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Violet Relend is called the Ghost of Canaan Island because of her white hair and eerie eyes.

Though they mock her, Violet helps the citizens of Canaan with her family’s dwindling fortune. When she purchases a prosthetic for Arie Mendoza, a wounded soldier fresh from war, he insists on paying her back.

Wanting only to be left alone, Violet gives Arie a list of twelve impossible tasks. As she reluctantly gets to know him, the grip her fears and anxieties have on her loosens—until a developer threatens to have her crumbling, cliff-side house condemned. Violet will need more than Arie’s help to save her home. The entire town will have to rally around their Ghost.

If Violet doesn’t move fast enough, the walls of her carefully constructed life will fall in around her and drag her into the ocean’s depths.

Unknown Binding

Published January 16, 2017

12 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Meg Collett

29 books546 followers
Bestselling and award-winning author Meg Collett lives the cozy mountain life in a tiny home in Tennessee with her dogs. Inspired from an early age by her grandmother’s spicey mystery novels, Meg dreamed of writing books of her own one day. Today, with countless stories to her name, she’s known for weaving tales with monsters, bad language, and lots of kissing. When she’s not writing, Meg enjoys coaching rowing, playing video games, and trout fishing. Discover more about her work at megcollett.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥.
884 reviews3,431 followers
February 16, 2017
Whenever I sit down to read a book by Meg Collett, I know I am in for a treat! I never fail to be able to fully immerse myself in her stories, because she writes in such a way that I can see, feel, and hear everything the characters do. Her writing style is engaging, her characters are three dimensional, and her stories are interesting, and entertaining. This one was no different.

Hiders is the third book in the Canaan Island series. If you haven’t read the first two books, you should, because there is an amazing cast of characters involved. Each novel highlights a different couple, but all of their stories continue on throughout the series. That is actually the aspect I enjoyed most about this particular installment. We get to see the main characters from the first two books experience pretty significant events in their life both happy and sad. Stevie is my favorite character in the entire series, and when she enters the scene, hilarity is soon to follow. If any character in this series is going to make you laugh out loud, it’s going to be her. Not only is she present in this story, but she takes a pretty big step in her life, and we get to witness it in all its glory.

The characters of Violet and Arie are the focus of this book. They have both gone through some tough things in their life, and are a little broken as a result. Arie is a war veteran that lost his leg in combat, and Violet not only has a disease that is slowly causing her to go blind, but she also lost both of her parents in a tragic car accident.

Dubbed the Ghost of Canaan because of her abnormally pale eyes, light blond hair, and milky white skin, Violet is treated as somewhat of an outcast by the majority of the island residents. In the previous book, Keepers, we learned that Arie’s prosthetic was extremely uncomfortable, ill fitting, and caused him a lot of pain, but he lacked the funds and proper insurance to purchase a new one. Violet sees this and buys one for him without his knowledge.

When this story begins, Arie confronts Violet about what she did. She refuses to accept monetary payment, so Arie insists that he do work on her dilapidated family home and around her property to repay her for her generosity. After some negotiation, Violet reluctantly agrees. During their time together they grow close, and eventually their friendship evolves into something romantic. As Arie and Violet fix up the house, they slowly begin to “fix” each other.

After Violet refuses to sell her property to a persistent developer, the city threatens to reclaim it, and that is when she discovers that she is not as alone as she thought. Her friends rally around her, and help her fight to keep her childhood home which is all she has left of her parents. Violet is truly touched by all of their hard work and support, but will it be enough?

Hiders is an emotional read, but there are plenty of hilarious moments sprinkled throughout that keep it from feeling too heavy. It’s a story about the power of love and friendship, and that it’s okay to lean on your loved ones and allow them to help you sometimes, but there are also some things you need to do on your own. My favorite moments from the story were the ones that included all of the characters coming together in support of one another. The love they have for each other is really touching, and it makes you wish you could be a part of their group, too.

Violet and Arie’s story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I sincerely felt for both of them, and loved that though they were both fractured individuals, they were able to help make each other whole. I enjoyed getting to know them better and seeing how much their characters developed over the course of the book. I wish Violet would have handled some things differently when it came to Arie, and that we would have got more from the ending, however, I know from reading the previous books that this is not the end of their story. We are sure to get more of them in the next book, and I can’t wait for that!

Overall, Hiders is a beautiful story with endearing characters, a healthy dose of humor, and a sweet romance. The writing is fantastic as always, and I look forward to what the author has in store for all of the characters in the future. I recommend this book to readers of women’s fiction or romance novels without a heavy focus on steam.





ARC generously provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jane.
315 reviews
February 1, 2017
This isn't an OMG BEST EVER five-star rating, but good books have been so few and far between lately that I feel like giving it a nudge. Unusual setting and characters (for this type of book), sweet moments, and pretty darn enjoyable.
Profile Image for Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm.
1,257 reviews109 followers
January 17, 2017
The intensity of Meg Collett's books in the Canaan Island series continue to build up and I am one happy gal to have witnessed this unfold in Violet and Arie's story.

Considered an outsider in a community where being different was looked down, Violet had grown by herself in her parents' house for as long as she remembered. And that's how she wanted it to be. But this girl had a heart of gold, she gave whatever she could to those who were in need, without asking nor expecting anything in return. Even when her resources were slowly depleting. So she was surprised when Arie Mendoza, a combat veteran amputee, trespassed her home and offered his services so he could pay the artificial leg that she had paid for. Not used to having people in her life, she reluctantly allowed Arie to do some tasks for her... Impossible and difficult tasks which she was sure Arie won't be able to do... Or so she thought.

In the tradition of Canaan Island series, readers are taken back to this beautiful island where people of all ages, color and sizes are scrutinized, recognized and appreciated in one way or another. I liked Violet Relend's character, a beautiful woman with anxiety attacks and trust issues, who was called the Ghost, due to her appearance. It wasn't easy living in a place where people just take one look at her and they scram and run away because they thought she would hurt them. My heart was actually hurting for her. So when charismatic Arie came into his life (first in the Keepers book 2) I knew they belonged with each other. I liked how they fulfilled their needs, physically and emotionally. I liked how they worked together, bantered and joked together, and eventually bonded over the fields and through the woods and high above the lighthouse.

This had been an absolutely fantastic series. I always look forward to everything that Meg Collett writes, because I know that she poured all her heart and soul to each story and characters in her book. This is another must read that everyone will surely enjoy!
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews67 followers
February 25, 2017
Hiders: A Canaan Island novel, Book 3. Is by Meg Collett. This book kept me up all night. I simply could not put it down. It certainly kept you on your toes the entire length of the series. I can hardly wait to see if Meg writes any more of this series.
Violet Relend was the last of her family. She lived a lonely life by herself in the old house by the old lighthouse. Her grandfather was the first lighthouse keeper and through negotiations got the state to put the lighthouse in the preserve; but the house is just outside the barrier. Violet’s parents were killed in a car accident leaving Violet with her grandmother. Violet believes her parents are still in the house somehow and it is a comfort to her. Violet has long silvery hair and gauzy blue eyes. Since she wears her Mother’s dresses, they float on her. She has been teased all her life about her looks and her poor eyesight. She is even called the Ghost of Canaan. Thus, she has become almost a recluse. She became friends with Stevie Reynolds when she worked with Maggie on catering the film crew for Reno Reality. It was here she met Arie Mendoza, a vet with a prosthesis. He needed money for a new prosthesis and is working on the show as well. Violet pays for his new prosthesis anonymously; but he figures it out and comes to her to get permission to work for her to pay it off. Having a man around all the time may make Violet see she needs him. However, there is danger on the easy road to happiness.
Profile Image for Kate.
55 reviews
August 19, 2020
This book disappointed me. I loved Fakerss (though I wish there had been an epilogue with Kyra sharing with her viewers). Keepers was almost as good. However, Hiders didn't explain things, had errors, and felt like the ending was rushed, doing a disservice to the characters.

Spoilers ahead.



Violet's eye color and hair color were never really explained. The disease used to explain her impending blindness does not cause premature greying or pale eyes. I kept waiting for some trauma to be linked to her hair, but nothing came.

The process of the 2 main characters growing closer and healing was good. Then, like a switch was thrown, Violet is ok, can handle being social, and walks away from her family's past. Everything that made her quirky (non-health-wise) disappeared. Caring for the birds? Gone. Continuing charitable traditions? Nope. Maintaining the history of the island? Forget it. Funky style? Nah. Social awkwardness? She talks just fine now.
Yes, she needed to let go of the past and grow, but she didn't need to erase it. It actually seems unhealthy to abandon everything except 3 boxes. I would have found it more interesting and compelling if she had integrated her past with the future. Gave her mother's dresses to girls who needed them. Shared antiques with the town. Ran a bird sanctuary from the lighthouse. Something. And don't get me started on the author torching all the old craftsmanship in the house.

The 1st and 2nd books were about accepting yourself for who you are and finding a way to be happy and healthy. The 3rd book seemed to throw all that away and transform the character into someone "normal".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Resch Reads.
1,208 reviews39 followers
January 8, 2017
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*

This book was a lovely read and while it is not a burdening or heavy story, it is just enough to touch my heart, leave me smiling, and wanting more. I have been following Meg Collett since the beginning or her writing journey and this book has shown just how far she has grown as an author. She really tapped into the true, raw emotions of Violet and Arie. Violet has anxiety and Arie is coping with survivor guilt and through each other they find the strength to heal themselves. You see how Violet is almost rotting away because her anxiety prevents her from progressing and watching her accept that she needs to do something to get better is a beautiful journey of self-discovery.

It is also a story about how life changes and people change. It shows you that love can also change with you. Love can grow and flow with the changes but still remain. I wanted to hug Arie after hearing his backstory and learning about his struggles, I personally have friends in the military and Meg poignantly portrays the struggles of post-military life. It goes far beyond finds a job, its about finding yourself.

I think my only pet-peeve about this story is that the ending left me wanting more and I would have liked to see a little slower progression in the build up between Violet and Arie. I felt like they were tip-toeing around each other at one point and then bam, everything happens at once. Otherwise this is a light read, and perfect for a snowy day.
Profile Image for Sharon Obelenus Holland.
442 reviews5 followers
December 30, 2016
Meg does it again!! If you read the first two books of the series, this one is a must read. Again you will have new characters to love, as well as new ones to hate. In Keepers, we are introduced to Arie and Violet, this is their story.

Being the "Ghost," Violet has had to deal with bullies all of her life, but little do the islanders realize, she has been helping anyone in need of a hand for years. When she met Arie, she found out he had lost part of his leg to a IED, and was having trouble paying for a prosthetic leg he needed. When Arie finds out it was she that paid for it, he needed to pay her back. Little did he know how much help Violet actually needs. Wanting to be alone, Violet makes Arie a list. Pick all the red flowers from the field, clean the gargoyles' teeth, anything to drive him away. As the time passes, they begin to lean on each other and help each other heal. The only problem, sometimes ghosts have a way of not letting go!
Profile Image for Bette Stanek.
2,136 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2017
4 Little Spider Stars. Meg Collett does not disappoint in the third book of her Canaan Island series. Once again, she delves into a subject many people avoid. Each book in this series deals with emotional trauma and how to come out on the other side. Hiders is no different. It's a story you become immersed in as you watch Violet come into her own.

Both Violet and Arie have scars they hide from the world. They've built a fortress around themselves. One, a physical fortress where emotions can be kept in check, the other an emotional fortress that keeps people from asking too many questions and finding hidden feelings. One recognizes a kindred spirit immediately, the other takes a bit more time.

This is a story of reaching out to others and realizing that you're not alone. That there are people who truly care. People that will push you to be a better you. People that become family. It's a heartwarming story of letting go and letting your heart heal.
Profile Image for Stephanie Thurwachter.
23 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2019
What can I say?
I love the whole set of the Canaan Island series.
Violet's story was no exception! I enjoyed that she was so totally different - in general but especially in contrast to Kyra and Stevie from book 1 and 2.
In my opinion it is hauntingly beautiful! I could picture her "haunted" house on top of the hill, near the bluff. It broke my heart that (SPOILER) she moved away in the end, but it was totally realistic and just made sense.
Violet is an exceptional character, as well as Arie. So different, so broken, so desperate to be whole again. You can call them "fighters" in the end.
I am really really in love with all these characters. I haven't felt that way in years whilest reading a book. So sad that the series does not continue, or does it? :)
What about Maggie? I think she deserves her own story as well.
And I'd love to meet little Anna Lila again, too :)

Thumbs up! Amazing series!
Profile Image for Nicola.
66 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2017
This book warmed my heart. I love this series so much, all three books are different but connect in a way that makes you smile and genuinely love the characters. They have a bond, friendships and love that you see in these small towns. Even though they aren't family, they love and care for each other as though they were. I want to live on Canaan Island!!
Meg touched on some sensitive subjects but it wasn't too hard to read, and there was just enough lightness and humour to give this book a bit of everything. Stevie still remains my favourite!!

I can't praise Meg enough, even though she is stepping out of her comfort zone with this genre, she nailed it in my opinion. I hope for more of the same and will read everything she releases!
Profile Image for Felicity.
488 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2019
This was the third of Meg Colletts books I have read over the last month and it is definitely my favourite. She writes with an earnestness I enjoyed. The main couple are not as perfect as a lot of couples (or even the couples they are friends with) and this adds to the interest in what is going to happen.

This is a little story with not much really "going on" other than what individuals are thinking and doing on a daily basis and I think that is why the conclusion is all the more sweet. This is not your average happily ever after and it is better for it
Profile Image for Katie Phillips.
256 reviews
September 17, 2017
There are very few authors who cause me to feel along with the characters. Physical ache when Kyra cut herself, when Stevie was so down on herself after going sober and when Violet was attacked by those stupid teenagers. I was really emotional for book 3. I was reading in public and had to stop so I wouldn't start sobbing. Thank you Meg for these characters and stories. I like to read funny romance with a whole heck of a lot of realism. True situations like these characters are going through is what keeps me coming back to the author. I sure hope you have more for the series!!
Profile Image for Sharene.
71 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2018
The third book of the Canaan Island series – Hiders….the mystery of them all. I was excited to read about Violet. I was sad in the book when Violet was attacked by those teenagers. I couldn’t wait to see her outcome in this book. Although I loved the entire series, Hiders seem to go into more details of the Violet and Arie’s story. Violet story was very emotional to read but the more you read the more you connect with the story. Violet is a dynamic type character in that she is very strong overall but delicate when it comes to her heart.
This highly enjoyable book can serve for some life lessons!!
Profile Image for Ariana Sky.
59 reviews
March 26, 2020
This three book series by Meg Collett has a love story for everyone. Each story is so completely different and riddled with it's own unique trials and tribulations... You will find, no matter who you are, a way to relate in a tear jerking way to at least one of Collett's characters. AND, it must be mentioned that each book is solely focused on a strong independent female character - shout out to the ladies!
Profile Image for Doris.
1,064 reviews
July 23, 2017
eine wunderbare Geschichte mit ungewöhnlichen, tollen Charakteren und einem tollen Setting. Ich mochte Violet! Ihre Einzigartigkeit, ihre Verletztheit und ihre Wandlung. ♡

***

a beautiful story with unusual but amazing characters and a cool setting. I loved Violet. Her vulnerability, her uniqueness and her transformation. ♡
13 reviews
March 22, 2020
Wasn't Sure

Hiders didn't capture my attention right off the bat. But, like Meg's first two in the trilogy, it didn't disappoint. You'll fall in love with who Violet is and cheer for her to find a love, and her life. Not too long before I couldn't put the book down. I hate for this series to end.
Profile Image for Rachael Moore.
4 reviews
December 14, 2017
Great book!

Such an amazing story that finishes out a wonderful series! A must read that has a little bit of everything,
28 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2020
Fears

We all have fears, we just need to overcome them as Violet and Arie did. Learning about ourselves is horrendous.
Profile Image for Romance Between The Sheets.
1,175 reviews66 followers
February 16, 2017
Hiders was such a surprising read, this was my favourite of the whole three books as it had such depth with the characters Arie and Violet. I knew Violets story would be hard but it was distressing at many times and Violet is so alone and it just broke my heart.

Arie and Violet had so many hurdles to overcome and can I say her list she prepared to move on was such a smart move by the author as you would not have seen Violet do it any other way. Violet was such a strong and independent character who on one hand was incredibly stubborn but then so fragile.

Can I say again the one character that stands out in all three books to me is simply Stevie - she has such humour and an ability to envelope people into her inner circle.

The ending was a real surprise, it is not the sweet and nicely tied up HEA and upon reflecting it was perfect for these two souls, they were never going to have the easy ending that Kyra & Hale and Stevie & Cade got. These two characters had so much to prove and fight for - beautiful right to the end.

Quote: She lived her life alone for a reason. If she let no one in, no one could leave.
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,380 reviews18 followers
February 14, 2017
LOVE LOVE This series!! In this book we get Violet's story. Violet has been called the Ghost of Canaan Island and she's dealt with it. While taking care of her home and working part time at the local bakery she's also helping those in need anonymously. One of those she helped was Arie to get his new leg but he's found out what she's done and wants to pay her back. Instead of taking money she puts together a list of chores that will make him go away once he reads the list, won't it? Instead they get to know each other and feeling develop on both sides. When someone wants to buy her home her world is no longer the way she thought she needed it to be.

This author knows how to give her readers stories that have such depth and characters that you can't get enough of! This story is no different. We were introduced to Violet in Keepers and I for one couldn't wait for her story and it was well worth the wait. While it was Violet and Arie's story Stevie and Kyra of course are there. The author shows that everyone is stronger then they think and it's okay to let people in.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
January 16, 2017
Once again we get together with old friends but this time we get to deal with the two who are special and unique. Violet and Arie touched me in a special way and this story about them while it is watching Violet become aware of who she is and the things that have held her back. She decides to embrace life instead of hiding from it and living vicariously thru the lives of the ghost of her past. She is thru hiding and thanks to Stevie, Kyra and company she comes out with a bang and friends to. But that's not all.

The beauty of what comes from her and Arie, the bond that is developed over him wanting to thank you becomes a road to recovery for them both and it just might make them stronger if they can complete the journey of their healing. Of course what story would be complete without some excitement and angst and between these two we do get some. With Stevie around it is a most definite probability
Profile Image for Tracey.
301 reviews8 followers
February 7, 2017
I loved this when series. All three books are standalone but you will want to read them all! If you read them all it all help to read in order to understand some of the chaos that is Canaan Island!
Violet and Arie's story I think may be my favorite. I love the not so perfect characters. Violet is the epitome of awkward, lonely, and damaged. As we all know some times the mysterious are the most interesting. Arie is one of my favorite type male characters, "hunky damaged"! He is Violets night in shining armor and she is his ray of hope.
This book is an easy read. Lots of twists and turns. Love, thrill, sadness, anger, happiness are a few of the emotions this book brought out of me. Never a dull moment. Hard to put down.
I have read the first two books and so I loved that those characters were incorporated into Violets book.
This is a fun easy read you will love I'm sure of it.
I received an advanced copy of this book by the author for a fair and honest review.
24 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2017
This book just broke me in half. I loved the first 2 novels in this series, but this was the only one to make me cry. This book was so much more than a romance novel, it delved into deep issues and left you feeling whole and well on the other side. I particularly loved the way the theme of loneliness was handled.

I feel like each one of the novels in this series has the ability to reflect back your own weaknesses and help you to accept them. All the characters were so different, yet you could always see yourself in them. Meg's writing is gritty and painful and beautiful. The imagery was so powerful, the kind that stays with you long after you read it.

Violet was such a surprising character in the end, she completely transformed in a way I never would have expected. The message I took away from this series, and this book in particular, was to always give others a chance to surprise you. People can change in unexpected ways, and there's always more to their story.

Profile Image for Jeanie.
151 reviews
February 12, 2017
Beautiful

Wow, such an intense, highly enjoyable story. The main characters have you so loving them and hoping for the best for then. Beautiful, shiver writing.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,573 reviews46 followers
January 23, 2017
Kindle Copy for Review

In book three of the series, we meet two people who are hiding from the world and their pasts.

Violet Relend suffers from a disease that disfigures from childhood and is used to be bully. All she wants is to be left alone in her crumbling house of her family. But she might lose it to a land developer as her world seems to all apart around her.

Arie Mendoza is a wounded soldier who lso does not like to be indebted as he insists on paying her back despite her refusal. Knowing she needs help he still insists on helping her out despite her wanting to be left alone.

Two lonely people somehow find comfort in each other presence. As they spend more time together, their feelings grow. What will become of them as time goes? It Is a story of two lonely people finding each other despite themselves.

Profile Image for Jessica.
119 reviews
January 18, 2017
I have enjoyed all of the Canaan Island books, but I think this one was my favorite. This was such a sweet story about 2 people who are different in their own ways but find a friendship with each other as well as make friends in the town...mainly the couple's from the first two books. Violet and Arie are great characters and Meg Follett did a wonderful job of making them, their troubles and all aspects of their story come to life for me as a reader. as far as I know this is her first romance series (everything else I have read from her has been paranormal) and she could not have done better in my opinion, but I guess if I wait she may just outdo herself with the next one. I will just have to wait and see.
Profile Image for Melissa Crump.
631 reviews75 followers
February 5, 2017
Fantastic read! Violets story is one of heartache but is also beautiful as she learns what's most important and she recognizes she's got family she didn't realize in the greatest of places.

This book is truly touching. Full of humorous dialogue you learn the true meaning of friendship and that family is not always through blood.
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,901 reviews60 followers
January 1, 2017
Meg Collett has done it again with the 3rd book in this series. This one follows Arie and Violet and their will they or won't they realise how they feel relationship.
24 reviews
Read
October 9, 2017
Three wonderful stories.

I just finished binge reading all three Canaan Island books. Could not put them down. What will I do in the night now that I don't have the girls to keep me company? Please tell me there is another one on the way?!?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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