The Far Side of the Desert

by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman

A terrorist attack—a kidnapping—the ultimate vacation gone wrong

Sisters Samantha and Monte Waters are vacationing together in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, enjoying a festival and planning to meet with their brother, Cal—but the idyllic plans are short-lived. When terrorists' attacks rock the city around them, Monte, a U.S. foreign service officer, and Samantha, an international television correspondent, are separated, and one of them is whisked away in the frenzy.

The family mobilizes, using all their contacts to try to find their missing sister, but to no avail. She has vanished. As time presses on, the outlook darkens. Can she be found, or is she a lost cause? And, even if she returns, will the damage to her and those around her be irreparable?

Moving from Spain to Washington to Morocco to Gibraltar to the Sahara Desert, The Far Side of the Desert is a family drama and political thriller that explores links of terrorism, crime, and financial manipulation, revealing the grace that ultimately foils destruction.

Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Daniel Silva

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

About the author

Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is a novelist, short story writer, and journalist. Her works of fiction include The Dark Path to the River and No Marble Angels. Her nonfiction book PEN Journeys: Memoir of Literature on the Line was recently published, and she is the senior editor and contributor to The Journey of Liu Xiaobo: From Dark Horse to Nobel Laureate. She has also published fiction and essays in books and anthologies, including Short Stories of the Civil Rights Movement; Remembering Arthur Miller; Electric Grace; Snakes: An Anthology of Serpent Tales; Beyond Literacy; Women For All Seasons; Fiction and Poetry by Texas Women; The Bicentennial Collection of Texas Short Stories; What You Can Do.

As a reporter for The Christian Science Monitor early in her career, Joanne has won awards for her nonfiction and published hundreds of articles in newspapers and magazines, including World Literature Today, The Christian Science Monitor, The Los Angeles Times, GlobalPost, and others.

Joanne is a Vice President Emeritus of PEN International and the former International Secretary of PEN International and former Chair of PEN’s International Writers in Prison Committee. Past president of PEN Center USA, she has also served as a Vice President and board member of PEN America and the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. She serves as board member of the American Writers Museum, the International Center for Journalists, Words Without Borders, and Refugees International and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Edward R. Murrow Center at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the ICRW Leadership Council. She is a former board member of the International Crisis Group and Save the Children, an emeritus board member of Human Rights Watch and Poets and Writers, and an emeritus trustee of Brown University and Johns Hopkins University.

A member of the Advisory Board of the United States Institute of Peace, Joanne was an adviser on the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Texas Institute of Letters and American and English PEN.

Joanne has taught writing at New York University, City University of New York, Occidental College and the University of California at Los Angeles extension. She holds Master of Arts degrees from Brown University and Johns Hopkins University and graduated with honors from Principia College.

Joanne is married and has two sons.

Reviews

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Far Side of the Desert is a combination of journalism and thriller, following two sisters who get separated while on holiday in a coastal European town. A terrorist attack scatters them and one woman is abducted. The rest of the story follows her existence in a lonely desert camp deep in the Sahara, and her family's search for any clues to her whereabouts. Locations include Gibraltar and as much sand as you'll want to see in a while.
Insight into American diplomatic families and cryptic, corrupt money movements through the Middle East provide deeper layers to the story.
I found this an excellent, well-written book for adults.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This action-adventure story kept me reading. With its fast pace and a lot going on in it, I was reading as fast as I could just to keep up, some parts are hard to read due to the happenings in the story. Terror is not an easy subject to read. All in all, It is a nice premise that gives us a story about personal growth and a story about region and culture.

[The Homebody Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway but these are my honest opinions. - It was not quite what I was expecting based on the blurb, not that it was bad just focused a bit differently. I enjoyed it and had trouble putting it down bc I needed to know what was going to happen next. I was hooked on the not knowing of where exactly she was going with the story. Maybe I wasn't the best suited for this particular book as the aspect I was looking forward to wasn't really the focus.

Thank you Joanne Leedom-Ackerman and Oceanview Publishing, I truly appreciated the opportunity to receive this ARC.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting mystery this story turned out to be. We are talking about terrorist attack- kidnapping and the ultimate vacation gone wrong.

Sisters Samatha and Monte Walters are vacationing in Spain enjoying a festival waiting for their brother’s arrival but their enjoyment was thwarted when terrorist’s attacks rock the city of Santiago de Compostela and the sisters are separated and one of them vanishes....the story will tell us what happens....enjoy.

This thriller is a family and political drama at its best it incorporates into its lines links to terrorism, crime and financial manipulation. Full of energy, the narrative provides all tension needed to keeps us pushing till the end. Not only are we into fast paced actions and intrigues to keep us on our toes as all good thriller should provide but “The Far Side of the Desert” goes far beyond terrorism and political and financial intrigue by giving us a inspiring tale into a family relationship, romantic matters/affairs and even psychological trauma such as rape. Along the way the Walters sisters takes us globetrotting passing time in Washington DC, Morocco, Spain and Gibraltar...and somewhere in the Sahara where we experience some tense moments and disturbing scenes. Some part of this book may be difficult to read but I loved how smoothly the author has incorporated these moments with care. The story alternates between Monte’s treatment as a captive and Samatha’s determined search for her sister.

The plot is well-written and played out by captivating characters. I hope Ms.Leedom-Ackerman plans a spin off and gives her evil character Safir his own story....I don’t believe this ghost (Safir) died by the end....

This is one of the best stories I read this year. Well-said, well-done

Thank you Oceanview Publishing for the opportunity to read this story

[Bianca Vandenbos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Samantha & Monte Waters are vacationing in Santiago de Compostela Spain enjoying a Catholic festival & they plan on meeting their brother Cal. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a fun adventure, ends up being short lived. Terrorist attacks disrupt the festivities around them. What makes it worse is Samantha an international television correspondent & Monte a US foreign service officer is separated. Monte is the one taken hostage. The family comes together to try to find Monte and find out what her hostages want. The story moves from Spain to Washington DC to Morocco to Gibraltar to the Sahara Desert.

Writing, Characters & Twists

The Far Side Of The Desert by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is the first time I’ve read anything from her. Her writing is so descriptive you feel as though you are immersed in the story especially Spain, Morocco & Gibraltar. I love the characters of Samantha, Monte & Cal. When you think the story is over, there are a lot of answers to be solved and twists to be revealed. Just a warning there is a rape scene, so it is up to you if you want to read the novel or not. I also like that while this is a story about terrorism, journalism & current (current ish since the story begins in July 2007) I also love that this story is about sisterhood and family. There really isn’t anything I disliked about the story. I also love that the beginning of the novel is set at a Catholic festival in Spain.

Overall

Overall if you enjoy action packed stories that have adventure, terrorism, journalism, current (ish) events and stories that have to do with sisterhood & family I would recommend The Far Side Of The Desert By Joanne Leedom-Ackerman. I am so excited to be doing the Behind The Book Q&A with her discussing this novel.

[Saltygalreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Samantha and Monte Waters are sisters from a prominent US political family vacationing in Santiago de Compostela during a festival, where they plan to meet up with their brother Cal. However, a terrorist bomb attack disrupts the festivities and, in the confusion, Monte and Samantha are separated. When Samantha and Cal find each other, they realize that Monte is nowhere is to be found and there are rumours that a woman answering to Monte's description was whisked away by a man. Despite their family's efforts, Monte is not found, and the reader begins to learn of her ordeal. Will Monte survive her captors and will the siblings ever see each other again? Why was she taken?

Thoughts: This novel was a departure from my usual type of read. It is very much a geopolitical thriller, in the style of Daniel Silva. However, the plot moves well beyond international terrorism and political and financial intrigue into matters of the heart, including family relationships, ambition versus ethical decisions and the impact of sexual and psychological trauma. It is a compelling read, although I feel it could have been edited down slightly, particularly in the second half of the novel. If you're looking for a political thriller with complex characters and themes this is worth a read as it is very well written!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Far Side of the Desert is a fantastic political thriller by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman that follows the main characters on a journey. Two sisters, Samantha and Monte Waters, were on holiday in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, when all their plans were turned upside down when they became involved in a terrorist attack and were separated during the attack. When the attack ended, Samantha realized her sister was missing, and she started investigating with her brother Cal to find Monte. The readers of The Far Side of the Desert will continue to follow Samantha to discover what happens.

The Far Side of the Desert is the first book I have read by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman, and I engaged with the story and its characters from the first page. I love Joanne Leedom-Ackerman's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Far Side of the Desert is well done and researched. I like Joanne Leedom-Ackerman's description of the settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of The Far Side of the Desert will understand the consequences of political corruption and the effects of trauma on a person and everyone around them.

Thank you for NetGallery and Publisher for my ARC exchange of honest reviews. I recommend this book.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Oceanview Publishing and Joanne Leedom-Ackerman for granting me a copy of this book.

3,75 rounded up to 4 ⭐ - sisters Monte and Sam are on vacation in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and attending a festival when suddenly a terrorist attack occurs. The sisters get separated - Monte gets kidnapped and is brought to the Sahara desert. Unfortunately she isn't treated right but she survives.

Some parts were a little disturbing to read especially the parts where Monte was held captive.
The characters are interesting and realistic. This was a fast-paced, exciting thriller and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.

This was my first time reading a book of Ms. Leedom-Ackerman, but I'll definitely check out other books of hers.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attending a festival in Spain, Monte and her sister are awaiting the arrival of their brother when several bombs explode. Samantha is a television correspondent and she rushes to file her story. Monte is a foreign service officer. In the confusion she is kidnapped and transported to a camp somewhere in the Sahara. Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s story alternates between Samantha’s desperate search for her sister and Monte’s brutal treatment in harsh conditions. Time passes and no ransom request is ever received. Safir, Monte’s kidnapper, believed that she would not be held for several weeks. As the months pass he realizes that she will never be released alive and he helps her escape. When she is returned to her family it is difficult to adjust to life as it was. There are also secrets that she is keeping from everyone. Rumors hint at an imminent terrorist attack by the people who held Monte. From Spain to Morocco and finally the Rock of Gibraltar it is a thriller involving finances, smuggling and espionage, but there is also a strong family element. There are some tense moments, but after Monte’s return the story wanders a bit. Some of the scenes during her captivity are disturbing. It was, however a good premise with some interesting characters. I would like to thank Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley or providing this book for my review.

[Howard Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This reader found the book to have an intriguing start with 2 sisters and a brother meeting in Spain for a celebration of a festival. One of the sisters mysteriously disappears and is thought to be the victim of a kidnapping although no ransom request is forthcoming. There is a lot going on in this novel —. drugs, arms trafficking, rape, murders and terrorists. The action continuously switches from an unspecified desert locale to Morocco to Washington D.C. to Gibraltar. It is all very confusing and not particularly interesting — especially with prose such as “…had lost the oxygen between them.”
Although I cannot recommend this book, I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In striking similarity to Bonnar Spring’s spectacular DISAPPEARED, siblings Samantha and Anne Montgomery “Monte” Waters are at a costumed fiesta in a medieval town in northwest Spain, where their brother Cal soon will join them. The three are brilliant progeny of well-connected D.C. power-broker parents. Sam and Cal are journalists, while multilingual Monte is a career employee of U.S. foreign service agencies.

It’s July 2007. Exaggerated costumed monarchs, Satans and saints dance in the plaza similar to Barcelona’s La Mercè festival. A bomb detonates. Panic ensues as people ditch their oversized regalia and scatter helter-skelter.

Monte is 37, married with two children, and trained by government alphabet agencies in self-defense. More bombs blast. Are terrorists involved? Another guest at the 5-star hotel is distinguished Stephen, who grabs Monte and yells that it’s safer to be on the rooftop away from the chaotic crowd. A helicopter swoops in. And Monte vanishes. Stephen’s name morphs into Safir Brahim, and Monte regains consciousness in the Western Sahara, the far side of the desert.

Safir is not with Monte, but a brutal Islamic extremist oligarch known only as The Elder and his adjutants are. Monte has been kidnapped. Months pass, but no ransom is demanded. She accepts her probable fate and speeds things along by not eating. Safir returns and brings an elderly woman whose wrath is feared by The Elder’s henchmen. He regrets his involvement in The Elder’s plans and whisks the two women through the desert to Morocco.

Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s BURNING DISTANCE preceded THE FAR SIDE OF THE DESERT, which, in intriguing literary contrast, involves financial manipulation, weapons and diamonds trafficking, drugs, murder and espionage. But this tale has an inspiring interconnected plot. Monte’s supportive but distant husband leaves Cairo and returns to Washington with their two children. Samantha still mourns the loss of her reporter paramour, killed in Afghanistan. Cal’s wife abandoned him and their children, a loss of love or interest. After Monte’s heart-throbbing rescue, the family all meet in D.C. with their parents. Without judgment, there’s a revelation about how some choose divorce and others overcome differences to salvage a marriage.

Get your passport. The globetrotting Waters trio takes readers to Cairo, Morocco, Spain and Gibraltar in an amazing human interest and political thriller.

Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy

[Sydney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

I think that this book would be better as a limited run TV show. Which feels strange to say as someone who typically thinks that the book is better than the movie/tv show. However, I think that this book was very surface level and that it would have done better as a TV show. Basically, this book is about a group of siblings(two women and a man) who have to stop a terrorist plot.

The characters in this book were very surface-level. They had motivations but I never really understood them. The characters state that they were doing something for someone but never really showed care for the other characters. There really isn’t a huge change in the characters because we don’t get much of them before they start to change. Their changes also felt very surface level. Also some of the characters talk about religion but in a weird way that feels like the characters don’t actually care about religion and are just using it for some reason.

The overall plot of the book was fine. It was pretty typical of a political thriller. The plot did only start after about 100 pages which was very strange because the exposition was just unnecessary for the plot of the book. A lot of the plot points just came out of nowhere and didn’t make sense in the book.

The setting was actually the shining star. This author excelled at describing the environment around the characters and it was really beautiful. However, the setting really can’t carry this type of book where the characters and the plot are the focus.

Honestly, I would only recommend this book if you really love political thrillers and I mean really love political thrillers. Otherwise, I think this one is a pass.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead. *** I thought long and hard about whether this was predominantly the personal story of a family swept up in larger geopolitical events they hadn't anticipated (Despite being a political family with jobs in journalism and the state department) or the story of a kidnapping in the Middle East that leads to foiling a terrorism plot. I decided that while the two sides were very strong, it was really more the former. The events were exciting but it was told from a very personal point of view, which I thought worked well. (I kept thinking of the killing of University head Malcolm Kerr -- whose widow I met on a couple of occasions -- in Beirut.) The experiences of Monte, the MC, are those of an ordinary person who is thrust into circumstances of unimaginable terror and abuse simply because of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. You can imagine yourself being in her shoes as she is swept into the dessert by a bin Laden type outfit and has only her wits to survive. Those scenes of having to survive by the skin of your teeth, not knowing if tomorrow will be your last day, are harrowing. But they also bring incredible personal growth. She does manage to survive and escape and the next part of is dealing with PTSD within the bosom her family, followed by the decision to go back, despite her fears, and foil the terrorist plot conceived by her kidnappers because she feels she is the only who can. What are "ordinary" people capable when they are pushed into their last bastions? Leedom Ackerman seems to be asking. Quite a lot, as it turns out. Which is why this book, excitement and all, is so personally satisfying as well.

[Carl Vonderau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Far Side of the Desert is a political thriller by writer Joanne Leedom-Ackerman, a journalist short story writer, and novelist who has written several novels and is a colleague with my publisher, Oceanview. This political thriller is told mostly from two points of view, one sister in the news industry and the other working for the U.S. State Department. It takes place in Morocco, Gilbalter and Washington DC. When the State Department sister, Monte, is kidnapped in Morocco, Samantha is forced to go find her. The novel goes deeply into character for both of the sisters and their families. Monte is taken to a remote desert where her kidnapper becomes her protecter and she succumbs to Stockholm Syndrome. The kidnapper is a very interesting and multifaceted character.The novel explores how he, and Samantha and Monte, sacrifice parts of their morality to succeed in doing something more important than themselves. It also delves into relationships and how parents can drift apart to pursue their careers, and how the kidnapping crisis can bring those family conflicts into focus. I found the novel quite compelling. It reminded me a little bit of The Little Drummer Girl, by John le Carré. The Far Side of the Desert is well researched with much historical background to give the reader a feel for the settings and how the political history influences the characters. It slowly builds to an exciting ending.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attending a festival in Spain, Monte and her sister are awaiting the arrival of their brother when several bombs explode. Samantha is a television correspondent and she rushes to file her story. Monte is a foreign service officer. In the confusion she is kidnapped and transported to a camp somewhere in the Sahara. Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s story alternates between Samantha’s desperate search for her sister and Monte’s brutal treatment in harsh conditions. Time passes and no ransom request is ever received. Safir, Monte’s kidnapper, believed that she would not be held for several weeks. As the months pass he realizes that she will never be released alive and he helps her escape. When she is returned to her family it is difficult to adjust to life as it was. There are also secrets that she is keeping from everyone. Rumors hint at an imminent terrorist attack by the people who held Monte. From Spain to Morocco and finally the Rock of Gibraltar it is a thriller involving finances, smuggling and espionage, but there is also a strong family element. There are some tense moments, but after Monte’s return the story wanders a bit. Some of the scenes during her captivity are disturbing. It was, however a good premise with some interesting characters. I would like to thank Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley or providing this book for my review.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

American author Joanne Leedom-Ackerman's latest novel, The Far Side of the Desert (2024) is another international spy thriller. Two sisters, Samantha and Monte Waters are holidaying in Spain and expecting to meet their brother, as their busy professional lives leave little time for catch-ups. A terrorist attack rocks the city and the sisters are separated, leading to a frantic search. As the months pass, with no sightings or ransom demands, Monte (an American foreign service officer), endures kidnapping, being held captive in the desert and suffering horrific abuse (content warning for graphic descriptions and potential triggering). An ambitious thriller with international terror and the personal consequences thereof are played out against a variety of locations including Washington, Gibraltar, Morocco and the Sahara desert. More a family-focused tale than a spy thriller that fails to deliver sufficient tension and is a three stars read rating. With thanks to Oceanview Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.

[Pat Trattles · Rating 4 out of 5]

While visiting Spain for the annual festival in Santiago de Compostela with her brother and sister, Monte is kidnapped and held hostage somewhere in the remotest part of the desert. She is repeatedly abused and raped until her abductor comes to her rescue, treating her as a fellow human and not an object. Although it took me a while to get into the story I was captivated by the end of part one and couldn’t wait to read the rest. Then as part two started Monte had escaped and was living in the United States. I felt cheated. It felt like a major part of the story had been skipped entirely. The story did pick up again, however, and kept my interest until the end, with some of the missing pieces filled in. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

[Maria Beltrami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the book makes one think of the classic adrenaline-fuelled novel with spies and terrorists, very American-style, then, fortunately, the pace changes a little. The time that Monte, one of the protagonists, spends first in the hands of her kidnapper, then subjected to the violence of the terrorists to whom she has fallen prey, becomes a moment of change and inner revolution for her. She will not be able to change completely, she will not be able to say she is the mother of the child she gave birth to as a result of the violence she suffered, but she will emerge a better human being. The ending returns somewhat to the canons of the spy novel, but the work nevertheless leaves the reader with the pleasant feeling of having completed a journey of growth together with the protagonists.

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Far Side of the Desert by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman,
This is an action-adventure book that is based on the sad state of terroristic activities today. Market manipulation based on disaster fluctuations plays a part in this book. It generates a question as to whether terrorism is fueled by ideology or profit motivation.
Monte is a State Department employee who finds herself in a situation never adequately covered by her training.
Stephen, a mediocre author, is seeking a story that will dramatically enrich him.
These two are the primary characters in a story that has deprivation, frustration, and plenty of action.
There were parts of this book that were difficult to read due to the situation, not the writing.
I recommend the book.

[Adam Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne Leedom-Ackerman did it again with The Far Side of the Desert ... what an amazing, engrossing story that pulls you in to the very last page. The book kicks off with a compelling hook, but then Joanne subtly and intelligently lays the foundation of the characters and the plot, masterfully putting everything into place in an intriguing yet casual way. Then the story takes off with international terrorists, criminals, suspected spies, family struggles, trauma and love, lies, half-truths, and a cast that has layers as deep and twisted as the world they inhabit. This story will make you feel the scorching heat of the desert, the pain of loss, and unrelenting desire for retribution. It's another must read from Joanne Leedom-Ackerman.

[Ramona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not what I expected, but it was a very good read. One wonders why Monte was so willing to trust the promises of a stranger that he was the person that could keep her safe, but other than that it was a very credible story. The grief of the family was well developed as was Samantha's obsession about finding her sister. I was impressed by the way Monte dealt with her kidnapping and her growth in understanding the relationships she had with her family. I highly recommend this one. I received this as an arc from NetGalley and am under no pressure for a positive review.

[Mehva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a woman taken hostage in the desert, leaving behind her husband, children and her sister and brother who searched for her. This is the story of the aftermath of that, it is both a story of personal growth and purpose and a story of a region , riddled with drugs, crimes and the relationship to various terrorist groups, some of the historical, mythical and political stuff was less interesting to me and at times , felt like more than I wanted but if you are interested in Arabic culture, you will enjoy it.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a kidnapping by terrorists make the new we are appalled. Yet the news cycle changes and we forget about the captives. This book gives a close look at the fallout of a kidnapping. Family is affected, her children thrown into chaos of the unknown. Then there are the siblings that are in a position to dig into the details and hunt for her. The book is full of details of her life and the siblings searching for her. Then what happens to the terrorists. It saddens me to think people out in our world are that evil. I was engrossed in the story. Well done!

[sparkypink · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried very hard to like this. I have been to Santiago de Compostela, so when I saw that was the setting for this book, I was quite intrigued. I could very easily visualize what was happening during the fiesta. The book had me engaged up until Monte returned home. Then it felt like the writing was all over the place and I just lost interest. I set the book aside with the intent on trying again in a few days but when I realized I just didn't care about what happened I decided to declare it a "Did Not Finish."

I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher

[Marcie Saldivar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention right away and held it throughout the story. Sisters Sam and Monte are on vacation in Spain. They’re attending a festival when terrorist attacks happen. The sisters are separated and Sam eventually realizes that Monte is gone, but what happened to her? The rest of the book describes Monte’s kidnapping, her struggle to get back to her family and how she copes with everything that has happened. This was a fast read for me and I was engrossed in the story completely. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Ramona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not what I expected, but it was a very good read. One wonders why Monte was so willing to trust the promises of a stranger that he was the person that could keep her safe, but other than that it was a very credible story. The grief of the family was well developed as was Samantha's obsession about finding her sister. I was impressed by the way Monte dealt with her kidnapping and her growth in understanding the relationships she had with her family. I highly recommend this one. I received this as an arc from NetGalley and am under no pressure for a positive review.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha and Monte Waters are at a festival in Spain when explosions happen. One of them gets kidnapped by terrorists. This is a timely story. What will happen to the kidnapped sister? Will the terrorists ask for ransom or is there some other reason? This is a book about terrorists, politics, gun-running, drugs and the state of the world today. It was an exciting book and will make you think about what is going on in the world today. I recommend giving this book a try.

Thank you to #bookreporter, #JoanneLeedomAckerman, and #Oceanview for a copy of this book.
#TheFarSideoftheDesert

[Isis Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Far Side of the Desert is a fast paced political thriller. It follows the kidnapping of Monte and her sisters journey to find her and uncover the truth behind the kidnapping.

This was a great read. It kept me captivated throughout the entire story. It speaks a lot about money, terrorism, and crime in the middle east and Europe. I'm not one for political based fiction, but this was truly interesting. I can tell the author put a lot of work into researching for this. Major trigger warnings for this book include rape, murder, terrorism, kidnapping, violence, ect.

[John Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Far Side of the Desert by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman. I was intrigued by the story description and thought it may be a sort of espionage related thriller. And while there minor elements in that regard it was really a story about a woman being kidnapped and held hostage. Her inhumane treatment and the struggles her family suffer in trying to find and rescue her. The writing is fine but was not I had been expeting.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Power of Love

At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book, I couldn’t understand the direction that it was taking. I ended up enjoying the book very much. I love the way Sam and Monte truly came together as sisters. I also loved watching Monte’s character change throughout the book and how strong she turns out in the end. All the loose ends were tied up at the end and it was a good culmination of the book!