LEXINGTON, S.C.—A Lexington journalist and long-time resident has released her latest novel set in South Carolina, and it’s currently an Amazon #1 new release in Women’s Religious Fiction and ranking in the top 10 on the bestseller list.

Jessica Brodie, who has lived in Lexington and served as editor-in-chief of the 189-year-old Advocate religious newspaper since 2010, said the book was inspired by her encounters with two Midlands nonprofits: Lighthouse for Life and Killingsworth Home for Women.

Set in the fictional town of Dahlia, South Carolina, Hidden Seeds is the third novel in the faith-based, Amazon-bestselling Dahlia Series. Returning to Dahlia after tragedy exposes her fiancé’s betrayal, Natalie Motts rebuilds her life through art and unexpected friendship with Laney, a trafficking survivor hiding a dangerous past. When Natalie’s teenage sister vanishes, Laney must choose between protecting her hard-won safety and stepping back into darkness to bring the girl home.

“I’m fascinated by stories about people who must take risks and come out of their comfort zones to help others in their community,” Brodie said. “These are the kinds of stories that inspire great hope.”

The book is available as a paperback, audiobook and ebook on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKMPX7RX and from other major retailers.

Feel free to contact Jessica directly for questions: jessica@jessicabrodie.com or 803-807-0018.

About "Hidden Seeds"

Some betrayals cut deeper than grief itself.

Natalie Motts never imagined she’d return to Dahlia, South Carolina—not as the golden girl who once wore the Homecoming crown, but as a shattered woman fleeing the wreckage of her life. The drunk driving accident didn’t just kill her fiancé Tucker and her best friend Stacey. It exposed a devastating secret: they were in love with each other. Now back in her hometown, Natalie pours everything she has left into Sunstrokes, a small art shop she opens that becomes her lifeline. Between reconnecting with Finn McCafferty, the kindhearted coffee shop owner next door, and hiring Laney Ricks—a mysterious single mom with secrets in her eyes—Natalie begins to glimpse the possibility of healing.

But Laney’s past is darker than anyone knows. After eight years trapped in human trafficking, she’s risked everything to escape and build a new life for her daughter. With the world at arm’s length, she doesn’t want anyone to know anything about her past—or the threats she fears around every corner. Just as fragile trust blooms between the two women, danger strikes close to home. Natalie’s teenage sister Hayley vanishes, and all signs point to a local trafficking ring. Suddenly Laney must decide: stay silent and protect the safety she’s fought so hard to build, or step back into the shadows to help find Hayley before it’s too late. Together, two women with everything to lose must face the darkness threatening to destroy the people they love most. In Dahlia, hope has deep roots—but some seeds are hidden in the hardest soil. Book Three in the Dahlia Series, where grace meets grit, hearts are mended, and hope finds a way to flourish.

About Jessica Brodie

Amazon bestselling Christian novelist Jessica Brodie is an award-winning author and journalist with thousands of articles to her name and a huge heart for people and their inspiring redemption stories. The author of The Memory Garden, Tangled Roots, and Hidden Seeds, she holds a master’s in English and a bachelor’s in communications. A native of Miami, Florida, she now makes her home in South Carolina with her husband Matt, four children, three cats, and one giant German Shepherd. Find her at JessicaBrodie.com.