intermingled with his impatience with her was a delight as it reminded me that adults can have the same feelings of being in love that young people have. While he was a bit stubborn at times, it was always out of concern and love for Hannah, and it is easily forgiven. Such a great character and love interest, even though Hannah didn't want to admit it. Loved him.

**Anna Benson. Sophomore and star track athlete with the potential for scholarships and breaking school and state records. Anna carved out a life for herself with her grandmother after her mother died tragically five years earlier and is devastated that she is now alone. She has great friends and they are a wonderful support system, but she is elated to learn that her Aunt Hannah is coming to meet her - she's always heard stories about her strong, courageous, brave Aunt Hannah from her mother before she died. Anna longs to be wanted and loved and safe, and Hannah can provide that for her if she can just be brave enough to go back to Clearfield, face her past, and open her heart to Anna. ~ And Anna, dear sweet Anna! My arms wanted to reach through the book and hug her when she mourned, cheer for her when she ran her track events, and clap with her when she laughed so hard she cried during her surprise birthday party. A delightful girl, Anna was completely All-American...she just had a rough start. I love the way she adored her friends, but she clung to her family even though Hannah didn't know how to be family. Anna was the one who taught Hannah what family was, and that juxtaposition of niece and aunt navigating those difficult waters was very touching to read. Brilliantly written.

These characters are phenomenal. They are a joy to read. And the secondary cast is colorful, humorous, and just as wonderful. They add so much depth and fun and brilliance. The secondary cast does exactly what they are supposed to do, and that is support the main characters. I really have nothing negative to say about any of them. This is literally one of the best group of characters I've ever read and if they were real-life people, I would honestly want to know them.

2. The Story. Hannah's story is told with care, gently by the author so as not to break apart the reader. There are many times when the content has the potential to be graphic, but Ms. McComas does a wonderful job of illustrating her point without being over-the-top. In other words, we get the idea without shock value. What is wonderful, and what I loved, is that this book tugged at my heartstrings, which is something that I don't always go for in a book. The author hooked me in from the beginning pages and invested me into the story she wanted to tell - making me love her characters - thereby making me emotionally connected to the story that unfolded before my eyes.

I have to admit that I was shocked at the horrors that Hannah faced, and also the horrors that her sister and mother faced. Hannah's family went through some tough times. And as a reader, I didn't understand why the community let that happen (McCormas writes this into the story at one point). The way that we, as readers, are privy to these moments of weakness and horror are through flashbacks in adult-Hannah's memory - not first-hand accounts - and I believe that that is what made the story most bearable for me. It was hard to see Hannah re-live these scenes from her life, but it was wonderful to see her emerge victorious after defeating them.

What actually happened to the character Hannah was awful, but if you read the book and stay invested, there is a payoff in the form of a twist. Trust me, it's good and you'll want to stick around. This - to me - is not a book that we should fear or push aside. There is no shock value here. In fact, What Happened to Hannah almost reads like a memoir, but it is actually an adult contemporary. Or perhaps it could be seen as a little of both. It is beautiful, though, and haunting, and a bit horrifying. But there is an overlying canopy of hope that brightens the entire story, and if you stay focused on that, this story is absolutely amazing. The story is amazing any way you look at it.

I admittedly was unsure and also a teensy bit hesitant when I picked it up for the first time, but that trepidation disappeared the instant I started reading. I absolutely love this book and it made me feel so good all the way throughout - because of the hope and love on the inside. I will recommend this book to tons of people and am thrilled for the opportunity to have read it.

What Happened to Hannah will appeal to fans of:

Women's Fiction/Adult Contemporary Fiction
Coming-of-Age Stories
Strong Characterization
Character-Driven Stories
Stories with Strong Familial Ties

What Happened to Hannah by Mary Kay McCormas
is currently available for purchase.

**I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion and review. I received no compensation for my thoughts. Thank you William Morrow Publishing and TLC Book Tours!

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I read this in 2 hours. I will say it could be triggering for people so should have a warning or something that it covers child abuse. I am one of those people that it triggered which is why I say that. It was a great story but there were parts I had to skip because I couldn't bear the violence. Overall, I would say Ms. McComas handled a sensitive subject in a decent fashion.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book I read by Mary Kay McComas and even thought I liked the story I did find it hard to follow at times. I enjoyed the way she "introduced" me to each character and I was rooting for them thru out the story.

[Tina Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing style of the author. The story was very interesting and I liked how you get to see the perspectives of the main characters. One of my new favorites. Would definitely read again.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Didn't blow me away but ok.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Jamie Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed out of a book. Good story, happy ending, bit of romance. Don't know the last time I finished a book in a single day.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story of a family secret kept too long.

[Kris]

This is story of survival. Survival of a girl who survived abusive upbringing at hands of her father. The father's treatment had profound, long lasting effects on his wife and two daughters

[Chasity Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will trigger most people but it's such a great story highly recommend this

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Love story, mystery about childhood abuse and strong women.

[Jael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years ago Hannah Benson ran away from the nightmare that was her own home. An abusive father and a painful secret have kept Hannah away from Clearfield. Hannah built a life and a career for herself, but the physical and emotional scars of the past are always with her. But Hannah's bubble is about to burst when tragedy brings her back to Clearfield.

A phone call from her high school sweetheart Grady, who is now the town sheriff, brings the past back to the present. Hannah's mother has died, leaving her niece Anna without family. What does Hannah know about raising a teenager? Will they even like each other? Will Anna reject her? Hannah's first instinct is to wonder why her sister Ruth can't raise her own daughter. Ruth died years ago. Her abusive father died the night Hannah ran away. It seemed very insensitive to me that Hannah never wondered what happened to her family. Hannah saved herself, which she had every right to. Hannah spent years protecting Ruth, and taking the brunt of her father's abuse. All she ever wanted was for her mother to love her and protect her. Despite all the disappointments, wouldn't some part of her want to make sure they were Ok? She let everyone believe she was dead, a lie generated by her mother.

Hannah will have to face all her internal demons when she goes back to Clearfield. Grady takes everything Hannah says and does with a grain of salt. There is something about her that he doesn't trust. As kids, Grady spent years breaking through Hannah's shell. Grady's small acts of kindness were met with resistance from Hannah. She wasn't used to kindness. A wrong look, a wrong word or a wrong action were all it took to set her father off. When someone, like Grady, tried to be nice to her Hannah didn't know how to handle it. But eventually, Hannah and Grady fell in love. A love that had to be hidden from her family. A love that fell apart the night Hannah ran away. In the present day, just Hannah's mere presence pulls at Grady's heartstrings. Despite his feelings he knows Hannah is hiding something. How can he get close or trust her if he doesn't know the truth? He has is own children and his heart to protect.

Hannah's fears seem very real, which is something that kept me coming back for more. Just being in Clearfield brings back so many memories, actually very vivid flashbacks. Just going in the family barn is traumatic for Hannah. In her mind it's 20 years ago, and she is hiding from her father again. Anna is struggling internally just like her aunt. She doesn't want to rock the boat, fearing her aunt will reject her. Anna wants to go with the flow, rather than saying what she wants. She has close friends and a promising athletic career. If Anna fights for what she wants, Hannah might leave. If Hannah leaves, she would be just another person who has abandoned Anna. Her mother struggled as a parent. Her grandmother raised her with more grace and love than she did Hannah. Now that both of them are dead, she can't risk losing her only family connection.

Discovering Hannah's secret is at the heart of this book. What that secret might be is alluded to throughout the book. I had a strong feeling of what is was. It's a secret that could jeopardize her relationship with Anna and her freedom. Trying to get to the bottom of her secret is what kept me coming back for more. My one criticism would be that the resolution to the story seems a little rushed. The ending seems too good to be true for Hannah. But overall, this is a very good book. You have hope for Hannah's future, she can overcome her past.

Rating: Superb

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher (HarperCollins) in exchange for an honest review.