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The Day She Vanished
Clutching my husband’s hand, I screech with delight as the rollercoaster loops through the air. I feel young and free for the first time in years, but as we roll to a stop and I look for our three beloved children in the crowd, I panic. I can only see two. Where is my daughter?
Today was meant to be special. A final fun family day out before five-year-old Summer joins her big siblings at school. But in an instant, we’re plunged into a nightmare. We scream her name as we frantically search the amusement park for a glimpse of her flaming red hair.
When the police ask about strangers, grudges and enemies, I have no answers, just questions. Why did I think I could leave my children alone, even for a minute? What kind of mother am I?
I feel in my heart that Summer is out there somewhere. But as I obsess about finding her, my family is falling apart. My eldest daughter Merritt is withdrawn. My son Gus is angry. And after seventeen years of marriage, my husband has never felt more like a stranger. Where does he go when he says he’s working late? Who is he constantly messaging?
I must fight to hold my family together, but I’m terrified Summer’s disappearance will destroy us all. Will I ever forgive myself for letting her out of my sight? Will I ever hold her tiny hand in mine again?
A completely gripping and emotional page-turner about every parent’s darkest fear. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.
What readers are saying about Jen
“Grab some tissues and get ready for a feels trip! You’re gonna need ‘em!… A super emotional, gut-punching read that I inhaled in one sitting. I loved it all… Very easily a 5-star read!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely loved this!… Superb… I could not put this down… It was constantly wowing me.” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“WOW! Just wow… I inhaled this one! I read it practically in one sitting… Gut-wrenching… Amazing.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A heart-breaking page-turner… I just could not put it down as I read chapter after chapter… Fantastic… Gripping.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow!… Hit me in the feels, HARD… Brought tears to my eyes… Fantastic.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I read the whole thing in one day. Whoa, my emotions are ALL over the place!!! Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Brilliant… Fantastic… I loved every minute of it, so much so I devoured it in less than 24 hours!… Definitely a must-read.” book_brilliance_xo
Today was meant to be special. A final fun family day out before five-year-old Summer joins her big siblings at school. But in an instant, we’re plunged into a nightmare. We scream her name as we frantically search the amusement park for a glimpse of her flaming red hair.
When the police ask about strangers, grudges and enemies, I have no answers, just questions. Why did I think I could leave my children alone, even for a minute? What kind of mother am I?
I feel in my heart that Summer is out there somewhere. But as I obsess about finding her, my family is falling apart. My eldest daughter Merritt is withdrawn. My son Gus is angry. And after seventeen years of marriage, my husband has never felt more like a stranger. Where does he go when he says he’s working late? Who is he constantly messaging?
I must fight to hold my family together, but I’m terrified Summer’s disappearance will destroy us all. Will I ever forgive myself for letting her out of my sight? Will I ever hold her tiny hand in mine again?
A completely gripping and emotional page-turner about every parent’s darkest fear. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.
What readers are saying about Jen
“Grab some tissues and get ready for a feels trip! You’re gonna need ‘em!… A super emotional, gut-punching read that I inhaled in one sitting. I loved it all… Very easily a 5-star read!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely loved this!… Superb… I could not put this down… It was constantly wowing me.” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“WOW! Just wow… I inhaled this one! I read it practically in one sitting… Gut-wrenching… Amazing.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A heart-breaking page-turner… I just could not put it down as I read chapter after chapter… Fantastic… Gripping.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow!… Hit me in the feels, HARD… Brought tears to my eyes… Fantastic.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I read the whole thing in one day. Whoa, my emotions are ALL over the place!!! Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Brilliant… Fantastic… I loved every minute of it, so much so I devoured it in less than 24 hours!… Definitely a must-read.” book_brilliance_xo
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2024
1003 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Jen Craven
11 books129 followersJen Craven is the author of upmarket women's fiction, where one decision changes everything. The author of two historical fiction novels, "Best Years of your Life" is her debut contemporary work. She writes from northwestern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 25, 2024
It’s a regular day at a theme park, where Wade and Greta have brought their three kids - Merritt, Gus and Summer - for a little family time. After going on rides for kids all day, Greta begs Wade to go on a rollercoaster with her. The line isn’t long, the ride takes less than a minute, and they can still see their kids most of the way. Merritt, the oldest at age eleven, is tasked with watching over her two younger siblings. As the parents stood in line, they kept glancing over, and nothing was out of the ordinary.
It wasn’t until they got off the ride that they noticed Summer, their five-year-old, is gone. Merritt had been playing games on her phone (something Greta didn’t like to begin with), Gus was watching the game, and Summer slipped away. After frantically searching for her, the police are called and an Amber Alert sent out. Late that night, when the police finally make them go home, it hits them: Summer is gone.
The family immediately breaks down. Wade isolates himself from and ignores Greta, as he blames her for wanting to go on the ride. Greta is treating Merritt the same way, for being on her phone instead of watching her sister. As the weeks and months go by, Wade and the other two kids are trying to get back into life, but Greta can’t function without knowing where her daughter is, or if she’s even alive.
Missing children are a common mystery/thriller plot, but this was still suspenseful and entertaining. The author wrote well, showing how each member of the family is dealing with their grief, and how a whole city gets involved (in both good and bad ways). This is definitely a quick read and a page turner! 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me into this book tour! “The Day She Vanished” is slated to be released on September 25, 2024.)
It wasn’t until they got off the ride that they noticed Summer, their five-year-old, is gone. Merritt had been playing games on her phone (something Greta didn’t like to begin with), Gus was watching the game, and Summer slipped away. After frantically searching for her, the police are called and an Amber Alert sent out. Late that night, when the police finally make them go home, it hits them: Summer is gone.
The family immediately breaks down. Wade isolates himself from and ignores Greta, as he blames her for wanting to go on the ride. Greta is treating Merritt the same way, for being on her phone instead of watching her sister. As the weeks and months go by, Wade and the other two kids are trying to get back into life, but Greta can’t function without knowing where her daughter is, or if she’s even alive.
Missing children are a common mystery/thriller plot, but this was still suspenseful and entertaining. The author wrote well, showing how each member of the family is dealing with their grief, and how a whole city gets involved (in both good and bad ways). This is definitely a quick read and a page turner! 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me into this book tour! “The Day She Vanished” is slated to be released on September 25, 2024.)
October 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Day She Vanished by Jen Craven. This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed it quite a bit. There was some repetition but it did not hurt my enjoyment of the book. Missing children cause a lot of grief and tensions run high. Many marriages do not survive this kind of trauma. The family members' experiences are emotional and you feel like you are there with the family. The author captured the emotions and it was well written. A 5 star rating from me.
August 18, 2024
I found this hard to put down. It tells the story of how an inoccent family day at a theme park turns into a living hell as summer disappeared. The writing was full of raw emotion as each family member feel apart alone and the family ties started to unravel. It gave a very truthful raw insight into how people cope how kids cope and hiw the media and wider community respond. I read it in a day and it left me feeling touched and blesses I has been part of a fiction story that is also sadly true in a lot of places. I foubd yhe usagecof statistics within the plot very clever. It had me angry happy and sad.
Thank you do much netgallery and publisher and author for this 5 star read. Highly recommended tine flew
Thank you do much netgallery and publisher and author for this 5 star read. Highly recommended tine flew
September 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This book follows the story of a family who goes to an amusement park and the youngest child is abducted. Basically the whole book follows the parents, Wade and Greta as well as their other two children Merritt and Gus in the aftermath of the tragic disappearance of 5 year old Summer.
The devastation and breakdown of a marriage and family felt so raw and real. I was engaged and felt connected to each member of the family- hoping they could all repair relationships and find peace.
As much as I believed this was a thriller or mystery (and it kind of is) I really think that doesn’t give the story enough credit for how well written the emotions and experiences of the family in the book are. While it’s definitely got some aspects of a mystery/thriller — I believe it’s so much more!
Worth the read and so glad I was able to soak it up. I read this in one sitting as I was absolutely incapable of putting it down without knowing the outcome.
Publish date: 9/25/2024
This book follows the story of a family who goes to an amusement park and the youngest child is abducted. Basically the whole book follows the parents, Wade and Greta as well as their other two children Merritt and Gus in the aftermath of the tragic disappearance of 5 year old Summer.
The devastation and breakdown of a marriage and family felt so raw and real. I was engaged and felt connected to each member of the family- hoping they could all repair relationships and find peace.
As much as I believed this was a thriller or mystery (and it kind of is) I really think that doesn’t give the story enough credit for how well written the emotions and experiences of the family in the book are. While it’s definitely got some aspects of a mystery/thriller — I believe it’s so much more!
Worth the read and so glad I was able to soak it up. I read this in one sitting as I was absolutely incapable of putting it down without knowing the outcome.
Publish date: 9/25/2024
August 28, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for letting me read this early access book. This book was a RIDE! I really enjoyed it. I was shocked at the end, the twist wasn’t what I was expecting at all.
I was also surprised the mom’s behavior changed because it was pretty rough for most of the book. I know that her child was missing but, her husband was struggling also and having a hard time with it. I’m glad they were able to work on their marriage and the ending was a very positive outcome.
Overall, loved this book! I can’t wait for other people to read this one, thriller lovers will enjoy this one!
I was also surprised the mom’s behavior changed because it was pretty rough for most of the book. I know that her child was missing but, her husband was struggling also and having a hard time with it. I’m glad they were able to work on their marriage and the ending was a very positive outcome.
Overall, loved this book! I can’t wait for other people to read this one, thriller lovers will enjoy this one!
September 27, 2024
Busy mum of three young children, Greta, fantasised about having two minutes of escapism on a theme park ride. Two minutes of not being “mom” and just being herself. Just for two minutes.
Long enough to send her hurtling into every mother’s version of hell, when her five year old is snatched. And despite the inevitable critical comments on social media and news pages, any mother who hasn’t taken her eyes off her child for a couple of moments is lying.
Jen Craven‘s writing is so emotionally gripping, I just couldn’t stop reading, I needed to know what happened to Summer. The raw pain that Greta was suffering felt completely real to me and when the family decorate the Christmas tree, I came undone.
An emotional rollercoaster of a thriller and a brilliant read!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jen Craven and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Long enough to send her hurtling into every mother’s version of hell, when her five year old is snatched. And despite the inevitable critical comments on social media and news pages, any mother who hasn’t taken her eyes off her child for a couple of moments is lying.
Jen Craven‘s writing is so emotionally gripping, I just couldn’t stop reading, I needed to know what happened to Summer. The raw pain that Greta was suffering felt completely real to me and when the family decorate the Christmas tree, I came undone.
An emotional rollercoaster of a thriller and a brilliant read!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jen Craven and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 16, 2024
Are you still allowed to have fun when you are married for 17 years and are the mother of 3 children? The answer to this question is a big yes! I would even add that you have to have fun form time to time because that is what will recharge your batteries and make you a better parent. But boy oh boy, Greta, you never ever leave your children unsupervised by an adult you know and trust,please! And in an amusement park of all places. Not for 5 minutes, not even for 30 seconds!
I do understand how Greta must have felt and felt the urge to do everything she can, but I really disliked her behaviour towards the people she should love the most. She is rather selfish and puts her own needs before everyone else's. This is a one way into loosing a lot more soon if she does not see the light pronto.
This is a heartbreaking story about how a few minutes can turn your world upside down without the slightest idea whether it all will fall into place again.
Is Greta on the verge to push everything to the curb or will she redeem herself and pull herself back on the road to a happy future?
I had a love-hate relationship with Greta, but she most certainly is the star of the book.
Wonderful storytelling, deserving a 5 star rating.
Thank you
I do understand how Greta must have felt and felt the urge to do everything she can, but I really disliked her behaviour towards the people she should love the most. She is rather selfish and puts her own needs before everyone else's. This is a one way into loosing a lot more soon if she does not see the light pronto.
This is a heartbreaking story about how a few minutes can turn your world upside down without the slightest idea whether it all will fall into place again.
Is Greta on the verge to push everything to the curb or will she redeem herself and pull herself back on the road to a happy future?
I had a love-hate relationship with Greta, but she most certainly is the star of the book.
Wonderful storytelling, deserving a 5 star rating.
Thank you
September 26, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exceptional book
oh my word what have i just read...because it was gripping and stunning and i couldnt put it down even if i had wanted to....
this has to be the every mothers nightmare... when your child goes missing....
five year old summer is bored... she is with her brother and sister whilst her parents go on a ride at the amusement park but she wants to go back on the carousel....
in the time for the ride to finish and her parents come back summer is gone.... her brother and sister hadnt noticed she had gone they were busy looking at merritts phone....
and so begins the slow destruction of a close nit family and the keyboard warriors make themselves known....
the police are looking for summer and hunting down leads..
oh my goodness me the slow destruction of the family was painful to read and several times i had to take a breather but i couldnt stop reading this book... and i cried heavy tears at the end...oh my goodness me...
i can certainly say that i will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors books from now on
oh my word what have i just read...because it was gripping and stunning and i couldnt put it down even if i had wanted to....
this has to be the every mothers nightmare... when your child goes missing....
five year old summer is bored... she is with her brother and sister whilst her parents go on a ride at the amusement park but she wants to go back on the carousel....
in the time for the ride to finish and her parents come back summer is gone.... her brother and sister hadnt noticed she had gone they were busy looking at merritts phone....
and so begins the slow destruction of a close nit family and the keyboard warriors make themselves known....
the police are looking for summer and hunting down leads..
oh my goodness me the slow destruction of the family was painful to read and several times i had to take a breather but i couldnt stop reading this book... and i cried heavy tears at the end...oh my goodness me...
i can certainly say that i will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors books from now on
August 31, 2024
This is an emotionally gripping and heart-wrenching story of a missing child and how her family coped with their loss.
Sometimes a book comes along that makes you realize how cruel life can be, and sometimes, while reading these stories, you thank your lucky stars for never having had such hardships.
The Day She Vanished is an exceptionally well written book with great plotting and wonderful characters. It’s very, very sad, but a worthwhile read. Highly recommend. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC.
Sometimes a book comes along that makes you realize how cruel life can be, and sometimes, while reading these stories, you thank your lucky stars for never having had such hardships.
The Day She Vanished is an exceptionally well written book with great plotting and wonderful characters. It’s very, very sad, but a worthwhile read. Highly recommend. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC.
September 12, 2024
This was a quick and easy read!
I have to say, I didn't enjoy it that much, but still this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I liked how it showed us the parent's perspective after they lost their child. Greta's chapters were really emotional and sometimes they made me a bit mad because of her behaviour.
I was really happy with the ending though!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the free ARC!
I have to say, I didn't enjoy it that much, but still this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I liked how it showed us the parent's perspective after they lost their child. Greta's chapters were really emotional and sometimes they made me a bit mad because of her behaviour.
I was really happy with the ending though!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the free ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
This was an easy to read thriller & I loved it!
There were a couple loose threads throughout, but overall I didn’t want to put it down.
The POV of the mother of a missing child was well done in my opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley & publisher for this arc.
There were a couple loose threads throughout, but overall I didn’t want to put it down.
The POV of the mother of a missing child was well done in my opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley & publisher for this arc.
September 22, 2024
What an amazing book, The author did such a great job of capturing the emotions of Greta and Wade, I literally couldn't put my kindle down.
November 3, 2025
Betyg: 3,5 av 5.
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Den amerikanska författaren Jen Craven verkar ha gett ut sju böcker, men den här boken, Dagen då hon försvann, ser ut att vara den första som har översatts till svenska.
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Och jag skulle kunna tänka mig att läsa någon mer bok av författaren, för jag tyckte den här boken var lättläst, berörande, och bra. Så jag kan rekommendera den.
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Jag varvade e-boksläsning med ljudbokslyssning, i 1,25 hastighet, bra inläst av Lisa Ahnlund.
.
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Den amerikanska författaren Jen Craven verkar ha gett ut sju böcker, men den här boken, Dagen då hon försvann, ser ut att vara den första som har översatts till svenska.
.
Och jag skulle kunna tänka mig att läsa någon mer bok av författaren, för jag tyckte den här boken var lättläst, berörande, och bra. Så jag kan rekommendera den.
.
Jag varvade e-boksläsning med ljudbokslyssning, i 1,25 hastighet, bra inläst av Lisa Ahnlund.
.
January 11, 2025
i guess this isn't necessarily what i'm expecting when something is marketed as an "unputdownable thriller."
i want to preface this by saying i am not a parent nor have i ever had any desire to be a parent. i don't know how a parent would feel going through what the goodman's went through. that being said, greta is an extremely unlikable character, making it hard to listen to and care for her narration through the story.
i want to preface this by saying i am not a parent nor have i ever had any desire to be a parent. i don't know how a parent would feel going through what the goodman's went through. that being said, greta is an extremely unlikable character, making it hard to listen to and care for her narration through the story.
April 18, 2025
I feel the book had more potential. It wasn’t horrible, but a lot of it was repetitive. It would have been nice to read the POV from the others in the family and not just Greta’s constant mean/selfish way of thinking.
October 8, 2024
a bit of emotional read and a story that most parents will relate to.
a lovely day out ends in disaster when the 5 year old daughter disappears.
full of suspense and emotion.
a lovely day out ends in disaster when the 5 year old daughter disappears.
full of suspense and emotion.
September 25, 2024
Master storyteller Jen Craven returns following Her Daughter with her latest, THE DAY SHE VANISHED — a harrowing, emotional, and heartfelt tale. Every parent's nightmare—a missing child in one split second. One decision changes everything for this family.
A life-changing tragedy.
About...
The book opens in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a scene that resonates with every family day out at an amusement park. Wade and Greta Goodman and their three children, Merritt, Gus, and Summer, enjoy a fun day. It's the end of summer break, and all three kids will soon be in school, with Summer starting kindergarten.
Then, after the kids ride, Greta decides she wants to ride the rollercoaster with her husband for a quick, fun thrill and instructs Merritt to watch the two younger siblings.
All was fine until they exited the ride and found Summer missing. Merritt and Gus were in the same spot, but Summer was gone. Merritt was looking at her phone, distracted for a split second.
Realizing Summer is missing leads to all-out panic and fear. It was a frightful and fearful event, wondering what happened to their little girl. The longer she is gone, the more worried they are. Only five years old, soon, the authorities are called in, and no one can locate their precious little girl.
What if someone has taken her to Canada? What if she is harmed? Greta feels like a bad mom for leaving her daughter with her eleven-year-old daughter.
From here, the book takes us through the days, hours, and minutes of Summer's absence. We witness a family in turmoil, grappling with blame, hurt, guilt, regret, resentment, and anger. Will their family ever be the same?
Where is Summer? A kidnapping? Motive? Who has her and will they find her?
My thoughts...
THE DAY SHE VANISHED is a gripping and powerful novel that delves into the complex dynamics of a family and the aftermath of a heart-stopping crisis.
One mother's desperate search for her daughter. A compelling and thought-provoking family drama that showcases the emotions of a mom, dad, sister, and brother and how each reacts to the disappearance and the strain on a marriage.
As always, the author brilliantly showcases the intimate lives of a family in crisis and how each person handles those emotions differently in this well-written domestic drama.
An ideal book club pick for further discussions. Questions included.
Recs...
THE DAY SHE VANISHED is for fans of the author, and those who enjoy Jodi Picoult, Rea Frey, Alice Hoffman, and Emma Robinson.
Blog Tour...
Join me on my blog on Sept 25 (pub day) for a Blog Tour Stop to learn more about the book and this talented author.
Thanks to Bookouture for an advanced digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 25, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Sept 2024 Must Read Books
Sept Newsletter
Blog Tour Stop
A life-changing tragedy.
About...
The book opens in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a scene that resonates with every family day out at an amusement park. Wade and Greta Goodman and their three children, Merritt, Gus, and Summer, enjoy a fun day. It's the end of summer break, and all three kids will soon be in school, with Summer starting kindergarten.
Then, after the kids ride, Greta decides she wants to ride the rollercoaster with her husband for a quick, fun thrill and instructs Merritt to watch the two younger siblings.
All was fine until they exited the ride and found Summer missing. Merritt and Gus were in the same spot, but Summer was gone. Merritt was looking at her phone, distracted for a split second.
Realizing Summer is missing leads to all-out panic and fear. It was a frightful and fearful event, wondering what happened to their little girl. The longer she is gone, the more worried they are. Only five years old, soon, the authorities are called in, and no one can locate their precious little girl.
What if someone has taken her to Canada? What if she is harmed? Greta feels like a bad mom for leaving her daughter with her eleven-year-old daughter.
From here, the book takes us through the days, hours, and minutes of Summer's absence. We witness a family in turmoil, grappling with blame, hurt, guilt, regret, resentment, and anger. Will their family ever be the same?
Where is Summer? A kidnapping? Motive? Who has her and will they find her?
My thoughts...
THE DAY SHE VANISHED is a gripping and powerful novel that delves into the complex dynamics of a family and the aftermath of a heart-stopping crisis.
One mother's desperate search for her daughter. A compelling and thought-provoking family drama that showcases the emotions of a mom, dad, sister, and brother and how each reacts to the disappearance and the strain on a marriage.
As always, the author brilliantly showcases the intimate lives of a family in crisis and how each person handles those emotions differently in this well-written domestic drama.
An ideal book club pick for further discussions. Questions included.
Recs...
THE DAY SHE VANISHED is for fans of the author, and those who enjoy Jodi Picoult, Rea Frey, Alice Hoffman, and Emma Robinson.
Blog Tour...
Join me on my blog on Sept 25 (pub day) for a Blog Tour Stop to learn more about the book and this talented author.
Thanks to Bookouture for an advanced digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 25, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Sept 2024 Must Read Books
Sept Newsletter
Blog Tour Stop
September 23, 2024
This is an emotional and heartbreaking tale of a family, who deals with the loss of a child, when their child was abducted on one summer day.
Greta and her family had gone to the amusement park to have the summer fun. While Greta and her husband Wade went to have fun, leaving Merrit their oldest daughter to look after the two children Gus and Summer. When they return back, they realized that Summer is gone but Merrit and Gus was there. Then comes the search for Summer, the trauma that it caused and Greta's determination to get her daughter safely back home.
This book was well written and it was actually emotionally read. The whole story is told in Greta's POV and Greta is dealing with guilt, as well as her deteriorating relationship with her family, including her husband and her two children--she started having straining relationship with all three of them. Greta is determined to know what happened to her daughter and at the same time she was determined to find out who was reponsible for kidnapping her daughter. The writing was great and throughout the story, you could actually feel Greta's pain and anger ad guilt, which makes the book actually really great to read. The ending was actually a happily ever after ending.
Overall, if you are fans of Jodi Picoult, then check this book out, as it talks about child abduction and the trauma and emotions the family is going through after the abduction. Worth 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Greta and her family had gone to the amusement park to have the summer fun. While Greta and her husband Wade went to have fun, leaving Merrit their oldest daughter to look after the two children Gus and Summer. When they return back, they realized that Summer is gone but Merrit and Gus was there. Then comes the search for Summer, the trauma that it caused and Greta's determination to get her daughter safely back home.
This book was well written and it was actually emotionally read. The whole story is told in Greta's POV and Greta is dealing with guilt, as well as her deteriorating relationship with her family, including her husband and her two children--she started having straining relationship with all three of them. Greta is determined to know what happened to her daughter and at the same time she was determined to find out who was reponsible for kidnapping her daughter. The writing was great and throughout the story, you could actually feel Greta's pain and anger ad guilt, which makes the book actually really great to read. The ending was actually a happily ever after ending.
Overall, if you are fans of Jodi Picoult, then check this book out, as it talks about child abduction and the trauma and emotions the family is going through after the abduction. Worth 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
September 26, 2024
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for early access in exchange for my honest opinion. I read The Day She Vanished earlier in the month, but it has stuck with me - and I think it will have a similar effect on other readers.
The Day She Vanished is set in a small town in PA where a family is at their local amusement park, Wonderie Land. With three children between the ages of 5 and 11, Greta has stayed home with them but is not contemplating reentering the workforce, as the youngest will be attending school this year. She feels like she’s lost a part of herself being the primary caregiver 24/7. While at the amusement park, Greta is pulled to ride SkyRush, a wooden roller coaster, with her husband, as they rode it together on one of their first dates long ago. Greta convinces Wade, her husband, to wait in the short line and ride it once. Merritt, the 11-year old, is put in charge of watching her younger siblings Gus and Summer at a table that is mostly in their parents’ sight. But when Greta and Wade get back from their turn, five-year old Summer is gone. What follows is the family’s search, along with the police, to find Summer’s kidnapper and bring Summer home.
I definitely recommend this book because I thought it was very well written, BUT if you have young children it may be too stressful for you to read! This childless cat lady definitely felt stressed. I think that’s part of the reason I read it quickly - I needed to get to the resolution to be able to calm down. It’s now available everywhere - just make sure you’re ready for this realistic content!
The Day She Vanished is set in a small town in PA where a family is at their local amusement park, Wonderie Land. With three children between the ages of 5 and 11, Greta has stayed home with them but is not contemplating reentering the workforce, as the youngest will be attending school this year. She feels like she’s lost a part of herself being the primary caregiver 24/7. While at the amusement park, Greta is pulled to ride SkyRush, a wooden roller coaster, with her husband, as they rode it together on one of their first dates long ago. Greta convinces Wade, her husband, to wait in the short line and ride it once. Merritt, the 11-year old, is put in charge of watching her younger siblings Gus and Summer at a table that is mostly in their parents’ sight. But when Greta and Wade get back from their turn, five-year old Summer is gone. What follows is the family’s search, along with the police, to find Summer’s kidnapper and bring Summer home.
I definitely recommend this book because I thought it was very well written, BUT if you have young children it may be too stressful for you to read! This childless cat lady definitely felt stressed. I think that’s part of the reason I read it quickly - I needed to get to the resolution to be able to calm down. It’s now available everywhere - just make sure you’re ready for this realistic content!
January 9, 2026
✨Book Review: The Day She Vanished by Jen Craven✨
The Day She Vanished is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that taps into every parent’s worst nightmare. Jen Craven delivers a tense, heartbreaking story centered around a single devastating moment: a parent looks away—and their little girl disappears. From that instant, the reader is pulled into a whirlwind of fear, guilt, and desperate searching.
Craven masterfully balances psychological suspense with powerful family drama, making every chapter pulse with emotion. The unraveling timeline, shifting perspectives, and haunting clues create a sense of urgency that keeps you turning pages late into the night. As secrets emerge and relationships crack under pressure, the story becomes not just a mystery about a missing child, but an exploration of trust, blame, and the fragile lines holding a family together.
What elevates this novel is its raw emotional depth. The parents’ anguish is palpable, their doubts painfully real, and the creeping suspicion surrounding those closest to them adds a chilling layer of tension. Just when you think you’ve uncovered the truth, the plot twists sharply—leading to a heartbreaking, unforgettable conclusion.
If you love emotional thrillers driven by family stakes, The Day She Vanished is an absolute must-read.
✨Intense, heart-wrenching, and unputdownable.✨
#bookreview #thedayshevanished #jencraven #psychologicalthriller #familydrama suspensereads bookrecommendation readersofinstagram bookstagram mustreadthriller
The Day She Vanished is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that taps into every parent’s worst nightmare. Jen Craven delivers a tense, heartbreaking story centered around a single devastating moment: a parent looks away—and their little girl disappears. From that instant, the reader is pulled into a whirlwind of fear, guilt, and desperate searching.
Craven masterfully balances psychological suspense with powerful family drama, making every chapter pulse with emotion. The unraveling timeline, shifting perspectives, and haunting clues create a sense of urgency that keeps you turning pages late into the night. As secrets emerge and relationships crack under pressure, the story becomes not just a mystery about a missing child, but an exploration of trust, blame, and the fragile lines holding a family together.
What elevates this novel is its raw emotional depth. The parents’ anguish is palpable, their doubts painfully real, and the creeping suspicion surrounding those closest to them adds a chilling layer of tension. Just when you think you’ve uncovered the truth, the plot twists sharply—leading to a heartbreaking, unforgettable conclusion.
If you love emotional thrillers driven by family stakes, The Day She Vanished is an absolute must-read.
✨Intense, heart-wrenching, and unputdownable.✨
#bookreview #thedayshevanished #jencraven #psychologicalthriller #familydrama suspensereads bookrecommendation readersofinstagram bookstagram mustreadthriller
September 28, 2024
Reading Between the Wines book review #97/130 for 2024:
BOOK TOUR
Rating: 3🍷🍷🍷
Book: The Day She Vanished
Author: Jen Craven
Available now!!
Sipping thoughts: I was expecting this book to be like your typical child missing thriller, but it was so much more. It was also a domestic suspense. It surrounded the mother, Greta, and her guilt of being responsible for her missing 5 year old daughter. There were so many emotions that I felt as I read this. I went from sadness to anger to annoyance and back through them again. This is a slow burn for sure and may be a trigger for some.
Cheers and thank you to @Bookouture and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @TheDaySheVanished.
##TheDaySheVanished #JenCraven #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult #BOOKTOUR
BOOK TOUR
Rating: 3🍷🍷🍷
Book: The Day She Vanished
Author: Jen Craven
Available now!!
Sipping thoughts: I was expecting this book to be like your typical child missing thriller, but it was so much more. It was also a domestic suspense. It surrounded the mother, Greta, and her guilt of being responsible for her missing 5 year old daughter. There were so many emotions that I felt as I read this. I went from sadness to anger to annoyance and back through them again. This is a slow burn for sure and may be a trigger for some.
Cheers and thank you to @Bookouture and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @TheDaySheVanished.
##TheDaySheVanished #JenCraven #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult #BOOKTOUR
May 1, 2025
Pretty solid book for this genre but dragged down by the highly-unlikable main character.
I liked that the book was focused on the family itself rather than the cops trying to solve the crime, and I also liked that the book didn't end immediately after the main plot point was solved, which many authors do and leave you feeling unsatisfied.
The protagonist really did no favors to this story though. I get that she's going through a lot and maybe her behavior was even realistic, but as a reader, it's just miserable to go through 200+ pages of her being a black hole of negativity and lashing out unreasonably at everything in sight.
If that doesn't sound appealing to you, I suggest to skip this work.
Not that the character needed to be a saint or a martyr, but I strongly feel that the author could've made her at least a little more sympathetic.
There were also some text errors; not as many as I've seen in some other books, but an error with a phrasal verb kept coming back, and she used it a lot, which grated on me.
I liked that the book was focused on the family itself rather than the cops trying to solve the crime, and I also liked that the book didn't end immediately after the main plot point was solved, which many authors do and leave you feeling unsatisfied.
The protagonist really did no favors to this story though. I get that she's going through a lot and maybe her behavior was even realistic, but as a reader, it's just miserable to go through 200+ pages of her being a black hole of negativity and lashing out unreasonably at everything in sight.
If that doesn't sound appealing to you, I suggest to skip this work.
Not that the character needed to be a saint or a martyr, but I strongly feel that the author could've made her at least a little more sympathetic.
There were also some text errors; not as many as I've seen in some other books, but an error with a phrasal verb kept coming back, and she used it a lot, which grated on me.
September 13, 2024
This book was an emotionally charged, heart wrenching story of a family in crisis after experiencing one of a parent’s worst nightmares. Told from the perspective of the mother of a kidnapped child, I was immediately drawn in and really empathized with all of the thoughts and feelings she was wrestling with before, during, and after this life altering, world stopping experience. Rather than focusing on the officers involved/the investigation, the main focus is more on the effect the kidnapping has on the child’s entire family, and how a mother in crisis affects the entire family. Overall, this book pulled on my heartstrings and made me want to hug my babies even tighter. Will definitely be checking out other titles from this author!
Thank you to Jen Craven, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you to Jen Craven, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
September 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and author Jen Craven for the arc!
Wow, as a mom, this book just ripped my heart out … and I couldn’t put it down! I think I went through every emotion possible with the flip of each page!
A missing child is every parent’s worst nightmare & this story focuses on the heartbreaking pov of Greta, a mother whose little girl was there one minute … and gone the next. The author also takes us through the effects Summer’s disappearance has on her family both individually & as a unit. It was raw & emotional! The suspense & dread of what has happened to Summer kept me binging on this one to the very end … and never have I wished for a HEA more than in this story!
Beautifully written with both heartache & hope, grab your kleenexes … you’re gonna need ‘em!
Wow, as a mom, this book just ripped my heart out … and I couldn’t put it down! I think I went through every emotion possible with the flip of each page!
A missing child is every parent’s worst nightmare & this story focuses on the heartbreaking pov of Greta, a mother whose little girl was there one minute … and gone the next. The author also takes us through the effects Summer’s disappearance has on her family both individually & as a unit. It was raw & emotional! The suspense & dread of what has happened to Summer kept me binging on this one to the very end … and never have I wished for a HEA more than in this story!
Beautifully written with both heartache & hope, grab your kleenexes … you’re gonna need ‘em!
August 21, 2024
5⭐ honestly couldn't put it down.
Really beautifully written as it navigated the anxiety and grief the family was feeling. I was captivated and on the edge of my seat, just as anxious to find out what happened to Summer.
I consider this a quick read, it's perfectly paced and all of the characters feel well-developed. The author does a great job capturing the emotions around something that is one of every parent's biggest fears. Have your tissues ready!
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC copy to read and review.
Really beautifully written as it navigated the anxiety and grief the family was feeling. I was captivated and on the edge of my seat, just as anxious to find out what happened to Summer.
I consider this a quick read, it's perfectly paced and all of the characters feel well-developed. The author does a great job capturing the emotions around something that is one of every parent's biggest fears. Have your tissues ready!
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC copy to read and review.
September 13, 2024
I had a lot of fun reading this! As promised, this was completely "unputdownable." While I still really enjoyed this, some of the writing seemed redundant. There would be a few paragraphs that stated the same thing but just worded a little bit differently. Greta was a pretty irritating character. And while I empathize with what she was going through, she still had two other children to care for that she totally neglected. *Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this.* 3.5 stars, but rounding up.
September 22, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for my copy.
I made a mistake. The title, the cover, even the description made this sound like a thriller. But it's not. I don't do heartfelt or heartwarming. I want horror and gore and nastiness. So this really wasn't for me.
If this is your thing, you'll probably like it as it's written well and although the MC is really annoying, you can forgive her because of what she's going through.
I made a mistake. The title, the cover, even the description made this sound like a thriller. But it's not. I don't do heartfelt or heartwarming. I want horror and gore and nastiness. So this really wasn't for me.
If this is your thing, you'll probably like it as it's written well and although the MC is really annoying, you can forgive her because of what she's going through.
November 26, 2024
Wow. This book was great. My first by this writer, and it sounded interesting, so l gave it a shot. I’m sure glad that l did because it was fantastic. It definitely mirrored the grief, anxiety, and brokenness l am sure that l would have felt had my child been kidnapped. My son is 17, but l remember the panic l once had when he was small and thought he was lost/kidnapped at a park on a crowded spring day. Rushed to download more of her books right away!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
The Day She Vanished by Jen Craven.
I did love the cover and blurb. This was a really good read. Twisty gripping and emotional. The characters were believable. The emotions Greta and Wade felt were believable to. I also felt for Merritt and Gus. Very well written. I read in two sittings. I did like the ending.
I did love the cover and blurb. This was a really good read. Twisty gripping and emotional. The characters were believable. The emotions Greta and Wade felt were believable to. I also felt for Merritt and Gus. Very well written. I read in two sittings. I did like the ending.
November 8, 2024
Incredibly hard to put down and a definite rollercoaster of a read. What I appreciated most about this domestic suspense novel is how the author kept me glued to the page over the course of several story months. This is not an easy feat, y'all. Keeping the tension in a story when the main event happens early on is a huge challenge and Jen Craven nailed it every step of the way. I LOVED IT!
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