Hidden Grace
by Garland Roper
Published by Cliffside Press at OMNI
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Reviewed by Kate Carlson
Born into a poor family during the depression, Grace Albright and her siblings are at young ages sent into foster care after the death of their mother. Although Grace and her older sister are allowed to stay together at several homes, they are too young and vulnerable to shield each other from the horrors that are to come.
As disturbing as some of the incidents of sexual abuse are, these incidents need to be written about. It will help you understand the horrors of childhood abuses and the emotional scars that last a lifetime when children are not cherished, protected or allowed a voice in society.
Although this book is recommended for a mature reader only, the abuse is relevant to understand the strength Grace's character shows to survive. Yet, through therapy when older, she finally finds the path towards forgiving herself while she develops an understanding that she did not cause the abuse, nor were her resulting life choices unreasonable. Actually, she learns they were adaptive and necessary at times for her own survival.
Garland Roper beautifully creates depth and passion for Grace's character, as you are continually pulled back to the book to be inspired by her ability to adapt and survive. Any survivor of abuse can relate to the story and to Grace.
From Hidden Grace, the reader will benefit from learning self-forgiveness, strategies to survive and thrive, as well as to be truly inspired for your own life. If this character Grace (a believable true-to-life character, made complete with flaws and rough edges) can find peace, happiness and forgiveness, then anyone can!
Armchair Interviews says: Hidden Grace is a fascinating, inspirational and uplifting page-whipping story that is genuinely a must read for any survivor of abuse or anyone wishing to understand and relate to survivors...and doesn't that just about cover us all!