The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli is two stories wrapped into one. There is the historic tale of Mercy Howard during the Revolutionary War and the modern story of Natalie Abbott and her family. Both are set in New York 240 years apart. Mercy's story, which is in a library book that Natalie's son has checked out for a project, becomes a common bond for Natalie and her daughter. All three women are struggling with pain and heartache that ultimately draws them closer to God. I don't want to give away the "unspeakable act" that's referred to on the back cover of the story. But I will say that the situation and darkness that surrounds it is not glossed over by Chiavaroli. It was difficult to process all the emotions that the characters went through, though it did not make the book any less enjoyable. Overall, the book asked the question of where is God when we can't feel or see God's presence in our lives. How long can we continue on our own stre...