Step into the charming yet thrilling world of Hideaway, Missouri, where small-town secrets, heartfelt romance, and Christian faith weave a tapestry of suspense that keeps readers hooked! Penned by Hannah Alexander, the pseudonym for husband-and-wife duo Cheryl and Mel Hodde, this beloved series of ten novels captures the essence of a tight-knit Ozarks community where redemption and danger collide. From its debut in 1990 to its poignant finale in 2008, Hideaway, Missouri invites readers to uncover the mysteries and miracles of a town that feels like home.
With its blend of Christian fiction, romantic suspense, and small-town charm, the series follows characters seeking refuge in Hideaway, only to find love, faith, and unexpected threats. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming stories or edge-of-your-seat drama, Hideaway, Missouri offers a cozy yet captivating escape.
How Hideaway, Missouri Began
The Hideaway, Missouri series sprang from the creative partnership of Cheryl and Mel Hodde, who combined Cheryl’s storytelling passion with Mel’s expertise as an emergency medicine physician. Writing as Hannah Alexander, they set out to craft Christian fiction that resonated with readers through authentic medical details, heartfelt spirituality, and gripping suspense. Inspired by their life in Missouri, the couple chose the Ozarks as the backdrop, infusing the series with the region’s rugged beauty and close-knit community spirit. First published in 1990 by Harlequin’s Steeple Hill, the series grew into a fan favorite, earning accolades like the Christy Award for Romance.
The Heart of Hideaway, Missouri
The series kicks off with Hideaway (2003), where ER doctor Cheyenne Allison retreats to a remote farm in Hideaway after her sister’s tragic death. As a vandal terrorizes the town, Cheyenne finds solace in her neighbor Dane Gideon, a rancher fostering troubled teens, and rediscovers her faith. In Safe Haven (2004), teenage fugitive Fawn Morrison seeks refuge in Hideaway, drawing Dr. Karah Lee Fletcher and Ranger Taylor Jackson into a web of danger and grace. Last Resort (2005) follows Noelle Cooper as she searches for her abducted cousin, unraveling family secrets with the help of childhood friend Nathan Trask. The series concludes with Hideaway Home (2008), a WWII-era prequel where wounded soldier Red Meyers and his sweetheart Bertie Moennig face a deadly mystery.
Hideaway, Missouri shines through its themes of redemption, community, and the transformative power of faith. The small-town setting, nestled along Table Rock Lake, feels alive with quirky residents, from meddling mayors to lovable eccentrics. Alexander’s style balances gentle romance with pulse-pounding suspense, grounded by medical authenticity and spiritual depth. Readers are drawn to the series’ ability to weave moral dilemmas and personal growth into thrilling plots, making each book a journey of the heart and soul.
Why Hideaway, Missouri Resonates
Hideaway, Missouri has left a lasting mark on Christian fiction, captivating readers with its unique blend of genres and its focus on relatable, flawed characters finding hope. Fans praise the series for its clean yet compelling storytelling, with no bad language and a strong moral core, earning it a loyal following and critical acclaim, including Holt Medallions and a Library Journal Top 5 Inspirational Fiction pick. Its portrayal of faith as a source of strength in crisis resonates deeply, while the Ozarks setting offers a nostalgic escape. For many, Hideaway is more than a series—it’s a reminder of the power of community and second chances.
- Publication Years: 1990–2008
- Number of Books: 10
- Awards: Christy Award for Romance, 3 Holt Medallions
- Setting: Fictional Hideaway, Missouri, on Table Rock Lake
Grab Hideaway and dive into the heartwarming, suspense-filled world of Hideaway, Missouri—where faith, love, and a touch of mystery await!