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All the Hidden Pieces
When Julia Chandler’s husband dies in a late-night car crash, grief and betrayal drive her to do something impulsive: hike all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Joined by three of her oldest friends, each carrying secrets of their own, Julia sets out to rediscover herself. What begins as an escape soon becomes a test of endurance, courage, and trust. As the friends tackle brutal climbs, raging storms, and dangerous wildlife encounters, they begin to shed the layers of guilt, fear, and regret that have long defined them. But when a heart-stopping accident occurs on the trail, their strength and courage are pushed to the next level. From Georgia to Maine, each mile forces them to face the truths they’ve buried for years. An emotional, heart-pounding story about the unbreakable bonds that carry us through life’s roughest miles and the transformative power of nature, All the Hidden Pieces invites readers to reflect on the hidden pieces we all carry and the beauty of finding wholeness again.
340 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Dana Ridenour
6 books70 followersDana Ridenour is an award-winning author and retired FBI Special Agent. During her twenty-year career she was assigned to four different FBI Field Divisions and had the opportunity to work a wide variety of cases to include multi-faceted narcotics investigations, domestic sex trafficking of minors, and violent crime. She spent most of her career as an FBI undercover operative. Dana’s first novel, Behind the Mask, won numerous literary awards and was named one of the Best Indie Books of 2016 by Kirkus Reviews. Her second novel, Beyond the Cabin received the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Thriller or Suspense Novel. Below the Radar, the third book in the series, was the 2020 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist genre as well as the 2021 Feathered Quill Book Awards Gold/First Place winner for best Adult Fiction.
Dana’s newest novel, All the Hidden Pieces, is scheduled for release on August 25, 2026. A departure from the FBI novels, this story is set on the Appalachian Trail.
In addition to the novels, Dana has written two scripted television teleplays. Her teleplay, Below the Radar, adapted from the novel of the same name, was a finalist for an Atlanta International Screenplay Award.
Dana lives in Beaufort, South Carolina where she is working on her fifth novel.
Dana’s newest novel, All the Hidden Pieces, is scheduled for release on August 25, 2026. A departure from the FBI novels, this story is set on the Appalachian Trail.
In addition to the novels, Dana has written two scripted television teleplays. Her teleplay, Below the Radar, adapted from the novel of the same name, was a finalist for an Atlanta International Screenplay Award.
Dana lives in Beaufort, South Carolina where she is working on her fifth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 3, 2026
All the Hidden Pieces is one of those books that quietly pulls you in and stays with you long after you finish the last page. What initially drew me in was the Appalachian Trail setting, but it was the emotional journey of the characters that truly kept me turning the pages.
Julia’s decision to hike the entire trail after the devastating loss of her husband felt both heartbreaking and believable. Her grief, confusion, and determination were portrayed in a way that felt genuine rather than overly dramatic. I also loved the dynamic between the four friends. Each woman carried her own struggles and secrets, and watching those layers gradually unfold made the story feel authentic and relatable.
The descriptions of the trail were vivid enough that I could almost feel the exhaustion of the climbs and the relief of reaching camp after a difficult day. The challenges they faced from harsh weather to unexpected dangers added tension without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
What resonated with me most was the book’s message about healing, friendship, and finding the strength to move forward when life falls apart. The characters felt like real people, imperfect but inspiring. If you enjoy emotionally driven stories with strong friendships, personal growth, and a beautiful wilderness backdrop, this is a book worth picking up.
Julia’s decision to hike the entire trail after the devastating loss of her husband felt both heartbreaking and believable. Her grief, confusion, and determination were portrayed in a way that felt genuine rather than overly dramatic. I also loved the dynamic between the four friends. Each woman carried her own struggles and secrets, and watching those layers gradually unfold made the story feel authentic and relatable.
The descriptions of the trail were vivid enough that I could almost feel the exhaustion of the climbs and the relief of reaching camp after a difficult day. The challenges they faced from harsh weather to unexpected dangers added tension without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
What resonated with me most was the book’s message about healing, friendship, and finding the strength to move forward when life falls apart. The characters felt like real people, imperfect but inspiring. If you enjoy emotionally driven stories with strong friendships, personal growth, and a beautiful wilderness backdrop, this is a book worth picking up.
October 2, 2026
All the Hidden Pieces is an emotional and deeply engaging story about grief, friendship, resilience, and the courage it takes to face the parts of ourselves we would rather leave buried. Dana Ridenour uses the Appalachian Trail as more than just a setting; it becomes a powerful backdrop for healing, self discovery, and personal transformation.
Julia Chandler is a compelling protagonist. After the sudden death of her husband and the betrayal surrounding that loss, her decision to hike more than 2,000 miles feels both impulsive and understandable. What makes the journey especially meaningful is that she is joined by three longtime friends, each carrying their own fears, regrets, and secrets.
The strongest part of the story is the way the physical hardships of the trail mirror the emotional struggles of the characters. Difficult climbs, storms, wildlife, exhaustion, and danger steadily strip away their defenses and force them to confront truths they have avoided for years. This gives the novel both suspense and emotional depth.
I also appreciated the focus on friendship. The bond between the women feels central to the story, showing how loyalty, honesty, and shared hardship can help people move forward when life becomes overwhelming.
Overall, All the Hidden Pieces is a moving and thoughtful novel about loss, forgiveness, endurance, and finding a way back to yourself. It is a strong choice for readers who enjoy character-driven fiction, emotional journeys, and stories about the healing power of nature.
Julia Chandler is a compelling protagonist. After the sudden death of her husband and the betrayal surrounding that loss, her decision to hike more than 2,000 miles feels both impulsive and understandable. What makes the journey especially meaningful is that she is joined by three longtime friends, each carrying their own fears, regrets, and secrets.
The strongest part of the story is the way the physical hardships of the trail mirror the emotional struggles of the characters. Difficult climbs, storms, wildlife, exhaustion, and danger steadily strip away their defenses and force them to confront truths they have avoided for years. This gives the novel both suspense and emotional depth.
I also appreciated the focus on friendship. The bond between the women feels central to the story, showing how loyalty, honesty, and shared hardship can help people move forward when life becomes overwhelming.
Overall, All the Hidden Pieces is a moving and thoughtful novel about loss, forgiveness, endurance, and finding a way back to yourself. It is a strong choice for readers who enjoy character-driven fiction, emotional journeys, and stories about the healing power of nature.
October 17, 2026
After her husband dies suddenly, to tackle her complicated grief, Julia Chandler decides to attempt hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, and three of her oldest friends come along, each with burdens of their own. What begins as an escape turns into a test of trust, courage, and endurance. The pacing is quick, the friendships are real, and the Appalachian Trail becomes its own important character.
October 2, 2026
I began reading this book with some trepidation, as the synopsis and reviews billed it as Women's Fiction. However, the book grabbed me from the start. The story pulled me along on the characters' journey on the Appalachian Trail, where the author's beautiful descriptions of setting made me feel I was with them on the 2000+ mile thru-hike. The book was about four childhood friends hiking the trail, but what it was REALLY about was each character letting go of baggage from their past and becoming the persons they had always wanted to be. If I were twenty years younger, I'd want to make the trip myself, but I'd want to do it with Lowcountry, Pip, Pop Tart, and Hawkeye.
August 29, 2026
Wow, beautiful book! So glad I pre-ordered early, because “All the Hidden Pieces” was incredible. After curiously reading the first line, I couldn’t put it down. The book moved along easily, and the story and characters felt real. I loved the friend group—each was a little different in background or geography... and Nate is a keeper! I also loved how their personalities and relationships evolved on the trail, after being removed from the distractions of everyday life and having to depend on themselves and each other to survive a thru-hike that was sometimes harrowing, and at other times, serene and beautiful.
I found the writing to be beautiful as well. Here’s a favorite passage:
“Above her, the sky stretched out in perfect clarity—an endless expanse of stars so vivid it felt like she could reach out and pluck one from the heavens.”
So many relatable, inspirational nuggets were weaved into the story. And it was delivered with softness; the author made me “feel” without plunging me into utter darkness. And, when the story ended—which I didn’t want it to—I felt that I’d benefited from being on the trail with them, without having to sacrifice my temperature-controlled room, working bathroom, or iPad. Enjoyed this inspirational and hopeful book so much! –Patty Wain Smith
I found the writing to be beautiful as well. Here’s a favorite passage:
“Above her, the sky stretched out in perfect clarity—an endless expanse of stars so vivid it felt like she could reach out and pluck one from the heavens.”
So many relatable, inspirational nuggets were weaved into the story. And it was delivered with softness; the author made me “feel” without plunging me into utter darkness. And, when the story ended—which I didn’t want it to—I felt that I’d benefited from being on the trail with them, without having to sacrifice my temperature-controlled room, working bathroom, or iPad. Enjoyed this inspirational and hopeful book so much! –Patty Wain Smith
September 3, 2026
Loved her characters as lifelong friends on an emotional journey on the Appalachian Trail! They are nuanced, flawed,complex and unforgettable.
Through a heart stopping backpacking adventure, the characters heal grief, find courage and explore their lives complexity of friendship and love.The author does a spellbinding job of using all our senses to put us in the middle of a life changing experience on the trail.
Through a heart stopping backpacking adventure, the characters heal grief, find courage and explore their lives complexity of friendship and love.The author does a spellbinding job of using all our senses to put us in the middle of a life changing experience on the trail.
August 31, 2026
What drew me into this book was hiking the Appalachian Trail. What I loved about this book was the Appalachian Trail. The descriptions, the challenges, and the comradery. I very much enjoyed the plot of the book and how the Author was able to tell the story, and several side stories, of the characters. Sometimes the jumping ahead left me wanting a bit more of the stories but it didn't really detract from the overall read. This book is about overcoming your own obstacles - ones you develop yourself and others that you can't control, only how you deal with them. Many thanks to the Author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are mine.
Did Not Finish
August 8, 2026I'm sorry... this a DNF for me. This book sounded like it was right up my alley - a through hike on the AT. From the get go I struggled with all of the characters and found myself rolling my eyes at times with the way they would speak. I tried... I really did, but this is a no go for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In no universe will you find my bones hiking The Appalachian Trail (AT), but no matter if you are an outdoors enthusiast or an armchair reader – this is an entertaining journey turning the pages.
Most books I select focus on individual characters, but here? The surroundings vie for a starring role & how could the trail not? The hike stretches from Georgia to Maine & the start & most of all, the finishing of the AT is something few can brag about.
Thankfully you can turn the pages from the comfort of your home/office vs walking the nearly 2,200 miles.
Little to no experience hiking sums up the book’s unique group of friends from childhood & college when this idea of the hike is first hatched. Months later when they set off on this grand expedition, some are still better equipped (either physically or mentally) than others. As the days, weeks & months slip away, the real adventure sets in with both the simple joys they never expected & the very real threat of danger & possible death.
There is a poetry to the writer’s description of their surroundings. You experience the AT with each of your senses by just reading here. Ridenour describes when they had to forage for questionable food options along the trail plus you visualize misty daybreak or endless stars that go unnoticed in most communities. Physical pain w/injuries were ever-present & affect bodies that aren’t prepared for what the trail holds. Until you have been as isolated as these hikers were, you never realize how
far from tranquil the darkness of night actually is on the AT.
My first 30 years, the AT was within 25-55 miles of my childhood home or first apartment after college. I often saw hikers w/enormous backpacks, but I also grew up in the ‘60s & ‘70s near the main campus of Penn State. It wasn’t an unusual sight. Since then, I have known several people that attempted the AT & I have been inside a REI, but I came to this book w/a simple curiosity.
By sheer good fortune, the author is an award-winning writer of several other books & you are assured a quality read.
Hiking through 14 states will not happen in my life. Still…the book does emphasize that not only those on the AT, but anyone in their own yard, walking their local park or traveling can protect our planet. I noticed throughout each chapter, no matter how inexperienced the hikers were in the start – They saw what a gift they had with the natural beauty & took care to preserve for all.
I thank NetGalley, Koehlerbook Publishing & Dana Ridenour (the author) for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Most books I select focus on individual characters, but here? The surroundings vie for a starring role & how could the trail not? The hike stretches from Georgia to Maine & the start & most of all, the finishing of the AT is something few can brag about.
Thankfully you can turn the pages from the comfort of your home/office vs walking the nearly 2,200 miles.
Little to no experience hiking sums up the book’s unique group of friends from childhood & college when this idea of the hike is first hatched. Months later when they set off on this grand expedition, some are still better equipped (either physically or mentally) than others. As the days, weeks & months slip away, the real adventure sets in with both the simple joys they never expected & the very real threat of danger & possible death.
There is a poetry to the writer’s description of their surroundings. You experience the AT with each of your senses by just reading here. Ridenour describes when they had to forage for questionable food options along the trail plus you visualize misty daybreak or endless stars that go unnoticed in most communities. Physical pain w/injuries were ever-present & affect bodies that aren’t prepared for what the trail holds. Until you have been as isolated as these hikers were, you never realize how
far from tranquil the darkness of night actually is on the AT.
My first 30 years, the AT was within 25-55 miles of my childhood home or first apartment after college. I often saw hikers w/enormous backpacks, but I also grew up in the ‘60s & ‘70s near the main campus of Penn State. It wasn’t an unusual sight. Since then, I have known several people that attempted the AT & I have been inside a REI, but I came to this book w/a simple curiosity.
By sheer good fortune, the author is an award-winning writer of several other books & you are assured a quality read.
Hiking through 14 states will not happen in my life. Still…the book does emphasize that not only those on the AT, but anyone in their own yard, walking their local park or traveling can protect our planet. I noticed throughout each chapter, no matter how inexperienced the hikers were in the start – They saw what a gift they had with the natural beauty & took care to preserve for all.
I thank NetGalley, Koehlerbook Publishing & Dana Ridenour (the author) for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgally for the advanced reader copy for an honest review.
"When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can let it define you, you can let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you." - Dr. Seuss
This is a story about friendship, pushing your body and mind past your self-imposed limits, learning to let go, and processing traumas and emotions while using the therapist called The Great Outdoors. Four adult friends decide to go on an adventure of a lifetime together by thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. From the very beginning, the story had my attention. I enjoyed the characters, and there were some moments I laughed out loud at their banter. I liked the detail to the hike, nature, and supplies the author took to really set the scene.
Though I enjoyed the book and the journey these friends went on, I did find it disorienting how the author jumped point of view without any warning. There were several times this pulled me out of the book and made me backtrack to figure out who I was experiencing a scene through. I also felt that the ending fell a little flat, and I wanted more. This book had the potential to be amazing! I did enjoy it from start to finish and would recommend it.
"This journey was never just about reaching the end. It was about uncovering who we are, sharing that truth with someone we trust, and finding strength in our vulnerability."
🌟🌟🌟🌟 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4).
"When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can let it define you, you can let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you." - Dr. Seuss
This is a story about friendship, pushing your body and mind past your self-imposed limits, learning to let go, and processing traumas and emotions while using the therapist called The Great Outdoors. Four adult friends decide to go on an adventure of a lifetime together by thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. From the very beginning, the story had my attention. I enjoyed the characters, and there were some moments I laughed out loud at their banter. I liked the detail to the hike, nature, and supplies the author took to really set the scene.
Though I enjoyed the book and the journey these friends went on, I did find it disorienting how the author jumped point of view without any warning. There were several times this pulled me out of the book and made me backtrack to figure out who I was experiencing a scene through. I also felt that the ending fell a little flat, and I wanted more. This book had the potential to be amazing! I did enjoy it from start to finish and would recommend it.
"This journey was never just about reaching the end. It was about uncovering who we are, sharing that truth with someone we trust, and finding strength in our vulnerability."
🌟🌟🌟🌟 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4).
Review of advance copy received from Author
For many readers, my previous novels have been fast-paced FBI thrillers inspired by my twenty years as an FBI Special Agent. Those stories allowed me to share the world I knew. All the Hidden Pieces gave me the opportunity to write from my heart.
This novel is a departure from my previous books, but it explores a different kind of courage. It's the story of four lifelong friends who set out to hike the entire Appalachian Trail after an unimaginable loss.
Nature has always been a place of peace and perspective for me. Whether I'm hiking a mountain trail, paddling through the Lowcountry marshes, or simply sitting quietly outdoors, I've experienced firsthand the remarkable way the natural world can restore our spirits. I wanted to capture that feeling in this novel.
At its heart, All the Hidden Pieces is about resilience, forgiveness, and the people who refuse to let us walk life's hardest paths alone. We all carry hidden pieces of grief, regret, fear, and hope. Sometimes it takes the wilderness and the steadfast love of true friends to help us find our way back to ourselves.
I hope this story reminds you that even after life's darkest moments, healing is possible, hope can be rediscovered, and no one has to walk the journey alone.
This novel is a departure from my previous books, but it explores a different kind of courage. It's the story of four lifelong friends who set out to hike the entire Appalachian Trail after an unimaginable loss.
Nature has always been a place of peace and perspective for me. Whether I'm hiking a mountain trail, paddling through the Lowcountry marshes, or simply sitting quietly outdoors, I've experienced firsthand the remarkable way the natural world can restore our spirits. I wanted to capture that feeling in this novel.
At its heart, All the Hidden Pieces is about resilience, forgiveness, and the people who refuse to let us walk life's hardest paths alone. We all carry hidden pieces of grief, regret, fear, and hope. Sometimes it takes the wilderness and the steadfast love of true friends to help us find our way back to ourselves.
I hope this story reminds you that even after life's darkest moments, healing is possible, hope can be rediscovered, and no one has to walk the journey alone.
October 20, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5-Star Review
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC provided and the opportunity to share my honest review.
All the Hidden Pieces by Dana Ridenour was such an inspirational read! What impressed me most was the incredible level of detail the author brought to the story. The vivid descriptions made me feel as though I was right there on the trail, experiencing the journey alongside the group and feeling the challenges, emotions, and moments of discovery along the way—all while enjoying the comfort of reading from home!
I loved how immersive the storytelling was and how the journey became about so much more than simply reaching a destination. It was a reminder of the resilience, strength, and personal growth that can emerge when we step outside our comfort zones.
A moving and beautifully detailed reading experience that made me feel part of the adventure without ever leaving my couch.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC provided and the opportunity to share my honest review.
All the Hidden Pieces by Dana Ridenour was such an inspirational read! What impressed me most was the incredible level of detail the author brought to the story. The vivid descriptions made me feel as though I was right there on the trail, experiencing the journey alongside the group and feeling the challenges, emotions, and moments of discovery along the way—all while enjoying the comfort of reading from home!
I loved how immersive the storytelling was and how the journey became about so much more than simply reaching a destination. It was a reminder of the resilience, strength, and personal growth that can emerge when we step outside our comfort zones.
A moving and beautifully detailed reading experience that made me feel part of the adventure without ever leaving my couch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A great vehicle of women going on a hike together. I thought I would really love this as I love novels with com0lex characters and slower moving timelines. I just couldn’t make it stick and it didn’t drag me in. I am sure there will be lots of fans. Thanks to the author. Thanks to # NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
September 13, 2026
This book is much different than Dana’s other three books. I really enjoyed reading the journey of these friends. We all have our own story and this journey shows how we each have to walk our own path. The characters were lifelong friends, which so many of us don’t stay in touch with as we get older. I liked that they stuck it out through the good and the bad! Great easy to read book!!
October 28, 2026
A wonderful book about lifelong friendships, secrets and courage! Loved all the characters and how they supported one another on a very long hike of a lifetime. Filled with laughter, heartbreak, surprises and love. Highly recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After Julia's husband dies her closest friends join her to treck the Appalachian Trail and find themselves along the way.
A bit soppy in parts but a nice light read.
A bit soppy in parts but a nice light read.
October 26, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! Was so interesting about the trail, the secrets, friendships, etc. I laughed and cried.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews