I am familiar with Delia Parr and got exactly what I expected from <i> Hidden Affections</i>. No surprises popped up anywhere from within the book. Delia Parr usually has extremely predictable plots, though endearing, sweet-natured characters. I got no less from this book. I felt sorry for Annabelle and how situations seemed to keep forcing themselves upon her. Her only fault was perhaps being to naive about her first husband. I didn't like Harrison Graymoor at first. He was arrogant, conceited and selfish. But he changed gradually throughout the novel.
I enjoyed seeing how Annabelle remained genuine and selfless throughout the book, despite her one subterfuge. She seemed to be entirely too good for Harrison. I also liked the feisty almost 70 year old housekeeper. She was a lovely minor character, who remained a true friend to both Annabelle and Harrison throughout.
Delia Parr also did a very creditable job in showing how horrible divorce is. As the Bible says, "divorce is as violence". I could certainly see the sobering effects of it in <i> Hidden Affections</i>. Poor Annabelle had to be thrust into the position of divorce twice, though both times she was completely innocent of any wrongdoing.
I always respect how Parr allows her characters to get to know one another on a spiritual and emotional basis before they ever have a physical relationship. Her characters seem deeper because of that. It was a solid, well-written novel, as I thought it would be. Her characters were well-developed with flaws and strengths. I give it a three out of five stars because it was predictable to the point of boring.