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Hollow Places
The mask she wears is the only identity she knows. But somehow he sees right through her.
Social worker Alli Johnson has built her identity around helping foster kids navigate the system she grew up in. But when one of her clients is placed at a religious group home, she’s forced to face the trauma that robbed her of her sense of self. And a too-hot pastor who sees past her defenses.
Delivered from years of pent-up rage, youth pastor David Porter wants to help others find the sense of peace God’s given him—especially the hurting seven-year-old and his spirited social worker. But he’s out of his depth with one, and dangerously attracted to the other.
As Alli and David’s mutual concern for the boy’s well-being draws them together, their differences—in background, perspective, and faith—tear them apart. They’ve both been shaped by terrible pasts. When pain devours a soul, it takes a limitless love to heal the hollow places left behind.
Social worker Alli Johnson has built her identity around helping foster kids navigate the system she grew up in. But when one of her clients is placed at a religious group home, she’s forced to face the trauma that robbed her of her sense of self. And a too-hot pastor who sees past her defenses.
Delivered from years of pent-up rage, youth pastor David Porter wants to help others find the sense of peace God’s given him—especially the hurting seven-year-old and his spirited social worker. But he’s out of his depth with one, and dangerously attracted to the other.
As Alli and David’s mutual concern for the boy’s well-being draws them together, their differences—in background, perspective, and faith—tear them apart. They’ve both been shaped by terrible pasts. When pain devours a soul, it takes a limitless love to heal the hollow places left behind.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2021
227 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 2, 2022
This was one of the best books I've read! Both characters have troubled pasts. Both fall in love with a young boy in the foster care system and work together to find him a home. Their romance is fraught with obstacles and the way their wounds are healed is beautifully portrayed.
July 14, 2022
powerful!
This book was awesome on so many levels. It’s had to write a review that does it justice. God is in the business of redemption. Well written and impactful, it will deeply move your heart. Well done!
This book was awesome on so many levels. It’s had to write a review that does it justice. God is in the business of redemption. Well written and impactful, it will deeply move your heart. Well done!
December 13, 2025
This book will touch your heart. You many need a hankie or two along the way.
September 9, 2021
I was a bit turned off when I first started to read the story, but once I got a bit more into the story it made so much more sense, and fit the story. So, if you feel the same when you start it, let me encourage you to give it more time, it is a great story.
Hollow Places was a page-turner and I had a difficult time putting it down. I was drawn into the heart of the story by the engaging characters and a storyline that revolves around a social worker (Alli) and a foster kid (Thomas) and his placement in the group home that David is the youth pastor at.
I enjoyed David's character. He shows that even though he is a Christian he is not perfect. He has struggles like everyone else, and doesn't try to be something he is not. He is a great guy and he captures your affection quickly with his love of children. He does not come off holier than thou and is great at making connections with others.
Alli is not a Christian and struggles with who she is. I love her character’s growth as the story develops. I also loved Thomas, he is the typical foster kid. There were not any characters that I did not like. One of the things I loved about them is that they were all relatable, which you don't always find in books.
A few things that were my favorites from the story were Alli’s character growth, the time it took for David and Alli’s relationship to grow, and the ending. I appreciated the themes of identity, belonging, trust, and healing from the past that were thread throughout the story.
The only thing that bothered me was you meet David’s dad, but then nothing is resolved and you never see anything happen with him again. It makes you wonder what the point was.
We all have hollow places, and Alli and David are no exception. Will they allow God to do the work He needs to do and fill their hollow places? Or will they, especially Alli, continue to ignore the nudges He is giving them?
This is the first book that I have read by Michelle Massaro, but it will not be my last. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves contemporary romance books. Fans of Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, Susan May Warren, and Becky Wade will enjoy this story.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hollow Places was a page-turner and I had a difficult time putting it down. I was drawn into the heart of the story by the engaging characters and a storyline that revolves around a social worker (Alli) and a foster kid (Thomas) and his placement in the group home that David is the youth pastor at.
I enjoyed David's character. He shows that even though he is a Christian he is not perfect. He has struggles like everyone else, and doesn't try to be something he is not. He is a great guy and he captures your affection quickly with his love of children. He does not come off holier than thou and is great at making connections with others.
Alli is not a Christian and struggles with who she is. I love her character’s growth as the story develops. I also loved Thomas, he is the typical foster kid. There were not any characters that I did not like. One of the things I loved about them is that they were all relatable, which you don't always find in books.
A few things that were my favorites from the story were Alli’s character growth, the time it took for David and Alli’s relationship to grow, and the ending. I appreciated the themes of identity, belonging, trust, and healing from the past that were thread throughout the story.
The only thing that bothered me was you meet David’s dad, but then nothing is resolved and you never see anything happen with him again. It makes you wonder what the point was.
We all have hollow places, and Alli and David are no exception. Will they allow God to do the work He needs to do and fill their hollow places? Or will they, especially Alli, continue to ignore the nudges He is giving them?
This is the first book that I have read by Michelle Massaro, but it will not be my last. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves contemporary romance books. Fans of Denise Hunter, Irene Hannon, Susan May Warren, and Becky Wade will enjoy this story.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 14, 2021
So amazing!
Deep. Tender. Thought-provoking. Emotional. I will remember this brilliant story for a long time. I found myself holding back tears in parts, smiling at others as I binge read, not wanting to put it down.
Alli's and David's childhoods were filled with pain and abuse. Alli ran from God; David ran to Him. Both had committed their lives to work with children, to provide them with stability and care.
I love the way Michelle Massaro approached the challenging subjects with such sensitivity. Her apt presentation kept the story from overwhelming darkness and despair. Alli struggled - she wanted to accept that the things David shared about God were really true and yet harbored feelings of abandonment from her past. David fought the unforgiveness related to his abusive past.
I cared so much for each of the characters. Each situation was well crafted, as if from personal experience! I wanted to jump into the story to pull them out of their pain - especially Thomas. Yet if I had, the necessary growth and heart changes wouldn't have happened as they needed to.
In addition to hope, many warm moments filled the pages, while others simply made me grin. I loved the Thanksgiving events at the group home!!
Readers who enjoy their fiction filled with faith and hope while dealing with real-life situations will want to be sure to read Hollow Places, along with all of Michele Massaro's other titles.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
Deep. Tender. Thought-provoking. Emotional. I will remember this brilliant story for a long time. I found myself holding back tears in parts, smiling at others as I binge read, not wanting to put it down.
Alli's and David's childhoods were filled with pain and abuse. Alli ran from God; David ran to Him. Both had committed their lives to work with children, to provide them with stability and care.
I love the way Michelle Massaro approached the challenging subjects with such sensitivity. Her apt presentation kept the story from overwhelming darkness and despair. Alli struggled - she wanted to accept that the things David shared about God were really true and yet harbored feelings of abandonment from her past. David fought the unforgiveness related to his abusive past.
I cared so much for each of the characters. Each situation was well crafted, as if from personal experience! I wanted to jump into the story to pull them out of their pain - especially Thomas. Yet if I had, the necessary growth and heart changes wouldn't have happened as they needed to.
In addition to hope, many warm moments filled the pages, while others simply made me grin. I loved the Thanksgiving events at the group home!!
Readers who enjoy their fiction filled with faith and hope while dealing with real-life situations will want to be sure to read Hollow Places, along with all of Michele Massaro's other titles.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
September 10, 2021
I have read everything Michelle Massaro has written and once again she has written a story about flawed people searching for identity, a longing to belong and healing. This is a contemporary romance that involves Alli a social worker and a product of the foster care system, David a pastor with a past, and Thomas, a foster child they both care about. The story is well written and flows seamlessly and tugs at your heart. It will keep you up at night reading and I encourage you to give it a try. ( I received a free review copy from the publisher Orange Grove Press)
September 10, 2021
I really enjoyed Hollow Places. The story grabbed my attention right away. As it progressed, the characters and plot deepened. There was a good progression of information on the foster care system, youth ministry, and so many areas that the book kept my interest, and I wanted to keep reading and not put it down. All of the characters were interesting and were multi-faceted—Alli, David, Thomas and his mom, Garrett, Janelle, Kyle, and Regina. I felt they were all realistic.
Alli, as the social worker, had a real concern for those under her care. David, as a Christian and youth pastor, was believable. He kept to his moral and Biblical convictions, even though at times it wasn’t easy. The setting of the foster care system and a pastor working with troubled youth made the story more interesting and gave more depth to the book. We all want to feel like we belong. This was just one of the themes throughout.
This was my first book by Michelle Massaro, but she is very talented. I like reading books with depth and not just fluff. This is just such a book. I will be reading more from her. I was given a copy of this book from the publisher (Orange Grove Press), but this is my honest opinion. I would definitely recommend this book.
Alli, as the social worker, had a real concern for those under her care. David, as a Christian and youth pastor, was believable. He kept to his moral and Biblical convictions, even though at times it wasn’t easy. The setting of the foster care system and a pastor working with troubled youth made the story more interesting and gave more depth to the book. We all want to feel like we belong. This was just one of the themes throughout.
This was my first book by Michelle Massaro, but she is very talented. I like reading books with depth and not just fluff. This is just such a book. I will be reading more from her. I was given a copy of this book from the publisher (Orange Grove Press), but this is my honest opinion. I would definitely recommend this book.
September 20, 2021
Michelle has written a book that is emotional, heartfelt, and relevant. Hollow Places is a book about relationships, wounds, and searching for identity and purpose. We all have places in our soul that long to be filled and healed. We may try to hide these wounds behind masks but God pursues us seeking to fill our hollow places, heal us, and restore us through a relationship with Him. The book had me falling in love with the characters and crying with them in their pain. Alli (the social worker), Thomas (foster placement), and David (youth pastor) will touch your heart as you read through the pages of Hollow Places. Grab a copy today to find God's love, redemption, and grace.
September 14, 2021
My outlook
Wonderful Christian book, so well written. Will read more of her books in the future
Hope others enjoy them too.
Wonderful Christian book, so well written. Will read more of her books in the future
Hope others enjoy them too.
September 18, 2021
Page turner
I was enthralled with Alli and David from the first page. I love the way faith is intertwined within the lives of these amazingly real characters. I hated to see it end and I cannot wait to read more from Michelle.
I was enthralled with Alli and David from the first page. I love the way faith is intertwined within the lives of these amazingly real characters. I hated to see it end and I cannot wait to read more from Michelle.
February 13, 2022
Poignant story of Alli, a social worker who was an abused foster child, Thomas - one of her cases who pulls at her heart, and Pastor David, who works at Grace House, a group home for kids.
January 28, 2022
We are all broken, we are sinners, born into a sinful world. This is a story of a young professional woman who has been deeply scarred by a childhood bouncing around in the system of foster care. She comes in contact with a Youth Pastor who has his own scars, but was fortunate to learn about the love and care of His Heavenly Father. The Lord loves each of us, just as we are, sin, scars, brokenness, and emptiness. He wants to fill that emptiness and hurt with His peace, joy, love, and care. When we come to Him and seek Him, we will find Him, and realize how blessed it is to know Him and live for Him. Is our life perfect? No. Do we still have problems, trials, hurts? Yes, but God never leaves us nor forsakes us, He is with us, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He wants to comfort us, lead us, give us wisdom, and use our lives for His honor and glory. This is a sweet love story, a story of how God can take broken people and use them to love and help others.
January 31, 2022
Another great book
This story is so touching. Characters you can relate to and cheer for. Grab some Kleenex because at some point you will need them.
This story is so touching. Characters you can relate to and cheer for. Grab some Kleenex because at some point you will need them.
January 30, 2022
Loved
I absolutely loved this story. Such raw emotions. Shows the extremely demanding job of a social worker. Always love a happily ever after!
I absolutely loved this story. Such raw emotions. Shows the extremely demanding job of a social worker. Always love a happily ever after!
January 11, 2022
Hollow Places
This was an an exceptional story. The characters each had stories in their past that kept them from feeling normal at times. Ali worked for Social Services and placement of children. David was a youth pastor at a church and he worked with Grace House, a group home for displaced children. How their lives intertwined was amazing. Finding God is important to Ali and she did.I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
This was an an exceptional story. The characters each had stories in their past that kept them from feeling normal at times. Ali worked for Social Services and placement of children. David was a youth pastor at a church and he worked with Grace House, a group home for displaced children. How their lives intertwined was amazing. Finding God is important to Ali and she did.I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
March 27, 2025
Massaro penned a beautiful story with "Hollow Places". However, as an individual who has spent time with many kids in the child welfare system in a variety of roles (yet, not a Social Worker), it was heartbreaking. The story ripped my heart out ... and I just could not read every single page. But, I will truthfully admit that Massaro's writing style pulled me right in. Her style of driving home all of the emotions - whether it was anger, hate, confusion, or love - drew me in from the first few pages. I gave this story 4 out of 5 stars for her excellence in the emotions and everything a social worker has to deal with. Although I could not finish every single page, I will admit her writing style, research and love for children is evident on every single page.
February 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book though it was a very difficult topic to tackle. It deals with the painful subject of adoption, foster care, and abandonment and though she addresses the topic with care, it brought me to tears throughout the book. David is the type of pastor you want in your corner, one who’s lived through difficult circumstances and found God’s grace and mercies. Alli is a little difficult to connect with at times with her guardedness and anger, but it covers and soft and tender heart. Oh, and sweet Thomas! You just want to scoop him up and love him yourself!
I did struggle with formatting in several places and that Santa Claus is spelled wrong twice.
I did struggle with formatting in several places and that Santa Claus is spelled wrong twice.
March 21, 2022
Emotional and heart-rending, Hollow Places is a look into the good and bad of the foster care system, the hurting children and the people who advocate for them. It's a fictional story of redemption and the healing of wounds difficult to heal. Strong, believable characters and a plot that will touch your heart.
March 7, 2023
God's grace
A wonderful story. Grace in the making and growth in knowing the love of God. Would highly recommend this authors books for a 'good feeling' and perhaps a good cry when the right things happen to people.....becoming closer to their Maker and better people through so doing.
Thank you to this author,
A wonderful story. Grace in the making and growth in knowing the love of God. Would highly recommend this authors books for a 'good feeling' and perhaps a good cry when the right things happen to people.....becoming closer to their Maker and better people through so doing.
Thank you to this author,
April 26, 2022
worthwhile
This was a great read that drew me in. I didn’t want to put it down. It helps to reveal the challenges that many have faced in and out of the foster care system. How can we help? Learn to love and be generous to the hurting.
This was a great read that drew me in. I didn’t want to put it down. It helps to reveal the challenges that many have faced in and out of the foster care system. How can we help? Learn to love and be generous to the hurting.
March 6, 2024
excellent
Hollow Places pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go. What a great story! The emotional involvement is strong for all three of the main characters, their broken pasts and the hope that was birthed in them as their lives intertwined. I highly recommend this book.
Hollow Places pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go. What a great story! The emotional involvement is strong for all three of the main characters, their broken pasts and the hope that was birthed in them as their lives intertwined. I highly recommend this book.
August 29, 2024
A fantastic story!
Wow I could not put this book done until the end. This author is such a powerful write and this is a touch of real life and should open a lot of eyes as you read. Everyone should read this book!
Wow I could not put this book done until the end. This author is such a powerful write and this is a touch of real life and should open a lot of eyes as you read. Everyone should read this book!
April 27, 2025
Wonderful read!
Just finished reading the book at 1:00 a.m. Just had to finish reading. Michelle Massaso did a great job. Alli Johnson was helping foster kids. She met Pastor David Porter and Tomas. The path is great! Loved it! Jeanette Stracner
Just finished reading the book at 1:00 a.m. Just had to finish reading. Michelle Massaso did a great job. Alli Johnson was helping foster kids. She met Pastor David Porter and Tomas. The path is great! Loved it! Jeanette Stracner
August 3, 2025
Loved this one. The slow burning romance between Alli and David set against the backdrop of a children’s home and an adorable 7 year old called Thomas is a real page turner.
Just one thing bugged me but I’m hoping that doesn’t mean the same in US English as it does here in the UK as it’s something no one would say as it’s quite rude. And no Christian would say it either.
That aside it’s a brilliant story and one going back into the TBR pile.
Just one thing bugged me but I’m hoping that doesn’t mean the same in US English as it does here in the UK as it’s something no one would say as it’s quite rude. And no Christian would say it either.
That aside it’s a brilliant story and one going back into the TBR pile.
October 2, 2021
Loved this story. So moving and tender and heart wrenching. I will be reading more of this authors’s book.
October 3, 2021
good read
This is a good book, faith based with excitement built in the story line, very entertaining and interesting to read
This is a good book, faith based with excitement built in the story line, very entertaining and interesting to read
October 5, 2021
Awesome book!
Best book I have read in s long time and I love to read! Had to get the tissues out several times
Best book I have read in s long time and I love to read! Had to get the tissues out several times
October 10, 2021
What a delightful, heart-warming story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 4, 2021
David and Ali
How God changes and guides our lives. Two broken souls blend together to find themselves and help a precious little boy.
How God changes and guides our lives. Two broken souls blend together to find themselves and help a precious little boy.
June 15, 2022
Wonderful
A beautiful Christian book i lloved it Did not want to put it down I will be reading more of her.
A beautiful Christian book i lloved it Did not want to put it down I will be reading more of her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews