The Art of Hiding

Written by Amanda Prowse

Narrated by Amanda Prowse

What would you do if you learned that the life you lived was a lie?

Nina McCarrick lives the perfect life, until her husband, Finn, is killed in a car accident and everything Nina thought she could rely on unravels.

Alone, bereft and faced with a mountain of debt, Nina quickly loses her life of luxury and she begins to question whether she ever really knew the man she married. Forced to move out of her family home, Nina returns to the rundown Southampton council estate—and the sister—she thought she had left far behind.

But Nina can’t let herself be overwhelmed—her boys need her. To save them, and herself, she will have to do what her husband discouraged for so long: pursue a career of her own. Torn between the life she thought she knew and the reality she now faces, Nina finally must learn what it means to take control of her life.

Bestselling author Amanda Prowse once again plumbs the depths of human experience in this stirring and empowering tale of one woman’s loss and love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Aug 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781536690422

Amanda Prowse

Amanda Prowse likens her own life story to those she writes about in her books. After self-publishing her debut novel Poppy Day in 2011, she has gone on to author twenty-five novels, including the number 1 bestsellers, Perfect Daughter and What Have I Done, six novellas and a memoir. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages and she regularly tops book charts all over the world. Remaining true to her ethos, Amanda writes stories of ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage and love tested in ways they never imagined. The most prolific female contemporary fiction writer in the UK, with a legion of loyal readers, she goes from strength to strength. Being crowned 'queen of domestic drama' by the Daily Mail was one of her finest moments. Amanda is a regular contributor on TV and radio but her first love is, and will always be, writing. You can find her online at www.amandaprowse.com, on Twitter or Instagram @MrsAmandaProwse, and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/amandaprowsenogreaterlove

Reviews for The Art of Hiding

[Suze Lavender · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Nina has everything she ever dreamed of when she was a little girl. She has a loving husband and two sons, she's living in a nice big house and she never has to worry about money. Her world shatters when Finn dies and leaves her with nothing but debt. Nina had no idea his business was in trouble and that Finn owed so many people such a lot of money. She has to find a new home, so they will have a roof over their heads and can't keep her sons Connor and Declan away from the misery their father left any longer, they have to give up the lifestyle they're used to and they have to go to a different school. Nina's sister finds them a place to stay at a council estate that isn't in a very good state. How will her sons, who have only lived in luxury, react?

Nina never thought she'd have to move back into her childhood neighborhood, but that's the reality of her situation. Putting food on the table is a challenge all of a sudden. She has to find a job, but that proves to be more difficult than she initially thought. Finn was a protective husband and didn't see the need for Nina to have a career when he earned so much money, so she doesn't have an education or any work experience. However, they do need to eat and Nina has to do something. She has to learn to rely on herself instead of others, because there's nobody to rescue her this time. Will she and her boys be all right?

The Art of Hiding is a beautiful story about family, starting over and money. Nina is in a bad situation. Finn never told her about the problems he was having with his company, so when he dies she's being left with an unexpected mess on top of her grief. My heart ached for everything she has to go through and I loved the way Amanda Prowse describes her pain and despair. Nina doesn't know how to take care of her own finances and at first she's numb, but she soon realizes that she is the one in charge and she has Connor and Declan to take care of. It was amazing to see this transformation, slowly she becomes the person who has to take full control in her own life, which is a fabulous powerful subject.

Amanda Prowse writes about money issues in a great honest way. I was immediately captivated by Nina's story. Even though she lives in a big house with plenty of stuff and can buy anything she likes her life is empty. Having money doesn't mean having a fulfilled life and that is a lesson Nina has to learn the hard way. I couldn't put her story down, I was impressed by the way Amanda Prowse explores Nina's emotional turmoil and loved the journey from chaos to control. The Art of Hiding is another terrific story by Amanda Prowse and I highly recommend it, just like any of her other stories.

[Leslye Mahoney · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed listening to her read her book. I love the detail and descriptions she gives. You can picture exactly the setting and the characters the author has a wonderful voice to listen too. So enjoy all her books.

[Debbie Norbury · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Felt very real, enjoyed this.
I would definitely recommend to anyone.

[sashig-751155 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What if everything you thought about your life was based on a lie? One woman has to recreate herself after losing her soulmate, and also the life they lived. She thought she fitted in, but that was just another illusion. What would you DO when everything you believed in was exposed as a sham? Where would you start to rebuild? Do you have the resilience to face up to reality, not the fairytale that was woven for you? An excellent read about the life we choose to let ourselves live.

[grandmacootie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everything Amanda Prowse writes touches your heart. The characters are so well formed, so real, that even if you haven’t found yourself in the circumstances they are in, you can relate. You feel everything they are feeling: their pain, their struggles, their hope, their joy. And when the story is done you don’t want to leave them. They stay with you.Nina McCarrick is a pampered, privileged wife. Her husband Finn has assured her that he will take care of everything, and throughout their marriage he always has. This means all Nina has to focus on is their home and family. Her days are filled with decorating the perfect house, planning the perfect meal, chauffeuring her two sons to their various activities and socializing with other moms just like her. This is all lovely – until Finn is killed in a car accident and Nina discovers that things aren’t as rosy as Finn painted them. He hasn’t really been taking care of everything. As if the loss of husband and father isn’t enough, suddenly there is no money for the house and schools they have always counted on, and Nina has to learn how to provide for herself and her boys. She is nearly overwhelmed with grief – and with anger. Did she even know Finn at all? How will she help her sons through the loss of their father and everything they’ve ever known?The Art of Hiding is a wonderful story No serial killers or car chases or political intrigue, but a thoroughly engrossing story of a woman who must face a terrible loss and a frightening new reality and find out what she is made of.Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing a copy of The Art of Hiding for my unbiased review. I recommend it and everything Amanda Prowse writes without hesitation.

[marquis784-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Art of Hiding by Amanda ProwseJuly 2017FictionI received this digital unproofed ARC from Union Lake Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.When I began reading this book it immediately made me think of another book I had just read. The genre is completely different but it did take me several chapters to reconcile that in my mind. The story begins with the tragic death of a woman’s husband under questionable circumstances. Themes in his novel touch in the importance of family working together through the ups and downs of life. The main character, Nina, learns through tragedy and loss what is truly meaningful in her life. The title describes how we can often hide our insecurities and fears by focusing on unimportant things. A big house and fancy car may be elegant but in the end it doesn’t represent the morals and values of the people who own them. Sometimes, hiding behind materialistic things can mask the confusion pain of confronting our greatest fears.

[cubsfan3410 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was emotional from the start. I laughed, cried and got angry. I loved it and was sad when I was done!

[vinjii-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I got a review copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.What did I think? I don't read Women's Fiction very often, but every now and then I enjoy a good, empowering book. This is my first book by Amanda Prowse and I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised.The story itself is quite devastating and even traumatising. A woman who, after a childhood spent in poverty, has everything: a rich and successful husband, two children who are doing well in school, and a big, beautiful house. It's quite scary to think that life can actually be so cruel and rip it all away away again... just like that.I really enjoyed watching Nina grow and overcome the obstacles life throws at her, and I found myself rooting for her and her sons. Nina feels real and the book depicts loss, grief and redemption in a way that rings true.The writing is crisp and engaging. I read the entire book during one sleepless night and couldn't put it down.

[mhanover10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book really shines a spotlight on the fact that families and couples might look ideal on the outside but behind closed doors things are so different. Even though Finn is super busy with his business so his family can have everything they want including a mansion, private school and Nora, his wife, can stay home and take care of everything on the home front including their two boys. Nora has been left in the dark about their finances because Finn doesn't want her to worry about it. But he then suddenly dies in a car accident, which sound fishy and Nora is left with nothing. She and the boys have to leave their posh life and start over. This is a story about struggle, finding yourself, and finding your strength and realizing who you are and that you can survive. There are a lot of sad parts to the book. I'm really glad Amanda didn't turn the older boy into a rebel who started drinking and doing drugs. It seems like that is a default with some of these types of stories. This book made me ugly cry at one point. Very well written and so worth my time. It makes you stop and think about your own life and what would happen if your spouse suddenly is gone. Are you prepared to carry on?

[shazjhb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved this sweet book

[boudicca123 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Riches to rags story. Nina, living in a rundown estate suddenly finds herself in a world of luxury when she falls for and marries the go-getting Finn. When he dies this fantastic life comes crashing down. Great cover and description but ultimately slightly disappointing. Nina is the queen of self pity who moans and groans and this starts to grate after a while. Plus the book is overly long for what actually happens. Pleasantly light and heartwarming it would make a good stocking filler.

[joannefm2 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

**Some Spoilers Ahead**I really hate giving books bad reviews, but I wouldn't be a decent reviewer if I didn't give an honest review. So, here it is: The title of the book, The Art of Hiding, is appropriate - I'm sure there was a cohesive plot hidden somewhere, but I couldn't find it. Don't get me wrong - I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.In the first chapter Nina's husband Finn is killed in a car accident. Without preamble of any sort, we're supposed to feel sorry for her and her over-the-top wonderful life. We're told the boys go to a prestigious school, they have a fantastic home and everything money can buy; but we're not shown anything of their life together. Without that, it's really hard to feel compassion for Nina and her family.Especially since she's apparently a complete idiot. There - I've said it. She reminds me of those long ago films where the man marries a featherhead and tells her: "don't you worry your pretty little head about it, I'll take care of everything." Apparently, this is how Finn treated Nina, and she believed it. And where did it get her? ￡8 million in debt. How? How can anyone be that far in debt and be so stupid as to not know it? Finn must have been a master of controlling his emotions, because Nina. Had. No. Clue. None whatsoever. No idea they owed anything.So now she's out on her ear, no home, no prestigious school, and begging his family for a place to stay. Of course, they have no room for her. What kind of people are they? They basically tell her to go live on the street with their nephews; their brother's children - one has to wonder about the kind of relationship they had with him in the first place. They didn't care that their sister-in-law and her sons were thrown into the street. Didn't try and find a place for them anywhere. It was just, 'sorry, you're on your own!' I'm surprised they even showed up for the funeral.I also thought that it didn’t ring true that balliffs would enter a house with only a minor present. I’m pretty sure there are laws against that. But even this scene was, again, over the top. A blender? Really? How much could they get for that? ￡10? What's next, shampoo? I get that the author was trying to show us how truly destitute Nina was, but I have a hard time believing that a man who supposedly loved his family wouldn't have hidden money somewhere, or that Nina, having grown up in poverty, wouldn't have done so herself. Also, I don't know how it works in the UK, but in the USA creditors cannot take life insurance policies (they can try, but the funds cannot be diverted unless they're specifically written for the purpose of debt payments - so Nina should have at least had something from the life insurance. (Now, if she were on the lien, maybe - but since everything was in Finn's name, probably not).This had to be one of the most depressing books I’ve ever read. I slogged (literally) through it and just couldn’t like Finn or Nina. Finn because he seemed like a royal ass - keeping things from her and not even trying to provide for her in the event something happened (as it did) - and Nina because she seemed a total idiot. The boys seemed to bounce back unreasonably quick from the loss of their father and the only life they’ve ever known. They went from being rich to poor and it was like, ‘Whatever. What’s for supper?’ Most kids having gone through this would be rebellious or in therapy. These kids went from being rich to poor with barely a problem between them. It just didn't seem realistic.I never felt a connection with Nina, Finn or the boys, and unfortunately, the book never seemed to touch me in any way, and that's the sad thing. All it really did was ensure that I will never read another book by this author. Two stars for the writing.

[c.archer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second of Amanda Prowse's books that I have read. She has a knack at telling great stories about families and the challenges of modern day living. This book was no exception. I was almost overwhelmed myself as I got into this story of a family's world that seems to literally fall apart in days. The reading was easy and the story was compelling. The lessons underlying the story are clear and hopeful. Family and a life lived true to oneself are so much more valuable than things. This is a delightful story that took me from tears to cheers.I recommend this to readers who enjoy underdog stories, especially when they involve women. This book shouldn't be categorized as a chic-lit read, but rather an inspirational story about a woman who finds herself when she seems to have lost everything else.My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

[lauriebrown54 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Although she grew up dirt poor, Nina McCarrick has lived a charmed life since she met Finn while waiting on her father at a construction site. Swept off her feet, they married fast. He insisted he wanted her to be a stay at home wife, even before the children arrived. So she put her dreams of becoming a nurse aside, and managed their luxurious home, taking care of the kids who go to an expensive private school, running errands, and, her big concern, arranging flowers. Her life is enviable- isn’t it? Then Finn is killed in an auto accident. Suddenly, not only has she lost the husband she loved, but she discovers that their life was a sham. The house was being foreclosed, putting her out on the street. The business is bankrupt and no longer exists. The school fees are in arrears. Nina and the kids are basically tossed out with the clothes on their backs- everything else is removed by creditors. Thankfully, Nina has a sympathetic sister, Tiggy. She also has an uncle who owns a flat, and it happens to be between tenants. With a roof over their heads- as long as the money in her purse holds out- she sets out to rebuild her life. Her younger son is sympathetic and a cheerleader for her; her teenaged son is cynical and resentful. She has no real marketable skill set, and her job hunt is discouraging. The hiding is not just the secrets her husband hid from her, but how she hid her authentic self to please him. Hiding can create some terrible results. It’s an okay story but didn’t really move me. Three stars.

[iadam-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. Nina’s husband is killed. She and her two sons find themselves in dire straits. Everything they own is taken from them to pay debts. The life they were living was a lie. She has no job or education. She is able to find the inner strength to pick herself up and go on making a new life for herself and her boys. This is a well-written book that places the reader into a real life situation. The reader is able to follow Nina as she resolves the situation and is able to go on in a positive manner. Whenever the situation became too overwhelming and she needed courage to go on she would bring out the small marble her mother had given to her as a small child remembering her mother’s words and how her mother had compared the small marble in the palm of her hand to the big scary world. Excellent life lessons. Well worth the read

[dubaireader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"I thought I had more time"As a reviewer I have praised books for plot, for characterisations and for descriptions of surroundings, this book made me realise that I needed to add another category: emotion. The author had me right from the start as she described exactly how it would feel to lose a beloved husband, then watch, as the life you thought was yours, splintered before your eyes, until you weren't even sure you knew that husband at all. Unfortunately though, Nina McCarrick couldn't just hide under the covers, she had two very sad boys to bring through this catastrophe with her.I really felt for Nina at every turn and Ms Prowse perfectly describes the dilemma between Nina's own emotions and her love for her boys, who needed her support more than ever. She is forced to return to a downtrodden area of Southampton and struggle to do everything she could to restart their lives together.Her sons, Connor, who's 15, and 10 year old Declan, are great kids (thankfully) and Declan, in particular, has an upbeat attitude and a quirky sense of humour:'I don't mind where we live, Mum, but I don't want to go anywhere really cold, like the North Pole.' (loc 1906).The boys must make the difficult move from a private school to the state system. I know someone who did this and it's not easy.My one criticism of this book would be the portrayal of the wealthy people who had children at the private school were Connor and Declan had studied since early childhood. Some wealthy people are very nice, honestly. But Nina's circle were the meanest, self serving people I've ever come across!I actually read this book without looking at the synopsis, which in my opinion, gives too much away. Of the three Amanda Prowse books I've read, this was definitely my favourite.Also read:The Food of Love (4.5 stars)Poppy Day (4 stars)

[darcia_10 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Amanda Prowse is certainly a gifted writer, giving us an emotional story we can feel and experience along with the characters. For me, though, it lacked a little oomph, some sort of bang or twist to shake me out of the doldrums.When we meet Nina, she is the quintessential pampered, wealthy housewife. Her sole purpose in life is to dote on her husband and children. While Nina's character and her predicament is handled well and is mostly believable, I found her unlikable. Not only is she pampered, but she is also naive and, I'm sorry, stupid. In this digital age when banking is a click away, she doesn't even know the password to their checking account, much less any savings and investment accounts they might (should) have. She is absolutely, utterly, in the dark about her household finances and situation, relying on her husband to manage everything. And, apparently, she is totally content with this setup.Then her husband dies and Nina discovers her pampered lifestyle has come to an end. Getting to this discovery, and some resulting action from Nina, is dragged out. We spend a lot of time grieving first. Don't get me wrong, this is handled well as far as the writing and emotional level, but, for me, the story felt stagnant, with a lot of emotion but every little movement. The second half of the story finally has Nina getting herself together and making life choices for herself and her children. Here we find that Nina has a bit of a lucky charm, as coincidences work in her favor and her children's rebellion is barely a blip in the reality of teenage angst. In the end, there are no surprises in this formulaic story. And we never learn whether the husband was a sociopathic control freak or a loving husband who got it all wrong. But maybe leaving us to wonder was the plan here.*I was provided with an ebook copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*

[dove. · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

What happens when your life changes drastically from one day to next? How do you move forward and reinvent yourself? Was everything you took for granted just an illusion? These are questions Nina has to face when her husband dies and she is left to confront a new reality with her two son. The book has moments of despair as Nina's world unravels and she wonders what was true in her marriage and how she could have made different choices in the past, and uplifting moments as we see her pick up the pieces and create a new reality with her family. The book deals with issues that I could relate to as a woman and a mom, and its strength was in its portrayal of family dynamics. The portrayal of rich people in the book felt one-dimensional, as if being rich automatically made people mean, shallow, or self-centered. I think the themes of the book would have been better served with a more nuanced portrayal of society and class differences. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[teachlz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

MY REVIEW OF “THE ART OF HIDING’ by Amanda ProwseI appreciate that Amanda Prowse, author of “The Art Of Hiding” has written a modern-day thought-provoking novel. The genre for this Novel is Literary Fiction. The timeline for his story is in the present. This story reminds me of “rags to riches to rags” story.The author describes her characters as complicated, complex and confused.Nina McCormick, came from a different lifestyle than the one she has once she gets married. Nina came from a modest and struggling home to a very comfortable lifestyle, an enormous house, exclusive schools for her boys and a privileged status. Unfortunately, her husband dies in an accident. Nina finds out that her husband had many secrets that he hid from her. Not only do Nina and her boys struggle with the loss of her husband and their father, they find out that they are left bankrupt, and have to leave everyone and everything behind.Nina returns to her childhood neighborhood, and she and her sons struggle to survive and make ends meet. Nina has the emotional support of her sister, and realizes that she has to control her life.It is a rude awakening to Nina. Nina questions her relationship to her husband, and the reason he was hiding so many things from her. Nina has to learn to have self confidence and become independent.The author discusses the extremes of poverty and wealth. Does being wealthy make one happy? Does being wealthy provide you the security of friends and family? Can physical objects that wealth can buy provide happiness? Can you be happy if you are financially struggling? What is important to make one happy?Amanda Prowse describes the importance of a support system, family, friends, working towards a goal, love and hope, and believing in yourself. I found this was an emotional novel, which made me think about many things, and I would recommend it. I liked Nina’s children’s growth and change in attitude. I received a copy of this ARC (Advanced Reading Edition) for my honest review.

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Art of HidingAuthor: Amanda ProwsePublisher: Lake Union PublishingReviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: FiveReview:"The Art Of Hiding" by Amanda ProwseMy Thoughts....What a wonderful story this author gives to the readers that will definitely put one into its storyline. We find that Nina McCarrick had it all...a wonderful husband [Finn], two sons, beautiful home living the life of the rich and wealthy. However, what will happen to Nina and her sons after the death of her husband and all that had seemed right in her world comes tumbling down. Will Nina be able to pick herself up and move on with her life after bankruptcy hits her hard? Will Nina soon learn that possessions aren't the most important things in her life as she is forced to return to her roots in South Hampton where they will have to adapt to a newer surrounding? This is definitely a story of grief, loss, hope, and redemption, drama, recovery as one will be able to see just what is so important in ones life as Nina begins a journey of self discovery and taking back her life in order to survive and be their for her sons Connor and Declan.I found this novel well written emotional story definitely showing just what the difference is between materialism and spiritual values and the power of love and courage that will leave you with some provoking thoughts long after the read. .I received this book from Netgalley and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest book review.

[vera_mallard-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

STORY-LINE THE ART OF HIDING BY AMANDA PROWSE:In The Art Of Hiding, Nina McCarrick, has the perfect life. She has everything a woman could want, everything wealth could buy; a loving husband, two wonderful children, a mansion, luxury cars, and money for anything she wants. When Finn, her husband, suddenly dies in an auto accident, her world comes tumbling down. She finds her husband's broke and she's bankrupt, without a dime to her name. All she owns will go towards paying 8 million pounds in debts; she and her boys stand on their lawn and watch the creditors and courts take everything. Thrown on the street, life as she knew it, is over forever.Come along with Nina as she ends up back where she started, reconnects with her sister, holds on day by day, and finally must learn to stand up and take control of her and her boy's lives. My contemporary book review of The Art Of Hiding follows.CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:I am afraid my review will not do justice to this book. However, I will try to tell you the wonder of this story and Prowse's talent with prose, plotting, and development. The Art Of Hiding's a powerfully written story of grief, renewal, and second chances at life. I can't imagine the feelings of pain and fear this woman felt as she found her life's destroyed. Nothing would ever be the same again. She's desperate, with two boys, in unimaginable debt, losing everything she thought mattered.Prowse's descriptive writing's so vivid I could feel each piece of glass from the walls surroundings Nina as they fell on her. I could feel her betrayal and despair, and yes, I could feel her deep anger. Anger at the husband who promised to always protect her and their boys while subjugating her to a way of life which made her less. Powerful vivid writing by a talented author which brought tears to my eyes and pain, so much pain to my heart. This pungent quote expresses her desperation perfectly. "The thing is, if you left me by choice, then I didn't know you, and if you felt you couldn't tell me about our situation, then you didn't know me. And if that is the case then what did we have, Finn? I feel like I have been living a lie and I don't know how much more I can take. ....."I don't know how much longer I can hold on."However, hold on she must. Hold on she did; Prowse demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit; finding possessions are exactly what it says: possessions; which matter little in the long run of life. Relationships, family, true friends, self-worth, and self-reliance, are the important things in life not possessions. Prowse, endowed Nina's sister, Tiggy, with the ability to give sage advise and spot on painful observations.When I finished the first six chapters, I felt has if Prowse had run me through a wringer. By chapter 8 I was crying again. By the end of chapter 10, Prowse gave me hope for a better future and an independent woman in Nina. At the end of chapter 16, I closed this fantastic book with a sigh of satisfaction.I can not say enough about this book; I could go on and go with my praise. With well-developed characters, easy to read prose, and pacing perfect for the length of the book. I found The Art Of Hiding a wonderful first-class read. I would not hesitate to buy this novel for my self or a friend. I hope I did to The Art Of Hiding justice with my review and encouraged you to run and buy this book.THE ART OF HIDING RECOMMENDATION: STARS 5This will be my Featured Book for the month for August.FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:Additionally, I received this book from Netgalley and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest contemporary book review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary contemporary book review.