Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects her to those two dead men.
Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.
Jack Rossi is mystified by his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something's not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they're trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.
Derrick, Harper's ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.
Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If the truth comes out, she may lose her freedom—or her life.
Don’t miss Beauty in Hiding, Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series. Preorder it today.
Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball-and-chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.
The second book is of Harper escaping from Red Grandson who tried to poison Red. In her running she meets Jack who is a man of his word and Harper eventhough she is attracted to him is afraid he is like every man she meets. But Harper only has one thing in mind, to protect Red at all cost. Eventhough this story does drag on a bit it still is wonderful. Being introduced to Jack was worth the dragging. He is a wonderful character and with time all comes around so the final book can take place, I know Robin Patchen is a newer writer, this series is so worth the read!! Highly recommend!!
The action continues in book two of the Beauty in Flight series. Harper Cloud shows so much strength and heart through her actions. I especially loved how the novel demonstrates how God loves us even when we don't realize it and can bring good from a bad decision. There has been a focus on caring for the elderly thus far in the series. The meeting space for senior citizens was a nice touch.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
This is the second book in the series following Beauty in Flight, and a fantastic follow-up book it is. It is important to read these books in order. In the first book, we meet Harper Cloud and learn all about her past and her distrust of men. In this book Harper is on the run with her “Gramps” Red, He is not completely sure why they have left his home and his dementia flares up more often, with angry outbursts and episodes of forgetting, but Harper is determined to keep him safe. In the small New Hampshire town of Nutfield, they settle into a rental house, Harper finds a job, an adult day centre and an amazing landlord and friend. She thinks they have a chance starting fresh, but what both Harper and Red witnessed does not stay hidden. Not only that, but Derrick, Red’s grandson and Harper’s ex-boyfriend is still desperate for money to bail him out with his loan shark. He will not give up on finding them.
This book has so much in it. It is Christian Fiction, but there is some Romance, Adventure and Suspense as well. Robin Patchen had done a great job sharing details about Harper, Derrick, Red and Jack. They are well-developed characters and I can't help but root for the good guys in this series. As the story builds, it is suspenseful and fast-paced. I read this one in one day as I could not put it down. The second half of the book has Harper panicking and almost taking Red on the run again, but he action is too quick for her. If you enjoy a well-written suspense novel with a bit of romance and a nice faith thread, you will love this book and the series. I can't wait to read the last book in this trilogy not only to see if Harper and Jack are able not only to make their relationship work, but to see if Harper and Red are safe. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed catching up with Harper in the second installment of this series. In book 1, Harper found her way back to God and in this book it was nice to see how she grew as a new Christian and learning to know God and what is love mean. I also enjoyed the hero, Jack and how he was just there for her.
This installment did not have a lot of suspense, more focused on Harper's journey, but there was a lot of things which were dropped for what I expect will be a suspenseful end to the series.
I also liked how the author used Derrick as an example of how far lost people might go when they loose hope and live in the darkness of this world.
A fantastic follow-up book to Beauty in Flight! I really enjoy how Robin Patchen starts out both books with details and background info to build up characters and situations and then spins the plot into a fast-paced, suspense-filled one about halfway through. This is book 2 of the series and it’s the kind of series that must be read in order. If you enjoy a well-written suspense novel with a bit of romance and a nice faith thread, you will love this book and the series.
Harper is on the run with her “grandfather” Red and, though Red’s dementia flares up more often, Harper is determined to keep him safe. In a small New Hampshire town, they start fresh but Harper’s ugly past and what both Harper and Red witnessed come to haunt them. Red’s grandson and Harper’s ex-boyfriend Derrick needs a lot of cash to dig out of a gambling debt and becomes seriously desperate as he spans the country hunting for Red and Harper so that he can get his grandfather’s money and revenge on Harper. Past and present collide to form a suspenseful tornado....but the answers lie in the third book of the series and I can’t wait to read it!
I was given a copy of the book via JustRead Publicity Tours and Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects her to those two dead men.
Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.
Jack Rossi is mystified by his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something's not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they're trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.
Derrick, Harper's ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.
Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If the truth comes out, she may lose her freedom—or her life.
Don’t miss Beauty in Hiding, Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series. Preorder it today.
Review: I feel that this book was better than the first one. We’ve gotten the introductions out of the way and the action really picks up in this one. The characters continue to develop really well and the pacing remains consistent.
However, I do feel that the story can get really confusing and it sometimes feels like it’s all over the place. The book is well written, but sometimes the book is just really hard to follow because of the confusion I felt while reading this book.
Beauty in Hiding could have been titled “Beauty in Writing.”
No, the book isn’t full of purple prose or lyrical lines that twist and twirl on the page. Robin Patchen is a better writer than that. With careful, skillful attention to the placement of each word, the author weaves her story. I don’t know how to describe it, because if you look at each phrase or clause, each sentence, each paragraph, each chapter—if you dissect them, you’ll find solid writing and nothing more. Not one bit of it seems anything out of the ordinary.
Maybe that’s what is so brilliant about it. Ms. Patchen captivates you with story rather than writing, with characters rather than characterization. Even her spiritual truths aren’t that deep, and yet they plunge deep into your heart and lodge there.
Jesus is the answer. Jesus loves. He cares—even for the broken, even for the sinner, even for the criminal. He cares even for you.
And she does it all so subtly that I almost couldn’t put my finger on it.
That right there? That is why Beauty in Hiding is worth both time and money—the effortless way Robin Patchen reels you into a good story and holds you there. At the last word on the last page, I felt satisfied—and yet I wanted more. Much more.
The good news is that this is book two of a three-book series. I can have more now by reading book one. I can have more later when book three comes out. Win. Win.
And when I’m done with this series, she has a few more books for me to read. Oh, it’s tough. But see, this is how I know this is an excellent book worth my time and money. I have so very little time to read.I’ll be using it to read all of Robin’s backlist. Just sayin’.
Recommended for those who enjoy suspense and romantic suspense.
The romance is light—much more on my level than many books are. The suspense seemed to increase with each chapter, and I suspect is going to get even stronger in the next book.
This is more like it! I didn’t enjoy the first book in this series as much as I expected to, but having read Robin Patchen before, I knew she was capable of delivering—and I wasn’t wrong. There are two things driving this second book in the series: Derrick’s search for Harper and Red, and Jack’s growing friendship with Harper and Red. Everything that I felt was missing from the first book in the series was here in spades, but especially the tension.
Jack is a fantastic character. He has no idea what he’s getting into when he helps Harper and Red settle into his rental home, but I love that he doesn’t jump to conclusions or immediately write them off when it’s obvious Harper is hiding things. He’s a thinking man, and I like that. The romantic tension between Jack and Harper was perfectly calibrated and constantly pulled against the tension of exactly how and when the pieces of Harper’s story would start falling apart and what Jack would make of them.
Derrick’s point-of-view continues in this book, and while I don’t always like having the “bad guy” as a point-of-view character, it worked well in this case. Not only did it add the tension of how and when Derrick would find Harper, but the reader gets to see his increasing desperation, which was important for his escalating actions to be believable.
Basically, once I’d picked this story up, I didn’t really want to put it down. In fact, I was originally going to wait before reading the last one in the series (because I like to switch up genres), but I had to dive straight in and ended up finishing them both in the one day!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
-‘He watched her, his eyes pleading, begging. For what, she wished she didn’t know. But she did know what he wanted, and she knew exactly what it would cost to give it to him. “I’m sorry.” He turned, walked toward the front door. She didn’t move, couldn’t bring herself to watch him leave.’-
This story dives right in from where the previous story left off. If you didn’t read the first one, you need to read it before this one because these stories are not standalone, they are definitely a series and must be read in order. At this point in the story, Harper and Red are on the run from Derrick and the goons who are connected to him through the loan sharks. Harper tries some evasive moves so that they cannot be tracked and finds a safe place for them to stay for a while. She finds a part-time job and starts to make friends with the landlord. Red’s health improves slowly and his memory seems to have longer stretches. Just when Harper begins to feel like they are settling in and perhaps they could make things work out for the best in the small town...Someone she is trying to escape from, someone who wants them both dead... finds out where they are hiding... at the same time the cops find out about her. Who will get to her first? And will she escape once again?
I am completely addicted to this series! I can’t wait to read the conclusion! Fantastic storyline.
At the end of Beauty in Flight, Harper Cloud was on the run. Now she’s hiding in a small New Hampshire town with Red, the elderly man she cares for. Despite her best efforts to remain inconspicuous and blend in, Jack Rossi’s persistent kindness and aid sneaks past the walls of protection she’s built around her heart.
In Beauty in Hiding, readers see Harper’s desire to be free from her past as well as her heart as she cares for Red. Robin Patchen gives the story a more rounded feel with the addition of Jack’s and Derrick’s (the now-ex from book one who is spiraling) along with Harper’s.
This book is both a glimpse into the life Harper wishes she could have without looking over her shoulder and a statement on how keeping secrets stunts relationships. And by the end, I was ready to roll into the third and final book in Patchen’s engaging trilogy.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Wow, this book is like night and day from the first one. The first book, I struggled with it. In fact, if it had not been for the last third of the story picking up and turning out to be good; I would have stopped at the first book. However, I wanted to give the second book a chance. So glad that I did. I really enjoyed this book. Harper has grown on me even more as did Red aka Gramps.
There was a new person in the mix. His name is Jack. He is the land owner who rents out a place to Harper and Gramps. It was nice to see both Gramps and Harper open up, smile and even laugh. Jack was nice. It was good of him to not push Harper too hard or quickly. In fact, even though there were sparks, he did not jump on their right away.
When it comes to Derrick. I am so over him. I can't wait for him to get his justice. I will be finishing this series out with book three.
3.5 stars "When he found her, she'd be sorry that she ever crossed him."
Is she finally safe or will her dash into obscurity come back to haunt her? Leaving Boston with her elderly employer, Harper Cloud has made it to a small town in New Hampshire without incident, but she has no way of knowing how they will survive. Her new landlord, Jack Rossi, has been more than kind; giving her some wonderful local connections and dealing patiently with Red's dementia, but Harper is living with one eye open all the time; whoever left those dead bodies in Mr. Burns home had to have known she would find them. And then there's Derrick; what kind of desperation would cause a man to try to kill his own grandfather?
It's a race to one finish line, only to reveal another; with some sweet, sweet moments in between.
This is the second book in this series of three, and that being said I have not read the first, but enough information is provided that I didn’t feel lost for long. The main character is a strong young woman, and she has made it her quest to help her ex-boyfriend’s elderly grandfather, and in doing so she has to learn to lean on God and trust. You will soon fall in love with the character Red, Gramps, the darling older man is suffering from dementia, and when he is in touch with reality, wow, what a smart man. We soon see danger lurking its ugly head, and see that some might not survive, and will anyone believe that our girl Harper is just looking to protect Red? Now to get all the answers you will have to wait and read the next book in this series.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
This story picks up right where book one in the series leaves off. It reads as a continuation and continues the intense and suspense filled story. The story will once again keep readers on the edge of their toes and keep them guessing. This is the type of story that readers will want to stay up late to finish. A fun fast paced and thrilling romantic suspense that readers will enjoy. Once again with a cliff hanger ending, readers will immediately want to pick up book three in the series to continue the story.
Series: Beauty in Flight Genre: suspense, romance, Christian Publisher: JDO Publishing Publication date: March 12, 2019 Number of pages: 256
Other books in the series: 1-Beauty in Flight 3-Beauty in Battle
A review copy of this book was provided by JustRead Publicity Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this story, but I feel like they definitely need to be read in order!
"Beauty in Hiding" is book 2 and it briefly recaps some things that happened in book 1, which is good because I haven't read it yet so I didn't stay confused for long. This story abruptly ends leaving me with so many questions that I can’t wait to read book 3.
Good steady pace, great characters-I especially liked Red the Grampa and his relationship with Harper and later with Jack. This christian fiction book has some romance and drama which kept me intrigued through out the entire book. I can't wait to read book 3 to find out what happens next!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this novel. It has plenty of action and a good dose of a budding romance. While this is the second book in a series, I found Patchen has included enough of the backstory that it can be enjoyed on its own.
It was interesting to see how those in Harper's new location were willing to help her. I appreciate how Harper struggled with trusting others. She had been let down so many times, trusting someone with her secrets seemed foolish. Perhaps her landlord, Jack, can finally win her over.
The end of this novel was a cliffhanger and left me wanting to know what happened. I picked up the third in the series and finished it the same day. The series is a rewarding one with good messages of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust in God.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
If the truth comes out, she may lose her freedom—or her life.
My rating is 4.5 stars
Though I had heard of author Robin Patchen years ago, this is the first time I have read any of her books. When I saw her book listed for a blog tour, I jumped at the opportunity. I was surprised to receive not just one, but all the books in this series, which was really nice because these need to be read all together.
I will say that I was a bit underwhelmed by the first book, Beauty in Flight, as lot of it was a set-up for the rest of the series. It was good, don’t get me wrong. But it was more a 3-star book. However, as I was committed to at least read Beauty in Hiding, I continued on.
And I am very glad I didn’t give up! Beauty in Hiding picked up the pace as Harper and Red ended up in New Hampshire to hide from Derrick and whoever left those bodies there in Maryland. Though they appear to be safe, we also see what was going on with Derrick and know that he won’t give up until he finds them.
I completely understood Harper’s lack of trust in Jack or any other men. And yet, Jack was one of those practically perfect hero-types who continued to show Christ’s love towards Harper and Red.
At one point a situation that arose that didn’t seem reasonable; as I read on (book 3!), it was all explained and it really did fit together. Nice!
Mild expletives were used in a few places when I would have rather they were left out. Many Christians may not even notice them. It is merely a personal preference. There was also an almost description of a rape. It was short and remained clean but it was still more than I care to read. And there was a little too much emphasis on the physical attraction – Harper was apparently beyond pretty – than I felt was necessary.
Since I mentioned the first book in the series, I’ll go ahead and mention Beauty in Battle briefly as well, being as I read that one, too. The series ended well and I would rate it with the same 4.5 stars I gave this one.
If you enjoy romantic suspense and are okay with stories a slightly of a more gritty nature, then I encourage you to check this series out. at Among the Reads""
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I had not heard of this author previously but her new series of books sounded very interesting to me, so when I saw a book tour with Just Reads, I signed up for all three books.
Beauty in Hiding is the second book in author Robin Patchen’s new series, Beauty in Flight. Today's book releases on March 12, and the third book in the series, Beauty in Battle comes out on April 9, 2019.
Here's your "heads up" warning on this book: This story jumps in right where book 1 left off. I personally don't feel that this series consists of stand alone books, so if you haven't read book 1, you'll need to go back and do that since they are definitely a series and need to be read in order. Each of the books in this series are being released in such speed that the details from book 1 are easily remembered when starting book 2. The details and events that the protagonist, Harper recalls are easy to remember.
As readers know Harper is a relatively new Christian who still struggles with some parts of faith in her life. She has had bad experiences with men and has trouble trusting them. In fact, the last man she trusted may even cost her her life.
Hannah thinks she and her gramps, Red, are finally safe in Nutfield, NH. She got a job to pay their bills and Red can stay in the recreation center during the day, and Jack, their landlord is helping them. Red's grandson, Derrick, though, has become more desperate.
Beauty in Hiding is filled with action and suspense with a dash of romance, combined with faith and love of God.
Read the story and enjoy your read, but do be prepared for the "cliffhanger" effect that the truth will finally come out.......... in the third book.
I received an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and a positive review was not required. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Beauty in Hiding Beauty in Flight #2 By Robin Patchen
Harper Cloud finds herself running. The dead bodies that were in Red's living room and the tampering with his Gatorade have convinced her that they both need to disappear. And they need to go somewhere unexpected where Red's grandson Derrick won't find them.
Nutfield, New Hampshire seems about as unexpected and off the beaten path that Harper can find. Now she needs to be sure they stay off the grid so that whoever is looking for them will find nothing. But with access to Red's funds no longer an option Harper has to make what little money they have left last until she can find a job.
When their new landlord Jack Rossi takes an interest in them and their plight Harper fears she knows just what his interest is and that he's no different than the other men in her past. Jack seems to truly care about Red and his vacillating mental state. He's even gone so far as to help out if Harper needs someone to stay with him.
Jack knows something is off about his new tenants - after all, why would they move into Nutfield if they have no familial ties to the area and no promise of a job. Something is off he's just not sure what. And it is obvious that Harper will do anything to take care of her Gramps.
But the very thing Harper feared is seeking her and he won't be satisfied until he makes her pay for what she has done.
This is the second book in the Beauty in Flight series and the intensity that concluded the first book carries over into this one. And don't expect a quick conclusion as this is the middle book in the series and the ending will leave you wondering just what is going to happen next. I for one am wondering but at least the third book will very shortly be released. I do think Harper seems to be her own worst enemy as she seems to rebound from one relationship to another almost immediately.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
Robin Patchen has won me over to her style of romantic suspense with this novel, Beauty in Hiding. You will notice in my meme that there are three books pictured. Beauty in Hiding is book two of a series of three titled, “Beauty in Flight” (also the title of book one). Why do I belabor this point? I strongly urge you to purchase all three books before starting any. You will want to read them all together. I read two and three without one, but these seem to be a continuing story. ‘Nuff said. What a whirlwind of action and intrigue this book is. An elderly man with dementia; his young, beautiful caretaker, who moves them both far from home; a great-looking landlord who wants to share his faith and some friendship with these two; numerous squirrelly and questionable characters who are best avoided at all costs. It took me very little time to become engrossed in the story and personally interested in sweet, scared Harper; friendly, undemanding Jack, and uncertain Red. Why am I laughing (or is it sighing) over the town name of Nutfield where one character has dementia and another’s actions seem nutty if one doesn’t know her backstory? The faith element is real, timely, and appropriately woven into the novel. Some shareable quotes: “If not for the kindness of strangers, I do not know where I would be. So I will be a kind stranger to you.”
“She needed more than a drive in the country and some ice cream. She needed a brain transplant.”
“Harper’s perch was her floor and her knees, and her prayers were for a glimpse of freedom from this crazy situation she’d found herself in. A hope for the future.”
“My brain...I used to be able to rely on it. Now it’s turning against me. Now, I never know if I can trust what I remember.” (This one made me want to cry.)
Run to your nearest bookstore and purchase the entire series, Beauty in Flight, Bks 1-3, to add to your collection if you like sinister Christian romantic suspense. I bought books one and three, but was given a complimentary copy of Beauty in Hiding by the author through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my responsibility.
I first learned of Robin Patchen’s books when I received an author newsletter from another author, recommending Robin’s books. I followed up on the suggestion and found a new author to add to my growing list a favorites.
Beauty in Hiding is the second in a three book series, Beauty in Flight. As with the first in the series, Beauty in Flight, my attention and imagination was grabbed from the very first paragraph of Beauty in Hiding. (I should note that while the reader could read each book individually, the reading experience will be enhanced by beginning with the first in the series.)
Harper and Red, who is now known as gramps, have landed in Nutfield, New Hampshire following their flight from Maryland where two dead bodies appeared in Red’s living room and his grandson, Harper’s boyfriend, suddenly becomes rather menacing. When Harper, a nurse, realizes that Red is suffering from poisoning, specifically anti-freeze poisoning, she suspects Derrick may have spiked Red’s Gatorade.
Fleeing with an elderly man, suffering from some form of dementia, and poisoning isn’t easy and when the two reach Nutfield, both are exhausted and out of sorts. Their new landlord, Jack Rossi, befriends them and finds a place for Red to be while Harper works her new job as a waitress. Jack Rossi suspects something isn’t quite right and struggles with his immediate attraction to Harper and figuring out what is going on.
Meanwhile, Derrick is desperate to find the two; he owes some nefarious people a lot of money. His plan? Find Red and Harper, kill them both...one for his inheritance and the other for revenge.
It will only take one slip for Derrick to find Harper, but she’s so careful, she must protect Red.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
The reason I loved this book so much was because Harper is such a great character. I instantly liked her and how dedicated she was to taking care of Red. He might not be related to her, but she knew that his life was in danger and she would do anything to keep him from harm. There is some background on Harper that helps readers understand why she doesn't trust anyone. Her life has not been easy and I could understand her need to be loved and wanted by someone.
The story is packed with intrigue and there are many twists in the story that make this a well written book. The author allows us to glimpse what it could be like to care for a person who may have dementia. Red is crabby at times, but when he remembers things he is a vast of knowledge. At one time he was a powerful businessman who made lots of money. That little bit of info is what drives his grandson to try to harm him.
Jack is a good character and tries so hard to help Harper as she struggles to put food on the table and a roof over her and Red's head. He knows there is something she is not telling him, but he wants her to trust him enough to share her past. I thought at times Jack was a little pushy and I could see why Harper was on guard with him.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about Harper and what a good heart she has. It is going to be hard for her to keep hiding from the truth. Will she finally trust Jack and tell him everything? The action and mystery in the story is good and keeps readers glued to the story. The only thing I don't like is having to wait for the next book in the series to get answers to some questions. It is a great cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I truly enjoyed Beauty in HIding and author Robin Patchen has created some complex and intriguing characters. Harper Cloud is so loving and caring but she has a hard time believing that she will be truly loved in return. Many men have been attracted to her face and body but they cared nothing for the person inside. Trust is definitely an issue and she certainly doesn't believe that her landlord Jack Rossi has honorable intentions as he befriends his two new tenants. He feels drawn to both of them but his efforts to help them are met with great resistance from Harper. Harold "Red" Burns has his own struggles as he alternates between feelings of fear, anger and hostility and his ever increasing loss of memory as his dementia continues to worsen.
This story is filled with danger, secrets, addiction, murder and so many unanswered questions but there is also an underlying theme of faith. Reminders that believing in God is the only true path to peace and acceptance are scattered throughout the book and we are allowed to witness Harper's growth as a Christian.
"What had Gramps told her? God's word was a lamp unto her feet? She wished it was more like a street lamp and less like a cheap flashlight with a dying bulb."
Beauty in HIding is book two in the Beauty in Flight trilogy but I didn't feel lost reading this book first. The third book, Beauty in Battle, is definitely on my TBR list so that I can see what the future holds for Harper Cloud. Can she protect "Red" from his own grandson? Will she finally find the happiness that she deserves? Is Jack Rossi the person who will convince her to trust again?
I received a complimentary copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest opinions.
I may or may not have binge-read the entire series over the course of two days. Okay! I did it! As soon as I hit the end of one book, I jumped straight into the next one. I couldn’t help it, but I’m not sorry. I think that speaks for itself. Beauty in Hiding is book 2 of a 3-part series. At least I think there will only be 3 books. Anyway…I couldn’t stop reading.
Harper Cloud is a wonderful heroine. She’s strong-willed and capable after her years of suffering. Her flaw: she doesn’t trust anyone. However, given her circumstances, the flaw is not so much a flaw as a product of circumstances. She does what most people would do in her same situation, which makes her relatable.
Jack Rossi is the epitome of a perfect guy, albeit a bit naive, but that just enhances the story. He’s kind and considerate while still having that edge of vulnerability. It’s these characteristics that lead him to insert himself into Harper’s life when she obviously wishes he would disappear.
Throw in ‘Red’ with all his dry humor and you have a wonderful blend of sarcastic drama. Red is their moral compass, the one who shows God’s love to those lost and flailing in this evil world. Plus, he has some one-liners hilarious enough to make you need to wipe your eyes when you’re done laughing.
This is a great series. Due to the subject matter of Harper’s past, it might not be appropriate for everyone, but the writing is done in such a way that it’s not overwhelming.
I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit team. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
*4.5 stars This series has me totally hooked! It's definitely one that needs to be read in order. Even though it's broken up into three books, it reads as one fluid story. So far both books have ended on cliffhangers that demand you instantly dive into the next. I have book 3 sitting right beside me ready for just that!
One thing I found interesting in this story, is that while Harper and Red (aka "Gramps" now) are in hiding, Red's mental status has continued to decline and that somehow works in their favor. When he has moments of confusion it makes Harper's cover-up story seem more legitimate. When he has moments of panic people just assume it's his condition instead of their real circumstances. One thing that was clear to everyone--regardless of the circumstances that had brought them to New Hampshire, it was clear that Harper cared for Red.
My only complaint was that while Jack is a lovely character, he seemed far too good to be true. It felt awkward how abruptly he'd entered the story and inserted himself into Harper and Red's lives. As soon as they showed up in town it was if he had no life apart from them. He was a guy girls dream of, but he was too unrealistic.
I'm really enjoying this series so far and can't wait to get through the next (and final) book. I'm curious to see how the author will bring it all together and how the mystery behind their circumstances will unfold. It's clear that Harper has a difficult road ahead of her and I'm anxious to see how she maneuvers it all. Suspense fans, you NEED to read this series!
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I have really been enjoying The Beauty in Flight series, and Beauty in Hiding is the middle book and has Harper and Red on the run from a lot of people, including Red’s grandson. I really don’t want to say too much about the plot. There is danger and romance and getting second chances, but what really pulled me in were the characters and the relationships they had with one another.
Harper left a good home to follow her dream thinking she would make it big in Hollywood. Years later she finds herself alone, trying to protect herself, and she does not know whom to turn to. Harper is the prodigal daughter and does not know yet if she can come home. Harper is stretching her new faith as well as she has turned to God to get her life turned around, however the danger that keeps following her just won’t stop.
Enter Jack Rossi her landlord and as everyone at first is, he is smitten by her beauty. But Jack uses his head and realizes there is something just not right about Harper and Red’s situation and he finds himself stepping in to help them time and time again. The big question though: will Jack be sticking around Harper when he finds out everything from her past?
I am reading book three now as I could not leave the characters where they were. I have read another book by author Patchen, Finding Amanda, and even though she writes about tough subjects her books are filled with hope for the future.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Lots of action, suspense and romance in this second book in the series. As soon as Harper and Red arrive in Nutfield we are introduced to Jack. Jack is Harper's handsome, kind next door neighbor, landlord. Jack is awesome the way that he helps Harper and Red , but there is no way Harper is going to trust a man again. I loved all the interaction between these three characters, they are characters you can't help but develop feelings for. You can't help but wonder what the story is behind Vanessa. She runs the local food bank and community center for seniors to get together. She is very prickly with everyone, angry also, except for her conversation with Harper were we see a different person. Why is Boñnie the diner owner and Harper's boss so grumpy with everyone especially Harper. This book has so much going on I ended up reading it one sitting as I couldn't put it down, good thing it is a fast read. This book ends on a cliffhanger which I don't particularly like so I am thrilled to be able to read the next book without having to wait. I also think that Ms Patchen could have written this instead of as a series as one longer length novel (just my opinion ) I received a free copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The words I have written are all my own opinions and that is why I am able to highly recommend this book, as long as you don't mind a cliffhanger that is going to leave you begging for the last book in this series. That is the only reason for taking off a star .
Beauty in Hiding by Robin Patchen is the second in the Beauty in Flight trilogy. I’ve read other books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this series as the blurb didn’t capture my attention as much as her previous books. However, I have to say I LOVE this series. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to relate to Harper because of her beauty, her past, her lifestyle but she was so relatable. I kept forgetting how beautiful she was until the male characters in the book would remind me. She’s so humble and endearing. I was drawn in on the first page and wanted to read all three books one after the other, that’s how good they were. I love the elements of Christianity throughout without it being too preachy. I absolutely love the way the author wrote Derrick, Jack, and more importantly, Redd.
I loved the cliff hanger from Book 1 and I love the cliff hanger into Book 3. I would highly recommend buying all three books at the same time so that you don’t have to wait in between to finish Harper’s story. I am currently finishing Book 3 because I have to see how it’s all going to end, and I don’t want to put it down, it’s that good!
I truly loved this book. It’s a great story for all readers – it will capture the attention of the younger readers while older, more conservative readers will find the storyline, adventure, and suspense intriguing and page turning. This is a series I would gladly read and discuss with my teenage daughter.
Harper Cloud – an interesting name and a bit unusual. Somehow, it seems to me she would have assumed a different name somewhere along the way to try to make it more difficult to be traced, but I suppose she had too many other things to consider when she loaded Gramps in the car and ran from his home. Often in a book series, keeping track of what happened earlier in the series is difficult because of the time lapse between releases. With the speed at which each book is being released and the way in which the author brings in details from the first book as Harper recalls various events in the past, that is less an issue in this series. I enjoyed returning to the small town of Nutfield, New Hampshire, the primary setting of an earlier series by the author. A few familiar characters from those stories appear in this one. Harper is a fairly new Christian, so she still struggles with some aspects of her faith-walk. She also has had so many bad experiences with men that she has trouble trusting men. Can she overcome that? Are all men, with the exception of Gramps, only nice to her when they meet her because she is such a beautiful young woman and they want something from her, as she suspects? She knows for certain that the grandson, Derrick, is bad news and only cares about himself. Can she really trust Jack? He definitely seems to be helping in every way imaginable. Read the story and see, but be prepared to get left “hanging on the cliff” at the end. Is the truth going to finally come out? Maybe we will find out in the third book. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Loneliness, and the need to connect. Loneliness, and the fear of connecting. Both of these phrases go to the heart of Beauty in Hiding. Both of these phrases are true of so many in our society, so many we see but often don't notice.
Jack Rossi is living what he refers to as a solitary life in Nutville in spite of his many interactions with those at the community pantry and rec center. His new tenants, Harper Cloud and Red Burns, could not escape his notice. Harper was gorgeous, but obviously hiding something. Red's shifting personality often hiding his true self behind Alzheimer's. All three longed for connection, but only Harper understood the cost. No one must know why she is on the run and pretending that this elderly man in her grandfather. She would, and has, sacrificed her life to care for and protect him.
Robin Patchen quickly rose to one of the top slots on my list of favorite mystery writers with her Hidden Truth series. Beauty in Hiding is the second book in her new series, Beauty in Flight, and it is just as wonderful. I recommend all of Patchen's books to mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy Colleen Coble, Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon and Patricia Bradley. I am grateful to have received a copy of Beauty in Hiding from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.