The Hidden (The Secret Tales #4) by Sanna Brand/Vicki Stiefel
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In the quiet wilds of Devon, Lady Amalie Northbrooke has carved out a life on her own terms—breeding her cherished basset hounds and protecting Mere Manor, the estate left to her by tragedy. Though unseasoned in society, she is no stranger to independence…until danger finds her.
When her long-absent brother, Lord Westlake, returns after eleven years, his homecoming should mend what time has stolen. Instead, his arrival unsettles her. Familiar places feel altered. Trusted routines begin to unravel. And loyalties she once took for granted begin to fracture.
A violent encounter draws Amalie into the orbit of Dr. Richard Cartwell, Lord Haven—steady, perceptive, and impossible to ignore. In his company, she catches her first glimpse of a world beyond the one she has always known—and of a connection as unexpected as it is undeniable.
Then Mere Manor's fragile peace is shattered by an unexplained death, and Amalie can no longer dismiss the quiet dread creeping through her home.
With only Dr. Cartwell as an unlikely ally, she is drawn into a web of secrets where every answer leads to greater danger, every shadow hides another threat, and someone is watching her far too closely.
Because the truth is not merely hidden.
It waits with claws and teeth.
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5 out of 5 (exceptional)
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian
This is book 4 in The Secret Tales series, but it can be read as a standalone to the other three. I really enjoyed them all, though, so from a personal point of view, I do recommend them all. Books 1 and 2 got 5 stars, and book 3 dipped to 4.
But book 4 jumps straight back up to 5 stars. I loved this book!
I'm big enough and ugly enough to admit this: I love that these books are clean! I will always read a steamy book and be happy about it, but I'm finding THESE books do not need it. The point is delivered beautifully!
I will admit, I knew something was off when Alex returned, as soon as he did. I did not see that playing out how it did, so well played there, Ms Brand. I do like being kept on my toes.
I loved how the relationship between Amalie and Richard grew naturally. After that first shocking encounter, they both found themselves pulled to the other, and I loved that there was some pushing against the rules of the time.
I loved the animals in this book! The descriptions of the dogs and the ferret were fabulous, and I could see those animals doing what was said on the page.
I loved the supporting cast: Jenny and George are Richard's siblings, and they are an absolute cracker of a pair.
Both Amalie and Richard get a say, and a single chapter for a third person. Not saying who, though. But their book is next, and I can't wait to read it, especially after reading the short snippet at the end of this one!
I can honestly say I loved this book, and if you like clean, historical romances, these books are for you.
5 full and shiny stars
** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Award-winning author Vicki Stiefel now also writes as Sanna Brand, whose Regency Romance, THE HIDDEN (The Secret Tales, Book 4) follows THE SEER. Vicki’s romantisy series, The Made Ones Saga, began with Altered. She continues work on her Afterworld Chronicles, begun with Chest of Bone. Her mystery/thrillers feature homicide counselor Tally Whyte, and Vicki’s love of knitting produced Chest of Bone: The Knit Collection and 10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters.
At present, she is tapping the keys for The Defiant, Alex and Jenny’s novel, book five in The Secret Tales.
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vickistiefel
Thank you so much Archaeolibraian and Debbie for your marvelous review! I'm thrilled you loved The Hidden! 💜