Review: Hidden Waters by Catherine Cowles

I am so happy to be taking part in the blog tour for Hidden Waters! Catherine Cowles is quickly becoming a go-to author for me and Hidden Waters is a great example of why. 

HIDDEN WATERS

by Catherine Cowles

Series: Tattered & Torn #3

Publication date: June 21, 2022

Format: eARC

Source: Social Butterfly PR

4.5 Stars

My family tried to break me. But, somehow, I made it out alive, even though the wounds from that survival are forever carved into my bones. Now, my only wish is for…normal. To know what it’s like to have friends, a job, a home.

The last thing I want is for my new roommate to see the scars I’m so desperate to keep hidden, especially not the ruggedly handsome man who steals my breath and sends my heart into overdrive.

But something tells me that Beckett has demons, too. I see it in the shadows haunting his gorgeous eyes and the way he looks at me with gentle understanding.

As our unlikely friendship becomes so much more, forces from my life slink out of the shadows. And we could both lose everything we’ve fought so hard for—down to our very last breaths.

Hidden Waters, an all-new touching and heartfelt friends to lovers, small-town romance from bestselling author Catherine Cowles, is now available!

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After a lifetime of fear and abuse, living under the iron rule of her father, Addie found the strength to escape. But while her surroundings may have changed, in many ways she was still in a prison. Still fearful and distrustful, Addie kept to herself, was wary of the motivations of others, and avoided new situations.

Appreciate the kindness but never let yourself rely on it because it will likely disappear one day – Addie

 

Beckett, the oldest Easton son, had returned to Wolf Gap after years away. Crippled with guilt over his sister’s kidnapping years ago, Beckett chose to leave Wolf Gap as soon as he could. After spending years abroad, providing medical care in far-flung and often dangerous locations, he is back in his small hometown to take over the local medical practice.

Addie and Beckett find themselves as roommates which lead to a tentative friendship. Beckett recognized immediately the telltale signs of abuse in Addie’s past. His gentle patience with her melted my heart. (Like when he suggested they have a code word. “A word that you can say, and I’ll freeze and then back off. If I do anything that scares you or makes you nervous, just say… oh hell, I don’t know. Say ‘purple elephant,’ and I’ll be totally under your control.”)

I knew something about taking a trek through hell. And the last thing I wanted was for the woman with the haunting eyes and the gentlest spirit I’d ever seen to have visited that demon-filled desert. – Beckett

 

Addie has been a secondary character in both previous books in the series (Tattered Stars and Falling Embers) and I knew her story would be an emotional one. My heart broke for Addie’s desire to just be “normal.” To be able to get a job, to not flinch at someone’s touch, to not be looked at with pity. While Addie may have been broken, she was no victim. I loved her for her strength and resilience, and I cheered for her every time she pushed herself and had a small success.  Every time her past reared its ugly head, she had to force herself not to cower, not to waver, but to press on and keep moving forward. Beckett was an amazing support for Addie. They formed a connection as friends and while Beckett was helping Addie with so many firsts (first time having Chinese take-out, first time getting her driver’s license), she was also a support for him, helping him overcome his own demons. Their relationship built so slowly and so organically, and it was beautiful to watch it unfold.

The more I got to know Addie, the more I saw her resiliency and strength in action, the more I hated the world that had tried to break her. - Beckett

 

Hidden Waters was an emotionally riveting story of two people who helped heal one another. Catherine Cowles wove together so many elements and formed a story that I loved. A guarded heroine, a compassionate doctor hero, a small town setting, romance, suspense… it all combined in a way that captured my heart, had me feeling the tension, and shedding some tears. All that’s left to say is: if you haven’t started this series, what are you waiting for? ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Note: I received a complimentary advance copy of this book for review. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

ABOUT CATHERINE COWLES

Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.

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