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I’m an award-winning author and retired FBI Special Agent who spent more than two decades investigating crimes, serving undercover, and pursuing justice. Those experiences inspired my Lexie Montgomery FBI Undercover Series, where I strive to bring authenticity and realism to every page.
All the Hidden Pieces is a departure from my FBI novels, but it’s the story closest to my heart. Through the journey of four lifelong friends hiking the Appalachian Trail, I wanted to explore grief, friendship, resilience, and the remarkable healing power of nature. I believe that even after life’s greatest losses, hope can be found one step at a time—and that the people who walk beside us often make all the difference.
When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me kayak fishing, hiking, or volunteering as a docent at the Pat Conroy Literary Center in Beaufort, South Carolina. Whether I’m writing suspense or contemporary fiction, my goal is always the same: to create memorable characters and stories that stay with readers long after they turn the last page.
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In All the Hidden Pieces by Dana Ridenour, Julia Chandler’s life is shattered. She wakes up to a phone call from the ER doctor, who told Julia that her husband, James, had died from injuries sustained in a car accident. Julia is heartbroken by James’s death and their broken marriage. After James’s funeral, Julia makes a life-changing decision. She wants to hike the Appalachian Trail in one trek. This hike is a deeply personal attempt to reclaim herself and find a way to save her own life emotionally. Julia’s long-time friends, Mary Margaret, Casey, and Nate, join her on the journey. Along the way, more than a few long-hidden secrets are shared. This forces the friends to confront the past and the truths they have tried to keep buried.
All the Hidden Pieces by Dana Ridenour was complex, but the pace was easy, with the chapters flowing seamlessly together. The characters were relatable and could have been any of my friends. The friends all had their own emotional baggage and were fighting their demons. The unwavering love and support of Julia's childhood friends were woven throughout the story. The writing is engaging and brings the Appalachian Trail and the characters’ struggles to life. This heartfelt book was beautifully written. I could sit back, relax, and enjoy every moment of their journey. I was in no hurry to finish reading; I did not want the book to end. The conclusion was much more than I could have hoped for, and it stayed with me for a while.
