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Paul Is Missing
Two young families are on the brink of new beginnings. Brynn and Eric Branson, recently married, are overjoyed with their baby, Paul. Alison and Jared Jensen are equally excited to start their life together, with Alison eager to escape the influence of her overbearing father, Cecil. Both couples are filled with anticipation for their futures.
However, life takes a dramatic turn when Jared is deployed to Afghanistan. In a misguided attempt to help Alison cope with a devastating loss, Cecil and Gail, Alison's parents, intervene in ways that profoundly affect both young couples.
As they navigate through heartbreaks and some victories over the next twenty years, will these couples find their way back to happiness? Can they overcome loss and tragedy, and will hope ultimately triumph?
However, life takes a dramatic turn when Jared is deployed to Afghanistan. In a misguided attempt to help Alison cope with a devastating loss, Cecil and Gail, Alison's parents, intervene in ways that profoundly affect both young couples.
As they navigate through heartbreaks and some victories over the next twenty years, will these couples find their way back to happiness? Can they overcome loss and tragedy, and will hope ultimately triumph?
306 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2024
2422 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 2, 2024
I just finished this book, and I loved it! I spent my afternoon curled up in a blanket reading, and I couldn't put it down until I finished the whole story.
MSS
MSS
October 17, 2024
Paul is Missing is a novel by Donna M. Cramer that readers are not going to want to miss. This novel takes a deep dive into the lives of different individuals as they struggle through various scenarios and tragedies in their lives. Packed with realistic characters, this book will keep you page-turning to the end.
Paul is Missing has a simple cover, but it’s one that will reinforce with readers exactly what this book will be about. The cover has a setting in a grocery store. A grocery cart sits center stage with a small blue blanket draped over the side. On the ground is a baby bottle with milk and a pacifier next to it. All of these are indications that a baby was here. But the big question is – where is the baby?
Paul is Missing starts off with Brynn and her husband Eric at a store shopping for shoes. They seem like a relatively happy couple. Of course, then author Cramer introduces the mother-in-law, and she is quite the pill. Immediately readers will get the sense that Brynn’s mother-in-law does not like her and feels that she’s not good enough for her son, Eric. Little Paul is also a bone of contention when it comes to the mother-in-law.
Honestly, you can’t help but feel sorry for Brynn. She can do nothing right in her mother-in-law’s eyes. This will become more and more amplified as the story progresses. We have to applaud Brynn for showing as much restraint as she does, for as long as she does, but even she has her breaking point.
Author Cramer gives readers insight as to why Eric’s mother feels the way that she does about Brynn. Does it make her right in her behavior? Not a chance, but it does go to create more empathy towards Brynn. Especially when one of Eric’s “friends” shows up at the store and says something that gives Eric’s mother more fuel to create drama.
As Paul is Missing progresses, readers are introduced to another couple – Allison and Jared. But first we get to meet Gail and Cecil, Allison’s parents. There are reflections and flashbacks to Gail and Cecil’s past and how this couple came together. Allison was raised in a very religious household and so author Cramer has Allison do the typical teenage thing – rebel. She gets married soon after graduation, and comes up pregnant.
As Paul is Missing begins to unfold everything lands in the present day time period. Allison suffers multiple tragedies that break her all the way down. She’s struggling and more than once she makes attempts on her life. It’s heartbreaking situation after heartbreaking situation. Her parents try everything they can to help her, but nothing seems to be working.
For such being such “God-fearing folk” Allison’s parents enact a plan that, while it may have been made with “good intentions” is one that is truly horrifying. Since the story is set in modern era with technology practically at it’s peak you’d think that it would have been difficult for them to succeed, but succeed they do. Thus setting in motion the destruction of another couple’s relationship and the devastation of another mother’s mental state along the way.
Paul is Missing is an unexpectedly engaging novel that will quickly grab readers. Once the primary characters are introduced readers will be drawn to stay engaged to see how it all pans out. Page by page, we will bear witness to Brynn’s mental and emotional breakdown. The loss of her son, Paul is absolutely devastating to her. Readers will feel empathy for her and the struggles that she will have to go through on a daily basis.
The characters in Paul is Missing are written as truly realistic. You can imagine that you could travel to where they lived and meet them (if they are still among the living) or find their final resting place. Author Cramer excellently showcases the distancing that takes place in Brynn’s and Eric’s relationship. Of course, the mother, Marge, played a substantial hand in driving a wedge in this couple’s relationship.
Paul is Missing focuses for a time on Brynn’s and Eric’s marriage falling apart, but then it shifts to baby Paul, who becomes known as Jared. Author Cramer gives readers Paul/Jared’s life. Paul/Jared does exactly what Allison’s parents hoped he would do...he brings her back from the brink.
One would think that Allison would take this “second chance” for the blessing it was. However, that’s not the case. What readers will witness is both women struggling with alcohol and/or drugs and the different paths that they choose to take.
Author Cramer writes Paul is Missing in an expert manner. Brynn is written as the mother struggling with the loss of her child. She has her moments, her breakdowns, and yes...a missed opportunity. Allison takes the path that will disappoint readers the most. We would have hoped for better for and from her, for the sake of “her child.” But despite it all, Paul/Jared doesn’t allow her downward spiral to draw him in and destroy him.
Paul is Missing reads like a story one could or even would find in a newspaper article. It’s so realistic and gripping. As you read this book you won’t be able to help but think...what would this child’s life have been like if he had not been snatched away from his family? How would he have turned out?
The final chapters of Paul is Missing will truly make this story one that readers will not want to miss out on. The truth never stays hidden for long, and author Cramer does a riveting job bringing everything to light little by little. It’s an interesting ending that draws this story to a close with a bright light for the future for those found within these pages.
Paul is Missing is a gripping fictional drama that focuses on family drama, bad choices and decisions, and the hope that something good will come out of it all in the end. This book is suspenseful, dramatic, and highly realistic. Paul is Missing is a powerful nod to the resiliency of a mother’s love for her child, human nature, and how life can surprise you. This is a novel not to be missed.
Pros:
• Gripping storyline
• Realistic
• Engaging characters
• Powerful
• Well detailed
Cons:
• None of merit
Cover Score: 8.7
Overall Book Score: 9.7
Paul is Missing has a simple cover, but it’s one that will reinforce with readers exactly what this book will be about. The cover has a setting in a grocery store. A grocery cart sits center stage with a small blue blanket draped over the side. On the ground is a baby bottle with milk and a pacifier next to it. All of these are indications that a baby was here. But the big question is – where is the baby?
Paul is Missing starts off with Brynn and her husband Eric at a store shopping for shoes. They seem like a relatively happy couple. Of course, then author Cramer introduces the mother-in-law, and she is quite the pill. Immediately readers will get the sense that Brynn’s mother-in-law does not like her and feels that she’s not good enough for her son, Eric. Little Paul is also a bone of contention when it comes to the mother-in-law.
Honestly, you can’t help but feel sorry for Brynn. She can do nothing right in her mother-in-law’s eyes. This will become more and more amplified as the story progresses. We have to applaud Brynn for showing as much restraint as she does, for as long as she does, but even she has her breaking point.
Author Cramer gives readers insight as to why Eric’s mother feels the way that she does about Brynn. Does it make her right in her behavior? Not a chance, but it does go to create more empathy towards Brynn. Especially when one of Eric’s “friends” shows up at the store and says something that gives Eric’s mother more fuel to create drama.
As Paul is Missing progresses, readers are introduced to another couple – Allison and Jared. But first we get to meet Gail and Cecil, Allison’s parents. There are reflections and flashbacks to Gail and Cecil’s past and how this couple came together. Allison was raised in a very religious household and so author Cramer has Allison do the typical teenage thing – rebel. She gets married soon after graduation, and comes up pregnant.
As Paul is Missing begins to unfold everything lands in the present day time period. Allison suffers multiple tragedies that break her all the way down. She’s struggling and more than once she makes attempts on her life. It’s heartbreaking situation after heartbreaking situation. Her parents try everything they can to help her, but nothing seems to be working.
For such being such “God-fearing folk” Allison’s parents enact a plan that, while it may have been made with “good intentions” is one that is truly horrifying. Since the story is set in modern era with technology practically at it’s peak you’d think that it would have been difficult for them to succeed, but succeed they do. Thus setting in motion the destruction of another couple’s relationship and the devastation of another mother’s mental state along the way.
Paul is Missing is an unexpectedly engaging novel that will quickly grab readers. Once the primary characters are introduced readers will be drawn to stay engaged to see how it all pans out. Page by page, we will bear witness to Brynn’s mental and emotional breakdown. The loss of her son, Paul is absolutely devastating to her. Readers will feel empathy for her and the struggles that she will have to go through on a daily basis.
The characters in Paul is Missing are written as truly realistic. You can imagine that you could travel to where they lived and meet them (if they are still among the living) or find their final resting place. Author Cramer excellently showcases the distancing that takes place in Brynn’s and Eric’s relationship. Of course, the mother, Marge, played a substantial hand in driving a wedge in this couple’s relationship.
Paul is Missing focuses for a time on Brynn’s and Eric’s marriage falling apart, but then it shifts to baby Paul, who becomes known as Jared. Author Cramer gives readers Paul/Jared’s life. Paul/Jared does exactly what Allison’s parents hoped he would do...he brings her back from the brink.
One would think that Allison would take this “second chance” for the blessing it was. However, that’s not the case. What readers will witness is both women struggling with alcohol and/or drugs and the different paths that they choose to take.
Author Cramer writes Paul is Missing in an expert manner. Brynn is written as the mother struggling with the loss of her child. She has her moments, her breakdowns, and yes...a missed opportunity. Allison takes the path that will disappoint readers the most. We would have hoped for better for and from her, for the sake of “her child.” But despite it all, Paul/Jared doesn’t allow her downward spiral to draw him in and destroy him.
Paul is Missing reads like a story one could or even would find in a newspaper article. It’s so realistic and gripping. As you read this book you won’t be able to help but think...what would this child’s life have been like if he had not been snatched away from his family? How would he have turned out?
The final chapters of Paul is Missing will truly make this story one that readers will not want to miss out on. The truth never stays hidden for long, and author Cramer does a riveting job bringing everything to light little by little. It’s an interesting ending that draws this story to a close with a bright light for the future for those found within these pages.
Paul is Missing is a gripping fictional drama that focuses on family drama, bad choices and decisions, and the hope that something good will come out of it all in the end. This book is suspenseful, dramatic, and highly realistic. Paul is Missing is a powerful nod to the resiliency of a mother’s love for her child, human nature, and how life can surprise you. This is a novel not to be missed.
Pros:
• Gripping storyline
• Realistic
• Engaging characters
• Powerful
• Well detailed
Cons:
• None of merit
Cover Score: 8.7
Overall Book Score: 9.7
September 10, 2024
‘It’s so easy to judge others, so convinced we know all about them’ – Love and hope examined beautifully
Massachusetts author Donna M. Cramer served as a special education teacher, working with young special needs students, and is now retired. Having survived a major brain injury, leaving her with the ability to write more easily than to speak, she now writes books – children’s books LESTER LION WANTS TO ROAR, and LESTER LION CALLS 911, and now her initial novel PAUL IS MISSING. Of note, Donna is committed to assuring all of us that there is always hope, no matter the barriers.
Cramer shares her concept of the significance of hope in this exceedingly well-written novel that discusses difficult issues of the family spectrum, brought carefully into focus with important historic events. Young Allison and Jared Jensen marry before Jared is to begin his military assignment – and to shield an early pregnancy. The year is 2001 and 911 exacerbates Jared’s deployment to Afghanistan, where he is killed by friendly fire. Allison miscarries, her only hope of having a fragment of Jared, leaving Allison with only her grief and her parents Gail and Cecil. In a parallel story, Brynn and Eric Branson marry before a pregnancy can be obvious: after marriage the infant Paul is born. Eric is a busy lawyer and his mother Marge is overbearing. The lives of these two couples intersect when Allison’s grief at Jared’s military death and her miscarriage of their child entails medications and attempted suicide, driving Gail and Cecil to find a replacement for the ‘missing infant Jared.’ Infant Paul is kidnapped in a grocery store setting by Cecil and Gail to ease Allison’s depression, renaming the child Jared. The manner in which these two families interact over the following twenty years makes for an immersive, compelling story.
It is evident with this initial novel that Donna Cramer has stepped onto the stage of significant writers of importance. She makes a challenging subject matter the stage on which to foster important issues of love and hope and resilience. Highly recommended
Massachusetts author Donna M. Cramer served as a special education teacher, working with young special needs students, and is now retired. Having survived a major brain injury, leaving her with the ability to write more easily than to speak, she now writes books – children’s books LESTER LION WANTS TO ROAR, and LESTER LION CALLS 911, and now her initial novel PAUL IS MISSING. Of note, Donna is committed to assuring all of us that there is always hope, no matter the barriers.
Cramer shares her concept of the significance of hope in this exceedingly well-written novel that discusses difficult issues of the family spectrum, brought carefully into focus with important historic events. Young Allison and Jared Jensen marry before Jared is to begin his military assignment – and to shield an early pregnancy. The year is 2001 and 911 exacerbates Jared’s deployment to Afghanistan, where he is killed by friendly fire. Allison miscarries, her only hope of having a fragment of Jared, leaving Allison with only her grief and her parents Gail and Cecil. In a parallel story, Brynn and Eric Branson marry before a pregnancy can be obvious: after marriage the infant Paul is born. Eric is a busy lawyer and his mother Marge is overbearing. The lives of these two couples intersect when Allison’s grief at Jared’s military death and her miscarriage of their child entails medications and attempted suicide, driving Gail and Cecil to find a replacement for the ‘missing infant Jared.’ Infant Paul is kidnapped in a grocery store setting by Cecil and Gail to ease Allison’s depression, renaming the child Jared. The manner in which these two families interact over the following twenty years makes for an immersive, compelling story.
It is evident with this initial novel that Donna Cramer has stepped onto the stage of significant writers of importance. She makes a challenging subject matter the stage on which to foster important issues of love and hope and resilience. Highly recommended
September 27, 2024
Paul is Missing* by Donna M Cramer is an emotional and poignant exploration of two young families facing life's unexpected challenges. The story centers on Brynn and Eric Branson, a newlywed couple brimming with joy after the birth of their son, Paul, and Alison and Jared Jensen, who are equally eager to embark on their life together away from Alison's controlling father, Cecil. However, the promise of new beginnings quickly shifts as tragedy strikes, upending the lives of both couples.
The novel delves into the complexities of relationships and how external forces, such as Jared's deployment to Afghanistan, can strain even the strongest bonds. Cramer sensitively portrays the ripple effects of Jared's absence on Alison, whose parents, particularly her domineering father, Cecil, become more entangled in her life, making decisions that leave lasting scars. This dynamic introduces a layer of tension as the parents' misguided attempts to help create fractures in both families.
Cramer skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and resilience as the characters grapple with heartbreak over the next two decades. The emotional depth of the novel lies in its portrayal of how the characters face personal tragedy and work to rebuild their lives. The loss of Paul and its ramifications is a thread that runs through the story, acting as a catalyst for change, healing, and transformation for all involved.
What sets *Paul is Missing* apart is its exploration of the long-term effects of grief and the difficult path to healing. Cramer captures the bittersweet nature of life, balancing moments of despair with glimmers of hope and redemption. The story's pacing allows for a rich examination of how the characters grow and evolve as they navigate life's inevitable ups and downs.
In conclusion, *Paul is Missing* is a heartfelt and moving novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of family, love, and endurance. Donna M Cramer has crafted a deeply human tale that reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength needed to overcome its trials.
The novel delves into the complexities of relationships and how external forces, such as Jared's deployment to Afghanistan, can strain even the strongest bonds. Cramer sensitively portrays the ripple effects of Jared's absence on Alison, whose parents, particularly her domineering father, Cecil, become more entangled in her life, making decisions that leave lasting scars. This dynamic introduces a layer of tension as the parents' misguided attempts to help create fractures in both families.
Cramer skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and resilience as the characters grapple with heartbreak over the next two decades. The emotional depth of the novel lies in its portrayal of how the characters face personal tragedy and work to rebuild their lives. The loss of Paul and its ramifications is a thread that runs through the story, acting as a catalyst for change, healing, and transformation for all involved.
What sets *Paul is Missing* apart is its exploration of the long-term effects of grief and the difficult path to healing. Cramer captures the bittersweet nature of life, balancing moments of despair with glimmers of hope and redemption. The story's pacing allows for a rich examination of how the characters grow and evolve as they navigate life's inevitable ups and downs.
In conclusion, *Paul is Missing* is a heartfelt and moving novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of family, love, and endurance. Donna M Cramer has crafted a deeply human tale that reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength needed to overcome its trials.
October 28, 2024
Paul is Missing by Donna M. Cramer is a fast-paced, heart-pounding work of literary fiction that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
The author crafts an intriguing storyline that hooks you early on and pulls you through the emotional highs and lows with each chapter. The book doesn’t shy away from raw emotion, making it a deeply affecting read.
The characters are so well drawn that you really see each layer that opens up as you go. You can really feel how their lives feel in the ups and downs they go through. There is, however, an unevenness in pacing and some places in the dialogue where the story just flows awkwardly, and repetition can dilute some of the depth in their experiences.
Overall, Paul is Missing is a compelling read with a heartfelt message about love, resilience, and the power of hope, even in life’s most challenging moments. If you enjoy stories that dive into the complexities of family relationships and emotional healing, this novel is well worth the journey.
🐾
Rated 7/10
Melina L.
The author crafts an intriguing storyline that hooks you early on and pulls you through the emotional highs and lows with each chapter. The book doesn’t shy away from raw emotion, making it a deeply affecting read.
The characters are so well drawn that you really see each layer that opens up as you go. You can really feel how their lives feel in the ups and downs they go through. There is, however, an unevenness in pacing and some places in the dialogue where the story just flows awkwardly, and repetition can dilute some of the depth in their experiences.
Overall, Paul is Missing is a compelling read with a heartfelt message about love, resilience, and the power of hope, even in life’s most challenging moments. If you enjoy stories that dive into the complexities of family relationships and emotional healing, this novel is well worth the journey.
🐾
Rated 7/10
Melina L.
October 7, 2024
Oh, totally! So, this book was, like, an emotional whirlwind! I was seriously glued to every page. The way it captures the struggles of love, loss, and trying to keep it all together—it just hits you, you know? You feel every heartbreak, every little glimmer of hope, and you’re just rooting for them to find happiness again.
And the writing? Ugh, so good. It's paced perfectly, with each twist making you feel all the feels. It’s deep but it balances all that emotion with these beautiful moments of resilience. Honestly, it left me with all the warm fuzzies, even though parts were, like, totally heartbreaking.
If you're into stories that make you reflect on life and love while totally taking you on an emotional ride, this is a must-read! Five stars, no question! 🌟
And a huge thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! This book was such an emotional journey, and I’m so glad I got to experience it. 💖
And the writing? Ugh, so good. It's paced perfectly, with each twist making you feel all the feels. It’s deep but it balances all that emotion with these beautiful moments of resilience. Honestly, it left me with all the warm fuzzies, even though parts were, like, totally heartbreaking.
If you're into stories that make you reflect on life and love while totally taking you on an emotional ride, this is a must-read! Five stars, no question! 🌟
And a huge thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! This book was such an emotional journey, and I’m so glad I got to experience it. 💖
November 2, 2024
The book begins following two separate and seemingly happy couples. However, life rarely goes as planned, and the book quickly delves into the depths of human sadness.
As a parent whose child has wandered off, the emotions are nearly indescribable—shock, sadness, fear, and an overwhelming need to find them. But I could not imagine not finding them. However, the author did an amazing job of describing the traumatic event for the characters, and each handled their emotions in distinctly different ways.
I thoroughly enjoyed the intertwined aspect of mental illness and the different ways in which people handle grief.
I could not put the book down. I loved everything about this heartbreaking story.
If you enjoy a good read, this is a great book for you!
As a parent whose child has wandered off, the emotions are nearly indescribable—shock, sadness, fear, and an overwhelming need to find them. But I could not imagine not finding them. However, the author did an amazing job of describing the traumatic event for the characters, and each handled their emotions in distinctly different ways.
I thoroughly enjoyed the intertwined aspect of mental illness and the different ways in which people handle grief.
I could not put the book down. I loved everything about this heartbreaking story.
If you enjoy a good read, this is a great book for you!
September 2, 2024
Love this one. Fast-paced and captured me until the very end!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews