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Hidden Seeds: A Contemporary Small-Town Christian Novel
Some betrayals cut deeper than grief itself. Natalie Motts never imagined she’d return to Dahlia, South Carolina—not as the golden girl who once wore the Homecoming crown, but as a shattered woman fleeing the wreckage of her life. The drunk driving accident didn’t just kill her fiancé Tucker and her best friend Stacey. It exposed a devastating they were in love with each other. Now back in her hometown, Natalie pours everything she has left into Sunstrokes, a small art shop she opens that becomes her lifeline. Between reconnecting with Finn McCafferty, the kindhearted coffee shop owner next door, and hiring Laney Ricks—a mysterious single mom with secrets in her eyes—Natalie begins to glimpse the possibility of healing. But Laney’s past is darker than anyone knows. After eight years trapped in human trafficking, she’s risked everything to escape and build a new life for her daughter. With the world at arm’s length, she doesn’t want anyone to know anything about her past—or the threats she fears around every corner.
Just as fragile trust blooms between the two women, danger strikes close to home. Natalie’s teenage sister Hayley vanishes, and all signs point to a local trafficking ring. Suddenly Laney must stay silent and protect the safety she’s fought so hard to build, or step back into the shadows to help find Hayley before it’s too late. Together, two women with everything to lose must face the darkness threatening to destroy the people they love most. In Dahlia, hope has deep roots—but some seeds are hidden in the hardest soil. Book Three in the Dahlia Series, where grace meets grit, hearts are mended, and hope finds a way to flourish.
Just as fragile trust blooms between the two women, danger strikes close to home. Natalie’s teenage sister Hayley vanishes, and all signs point to a local trafficking ring. Suddenly Laney must stay silent and protect the safety she’s fought so hard to build, or step back into the shadows to help find Hayley before it’s too late. Together, two women with everything to lose must face the darkness threatening to destroy the people they love most. In Dahlia, hope has deep roots—but some seeds are hidden in the hardest soil. Book Three in the Dahlia Series, where grace meets grit, hearts are mended, and hope finds a way to flourish.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2026
About the author
Jessica Brodie
21 books41 followersAmazon bestselling Christian novelist Jessica Brodie is an award-winning author and journalist with thousands of articles to her name and a huge heart for people and their inspiring redemption stories.
The author of The Memory Garden, Tangled Roots, and Hidden Seeds, she holds a master’s in English and a bachelor’s in communications. A native of Miami, Florida, she now makes her home in South Carolina with her husband Matt, four children, three cats, and one giant German Shepherd.
Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more.
She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.
The author of The Memory Garden, Tangled Roots, and Hidden Seeds, she holds a master’s in English and a bachelor’s in communications. A native of Miami, Florida, she now makes her home in South Carolina with her husband Matt, four children, three cats, and one giant German Shepherd.
Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more.
She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 21, 2026
This is the third book in an incredibly well-written series. The author engages all five senses to paint wonderful pictures of the characters thoughts and actions. It’s another visit to the small southern town of Dahlia, which knits the characters together very well. This book focuses on the problem of trafficking and hooks you with twists to the story. Multiple characters are drawn so well that you want to know more about each one. I was moved deeply by this story and I am looking forward to the next one in the series!
June 6, 2026
If you’re a fan of Christian fiction, you’ll love this. A strong story line with faith gently intertwined throughout. Each chapter left me wanting to read “just one more” before putting it down. Highly recommend.
May 6, 2026
I do not regret one bit preordering this book. Even though it didn't quite make it to five stars I will most definitely be keeping and revisiting this story someday.
The main theme of letting go of your past so that you can have a bright future was very well done. The two women's perspectives showed two sides of a coin that positively complemented each other . And once again the author brought some attention to a real world problem. *For a small town, Dahlia seems to have lots of big world problems.
The faith content had me tearing up, and the dialogue was spot on. I look forward to more books in the Dahlia series, but I would love to see even more from the author.
The main theme of letting go of your past so that you can have a bright future was very well done. The two women's perspectives showed two sides of a coin that positively complemented each other . And once again the author brought some attention to a real world problem. *For a small town, Dahlia seems to have lots of big world problems.
The faith content had me tearing up, and the dialogue was spot on. I look forward to more books in the Dahlia series, but I would love to see even more from the author.
April 25, 2026
Jessica Brodie’s third novel in her “Dahlia” series offers everything I love about reading: a captivating, redemption story featuring well-developed, relatable characters, and beautifully written words. For those who grew up in a loving, supportive family, “Hidden Seeds” reinforces gratitude for such a positive background. And for the many who struggled in a not-so-perfect past, it offers hope for new beginnings and second chances. The themes of motherhood throughout this awesome book make it a perfect gift for Mother’s Day.
April 30, 2026
I made the “mistake” of picking this up in the middle of a busy week. But busy or not, I found time to finish it in two days — I couldn’t put it down!
Jessica is an outstanding author. Her descriptions are so vivid, you feel like you’re part of the story. I especially loved the art studio setting and the theme of redemption woven throughout the book. Watching the characters overcome struggles and find joy and purpose in helping others was so inspiring.
Just beautiful! Highly recommend!
Jessica is an outstanding author. Her descriptions are so vivid, you feel like you’re part of the story. I especially loved the art studio setting and the theme of redemption woven throughout the book. Watching the characters overcome struggles and find joy and purpose in helping others was so inspiring.
Just beautiful! Highly recommend!
May 1, 2026
Heartwarming. The plot moved along fast enough to keep my attention but not so fast that I could not keep up. The characters were likeable, and I was rooting for each of them to find their way to the healing they needed throughout the book.
I specifically liked how the author showed us how easily teens and young adults can be pulled into a trafficking situation.
I specifically liked how the author showed us how easily teens and young adults can be pulled into a trafficking situation.
July 13, 2026
Couldn't Put it Down!
The characters and plot of Hidden Seeds captured my heart and pulled me right in. I was gripped from the first page. Soulful characters overcame dark trauma from the past through faith, community, and reaching out to help others. Powerful story of second chances.
The characters and plot of Hidden Seeds captured my heart and pulled me right in. I was gripped from the first page. Soulful characters overcame dark trauma from the past through faith, community, and reaching out to help others. Powerful story of second chances.
June 2, 2026
A story of women, the difficult life-circumstances they face, and how they handle them.
I appreciate the way Brodie weaves a story about real things--difficult things--without overwhelming the reader. Instead she brings them through to hope with grace.
I appreciate the way Brodie weaves a story about real things--difficult things--without overwhelming the reader. Instead she brings them through to hope with grace.
June 26, 2026
Book 3: a satisfying conclusion to the Dahlia Series...
It is a comforting and hopeful yet sufficiently dramatic story series. It is absolutely Christian, but tender and non-preachy. I was pleased to have discovered this authoress, Jessica Brodie.
It is a comforting and hopeful yet sufficiently dramatic story series. It is absolutely Christian, but tender and non-preachy. I was pleased to have discovered this authoress, Jessica Brodie.
May 1, 2026
Wow! I just finished this book. All I can say is what a beautiful picture of God using our "ugly parts" to help minister to others and bring about good things. I LOVE how the title reveals itself in the last few pages. Brilliantly written!
May 20, 2026
Excellent story which reminds the reader that the past can provide lessons, wisdom, and hope for the future. In this heartbreaking and poignant story, lives are changed by the choices made in every day circumstances. Although this is a fiction piece, the truth of what is happening all around us is evident. Great read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews