Hidden Paths : A Journey of Resilience and Healing Through the Foster Care System

by Daniel Rolph

One child’s story…
One hidden path…
A journey of strength, healing, and hope.

In Hidden Paths, Emma’s story takes center stage. A survivor of neglect and abuse, Emma has always been a symbol of hope and determination. But her journey is far from easy. As she grows older, she begins to confront the deep scars left by her past, grappling with the lasting effects of trauma while searching for her true identity. Through her love for art and the fragile connections she forms, Emma embarks on a path toward healing and self-discovery.

Daniel Rolph, acclaimed author of Shattered Paths, brings a deeply personal perspective to this powerful sequel. Inspired by his own experiences in the foster care system, Rolph continues to give a voice to the voiceless, shedding light on the emotional and psychological battles faced by children in care.

Hidden Paths is more than just a story—it’s a testament to resilience, the strength of the human spirit, and the unyielding hope that can emerge even from the darkest places. Perfect for readers of contemporary and psychological fiction, this book will leave you inspired and deeply moved.

Order your copy of Hidden Paths today and continue the journey of uncovering the unseen realities of foster care.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2025

About the author

Daniel Rolph is a storyteller driven by a passion for shedding light on untold stories and human resilience. Drawing from his own life experiences, Daniel’s work delves into themes of trauma, identity, and hope, offering readers a raw and emotional journey through the complexities of the human condition.With a natural ability to connect with audiences, Daniel creates stories that resonate deeply, inspiring reflection and sparking meaningful conversations. His writing is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged, aiming to give a voice to those often unheard while fostering understanding and connection across diverse readers.Beyond his work as an author, Daniel is dedicated to raising awareness about social issues and exploring the ways we navigate adversity. His authentic storytelling and empathetic approach have established him as a compelling new voice in contemporary literature. Daniel invites readers to join him on a journey of discovery, reflection, and ultimately, hope.

Reviews

[Alisa Hunninghem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Foster Care System

I picked up "Hidden Paths" after enjoying the first installment, and I’m pleased to say it did not disappoint. This drama dives deep into Emma’s emotional journey as she faces a new set of challenges. Rolph expertly navigates the hardships and pain that come with her life, but amidst the darkness, there is also a powerful sense of hope that resonates throughout the narrative.

However, the book does have its flaws. At times, it leans too heavily on exposition, which can make dialogues feel heavy and disrupt the overall flow. The author’s lengthy reflections after each line, while insightful, can detract from the immediacy of the story. Though the journaling format adds a unique touch, the balance between showing and telling feels a bit off.

Despite these issues, "Hidden Paths" offers a poignant exploration of the imperfections within the foster care system. It’s a compelling read for those who enjoy drama and psychological narratives.

[Tena Hubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in this series of true stories about 3 kids that grew up in the foster system of England and how it shaped the their adult life is just as thought provoking and heartbreaking as book 1. I am looking forward to the third installment which is due to come out in February 2026.

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does not pull its punches. Hidden Paths continues Emma’s story by showing how the trauma of growing up in the foster care system does not end once childhood does. Emma is no longer just surviving placements and neglect. She is now forced to live with the long term consequences of abandonment, emotional abuse, and instability. Her memories resurface in painful ways, especially as she tries to form adult relationships and repeatedly struggles with trust and self worth. The book makes it clear that healing is not linear. Emma backslides. She shuts people out. She questions whether she is capable of being loved at all.

One of the most impactful parts of the story is how Emma uses art as a way to process what she cannot say out loud. Her creative expression becomes a lifeline, allowing her to confront memories she spent years suppressing. The relationships she forms are fragile and imperfect, but meaningful. When Emma finally confronts the failures of the foster care system and acknowledges the harm done to her, it feels earned rather than triumphant. The ending does not magically fix her life. Instead, it shows Emma choosing herself for the first time, accepting that her past will always be part of her while refusing to let it define her future. It is an emotionally heavy conclusion that feels honest and grounded.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Paths is a raw and deeply moving story that follows Emma’s journey through the foster care system—a world filled with loss, survival, and the slow rediscovery of hope. I was completely absorbed by her strength and vulnerability as she faced trauma, injustice, and the struggle to find her identity amid so much pain. What really struck me was how real it all felt—Daniel Rolph doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that honesty made me feel every emotion right alongside Emma. It’s a hard story at times, but one that reminds you of the incredible resilience of the human spirit. I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after I turned the last page.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some paths hurt, but dang—they lead somewhere beautiful! Emma’s story in Hidden Paths hit me right in the gut (and the heart). This book takes you from heartbreak to hope in the rawest way possible—no fluff, no fake happy endings, just pure strength and survival. I laughed, cried, and definitely yelled at a few pages (because some people in this book—wow). But what made me love it was watching Emma rise again and again. It’s powerful, emotional, and proof that even the darkest roads can lead to light. 🌤️✨

[Paige Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Broken to Brilliant
Hidden Paths broke my heart, patched it back together, and reminded me that even the darkest detours can lead to the brightest destinations. 💫

[Daniel Rolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!