Amanda Prowse is a master at writing realistic stories with plots that could genuinely be a true account. The plot is always so realistic and believable and cover topics that will be relatable to people and families. It's actually a welcome change to read a book that doesn't try to be overly clever with twists and turns and simply tells the story as it is; an account retold in the pages of a book. I previously read The Food of Love and found it a little heavy but due to the subject, it was never going to be an easy read. Moving on to The Art of Hiding, this is a much lighter read while still tackling the tough subjects of grief, debt and hidden family problems. The emotions, conversations and relationships feel real and genuine.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Prowse and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Steamy?: No
Cliffhanger?: No
Can be read as Standalone?: Yes
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

***COMPLIMENTARY COPY PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***

I actually ended up liking this story, despite the long drag in the middle. The beginning really hooks you in and you just have to see how things pan out. I admittedly didn’t have much sympathy for Nina at first - she was just too content to keep her head in the sand and live a life of dependency. Make no mistake, I didn’t care for Finn either but I just couldn't seem to garner any kind of compassion for a woman who didn’t want to develop any kind of independence and self-reliance. I know there are a lot of women out there who want nothing more than to master The Art of Hiding and be taken care of from cradle to grave but they need to read this book for the cautionary tale that it is. Anything can happen in life and you can’t place your entire life in someone else’s hands – you never know when YOU will be the only one you got.

Nina is mum of two boys, her husband dies leaving financial disaster .
I loved how the story shows women struggling to get back on her feet with the help of her sister and a lot of hard working from her side. I liked there was no happy ever after but more realistic conclusion.
The writer books talks about strong women, which is rare to find with all the fluff available in bookstores . I loved her other book The Idea of You

I recently read another book I picked up via NetGalley last year/earlier this year, called The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse. When I opened it up I had no recollection of what it was about, or even whether it was fiction or nonfiction. Turns out it's a novel, and a fairly heavy one at that. I briefly considered putting it down, because I sometimes struggle to read emotionally taxing stories, being prone to depression and anxiety, but I quickly found myself too engrossed in the story.

The protagonist, Nina McCarrick, is left to raise her two sons when her husband unexpectedly dies in a car wreck. Having married young and into wealth, Nina has never had to fend for herself as a mother and adult. The novel is Nina's story at its heart: her journey to self-awareness, self-sufficiency, and self-respect, as a woman and as a mother. Though I started out identifying with Nina, as the story went on I sometimes found her incredibly frustrating -- I found myself judging her and asking how on earth she let herself get into such a ridiculous situation! That said, I came to admire her perseverance and her ability to both provide for her sons AND pay attention to her own needs.

It's an emotional story of loss, so the reader must be prepared for some weightiness. But it's also a story of love and triumph, with many important life lessons taught (in a very unpreachy fashion) along the way. I've included below some of my favorite quotes from the book, those that resonate most with me (for varying reasons) and that I think show some of the depth of the story and insightful life lessons learned by the characters throughout the book:

"But here's the thing, Nina. I think happiness lies in being content now - right now! Every day! That's not to say you can't plan and work for change, but if you are constantly waiting for happiness to start, waiting for the change that will make it happen, then you just might miss some really good days along the way." (Kindle location 3253)

"Hardship eroded his sense of entitlement and in its place a nicer, humbler boy was emerging." (Kindle location 3953)

"I've been reading a lot about people who are depressed. People who live with extreme stress and those who only see one way out... They often fall into two camps. Those who fall apart externally, seek help, battle it publicly, and then there are those won don't, can't. It's this group of people who interest me most. They are skilled in the art of hiding. I think that my dad must have been like that." (Kindle location 4105)

I'm sorry it took me so long to read this book and I definitely think it's well worth reading (just not if you're feeling in a fragile frame of mind). I'll definitely be interested in reading more from Amanda Prowse!

This was a book that thoughtfully covered a tough subject. Loss of a spouse and parent is hard and Amanda tackled this was great care. There was no heroine, just a mom trying to get through a dark time that hit her out of no where. There is the suggestion of suicide and the anger of the circumstance thrust upon this young family. I liked the flow of the book and cared for the characters. As a whole, it was well written. However, there was a formula to it that bothered me. Each step felt predictable and the characters felt like a regurgitation of characters I have met many times before over my many years of reading. This was my first Amanda Prowse book and I did like it but I will probably forget about it soon enough. This was not a bad book, just not one that left an impression.

I really enjoyed this - the strength is, as always, the creation of characters who are believable and relateable. A good read.

If, like me, you're tempted to give up on this book and on Nina, stick with it. You'll be glad you did. She has a seemingly perfect life - loving husband, beautiful sons, huge house, fresh flowers, no financial worries - which implodes completely when her husband dies and leaves the family with nothing but the clothes in their dressers, whatever furniture they can fit in a small van, and some cash found in a laundry hamper.

Primarily through her interactions with her sister Tiggy we learn that Nina was once a confident, capable person, before she chose what seemed to be the best path at the time -- marriage to a handsome and rich older near-stranger. Who could blame her? Tiggy reminds her of who she was, and who she can still be, despite, if not because of, her circumstances.

The first third/half of the book was a little tedious and could have used some editing. I was pleased that Connor's voice became much more authentic in the second half; at first he sounded like he was saying and acting as he was expected, not as he was. Much like his mother, he grew into his best self with a little hardship under his belt.

Money doesn't buy happiness; it's the people with whom you surround yourself that bring you joy, challenge you, and help you grow. This is a good lesson for all of us.

Special thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC.

It's taken me a long time to read this book, because since receiving it I read another by the same author and didn't really like it - I felt it dealt with an issue of which I have some experience very lightly and I wasn't impressed. When I got round to reading this one, I found that it was better than the previous one and actually very readable; however, there's something about the writer's style that I just don't like. However, I appreciate that most readers have loved the book and yes, It is an interesting story and I was pleased with the ending, but I won't be rushing to read another by this author - sorry - it's just me!

this story was a special kind of heart breaking yet beautiful.
The main character Nina goes through so much. And the trials that lead her through the book in a way amazed me. The strength there.

And how one can pick up the pieces of a broken life and start to rebuild.

this book honestly had me unsure of what I was going to be getting myself into. But I was surprisingly touched by it.

If you're wanting something emotional and raw but yet so good I highly suggest this book.
It is one of those that hits you right in the feels

The premise of this story sounds pretty cliche: Incredibly rich husband dies and wife finds out his big secret.
You already think its a mistress or another family huh? It's not. It's millions of dollars of crushing debt for his wife to deal with while trying to keep everything together for her 2 sons. As dire as that sounds, the book is surprisingly touching and uplifting and has some great lessons on inner strength. Now I'm going to sound cliche, but it's a bit of love story, where the main character learns to love life, friendship, and motherhood in new ways.

I'd especially recommend it to boy mamas, as her relationship with her sons grows and it's super touching.

Falling from 'the woman who has it all',to the one who doesn't know where the next meal is coming from or how shelter and protect her children results is a tough awakening for the central character,Nina.The book charts her alarming fall,and her rocky but ultimately triumphant rise.It's a life affirming and uplifting story-with its conclusion comes her realisation that money most certainly doesn't buy happiness-that's to be found in the simple moments of everyday life with the people that you love.And it's enough.The characters are,for the most part,engaging and true.One or two moments grated as being cloying or unbelievable,but I can let that slide as I enjoyed reading it and the plot line was really quite different to anything that I've read lately

I feel like The Art of Hiding had me engaged from the very start! In only a matter of pages, Nina McCarrick goes from being a stereotypical Stepford Wife and mother, to becoming a widow who is now all alone in raising her two children. But, things go from bad to worse when she finds out that not only is her husband's company in debt, but she now is, as well. Forced to leave the immense and beautiful family home and move back to the small town she'd left behind, she eventually must learn what it is to take control of her life as well as make sure to raise her children to be successful and upstanding citizens. Not that she doesn't have a lot on her plate already...
I can't say that I was happy with Nina at first. I do know that it's because she chose to be the perfect stay-at-home mom – she chose her role and chose to allow her husband Finn to control everything financially – that she ends up facing the repercussions of not knowing how badly things had become within the business. They were in major debt! She had no idea because she'd wanted to believe that her husband was doing what he'd promised to do, take care of her. So then she's sitting there, not knowing what to do. She's even unable to access bank accounts because she has no idea what the passwords and pins are, because that was
Finn's
job. Ugh. I just couldn't stand how...small, she appeared to be, and I hated that she didn't seem to care! In a day and age when women are stronger than ever, it's sad to see a character be the complete opposite. So, though I was initially unhappy with Nina, I kept on reading, and am glad I did, because I really ended up like this, and even Nina herself!

Moving to the small town she came from (not sure what the name of it was) with her two children, we learn from Nina's sister that once upon a time, Nina was a dedicated worker who was able to make her own money. I feel like it's somewhat stereotypical to have a character essentially "go home" in order to "better themselves", but I really did enjoy reading this story. I liked seeing Nina's growth, and seeing her finally relax and actually allow herself to make friends and appreciate that she doesn't have to do everything on her own.

When it comes to Nina's relationship with her children, I really felt for her in those times when the two didn't seem to appreciate her in the way they did their father. The eldest, Connor, pretty much worshipped his father in the way boys are prone to do. Connor happens to be a talented rugby player who wants to impress his father and become a successful, professional athlete one day. His father isn't at all his matches, but though he's disappointed, he accepts these moments. Now that his father is gone, though, he lashes out at his mother, because the other parent isn't exactly there to pin any blame on. Nina is quite patient with the anger, and does all she can to help ease the pain, though honestly, she's hurting, as well. Her second child, Declan, doesn't come across as being as difficult, nor moody, as Connor, but that could be because he's not a teenager, possibly. I don't remember exactly when and what it was, but I do remember an instance in which Declan somehow didn't feel that something his mother did was as good as his father, but I honestly can't quite remember exactly what it was. It only stayed with me because I know Nina reacted with hurt, and I felt bad for her. All in all, I couldn't help but feel sad that Nina wasn't treated very well by her children, and feel that they took her for granted.

Thank the lord, though, that Nina's character finally has some real growth when she gets a job and when she allows herself to meet and speak to other people. Even her children notice the change, and appreciate her hard work and attempts at making a better life for them, even with the family's new limitations.

But not only is their growth for her, but her boys, as well. I can appreciate the changes in the boys, especially in Connor's case, but I won't delve into that, since some things still need to be left for you to discover.

I really did like this book in the end, and feel that it overcame the annoying stereotypes that I'd originally thought it would be, so for me, this was definitely a successful read, and I would gladly recommend it!

Review: Firstly thanks to the Netgalley for the arc of The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse. This is the first book by the author that I have read and I read it in one sitting. Throughout the story I kept waiting for something to happen, but it didn't really have a climax. The book was a good concept and pulled at the heart strings however it could have been so much more - it was an ok read and I might try another book from Amanda Prowse just incase this was a one off let down.

Storyline: The book focused on Nina who lost her husband a construction contractor in a car accident (or was it suicide?) we didn't find out - turns out he was bankrupt and she lost the house and all their assets, so she and her two sons moved back to the estate where she came from and had to readjust to social, economic and personal changes in their lives, but this book could have been so much more. Overall an ok short read with some food for thought within the pages ie don't become complacent and assume that the good times will last forever because you just never know the minute or the day it will be pulled from under you and don't take your loved ones for granted because life is fickle and everything can change in a blink of an eye.

Having read other works by Amanda Prowse, I wanted to love this novel, but could not feel connected to the characters. The story just seemed too similar to what others have written already. If you like that type of drama, you will like her writing.

The blurb was better than the book, sadly. I was not a fan of her execution of the story. It definitely was inspirational, and the h had to deal with a lot, I mean loss is hard no matter what. I think this book could have had less emotional downpour and more healing. Its hard to describe, I get the situation is difficult but I dont like when a character gets stuck so to speak.
Just wasn't for me.

I only got halfway through the book before giving up, I could not connect with the characters in the story.

Nina had the perfect life, then her husband dies and her life unravels. This book is more a challenge on everyday life. Does money bring us happiness. As Nina discovers she has no money she has to start again. Will she bond with her children, how will she cope and will she be happier with or without money. Really enjoyed this and excellent holiday reading.

THE ART OF HIDING - Amanda Prowse

HARD TIMES - 4 stars

Plot - 3.5 stars - Nina has been living in luxury with her charming husband and 2 boys. But upon her husband's sudden death, she finds herself back at Square One, struggling to rebuild their lives.

Writing - 4 stars - This book started out in a very depressing manner, as might be expected with such a sad plot. But it was fascinating to watch Nina go through the various stages of grief and grow and expand her horizons and learn to be the person she can be "after-Finn." Prowse did a great job of enmeshing me into Nina's life, drawing me in to her thoughts and vulnerabilities. The story snuck up on me: at first I was depressed and had a hard time continuing through the sadness of the story, but before long I realized that I was totally engrossed in their lives and couldn't wait to see how they dealt with their problems. My tears became tears of tenderness and joy rather than sadness.

Characters - 3.5 stars - I found myself alternately liking, then disliking, Nina. Negatives: She has always hated her childhood home, so she looks at it in a totally negative way. She has lost touch with her sister, so it's up to the sister to initiate a renewed relationship. Positives: She recognizes her new circumstances and takes the necessary steps to move on. She is helpful to her sons as they adjust to their new surroundings. She has the courage to ask for help. And the best part was her eventual willingness to embrace her changed circumstances and appreciate what she has rather than what she lost. I enjoyed watching her grow.
Connor and Declan can be excused for being so negative at first since they are just children and haven't known any other lifestyle.
Tig (Nina's sister) is helpful and thoughtful in a practical way. I was so impressed with her actions, although I'll admit that I probably wouldn't particularly like her frank and blunt manner in real life.

Title - 4 stars - This describes Nina's life as the wife of a successful man. She's basically been hiding from her past all the while she's been trying to "keep up with the Jones's." Now that the facade has been stripped away, she can't hide anymore. Plus we find another reason for the title as the story proceeds, when Connor points out what it meant for their family.

Cover - 4 stars - Beautiful. A lovely color to draw the eye, plus I like the symbolism of the candle behind glass.

Overview - 4 stars - Although I was fascinated by Nina's struggles to overcome her difficulties, I found her less than inspiring, which made it hard to like the story at first. She had allowed herself to become complacent and wasn't involved in their lives, or even in her own life. A large percentage of the plot involves the immediate aftermath of Finn's death, which was--let's face it--totally depressing. It took a determined effort to keep going, but the ending was totally worth it. Prowse caught me up in the story and in the characters, and I couldn't help but be inspired despite myself. I enjoyed watching Nina grow and change, with the help of her sister and her friends and her sons. The whole family dynamic changed, and this was encouraging.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and will look for more from this new-to-me author.

I rather liked this book. It was a short, easy read that at times, tore at the heart strings. It's a story of a family taken from the ultimate top to the rock bottom and how they cope along the way. I like the message at the end: it's not where you are, but who you're with, that matters.

Well-to-do family living in a rural idyll are suddenly plunged into coping with limited finances on the death of husband/father.
It was no surprise to find Nina suddenly has access to a flat and overcomes the problems that her sons face when joining the state education system after attending public school.
This story did not feel believable at all