RITA® award winning author!What if she never came home . . . ?When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife sets off for home after a conference, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised that Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but … of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.” Hours later, Jill still hasn’t returned, and Mitch’s irritation turns to dread.
When the police come up empty, Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, to help search. As hours turn into days and days into weeks, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly more complicated. Every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared from the face of the earth.
This novel was originally published in 2013 under the same title.
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I’ve really liked all the Deborah Raney books I’ve read.
Kept me reading and wondering the whole way…
Mitch’s wife was supposedly on her way home from a work conference, but she never came home. They’d had a wonderful, Godly marriage… hadn’t they?
Mitch has to work through loss, relationships, fear, opinion, gossip, hopes and dreams to find life in his new normal with Gods help.
I loved it, I don’t know of a Deborah Raney I did not like.
Considering how short a time his wife was missing, I didn’t think the author should have him and his wives best friend get that intimate at the level as they did.
I thought the book was well written, and in our current age of technology.
I don’t see many books out there on the market, in this catagory, modern fitting with the culture of technology we currently live in today.
The author wrote the husband and wife relationship relatable, with all the nuances that exist between a husband and wife.
The author, Deborah Raney, does tie up all loose ends, at the end.
Intense…had to keep reading to find out the end. Loved it!
Realistic dialog, engaging plot, moral dilemma there but not overpowering.
This enthralling book puts the reader into an instant dilemma. Within the first few pages, this guy’s wife is missing. Where is Jill? The three obvious choices are: she’s dead from some tragedy, she’s been kidnapped, or this confused wife has chosen to make herself scarce from her distraught husband.
You’re instantly hooked, wanting to know which of the three it is. And I figured: Okay, two chapters in, Raney will inform us, and then the book will deal with the aftermath of this unfolding catastrophe. But no, you’re left to read the entire book before the ending is unveiled! You may or may not appreciate that literary gimmick; the good news is that her story is very nicely told.
The main drama is an achingly slow budding romance with the nice lady next door. Mitch and Shelley are beginning to fall in love with one another . . . but what about Jill? The two ladies were best friends, and now this alive and breathing beauty queen is enamored with her neighbor. Unless Jill is really dead – the cops and detectives don’t know – does their evolving relationship border on adulterous?
Two elements of this story are finely woven. Both parents have college-age kids, and the dialogue and levels of discipline/interaction are realistic and sometimes gritty. Even though this is an inspirational novel, Mitch has to deal with the possibility that his son and dorm friends are having a beer bust at the cabin. Stuff like that, and the vignettes feel about right.
Even better is how Raney infuses just the right amount of a God element. These two struggling souls pray, they seek heaven’s wisdom during the hard moments – and this story has plenty of those. But her writing is not pious or insufferable, and in today’s Christian market, that is a positive strength. I attempt some writing in this same genre, and it’s oh so easy for the platitudes to spill forth as a rival to Wednesday night prayer meeting.
I won’t give away the ending, but this book is a solid achievement and grace-bathed testimony.
I read it all in one day. I was so emerged that I had to see what came next. It had wonderful characters and was a page turner.
Couldn’t put it down!
An enthralling tale. Thank you for such realism and hope. I truly enjoyed reading this story. You are blessed with a unique way of writing. I am grateful you share this sacred ability!!!!!
i loved this story
Great story. Woman disappears. Struggles the family and friends go thru trying to find her. Very realistic.
What would you do if your partner disappears one day with no trace? Husband Mitch agonizes over what happened to his wife. The story takes you down many possible pathways and connects you with the players feelings. At times, gut wrenching. At times, soul searching, Always an absorbing read.
This story was my introduction to Deborah Raney’s books, and I fell in love with creative view of storytelling. i routinely buy her books now and save them for when I need the company of a good friend.
I just finished this book. It is certainly unpredictable and a page turner. We each must face dark hours in this life but this book is a reminder that we don’t face these difficult times alone. The Lord sees us through and gives us encouraging friends.
Very good story based around Christian faith.
This book was interesting, sad, uplifting and inspirational.
True to life cold case mystery with Christian values. I will read more Deborah Raney
I loved this book. Very fascinating plot.
I love everything I have read by this author. Her stories are always very moving and thought provoking