Some books entertain, books that inform, and then there are books like RARE—books that change you. Rebecca Hidlay’s memoir, RARE, is a raw, fearless, and deeply spiritual account of her life growing up under the shadow of abuse, control, and a system that often failed her. Released in hardcover and available through major retailers, RARE isn’t just a story—it’s a reckoning.
From the first page, Hidlay invites readers into her world with a disarming and inspiring vulnerability. Her childhood was anything but ordinary. Raised in a household that preached Christianity but practiced cruelty, she endured a mother whose rage and manipulation eventually escalated into murder charges, and a father who turned a blind eye. Hidlay takes readers through every heartbreak, act of betrayal—but also every miracle, and glimmer of grace that made her story survivable and worth telling.
The book’s eleven chapters trace her journey from a confused child in a church pew to a determined woman who chose to walk away from blood ties to find peace, purpose, and a future. She explores the foster care system, courtroom drama, spiritual awakenings, and the heavy emotional cost of forgiveness. Each chapter is a window into a soul shaped by trial but transformed by faith.
While her past is filled with darkness, RARE is never without light. There are moments in the book that feel miraculous—divine, even. Hidlay’s encounters with God’s presence, whether through people, dreams, or seemingly impossible escapes from danger, elevate RARE from memoir to testimony. It’s a deeply human, deeply spiritual work that doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of trauma yet still manages to lead readers toward healing.
“It’s about finding light in the darkest places and choosing love over hate,” Hidlay says. “Even when it doesn’t make sense. Even when it hurts.”
Her reflections on forgiveness, resilience, and hope feel earned, not cliché. She speaks from scars, not wounds, which makes all the difference.
About the Author
Rebecca Hidlay is a courageous survivor, devoted mother, and woman of unwavering faith whose life journey pulses at the core of Rare. Born in 1979 as the eighth child in a chaotic and often violent household, Hidlay endured trauma and betrayal from a young age. Yet, through every trial, her steadfast relationship with God became the anchor that carried her through the turbulence of foster care, the struggles of raising children alone, and a bold transition from nursing to studying civil engineering.
Her story is marked by perseverance, shaped not only by personal hardship but by her fierce dedication to her daughters and her unrelenting quest for justice—especially in the wake of her mother’s arrest for murder. Far from seeking accolades, Hidlay humbly describes herself as an “ordinary woman doing her best,” yet her life reflects extraordinary strength and grace.
Drawing inspiration from her beloved great-aunt Dolly and literary voices like James McBride, Hidlay began penning Rare to illuminate a path of redemption through pain. Now residing with her family, she continues to follow where faith leads, using her voice to encourage others and advocate for healing. Her memoir reflects her deepest values: to love boldly, forgive wholeheartedly, and build a better world for those who come next.
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