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Stolen: A True Story―Kidnapped, Rescued, Redeemed
A true crime memoir of international abduction, miraculous rescue, and the long road from trauma to forgiveness and redemption.
At seven years old, Lauren Burns was abducted by her father and taken from her home in Texas. She was flown to the Middle East and thrust into a life she did not recognize with a future she could not understand. What followed was an extraordinary international rescue by a small team of former military operatives and a mother who, refusing to give up, was guided by faith when all legal options had failed.
But Stolen is not only the story of a daring rescue; it’s the story of what came after.
Returning to the US did not end the fear. Lauren and her mother lived in hiding, changed names, and rebuilt their lives under the shadow of betrayal. Told from the rare perspective of the child at the center of the crime, this memoir explores the lasting impact of trauma, the struggle to reclaim identity, and the painful journey toward forgiveness.
As Lauren grows from a frightened child into a woman searching for peace, she reveals what true healing requires—and how redemption can emerge from even the deepest wounds.
Gripping, intimate, and ultimately hopeful, Stolen will resonate with readers drawn to true crime, memoir, and stories of faith and resilience.
Includes a foreword by Miranda Lambert.
At seven years old, Lauren Burns was abducted by her father and taken from her home in Texas. She was flown to the Middle East and thrust into a life she did not recognize with a future she could not understand. What followed was an extraordinary international rescue by a small team of former military operatives and a mother who, refusing to give up, was guided by faith when all legal options had failed.
But Stolen is not only the story of a daring rescue; it’s the story of what came after.
Returning to the US did not end the fear. Lauren and her mother lived in hiding, changed names, and rebuilt their lives under the shadow of betrayal. Told from the rare perspective of the child at the center of the crime, this memoir explores the lasting impact of trauma, the struggle to reclaim identity, and the painful journey toward forgiveness.
As Lauren grows from a frightened child into a woman searching for peace, she reveals what true healing requires—and how redemption can emerge from even the deepest wounds.
Gripping, intimate, and ultimately hopeful, Stolen will resonate with readers drawn to true crime, memoir, and stories of faith and resilience.
Includes a foreword by Miranda Lambert.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 8, 2026
About the author
Lauren Burns
1 book3 followers“I’m Lauren Burns, host of the Redeemed Podcast and author of STOLEN: A True Story of Kidnapping, Forgiveness & Redemption.
At age 7, I was kidnapped and taken to Jordan—an experience that shaped my childhood and ultimately led me on a journey of healing, identity, and forgiveness.
Today, I share stories of redemption, faith, and resilience through my podcast and writing, reminding others that no matter what they’ve walked through, God is still writing their story.”
Host of Redeemed Podcast
At age 7, I was kidnapped and taken to Jordan—an experience that shaped my childhood and ultimately led me on a journey of healing, identity, and forgiveness.
Today, I share stories of redemption, faith, and resilience through my podcast and writing, reminding others that no matter what they’ve walked through, God is still writing their story.”
Host of Redeemed Podcast
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stolen
A captivating true crime memoir expressing betrayal, faith and healing.
Lauren Burns was kidnapped by her father at just 7 years old. According to Jordanian law, where her father was born, in the case of divorce, a father has full rights to the child from the age of 7. Lauren’s father, Ali was aware of this, and kidnapped her, taking her to Jordan shortly after her 7th birthday.
Due to Jordanian law, Lauren’s mother exhausted any legal options to get her daughter back. Together with former military operatives, she endures a dangerous operation to retrieve her child from Jordan. This story does not just follow Lauren’s rescue, but the journey of healing and redemption afterward. Through her faith, Lauren explores betrayal, resilience and forgiveness.
Stolen is a beautifully written memoir that I struggled to put down: proven by the fact that I finished it in just 2 days! Lauren’s heartfelt writing style immerses the reader into her story, captivating her audience within the first few pages. A story of resilience and courage, Lauren bravely shares her story.
I rated this book 5 stars, which was surprising as non-fiction is not a genre I would normally pick up. I was pleasantly surprised to be glued to the pages, sitting on the edge of my seat.
Lauren’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring, one that I hope for millions to read.
A captivating true crime memoir expressing betrayal, faith and healing.
Lauren Burns was kidnapped by her father at just 7 years old. According to Jordanian law, where her father was born, in the case of divorce, a father has full rights to the child from the age of 7. Lauren’s father, Ali was aware of this, and kidnapped her, taking her to Jordan shortly after her 7th birthday.
Due to Jordanian law, Lauren’s mother exhausted any legal options to get her daughter back. Together with former military operatives, she endures a dangerous operation to retrieve her child from Jordan. This story does not just follow Lauren’s rescue, but the journey of healing and redemption afterward. Through her faith, Lauren explores betrayal, resilience and forgiveness.
Stolen is a beautifully written memoir that I struggled to put down: proven by the fact that I finished it in just 2 days! Lauren’s heartfelt writing style immerses the reader into her story, captivating her audience within the first few pages. A story of resilience and courage, Lauren bravely shares her story.
I rated this book 5 stars, which was surprising as non-fiction is not a genre I would normally pick up. I was pleasantly surprised to be glued to the pages, sitting on the edge of my seat.
Lauren’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring, one that I hope for millions to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy from the author and am sharing my honest review voluntarily.
Apparently knowing the ending does absolutely nothing to stop me from being completely hooked.
I’ve known Lauren and her story for over 10 years. I have watched the old movie made about it with her mom—pausing every few minutes so I could ask a hundred questions. I’ve heard her share it to new friends and rooms full of people, listened as she interviewed the key players on her podcast, and had the privilege to pray alongside her as she has navigated it all.
And still… I cannot put this book down.
It’s the action-packed and suspenseful crime drama I want to binge-watch, the sermon I want to play on repeat, and the encouragement I need to carry me through the hard days of motherhood and life.
This true story is thrilling, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and yet so full of hope, redemption, and faithful proof of God’s hand at work. Her mother’s faith and determination are deeply inspiring. I truly can’t put into words how proud I am of Lauren for her faithful “yes” and for following the Lord through the incredibly hard work it took to write this story.
It is brilliant. I promise you are going to want to read this one. It is the hope we all need right now.
Apparently knowing the ending does absolutely nothing to stop me from being completely hooked.
I’ve known Lauren and her story for over 10 years. I have watched the old movie made about it with her mom—pausing every few minutes so I could ask a hundred questions. I’ve heard her share it to new friends and rooms full of people, listened as she interviewed the key players on her podcast, and had the privilege to pray alongside her as she has navigated it all.
And still… I cannot put this book down.
It’s the action-packed and suspenseful crime drama I want to binge-watch, the sermon I want to play on repeat, and the encouragement I need to carry me through the hard days of motherhood and life.
This true story is thrilling, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and yet so full of hope, redemption, and faithful proof of God’s hand at work. Her mother’s faith and determination are deeply inspiring. I truly can’t put into words how proud I am of Lauren for her faithful “yes” and for following the Lord through the incredibly hard work it took to write this story.
It is brilliant. I promise you are going to want to read this one. It is the hope we all need right now.
September 27, 2026
I was motivated after watching a video about how Lauren Burns was kidnapped by her father and taken to his native Jordan, and then rescued by her mom and a team that she had assembled. It's definitely riveting in places and Burns is a good writer, especially for a first-time author. However, the book had some redudancies, at least one glaring grammatically error and what seemed like lapses in logic (or else some things should have been explained better). It definitely could have used a better editing process. I listened to the audiobook and Burns' narrated it. While I appreciated hearing her tell her own story, she could have used some production help with slowing down and pronouncing some words more clearly. Her narration definitely improved by the end. Finally, some readers might appreciate a heads up that Burns quotes bible scripture a lot, which for me, slowed down the book. I realize that her rescue story includes a lot of factors that fell into place and she feels strongly that divine intervention played a part, and that this is very important to her. I really felt hit over the head with this belief as it was stated over and over again. I did enjoy the book but it could have easily been better with some editing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! Wow! Wow! This book was better than great. I was right there with the author - both as a child reliving her horror and as an adult walking through the events in her life that helped shape her into who she is as well as in her mother's shoes with having to do the unthinkable. The evidence, forgiveness, and restoration of God was so evident throughout this whole book - both talked about and lived out as an example. This is a book I will keep on my shelves and recommend to many. I couldn't put it down. Read it in two days. I would love to read more from this author.
I received this book as a complimentary copy from netgalley and wasn't required to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
I received this book as a complimentary copy from netgalley and wasn't required to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Powerful Story of Survival and Hope
Stolen by Lauren Burns is a deeply moving true story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Lauren shares her experience with honesty and courage, taking readers through the trauma of her childhood abduction and the long journey toward healing. Her resilience, faith, and forgiveness shine through every chapter, making this a powerful and unforgettable memoir. A compelling read that stayed with me long after I finished it. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Stolen by Lauren Burns is a deeply moving true story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Lauren shares her experience with honesty and courage, taking readers through the trauma of her childhood abduction and the long journey toward healing. Her resilience, faith, and forgiveness shine through every chapter, making this a powerful and unforgettable memoir. A compelling read that stayed with me long after I finished it. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2026
A True Story of Faith, Miracles, Forgiveness, Redemption and Love
Lauren's life as documented in her book "Stolen" is a testament to God's Guiding Hand, always available to anyone who asked. Our Loving Father God is with us in all things. Lauren's mom, Cathy is a remarkable lady. Her faith is unwavering! "Stolen" A True Story--Kidnapped, Rescued, Redeemed by Lauren Burns will not disappoint. It is captivating and inspirational. Thank you Lauren for sharing you and your mom's story, strength, resilience and faith in our Lord and Jesus Christ in writing this book. This book will not disappoint the reader. Victoria
Lauren's life as documented in her book "Stolen" is a testament to God's Guiding Hand, always available to anyone who asked. Our Loving Father God is with us in all things. Lauren's mom, Cathy is a remarkable lady. Her faith is unwavering! "Stolen" A True Story--Kidnapped, Rescued, Redeemed by Lauren Burns will not disappoint. It is captivating and inspirational. Thank you Lauren for sharing you and your mom's story, strength, resilience and faith in our Lord and Jesus Christ in writing this book. This book will not disappoint the reader. Victoria
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
AMAZING !
The kind of memoire that stays with you!
Well written, full of emotions, you don't want to put it down.
I don't read a lot of memoires but I am glad I read this one! What Lauren went through is just hurrendous.
To live to tell her story, to share with the world, is simply amazing. One brave woman!
The kind of memoire that stays with you!
Well written, full of emotions, you don't want to put it down.
I don't read a lot of memoires but I am glad I read this one! What Lauren went through is just hurrendous.
To live to tell her story, to share with the world, is simply amazing. One brave woman!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, what an incredible story. It's like a suspenseful action movie, thankfully we know that it's a happy ending. I like the way this story was told as she navigated through reading her moms journals and listening to tapes from the time she was kidnapped until they were reunited. Powerful book!
Wow, what an incredible story. It's like a suspenseful action movie, thankfully we know that it's a happy ending. I like the way this story was told as she navigated through reading her moms journals and listening to tapes from the time she was kidnapped until they were reunited. Powerful book!
September 12, 2026
I devoured this book. Having been familiar with the story since it happened, it was a true gift to hear it told directly from Lauren’s perspective. This story holds a deeply personal connection for me, as my uncle was one of the rescuers who helped save her.
To Lauren: you mentioned hoping to honor JD’s memory in this book, and you completely nailed it. A breathtaking, deeply moving account.
To Lauren: you mentioned hoping to honor JD’s memory in this book, and you completely nailed it. A breathtaking, deeply moving account.
September 14, 2026
Loved this book, read it cover to cover in two days, couldn't put it down. You are really drawn into this story, the heartache, suspense, love, pain, joy, a Mother's love and determination, the faith that healed!! What an amazing Mother and group of Veteran Special Operators who planned and successfully carried out the mission against all odds!
October 13, 2026
An outstanding read!+
I could not put this book down (well, except to sleep) until I finished it. I especially liked how Lauren wove scripture throughout and how she gave God the credit for opening doors and paving her journey. My prayer is that anyone who reads this book will turn to God for guidance through difficult times.
I could not put this book down (well, except to sleep) until I finished it. I especially liked how Lauren wove scripture throughout and how she gave God the credit for opening doors and paving her journey. My prayer is that anyone who reads this book will turn to God for guidance through difficult times.
October 11, 2026
Audiobook
Review of advance copy
The author, Lauren, asked me to proofread the book. Because I was familiar with the story due to my husband being part of the rescue I read it with a little insight. I did not anticipate being so mesmerized by Lauren’s ability to draw me in from her point of view. I cried many tears as I truly felt her mother’s anguish over the fear she would never see her only child again. Lauren was also able to help me in my own faith journey. Truly a book that will linger with you afterwards.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews