What do you think?
Rate this book
Vanishing Act: A Lingering Echoes Novel
A fresh start at college is exactly what Kate needs to ease the burden of her family secrets. When she meets the confident and charming Aaron Jackson, she weaves a new history for herself to fit into his seemingly perfect life. But the past refuses to stay where it belongs, causing a rift between their contrasting worlds.
When Ben reappears in Kate's life, she is only pulled deeper into the childhood that she's tried to forget. Driven by the abuse and pain that still lingers within him, Ben seeks Kate's help in making a change. But in this journey for retribution, lines blur between courage, justice, and revenge.
Bound by their shared and damaged youth, Kate is forced to choose sides, and fast. The final act is almost here, and time is running out.
When Ben reappears in Kate's life, she is only pulled deeper into the childhood that she's tried to forget. Driven by the abuse and pain that still lingers within him, Ben seeks Kate's help in making a change. But in this journey for retribution, lines blur between courage, justice, and revenge.
Bound by their shared and damaged youth, Kate is forced to choose sides, and fast. The final act is almost here, and time is running out.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2015
About the author
Erica Kiefer
7 books215 followersErica Kiefer’s debut novel Lingering Echoes was published by Clean Teen Publishing in November 2013. She continued the series with Rumors (A Lingering Echoes Prequel) and her newest release Vanishing Act. All of her books can be read as stand-alone contemporary YA fiction, touched with romance, emotional drama and suspense. With a degree in Recreation Therapy from Brigham Young University, Erica’s experiences working with at-risk youth have influenced the realistic and relatable nature of her writing. Her first inspirational non-fiction entitled Borrowed Angel (published in April 2014 with Currawong Press) describes the loss of her infant son and her journey towards healing.
Married since 2005, Erica resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her four children and can often be found satisfying her sweet-tooth with chocolate-chip cookies and a glass of milk. One day, she hopes to dust off her collegiate rugby skills and dive back into the game.
Married since 2005, Erica resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her four children and can often be found satisfying her sweet-tooth with chocolate-chip cookies and a glass of milk. One day, she hopes to dust off her collegiate rugby skills and dive back into the game.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 20, 2017
My Review: I dabbled in what I was wanting to be a weekly post called Judging a Book by It's Cover, but as those things go, I find myself forgetting to grab covers - thus missing the post. Once a couple weeks went by, I didn't keep trying. Though I still like the idea. Anyhow. I did this cover back then, and later purchased the book. I just got around to reading it, and let me tell you...I was wayyyy off! :)
What I Loved: I so loved the message behind this story, and the good and bad sides of Foster Care, and the kids who are often in and out of it. More and more focus needs to be placed on the innocent, and the system, because I know that there are just as many good Foster Parents as there are bad ones. And I'm guessing that is the heart from which this story was birthed. This entire story arc was stellar and what kept me reading.
This book was filled with angst and reality of life. I did like how the truth wasn't really avoided - but told in a real, heartfelt way.
Ben is the character I actually latched on to the most, because you could just tell he was completely lost and alone, and I so badly didn't want that for him at all, even though I spend almost the entire book wavering between how unhinged he was and understanding and even commiserating his misguided thoughts on how to fix things.
As an offshot of the major issues of this story, I loved the dynamic between Aaron, Nick and Josh. Their friendship is what I always imagine guys in college should be - and what I long for for my kids when they reach that age. Maybe not the hardships some of them faced, but the family away from family kind of feel.
Not So Much: I wasn't really into Kate and Aaron's relationship in this book. I loved him as a friend and a support, and the first chapters even I loved the chemistry of them, but I felt their story was kind of was there because it could be rather than it was a part of the overall. I enjoyed the learning between the two characters, but I guess I just wasn't feeling the relationship as much.
The Verdict: A great read for sure! I do recommend picking it up. The book is clean and very age appropriate at NA, even YA would be fine.
What I Loved: I so loved the message behind this story, and the good and bad sides of Foster Care, and the kids who are often in and out of it. More and more focus needs to be placed on the innocent, and the system, because I know that there are just as many good Foster Parents as there are bad ones. And I'm guessing that is the heart from which this story was birthed. This entire story arc was stellar and what kept me reading.
This book was filled with angst and reality of life. I did like how the truth wasn't really avoided - but told in a real, heartfelt way.
Ben is the character I actually latched on to the most, because you could just tell he was completely lost and alone, and I so badly didn't want that for him at all, even though I spend almost the entire book wavering between how unhinged he was and understanding and even commiserating his misguided thoughts on how to fix things.
As an offshot of the major issues of this story, I loved the dynamic between Aaron, Nick and Josh. Their friendship is what I always imagine guys in college should be - and what I long for for my kids when they reach that age. Maybe not the hardships some of them faced, but the family away from family kind of feel.
Not So Much: I wasn't really into Kate and Aaron's relationship in this book. I loved him as a friend and a support, and the first chapters even I loved the chemistry of them, but I felt their story was kind of was there because it could be rather than it was a part of the overall. I enjoyed the learning between the two characters, but I guess I just wasn't feeling the relationship as much.
The Verdict: A great read for sure! I do recommend picking it up. The book is clean and very age appropriate at NA, even YA would be fine.
May 29, 2015
My first thoughts are absolutely phenomenal and undeniably epic. What you think you know, you never did. What you think you see is only an illusion, but what you feel is all too real. This story will invade your mind, your heart, your soul, and your senses. You won’t be able to put it down and walk away without taking a piece of it with you. It will haunt you, and it will permeate your life until your eyes finally open and your heart will never be the same again.
Starting college was a perfect time for Kate to start over, become someone new, and yet still help those she loves dearly. With her mind set to avoid all distractions beyond school and family, she is sidelined by the naturally charismatic and gentle force that is Aaron. No matter how much she fights, she is completely and utterly drawn to him for his huge heart and easy-going personality. He is the only one to help her realize that her blind determination and fierce heart proves to be her greatest downfall when she finally realizes she can’t change her family and her past no matter how hard she tries. Will she listen to him and allow the people she loves the most to make their own decisions and suffer the consequences, or will she try one last time to take care of everyone she loves?
Kate held my heart from the very first word. She has a heart of gold, and she loves with everything that she is. She doesn’t know any other way to live then to take care of her family. As she continues on in this role that was never meant to be hers, she collides with Aaron who just wants to see her smile and have fun. He doesn’t have an agenda just a big smile and open arms whenever she needs them. I loved Aaron in Lingering Echoes. He found his offered heart put back in his hands over the summer, and while he is intrigued by Kate he isn’t looking to get hurt again. However, these two find themselves pulled together like magnets. They can’t and don’t want to fight the love, strength, and courage that they give to each other. These two are such a beautiful couple, and I would love to find out what happens with them next!
Not many authors have been able to get under my skin like Erica Kiefer. She makes me feel when I don’t want to feel. With her stories, I feel more and deeper than most, and I walk away very different. I am not the same as when I first started reading, and that’s the best thing about her books. The shift you feel inside you is genuine and very real. The way you look at things begins to change, and you know you won’t see them same ever again. I challenge everyone to pick up one of her outstanding books. You will never look at the world with the same pair of eyes ever again.
Starting college was a perfect time for Kate to start over, become someone new, and yet still help those she loves dearly. With her mind set to avoid all distractions beyond school and family, she is sidelined by the naturally charismatic and gentle force that is Aaron. No matter how much she fights, she is completely and utterly drawn to him for his huge heart and easy-going personality. He is the only one to help her realize that her blind determination and fierce heart proves to be her greatest downfall when she finally realizes she can’t change her family and her past no matter how hard she tries. Will she listen to him and allow the people she loves the most to make their own decisions and suffer the consequences, or will she try one last time to take care of everyone she loves?
Kate held my heart from the very first word. She has a heart of gold, and she loves with everything that she is. She doesn’t know any other way to live then to take care of her family. As she continues on in this role that was never meant to be hers, she collides with Aaron who just wants to see her smile and have fun. He doesn’t have an agenda just a big smile and open arms whenever she needs them. I loved Aaron in Lingering Echoes. He found his offered heart put back in his hands over the summer, and while he is intrigued by Kate he isn’t looking to get hurt again. However, these two find themselves pulled together like magnets. They can’t and don’t want to fight the love, strength, and courage that they give to each other. These two are such a beautiful couple, and I would love to find out what happens with them next!
Not many authors have been able to get under my skin like Erica Kiefer. She makes me feel when I don’t want to feel. With her stories, I feel more and deeper than most, and I walk away very different. I am not the same as when I first started reading, and that’s the best thing about her books. The shift you feel inside you is genuine and very real. The way you look at things begins to change, and you know you won’t see them same ever again. I challenge everyone to pick up one of her outstanding books. You will never look at the world with the same pair of eyes ever again.
January 2, 2016
Actual rating 4 1/2 stars
Vanishing Act continues the Lingering Echoes Series, but the story follows Nick and Aaron as they return to college. Even though this book includes characters from the previous one, it easily stands alone. New characters enter the story--Josh and Ben, who are Nick and Aaron's roommates at school, and Kate, who is Josh's cousin. Friendships run deep and budding romances begin in this installment of the story. A major focus of the plot is children growing-up in broken homes and the various issues that are the cause and result of those homes (and some foster homes), such as physical and mental abuse as well as drug abuse, to name a few. Mingled in with the serious, less-than-ideal situations, author Erica Kiefer also brings us characters who have risen above their difficult lives and become stronger and better people in spite of it all. This story will provoke a vast range of emotions from the heartbreaking flashbacks to the tender relationships and even some suspenseful moments that will have the reader on the edge of their seat. I was looking forward to continuing this series and Kiefer didn't disappoint. She's an excellent writer who isn't afraid to delve into the deep subjects but also manages to make her stories uplifting.
For full content review go to: http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
Vanishing Act continues the Lingering Echoes Series, but the story follows Nick and Aaron as they return to college. Even though this book includes characters from the previous one, it easily stands alone. New characters enter the story--Josh and Ben, who are Nick and Aaron's roommates at school, and Kate, who is Josh's cousin. Friendships run deep and budding romances begin in this installment of the story. A major focus of the plot is children growing-up in broken homes and the various issues that are the cause and result of those homes (and some foster homes), such as physical and mental abuse as well as drug abuse, to name a few. Mingled in with the serious, less-than-ideal situations, author Erica Kiefer also brings us characters who have risen above their difficult lives and become stronger and better people in spite of it all. This story will provoke a vast range of emotions from the heartbreaking flashbacks to the tender relationships and even some suspenseful moments that will have the reader on the edge of their seat. I was looking forward to continuing this series and Kiefer didn't disappoint. She's an excellent writer who isn't afraid to delve into the deep subjects but also manages to make her stories uplifting.
For full content review go to: http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
June 13, 2015
I enjoyed reading Vanishing Act. The romance between Kate and Aaron was so sweet. It was a very quick read...I started on my plane flight and almost finished the entire thing on my three hour flight (I would have finished it if we hadn't hit those storms and had to wait to take out our devices) The story shows the aftermath of being in the foster care system when the system has been abused, while also showing that that isn't always the case. It highlights both the good experiences and bad experiences and what it can do to a child. It also illustrates that a person's choices are there own; how they turn out depends mostly on the choices they make and their responses to situations. It was interesting to see both Kate, Ben and even Luke's perspective on their time in foster care when they were young and how it effected them once they got older. It was also nice to see Aaron's connection to the foster system. I really appreciated that the book stressed that while circumstances affect us, they don't define us...our choices and responses do. Overall it's a great story about relationships and connections; relationships, friendships, family, and even enemies. I definitely think it's worth a read.
May 7, 2015
Erica Kiefer’s book Vanishing Act is a beautifully written story about new love and old pain. Kate is off to college with the lofty goals of getting an education while still financially supporting the remnants of her broken family. She meets Aaron (the same Aaron from Kiefer’s book Lingering Echoes) and love creeps into her life despite all Kate’s intentions. However, the past won’t stay behind her and complications develop when Ben, an old acquaintance, appears with a plan to exact revenge on a mutual enemy.
Vanishing Act has romance, drama, and action, all while Kiefer manages to teach important life lessons without any moral slamming. Her characters’ problems are realistic and introduce current issues to teen readers. Kiefer’s writing is detail oriented and sensorial, allowing the reader to be immersed in characters’ world and emotions. Each character’s flaws and strengths are represented with unique voices as they learn and we learn that good choices can be made despite and even during bad circumstances.
Vanishing Act has romance, drama, and action, all while Kiefer manages to teach important life lessons without any moral slamming. Her characters’ problems are realistic and introduce current issues to teen readers. Kiefer’s writing is detail oriented and sensorial, allowing the reader to be immersed in characters’ world and emotions. Each character’s flaws and strengths are represented with unique voices as they learn and we learn that good choices can be made despite and even during bad circumstances.
April 26, 2015
I really liked this story. The beginning starts out slow. I enjoyed the first chapter. But chapters 2-5 were a bit slower to me. But the rest of the story was really good. The ending was really intense but a great ending.
All of these books have really intense moments throughout the books.
I love the writing style that Erica Kiefer has. She has really great talent at writing great stories. This book was just awesome. It started a bit slow but after you get through the first few chapters its really enjoyable. I really enjoy love stories and this another great one that she has wrote. Its different than other romance stories out there. It has a different take on adoption, and abuse. Its a really deep and kind of emotional story.
If you have read The Lingering Echoes series please pick up this installment. If you haven't read The Lingering Echoes series. Pick it up please its such an amazing series. This one didn't disappoint one bit. I LOVED IT.
All of these books have really intense moments throughout the books.
I love the writing style that Erica Kiefer has. She has really great talent at writing great stories. This book was just awesome. It started a bit slow but after you get through the first few chapters its really enjoyable. I really enjoy love stories and this another great one that she has wrote. Its different than other romance stories out there. It has a different take on adoption, and abuse. Its a really deep and kind of emotional story.
If you have read The Lingering Echoes series please pick up this installment. If you haven't read The Lingering Echoes series. Pick it up please its such an amazing series. This one didn't disappoint one bit. I LOVED IT.
July 3, 2015
From the very first chapter I was hooked. So hooked that all plans I had for that day were out of the window and only a few hours later I sat on my sofa in the same spot as that morning wanting more from Erica.
The plot was captivating and I instantly fell in love with the characters. There were a few areas where I wished Erica had gone into more detail but it was still told beautifully.
It was a long time since reading book one so Aaron's character seemed new to me and it was like learning about him all over again. The end especially made you think about life and the cards you yourself have been dealt. Thanks Erica for another captivating and heart-warming story. I can't wait for more. Happy reading :)
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for a honest review.**
The plot was captivating and I instantly fell in love with the characters. There were a few areas where I wished Erica had gone into more detail but it was still told beautifully.
It was a long time since reading book one so Aaron's character seemed new to me and it was like learning about him all over again. The end especially made you think about life and the cards you yourself have been dealt. Thanks Erica for another captivating and heart-warming story. I can't wait for more. Happy reading :)
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for a honest review.**
June 12, 2015
I absolutely LOVED this book! I have read the other two books that accompany Vanishing Act, and I think this one was my favorite. The story line kept me interested through the entire book. (I finished it in 2 days because I couldn’t put it down!) I thoroughly enjoy Erica Kiefer’s writing style. The way she writes makes her books a pleasure to read. After the first chapter, I had already fallen in love with the character Aaron! He is always full of surprises and is so charming; no wonder he sweeps Kate off her feet! The range of emotions this book will bring out in you is vast. I found myself swooning, laughing, on the edge of my seat and eventually in tears. (That says a lot because I have only cried once while reading a book until I picked this one up.) Vanishing Act is definitely worth reading!
January 20, 2016
Wow... I was completely moved by this story. A very touchy subject for some but what a way to tell a story that is a common issue in America. When someone takes what others might find very frustrating because of how things are run, it warms my heart to see a happy ending, despite the circumstances. I wish that is how things worked in real life, but I loved it none the less. I enjoyed the way Erica wrote this story with the connection of the characters, and as a reader making you feel apart of these everyday people, she made them important and valid. I loved that. Erica also brought in previous characters from Lingering Echoes, but did't make the reader feel like they had to read the other book to understand this one. She brought this whole story together in a unique and intriguing way. What stellar writing. She really set the bar for me on this one.
May 15, 2015
Another really terrific book by Erica Kiefer! I really liked the other books in the "Lingering Echos" series as well. This one can easily stand alone. It does not need to be read with the others. There were some very unexpected twists and turns in this book. Erica does a great job exploring pain and grief especially as it is experienced by youth. For some reason I wasn't expecting that to be such a central theme in this story. The characters are continually learning and growing. Aaron Jackson, a favorite character of mine from the previous stories, has a central role in this one. He always seems like the perfect hero to me. New characters play a very large part of this story and I came to love them as well. So glad to have another captivating story by Erica Kiefer to read!
June 30, 2015
It's good.
This book was good, although it was very different from the other two books in this series. Actually, each of the books in this series were uniquely different from each other. I think that's a good thing because you don't really know what to expect. I also appreciate that these are clean romances,and they are well written. They also have enough suspense to keep you hooked. This one did have some issues that some of the characters were trying to deal with that were disturbing to me, but over all it was well done. I will definitely read more from this author:)
This book was good, although it was very different from the other two books in this series. Actually, each of the books in this series were uniquely different from each other. I think that's a good thing because you don't really know what to expect. I also appreciate that these are clean romances,and they are well written. They also have enough suspense to keep you hooked. This one did have some issues that some of the characters were trying to deal with that were disturbing to me, but over all it was well done. I will definitely read more from this author:)
May 27, 2015
Absolutely incredible!
As a previous reader of Erica's books, I didn't think they could get any better, but Vanishing Act was the cherry on top of the Lingering Echoes series that I gobbled up in 12 hours. It was the perfect twist of emotional drama, intrigue, and romance. I recommend it to all as either a standalone or a part of the series. Although, I highly recommend Erica's other brilliant literary feats as well.
As a previous reader of Erica's books, I didn't think they could get any better, but Vanishing Act was the cherry on top of the Lingering Echoes series that I gobbled up in 12 hours. It was the perfect twist of emotional drama, intrigue, and romance. I recommend it to all as either a standalone or a part of the series. Although, I highly recommend Erica's other brilliant literary feats as well.
June 16, 2015
A well written book! Erica Kiefer is definitely one of my favorite authors.
Some parts I had trouble reading with out tears. From the opening where Kate meets Aaron, you really start to connect with the characters. They jump off the page, and became very real. Kate's family becomes like family as you feel her need to care for them, and how that spirals in a way she can't control. Her pain, and deep love of family stand out.
Some parts I had trouble reading with out tears. From the opening where Kate meets Aaron, you really start to connect with the characters. They jump off the page, and became very real. Kate's family becomes like family as you feel her need to care for them, and how that spirals in a way she can't control. Her pain, and deep love of family stand out.
July 11, 2015
I loved this book! I started and just couldn't put it down. It flows nicely, and reads fast. I love the topics the author addresses, possibly because so many struck close to home. I think this would make an excellent book club choice as there are some great discussion questions already floating around in my head. I think my favorite thing about the author is the way she does more than tell a nice story- she makes it mean something, as well.
February 7, 2016
Great Book!
I loved this story! I loved Aaron in the first book but I love him even more in this one! The strength and courage of Kate and Ben make you want to cheer for them from the beginning. I truly hope no one has to go through the abuse and neglect Ben had to go through. This story just pulled me in from the get go!
I loved this story! I loved Aaron in the first book but I love him even more in this one! The strength and courage of Kate and Ben make you want to cheer for them from the beginning. I truly hope no one has to go through the abuse and neglect Ben had to go through. This story just pulled me in from the get go!
March 20, 2016
Loved this book
I loved the characters and story line. I would recommend to any young adult who feels as though life is getting too difficult. We all have choices and it all depends on which ones you choose that determines your happiness.
I loved the characters and story line. I would recommend to any young adult who feels as though life is getting too difficult. We all have choices and it all depends on which ones you choose that determines your happiness.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews