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Missing
Sometimes you don't know what you're missing until you find it. . .
He'd witnessed the ravages of war firsthand as an army special ops, but nothing could have prepared Wes Holden for the senseless death of his own wife and son--or the private nightmare that followed. An empty shell of a man, he is unable to do anything but survive. Until the day he walks into Ally Monroe's yard.
Raised in the isolated mountains of West Virginia, Ally faces a bleak future spent caring for her stern widower father and two brothers. But that doesn't stop her from dreaming that a stranger might walk into her life and transform her lonely existence.
A special bond forms between Wes and Ally. But as Wes emerges from his haze of pain, his soldier's instincts kick in. There's danger in the mountains, a place chosen to hide a thriving illegal drug business. Far worse, the threat is closing in on Ally, and time is running out. . .
He'd witnessed the ravages of war firsthand as an army special ops, but nothing could have prepared Wes Holden for the senseless death of his own wife and son--or the private nightmare that followed. An empty shell of a man, he is unable to do anything but survive. Until the day he walks into Ally Monroe's yard.
Raised in the isolated mountains of West Virginia, Ally faces a bleak future spent caring for her stern widower father and two brothers. But that doesn't stop her from dreaming that a stranger might walk into her life and transform her lonely existence.
A special bond forms between Wes and Ally. But as Wes emerges from his haze of pain, his soldier's instincts kick in. There's danger in the mountains, a place chosen to hide a thriving illegal drug business. Far worse, the threat is closing in on Ally, and time is running out. . .
378 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
371 people are currently reading
1100 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
281 books2,312 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
August 12, 2018
Colonel Wes Holden came home from work suffering from PTSD. When his wife and son are killed in a terrorist bombing, Wes is hospitalized in a near catatonic state. A year later, while living with a step-brother, Wes comes around and eventually decides to strike out on his own. Looking for a place to be by himself, he finds a remote mountain in West Virginia to call home. He also finds Ally Monroe, a young woman who cares for her father and brothers on an isolated farm. As Wes gains ground on his recovery and becomes friends with Ally, he begins to believe that there is something sinister happening on that mountain.
The first hundred pages of this book is very different. It tells the story of Wes returning from war, only to be devastated by the death of his family. The pace picks up when Wes is recovering and wanders onto a West Virginia mountain. From that point the suspense begins and I had a hard time laying this book down. My rating: 4 Stars.
The first hundred pages of this book is very different. It tells the story of Wes returning from war, only to be devastated by the death of his family. The pace picks up when Wes is recovering and wanders onto a West Virginia mountain. From that point the suspense begins and I had a hard time laying this book down. My rating: 4 Stars.
April 13, 2018
I liked this book but not as much as her others I have read. Still a good story.
August 13, 2016
Opening Line: "That inner part of a soldier that tells him when he’s being watched was going off big-time in Wes Holden’s head.”
This was actually my first book from author Sharon Sala but I can see now why she’s so popular. It was a very good read, well parts of it were; I mean the beginning is just excellent, grabbing you right away as we watch Army Special Ops soldier Wes Holden struggle with PTSD before losing his wife and son in an on-base suicide bombing and then subsequently giving up his hold on reality. If you have a thing for the tortured heroes (like I do), then it doesn’t get much more heartbreaking than this.
On the other hand right after the gripping opening chapters we jump straight into the heroines head and I suddenly felt like I was reading a different book. Her POV’s (before she meets the hero) read like a historical romance. Ally Monroe lives in an isolated mountain community and spends her days cooking and cleaning for her strict father and two brothers. Attending church on Sundays and trying to get out of marrying any of the potential suitors her Pa brings home in an attempt to marry her off before she’s completely passed her sell by date and despite her club foot. It all just seemed a little far-fetched, and I honestly wondered how these two were going to have any kind of romance.
Speaking of which… just when I’m getting on board with these two fitting together in a slow-going courtshipy kind of way it was like Sala suddenly ran out of page time and thought I better get these two into bed and wrap this up. There was zero chemistry pre getting-it-on and therefore all the ONE love scene did was make me uncomfortable because it was so out of the blue. Poor naïve virgin Ally, her first night in a hotel and she has to spout lines like “are we going to make love now?” Yeah I was surprised too honey, especially with Wes still missing his wife, barely able to function in the world and without any condoms. Anyways, it was pretty horrible.
On the other, (other) hand, the mad scientist, bad guy in this was excellent. Well actually he wasn’t all that interesting but the bioterrorism he engages in scared the shit out of me. Creating a “super weed” that is so toxic and addictive that it makes anything that touches it go mad (animals, insects, stray deer, the men paid to harvest it) trying to get more, more, more before they die an agonizing death. This plot line was clever and interesting and realistically scary.
So yeah, I would definitely give Sharon Sala another shot. MISSING was well written with engaging secondary characters, plenty of suspense, some twists and surprises and a great broken hero.
Oh, one other thing; I agree with another reviewer who questioned the title. Nobody is “missing” in this book unless you count the heroes mind but that’s just misleading, anyways Cheers.
368jb4
This was actually my first book from author Sharon Sala but I can see now why she’s so popular. It was a very good read, well parts of it were; I mean the beginning is just excellent, grabbing you right away as we watch Army Special Ops soldier Wes Holden struggle with PTSD before losing his wife and son in an on-base suicide bombing and then subsequently giving up his hold on reality. If you have a thing for the tortured heroes (like I do), then it doesn’t get much more heartbreaking than this.
On the other hand right after the gripping opening chapters we jump straight into the heroines head and I suddenly felt like I was reading a different book. Her POV’s (before she meets the hero) read like a historical romance. Ally Monroe lives in an isolated mountain community and spends her days cooking and cleaning for her strict father and two brothers. Attending church on Sundays and trying to get out of marrying any of the potential suitors her Pa brings home in an attempt to marry her off before she’s completely passed her sell by date and despite her club foot. It all just seemed a little far-fetched, and I honestly wondered how these two were going to have any kind of romance.
Speaking of which… just when I’m getting on board with these two fitting together in a slow-going courtshipy kind of way it was like Sala suddenly ran out of page time and thought I better get these two into bed and wrap this up. There was zero chemistry pre getting-it-on and therefore all the ONE love scene did was make me uncomfortable because it was so out of the blue. Poor naïve virgin Ally, her first night in a hotel and she has to spout lines like “are we going to make love now?” Yeah I was surprised too honey, especially with Wes still missing his wife, barely able to function in the world and without any condoms. Anyways, it was pretty horrible.
On the other, (other) hand, the mad scientist, bad guy in this was excellent. Well actually he wasn’t all that interesting but the bioterrorism he engages in scared the shit out of me. Creating a “super weed” that is so toxic and addictive that it makes anything that touches it go mad (animals, insects, stray deer, the men paid to harvest it) trying to get more, more, more before they die an agonizing death. This plot line was clever and interesting and realistically scary.
So yeah, I would definitely give Sharon Sala another shot. MISSING was well written with engaging secondary characters, plenty of suspense, some twists and surprises and a great broken hero.
Oh, one other thing; I agree with another reviewer who questioned the title. Nobody is “missing” in this book unless you count the heroes mind but that’s just misleading, anyways Cheers.
368jb4
April 29, 2025
I found this story a little bit over the top.
Did I believe Wes with his PTSD, completely.
Did I believe what happened at the top of the mountain, not really, I really thought I was reading Science Fiction. But, wait, that’s what I called COVID-19.
So, you need to read this and come to your own conclusions.
Did I believe Wes with his PTSD, completely.
Did I believe what happened at the top of the mountain, not really, I really thought I was reading Science Fiction. But, wait, that’s what I called COVID-19.
So, you need to read this and come to your own conclusions.
November 12, 2011
Parts of this were brilliant. It started before the man's wife and child died so you get to experience that with him. It was sad and moving. I was totally invested in the hero. The heroine not so much. Mostly because she just seemed unrealistic. 28 years old and stuck at home cooking for the menfolks on the mountain? No one wanted her because she was born with a crooked foot? I just couldn't get behind her poor me-ness. She was also very similar to the heroines in both Miracle Man and When You Call My Name by Ms. Sala. The villain and all that was a bit unbelievable. So all in all not a bad read. The writing was well done as usual with Ms. Sala but the romance came out of nowhere and the heroine and hero basically fell in love without spending more than about 2 hours in each other's company. Not her best.
March 13, 2008
A little bit disturbing.
April 18, 2009
Excellent!
January 20, 2026
When I read this book for the second time it was just as good even though I knew what was going to happen. This book is that good. Highly recommend.
July 11, 2022
A new author for me and was pleasantly surprised.
A page turner from the first to the last page. Will definitely be checking into more by this author.
A page turner from the first to the last page. Will definitely be checking into more by this author.
March 5, 2018
Missing, by Sharon Sala, is a must read action romance novel, depicting the unexpected meeting of a lost war veteran and a crippled young woman in the mountains of West Virginia, caught in the midst of criminal activity. Directed at women, especially teenage girls, it is a novel written for pleasure reading; it is the kind of book meant to curl up on the couch with on a rainy day.The intriguing plot line and engaging characters will keep you entertained for hours. The book was published in 2004 and drew attention to Sharon Sala as she continued to build up her reputation as a romantic fiction author.
Told from the points of view of an army veteran who lost his family as well as his mind, and a crippled woman who feels like all hope for love is lost, Warren develops a storyline true to real life, managing to incorporate true love with the struggles and heartbreaks that come with a relationship as well as the secrets it held. Wesley Holden lost his wife and son in an explosion at Fort Benning and, just recently coming out of the recesses of his mind, has wandered across the country to the state of West Virginia. Unknown to him, the offer for a drink of water from a stranger, Ally Monroe, would lead to much more. When Ally’s family is threatened along with her well being and safety, the two are forced to work together, ultimately leading to a much closer relationship than either side had ever expected. Warren uses intense action scenes, life threatening situations, and romantic evenings to create an intriguing plot line, developing characters that are relatable and often times too predictable, yet entertaining to read about. Warren does a great job of connecting to the audience on a personal level through the developments of struggles and issues, rather than creating a picture perfect scene in which every part of life turns out in just the way one would want it.
Even though the book is a romance novel, it is far from the traditional romance novel. The theme that love is much more than a feeling between two people is constantly present throughout the story. Love does not always work out perfectly from the start. Both sides must sacrifice for the other and overcome obstacles along the way, unlike the storylines of many other romance novels such as Stand By Me, in which the end is perfect for both people and just as the audience could have predicted it would be. The stories of Wesley and Ally are far from predictable and perfect as the story progresses. This book, not yet made into a movie, would do well to remain that way and maintain the complete story as is often times not retained when created into a movie. I would highly recommend reading the book for a story that will not let you down. One of Sharon Sala’s better novels, Missing will keep you wanting to continue reading her stories.
Told from the points of view of an army veteran who lost his family as well as his mind, and a crippled woman who feels like all hope for love is lost, Warren develops a storyline true to real life, managing to incorporate true love with the struggles and heartbreaks that come with a relationship as well as the secrets it held. Wesley Holden lost his wife and son in an explosion at Fort Benning and, just recently coming out of the recesses of his mind, has wandered across the country to the state of West Virginia. Unknown to him, the offer for a drink of water from a stranger, Ally Monroe, would lead to much more. When Ally’s family is threatened along with her well being and safety, the two are forced to work together, ultimately leading to a much closer relationship than either side had ever expected. Warren uses intense action scenes, life threatening situations, and romantic evenings to create an intriguing plot line, developing characters that are relatable and often times too predictable, yet entertaining to read about. Warren does a great job of connecting to the audience on a personal level through the developments of struggles and issues, rather than creating a picture perfect scene in which every part of life turns out in just the way one would want it.
Even though the book is a romance novel, it is far from the traditional romance novel. The theme that love is much more than a feeling between two people is constantly present throughout the story. Love does not always work out perfectly from the start. Both sides must sacrifice for the other and overcome obstacles along the way, unlike the storylines of many other romance novels such as Stand By Me, in which the end is perfect for both people and just as the audience could have predicted it would be. The stories of Wesley and Ally are far from predictable and perfect as the story progresses. This book, not yet made into a movie, would do well to remain that way and maintain the complete story as is often times not retained when created into a movie. I would highly recommend reading the book for a story that will not let you down. One of Sharon Sala’s better novels, Missing will keep you wanting to continue reading her stories.
February 14, 2012
This is the first book I have read by this author and I can definitely say that I will be reading more! Sharon Sala had me hooked on this story from the very first chapter. I loved her writing style and her imagination to come up with this storyline. There was never a dull moment in reading this book and it was filled with a lot of suspense. The main characters were easily likable. Especially Wes, my heart went out to him for everything he had to endure after serving his country. The only thing that I don’t understand is why this story was given the title of “Missing”. The title didn’t really fit the storyline in my opinion. Maybe you can be the judge and after you read the book. Here is the synopsis of the book:
Wes, is an Army Special Ops Soldier who endures a very sad occurrence in his life. (I won’t spoil it and say what it is). This occurrence happens within the first 3 chapters which will instantly get you hooked to the story. This occurrence leaves him very distraught and not fully sane. He already had to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome after returning back from war in Afghanistan, and this occurrence just sends him over the edge. His mind and soul is lost for a while until he comes across a house in the woods. There he meets Ally who has her own issues to deal with. She is the only daughter of Gideon who wants to marry her off to a man for fear that when he dies she will not have someone to fend for her as she is a cripple due to a small limp on her leg. Gideon has two other sons named Danny and Porter who rely on their sister to cook, clean and do the house chores. She grows old of doing all of this over and over and wants to live her own life and search for her own dreams. This is when she meets Wes.
At first Wes was hesitant to let her into his life and it took him a while to understand why this woman was friendly towards him. He was not used to being shown this sort of humbleness. After a while they become friends until they begin to develop feelings for one another. What I really liked about this story is that the author didn’t get caught up with the “love story” part of the book. There was more suspense than romance which was perfect for this book. During this whole time, Roland Storm is on the verge of coming up with a new lethal drug that he hopes to get rich off of. Little does he know that this new drug is more lethal than what he would have wanted it to be. Now the whole town is in danger!
This is a fast read that will have you interested on what is going to happen next! I liked the ending too, especially the words the author chose to end the story with. :)
Wes, is an Army Special Ops Soldier who endures a very sad occurrence in his life. (I won’t spoil it and say what it is). This occurrence happens within the first 3 chapters which will instantly get you hooked to the story. This occurrence leaves him very distraught and not fully sane. He already had to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome after returning back from war in Afghanistan, and this occurrence just sends him over the edge. His mind and soul is lost for a while until he comes across a house in the woods. There he meets Ally who has her own issues to deal with. She is the only daughter of Gideon who wants to marry her off to a man for fear that when he dies she will not have someone to fend for her as she is a cripple due to a small limp on her leg. Gideon has two other sons named Danny and Porter who rely on their sister to cook, clean and do the house chores. She grows old of doing all of this over and over and wants to live her own life and search for her own dreams. This is when she meets Wes.
At first Wes was hesitant to let her into his life and it took him a while to understand why this woman was friendly towards him. He was not used to being shown this sort of humbleness. After a while they become friends until they begin to develop feelings for one another. What I really liked about this story is that the author didn’t get caught up with the “love story” part of the book. There was more suspense than romance which was perfect for this book. During this whole time, Roland Storm is on the verge of coming up with a new lethal drug that he hopes to get rich off of. Little does he know that this new drug is more lethal than what he would have wanted it to be. Now the whole town is in danger!
This is a fast read that will have you interested on what is going to happen next! I liked the ending too, especially the words the author chose to end the story with. :)
July 28, 2011
I would've given this book 5 stars if I knew I will read it again. But I don't think I will. So I'd just give it 4 stars.
What can I say about this book? Let's see.
First pages caught me quiet fast. I can feel the guilty feeling that had been burden for Wes for some times. And the way he made connection to his son, Michael, convinced you that he would be a great father.
Tapi sayang, sayang, sayang...
Michael ga pnya kesempatan tumbuh dewasa untuk bisa nyukur kayak bapaknya. Saya nangis di adegan Wes meluk istri dan anaknya yang udah mati, waktu Wes ga mau ngelepas mereka meski udah dibujuk oleh paramedik dll. Ya ampun, padahal ini baru halaman-halaman awal.
Setelahnya, 'menghilangnya' Wes dari dunia bisa dimengerti. Saat dia masih berjuang ngatasin PTSD, dia hrus kehilangan istri dan anaknya saat dia baru aja berjanji akan membayar hutangnya selama dia jauh karna kerjaan.
Abis itu Wes seolah mati, ilang. Dia ada tapi ga ada. Makan disuapin, dimandiin. Nggak bisa diajak ngomong dan berlangsung hampir setaun. Ya ampuuuuun, saya jadi ikut ngerasa kosong dan mati.
Adegan dia dan Ally biasa aja sih. Bahkan menurut saya kalo nyari romannya, di buku ini porsinya termasuk sedikit. Baik Wes dan Ally punya perjuangan masing-masing. Dan ke belakangnya terfokus sama proyek berbahayanya Roland Storm, yang tinggal ga jauh dari rumah keluarga Ally.
Agak gregetan ama bapaknya Ally, but hey, kalo ga gitu ga bakal seru juga ceritanya.
Cerita baru seru ketika Danny dan Potter, Ally's brothers, kerja di tempat Storm.
Huaaaaa... Saya ikut gregetan sama dua bersodara itu karna tetep kerja di situ meski tau it's not right. Tapi gimana lagi? Saya punya feeling bakal terjadi sesuatu pada mereka, but I swear, I didn't expect it, the way they died, I mean. It's horrible! Saya mules and pengen nangis ngebayangin cara mereka mati, terutama Danny. Huhuhuhuhu...
Meski endingnya berasa cepat banget setelah kejadian Danny-Potter berikut serangan Storm terhadap Ally, menurut saya cukup oke.
What can I say about this book? Let's see.
First pages caught me quiet fast. I can feel the guilty feeling that had been burden for Wes for some times. And the way he made connection to his son, Michael, convinced you that he would be a great father.
Tapi sayang, sayang, sayang...
Michael ga pnya kesempatan tumbuh dewasa untuk bisa nyukur kayak bapaknya. Saya nangis di adegan Wes meluk istri dan anaknya yang udah mati, waktu Wes ga mau ngelepas mereka meski udah dibujuk oleh paramedik dll. Ya ampun, padahal ini baru halaman-halaman awal.
Setelahnya, 'menghilangnya' Wes dari dunia bisa dimengerti. Saat dia masih berjuang ngatasin PTSD, dia hrus kehilangan istri dan anaknya saat dia baru aja berjanji akan membayar hutangnya selama dia jauh karna kerjaan.
Abis itu Wes seolah mati, ilang. Dia ada tapi ga ada. Makan disuapin, dimandiin. Nggak bisa diajak ngomong dan berlangsung hampir setaun. Ya ampuuuuun, saya jadi ikut ngerasa kosong dan mati.
Adegan dia dan Ally biasa aja sih. Bahkan menurut saya kalo nyari romannya, di buku ini porsinya termasuk sedikit. Baik Wes dan Ally punya perjuangan masing-masing. Dan ke belakangnya terfokus sama proyek berbahayanya Roland Storm, yang tinggal ga jauh dari rumah keluarga Ally.
Agak gregetan ama bapaknya Ally, but hey, kalo ga gitu ga bakal seru juga ceritanya.
Cerita baru seru ketika Danny dan Potter, Ally's brothers, kerja di tempat Storm.
Huaaaaa... Saya ikut gregetan sama dua bersodara itu karna tetep kerja di situ meski tau it's not right. Tapi gimana lagi? Saya punya feeling bakal terjadi sesuatu pada mereka, but I swear, I didn't expect it, the way they died, I mean. It's horrible! Saya mules and pengen nangis ngebayangin cara mereka mati, terutama Danny. Huhuhuhuhu...
Meski endingnya berasa cepat banget setelah kejadian Danny-Potter berikut serangan Storm terhadap Ally, menurut saya cukup oke.
October 24, 2008
Cheesy as hell, corny lead-in premises (I dream a handsome dark man will walk up, ask for water, and sweep me off my feet! And look! There he is!), and a terribly unconvincing portrayal of Special Ops.
Well, ok. I've only met one Special Ops briefly in my life, so I'm no expert, but from his own words, you gotta be a little bit crazy to be Special Forces. Add a dose of PTSD, and I reeeally don't think you'll get the handsome, tragic, romantic hero of this novel who's just begging to love and be loved.
No suspense, nor any "emotional intensity" as the Publisher's Weekly blurb claims, mainly because the author follows the time-honored romantic novel tradition of telling you everything single thing everyone and their 12th cousin are feeling, rather than leaving something for the reader to figure out from contextual clues.
And the dialogue became rather unatural near the end.
And the falling-in-love was unconvincing for some stressed out dude whose was so screwed up over his family's death that he went catatonic for a year. A purty homebody feeds him a couple times, insert a bunch of chapters of them thinking distractedly about each other, and then somehow she's the light and salvation of his life, wut?
And..and....
well, I did finish the thing, and I only raised my hands to heaven once!
So it's better than all the romances I've read where romance is the primary reason for being, but falls short compared to the MIRA books where romance comes secondary. Kind of a shame, because I've had good track record with the 3 MIRA books I've read, and I was hoping for more.
Well, ok. I've only met one Special Ops briefly in my life, so I'm no expert, but from his own words, you gotta be a little bit crazy to be Special Forces. Add a dose of PTSD, and I reeeally don't think you'll get the handsome, tragic, romantic hero of this novel who's just begging to love and be loved.
No suspense, nor any "emotional intensity" as the Publisher's Weekly blurb claims, mainly because the author follows the time-honored romantic novel tradition of telling you everything single thing everyone and their 12th cousin are feeling, rather than leaving something for the reader to figure out from contextual clues.
And the dialogue became rather unatural near the end.
And the falling-in-love was unconvincing for some stressed out dude whose was so screwed up over his family's death that he went catatonic for a year. A purty homebody feeds him a couple times, insert a bunch of chapters of them thinking distractedly about each other, and then somehow she's the light and salvation of his life, wut?
And..and....
well, I did finish the thing, and I only raised my hands to heaven once!
So it's better than all the romances I've read where romance is the primary reason for being, but falls short compared to the MIRA books where romance comes secondary. Kind of a shame, because I've had good track record with the 3 MIRA books I've read, and I was hoping for more.
April 26, 2016
Set mostly in West Virginia, Missing is a captivating and often very touching novel. While Wesley Holden is trying to overcome his severe post traumatic stress disorder, he has to make a new life for himself in the town of Blue Creek. A town that unknowingly harbors a lethal secret in the nearby mountain.
This is a relaxing, yet utterly gripping read, with the kind of beginning that just tells the reader that things are going to go very wrong very soon. From start to finish the book is packed with colorful characters, interesting facts about PTSD and, towards the end, some tasteful romance.
The main characters are fleshed out and lifelike. They are the kind of people we meet in our daily lives with the kind of problems that are common, yet so often overlooked. Wes Holden is a true romantic hero though his condition makes him more realistic. Ally, who at first appears to be a very simple country girl, proves to have not only courage, but a sharp mind as well.
What I really liked about this author’s books is that, so far, not one of her heroes or heroines are stereotypical characters. As with previous books by her, the characters in Missing are completely unique.
For a novel that combines a crazy scientist, a very sick soldier, a crippled girl and life in a West Virginia town into a reading feast filled with suspense and romance, I recommend Missing as a very worthwhile read. (Ellen Fritz)
This is a relaxing, yet utterly gripping read, with the kind of beginning that just tells the reader that things are going to go very wrong very soon. From start to finish the book is packed with colorful characters, interesting facts about PTSD and, towards the end, some tasteful romance.
The main characters are fleshed out and lifelike. They are the kind of people we meet in our daily lives with the kind of problems that are common, yet so often overlooked. Wes Holden is a true romantic hero though his condition makes him more realistic. Ally, who at first appears to be a very simple country girl, proves to have not only courage, but a sharp mind as well.
What I really liked about this author’s books is that, so far, not one of her heroes or heroines are stereotypical characters. As with previous books by her, the characters in Missing are completely unique.
For a novel that combines a crazy scientist, a very sick soldier, a crippled girl and life in a West Virginia town into a reading feast filled with suspense and romance, I recommend Missing as a very worthwhile read. (Ellen Fritz)
April 8, 2009
My first time reading this author and I liked what I read. Think I'll look for more of this author's novels!
From back cover:
"He'd witnessed the ravages of war firsthand as an army special ops, but nothing could have prepared Wes Holden for the senseless death of his own wife and son-or the private nightmare that followed. An empty shell of a man, he is unable to do anything but survive. Until the day he walks into Ally Monroe's yard.
Raised in the isolated mountains of West Virginia, Ally faces a bleak future spent caring for her stern widower father and two brothers. But that doesn't stop her from dreaming that a stranger might walk into her life and transform her lonely existence.
A special bond forms between Wes and Ally. But as Wes emerges from his haze of pain, his soldier's instincts kick in. There's danger in the mountains, a place chosen to hide a thriving illegal drug business. Far worse, the threat is closing in on Ally, and time is running out..."
From back cover:
"He'd witnessed the ravages of war firsthand as an army special ops, but nothing could have prepared Wes Holden for the senseless death of his own wife and son-or the private nightmare that followed. An empty shell of a man, he is unable to do anything but survive. Until the day he walks into Ally Monroe's yard.
Raised in the isolated mountains of West Virginia, Ally faces a bleak future spent caring for her stern widower father and two brothers. But that doesn't stop her from dreaming that a stranger might walk into her life and transform her lonely existence.
A special bond forms between Wes and Ally. But as Wes emerges from his haze of pain, his soldier's instincts kick in. There's danger in the mountains, a place chosen to hide a thriving illegal drug business. Far worse, the threat is closing in on Ally, and time is running out..."
July 15, 2012
You would love powerful romantic suspense novels, this is the one with you. This brought together two people, who were missing things in their life. It did have a little bit spiritual zing to it, which gave me a whole lot of meaning. This one would have your heart strings pulled tight and taut like a fishing rod and have you rooting for both Ally Monroe, a lonely girl in a small West Virginia town with a foot deformity, and Wes Holden, a former solider from Georgia who lost his family. When this two meet, chemistry spark between them. My heart went out to both of them. It's beautifully written with a bittersweet ending. This novel is true to form to the war overseas today, when we have loved ones over there fighting for our country against terrorism. Three cheers for this one!
August 6, 2019
'Missing' was so cheesy it should get rid of the reviews on the cover and put a warning to Lactose Intolerants.
The opening was so hard-hitting emotionally that I didn't think that I was going to make it through the rest of the book without ugly crying.
As a new parent, it hit home hard.
But after the 'big event' there was little else that really affected me. The plot was weaker than a kitten in a storm, the characters - with the exception of Wes - were flimsy and insipid, and as a whole the book didn't seem to know if it was a paranormal novel, a romance...suspense...
Ally was insipid as a character, I couldn't tell you a thing about her except she lived at home and cooked and did washing. No hobbies, dreams, friends, whether she'd had a boyfriend before, whether she actually enjoy cooking... nada. She existed purely for the sake of this plot.
I could not get my 21st Century head around the fact that the menfolk kept her out of the public eye, and genuinely thought that she wouldn't attract a real man because she had a slight limp.
Sala kept giving her a backbone with regards to her father and brothers but then a chapter later she would be back to her usual meek self doing their washing and cooking. It was all so wishy washy.
The romance was just awful. First off, Wes was clearly NOT over Mrs. Wes the First. Ally was the biggest rebound I have ever seen. Even Wes and Ally seemed to realise that he still wasn't over old Margie, but they went on ahead anyway because it wouldn't be a romantic/suspense without the romance part.
It wasn't as though the pair spent alot of time together and bonded and there was a budding romance which made Wes wary. They literally spent about two hours together through the whole book but fell in love anyway.
The plot concerning Roland Storm was really weak. I think I rolled my eyes about 23819324729384729384 times. I can't even get into the details because no. Just no.
The oddest parts were the introduction of the visions that Granny had, the fact that at one point Wes speaks to God and that stupid dream that Ally had which came true.... these were never properly addressed and just seemed to be thrown in to add some 'spice'. I use the term loosely and with sarcastic air quotes as well as real quotes.
I would have read a whole book about Wes losing his family and trying to piece his life back together. His grief was so well captured that it broke my heart a little. Every time I thought about the kid not shaving I welled up. Even if Wes had found Ally in the same way and the rest of the book had just focused on her helping him through, forget Roland Storm and all that jazz. Just two people healing one another after a tragedy... that is a book that I'd be awarding lots of stars.
I've read a lot of Sala novels in the past. They are always a bit cheesy and insta-lovey, but some of them are just warming and lovely so you can get passed it. 'Missing' was definitely not the best.
The opening was so hard-hitting emotionally that I didn't think that I was going to make it through the rest of the book without ugly crying.
As a new parent, it hit home hard.
But after the 'big event' there was little else that really affected me. The plot was weaker than a kitten in a storm, the characters - with the exception of Wes - were flimsy and insipid, and as a whole the book didn't seem to know if it was a paranormal novel, a romance...suspense...
Ally was insipid as a character, I couldn't tell you a thing about her except she lived at home and cooked and did washing. No hobbies, dreams, friends, whether she'd had a boyfriend before, whether she actually enjoy cooking... nada. She existed purely for the sake of this plot.
I could not get my 21st Century head around the fact that the menfolk kept her out of the public eye, and genuinely thought that she wouldn't attract a real man because she had a slight limp.
Sala kept giving her a backbone with regards to her father and brothers but then a chapter later she would be back to her usual meek self doing their washing and cooking. It was all so wishy washy.
The romance was just awful. First off, Wes was clearly NOT over Mrs. Wes the First. Ally was the biggest rebound I have ever seen. Even Wes and Ally seemed to realise that he still wasn't over old Margie, but they went on ahead anyway because it wouldn't be a romantic/suspense without the romance part.
It wasn't as though the pair spent alot of time together and bonded and there was a budding romance which made Wes wary. They literally spent about two hours together through the whole book but fell in love anyway.
The plot concerning Roland Storm was really weak. I think I rolled my eyes about 23819324729384729384 times. I can't even get into the details because no. Just no.
The oddest parts were the introduction of the visions that Granny had, the fact that at one point Wes speaks to God and that stupid dream that Ally had which came true.... these were never properly addressed and just seemed to be thrown in to add some 'spice'. I use the term loosely and with sarcastic air quotes as well as real quotes.
I would have read a whole book about Wes losing his family and trying to piece his life back together. His grief was so well captured that it broke my heart a little. Every time I thought about the kid not shaving I welled up. Even if Wes had found Ally in the same way and the rest of the book had just focused on her helping him through, forget Roland Storm and all that jazz. Just two people healing one another after a tragedy... that is a book that I'd be awarding lots of stars.
I've read a lot of Sala novels in the past. They are always a bit cheesy and insta-lovey, but some of them are just warming and lovely so you can get passed it. 'Missing' was definitely not the best.
May 16, 2020
Another great read as only Sharon Sala can write it! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was just due to the fact of the way the ending went, I felt there was some bizarre things and some parts of the storyline that were left out.. suffice it’s to say.. it is still worth reading!
Wes Holden is a special ops soldier dealing with ptsd of not only the war but the senseless death of his wife and child
Ally is living in the mountains caring for her widowed father and brothers with no real future, and a slight limp that makes her feel destined to be a prisoner in her own home.
Wes stumbles upon her territory after trying to escape his own haunted past. Ally shows her generosity by allowing him to stay on the property and soon the sparks are ignited within them
There is also the story of her brothers who get a job working for a deranged man growing illegal and toxic drugs spinning another horrific tale of its own!
I recommend!
Wes Holden is a special ops soldier dealing with ptsd of not only the war but the senseless death of his wife and child
Ally is living in the mountains caring for her widowed father and brothers with no real future, and a slight limp that makes her feel destined to be a prisoner in her own home.
Wes stumbles upon her territory after trying to escape his own haunted past. Ally shows her generosity by allowing him to stay on the property and soon the sparks are ignited within them
There is also the story of her brothers who get a job working for a deranged man growing illegal and toxic drugs spinning another horrific tale of its own!
I recommend!
January 7, 2025
This is the second book I have read by Sharon Sala in the last week that I gave 1 star. The first one was creepy and this one was depressing. I do not watch depressing movies nor do I like depressing books. Wes loses his wife and son in a terrorist bombing. He literally goes out of his mind for a year. He goes to stay with his step brother who steals his military retirement. He heads for West Virginia where he meets Ally. She loses her brothers and her dog. Her house burns down. She also has a deformed foot. It seems like everything that is bad is thrown into this book.
I do not think the book had a good ending. In fact, I do not think it really ended. There should have been an epilogue for maybe 6 months in the future. Wes gets his retirement back. He and Ally, along with her father, are living a good life in Montana. All of this is left up to the imagination of the reader. I prefer a good epilogue.
Not an enjoyable read.
I do not think the book had a good ending. In fact, I do not think it really ended. There should have been an epilogue for maybe 6 months in the future. Wes gets his retirement back. He and Ally, along with her father, are living a good life in Montana. All of this is left up to the imagination of the reader. I prefer a good epilogue.
Not an enjoyable read.
March 17, 2023
Riveting story
Riveting story of a scientist who got caught up in an experiment beyond his realm of experience. A bit graphic at times and bordering on a futuristic situation which makes my rating a 3.5 stars out of 5.
Out of the story a love develops between two unlikely people. A former Army Special Ops POW suffering from PTSD and all backwoods country girl with a physical disability.
He mother died when she was 16 so she lived with and cared for her father and two older brothers. She had a recurring dream about a tall, dark haired man stopping at the house and asking for a glass of water. Reality strikes and a friendship is forged.
Not a book for the faint of heart. I found myself skimming over some of the gruesome parts but still a good book by this author.
Although I received a free ARC eBook all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Riveting story of a scientist who got caught up in an experiment beyond his realm of experience. A bit graphic at times and bordering on a futuristic situation which makes my rating a 3.5 stars out of 5.
Out of the story a love develops between two unlikely people. A former Army Special Ops POW suffering from PTSD and all backwoods country girl with a physical disability.
He mother died when she was 16 so she lived with and cared for her father and two older brothers. She had a recurring dream about a tall, dark haired man stopping at the house and asking for a glass of water. Reality strikes and a friendship is forged.
Not a book for the faint of heart. I found myself skimming over some of the gruesome parts but still a good book by this author.
Although I received a free ARC eBook all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2022
It was okay. The book was kind of aimless and takes a while to get to a point. Even when the plot started, it was still kind of rambly.
The background for the characters was good, but gave no sign of what the actual plot was for like 100 pages. The interesting characters did make it worth reading though.
I really liked that it doesn’t shy away from the pin of PTSD and doesn’t sugar coat it. There was a lot of nuance to some characters who could have been cardboard cutout stereotypes. I was legit sad about how things turned out in some ways.
It was a really thrilling and well written climax, but then it just keeps going. I get there needs to be wrap up, but that much of it threw the pacing and structure way off.
The background for the characters was good, but gave no sign of what the actual plot was for like 100 pages. The interesting characters did make it worth reading though.
I really liked that it doesn’t shy away from the pin of PTSD and doesn’t sugar coat it. There was a lot of nuance to some characters who could have been cardboard cutout stereotypes. I was legit sad about how things turned out in some ways.
It was a really thrilling and well written climax, but then it just keeps going. I get there needs to be wrap up, but that much of it threw the pacing and structure way off.
December 3, 2023
This is a very emotional story of a soldier who survived war just to come home to see his wife and son killed in a terrorist bombing at home. Wes Holden went missing at that moment without ever leaving his surroundings. There are more than one way of going missing and Col. Holden could not come back from his memories even with the help of all the doctors. Until he was ready, Wes Holden would not be able to crawl out of his head and face his empty life. His journey was one of falling, stumbling and then walking to get back to reality but he needed help and he found it in the mountains of West Virginia. Great story
March 6, 2019
Colonel Wes Holden was suffering fro severe PTSD
His wife and dropped him off at the doctors office at Fort Benning and went on to the commercery to buy Mickey peanut butter.
He had just begun talking to the doctor when there was a huge explosion, hitting the floor he dragged the doctor now covered in glass out the door.
Running out of the building he saw the commercery in flames. When he evaded the firemen he found his family buried and dead under shelves.
Thus begins his decent into hell!
His wife and dropped him off at the doctors office at Fort Benning and went on to the commercery to buy Mickey peanut butter.
He had just begun talking to the doctor when there was a huge explosion, hitting the floor he dragged the doctor now covered in glass out the door.
Running out of the building he saw the commercery in flames. When he evaded the firemen he found his family buried and dead under shelves.
Thus begins his decent into hell!
July 21, 2020
Colonel Wes Holden, Army Special Ops, returns home after being rescued as a POW to heal from PTSD with his wife and young son. They drop him off at his dr. appt. and go to the commissary to shop. While he is at his appt. a terrorist sets off a truck bomb a the commissary. He rushes over there and finds his wife and son already dead and starts to shut down but still prevents the terrorist from setting off his Suicide vest and killing hundreds of more people. Then Wes shuts down completely. Read on to see how this story ends.....
October 11, 2025
Good read but the ending could have been better. I had tears in my eyes for the firsts few chapters as the MMC goes through trauma after trauma and losses it. He is literally abandoned as he is released from the institution and his stepbrother supposedly is now his guardian. The MMC manages to leave his stepbrother and walks away to wherever his feet take him. Time and distance bring him to a meeting with the FMC and she offers him a place to stay. With her help he finds a job but within the mountains lurks evil and soon it affects those that live there.
November 8, 2020
Suffering from PTSD and the death of his wife and child, Col. Wes abandons reality and civilization. On his trek into nothingness he meets a compassionate woman who offers him a drink and a place to stay. Now add a mad scientist rying to create the perfect addictive drug and you have some interesting plots twists.
While a fan of Sala's work this bordered on a predictable romance novel with a cheesy ending.
While a fan of Sala's work this bordered on a predictable romance novel with a cheesy ending.
September 23, 2019
Good, but sad
Good book, but a little slower than most of Ms. Sala's books. Wes had so much pain and heartache, you don't really know if he'll come back to a sensible place. Ally was there when he had come back to living. He had a really good friend in Charlie and the town's people.
Good book, but a little slower than most of Ms. Sala's books. Wes had so much pain and heartache, you don't really know if he'll come back to a sensible place. Ally was there when he had come back to living. He had a really good friend in Charlie and the town's people.
March 10, 2021
Missing
This is a story about people who lived on a a mountain on W. Virginia. Its also a story about a soldier who was damaged from being a P.O.W. and had lost his family and his mind. And also got the woman who lived on the mountain. And a crazy guy who didn't care about people and what lives he destroyed. Kit Ryan
This is a story about people who lived on a a mountain on W. Virginia. Its also a story about a soldier who was damaged from being a P.O.W. and had lost his family and his mind. And also got the woman who lived on the mountain. And a crazy guy who didn't care about people and what lives he destroyed. Kit Ryan
March 25, 2021
Wow!
I enjoyed this book, but it really bothered me. PTSD
Is difficult for the person involved as well as his family and generally misunderstood by the general population. This was a realistic view of it. Parts of this book was gruesome, but good won out. This book C will n m and you think.
I enjoyed this book, but it really bothered me. PTSD
Is difficult for the person involved as well as his family and generally misunderstood by the general population. This was a realistic view of it. Parts of this book was gruesome, but good won out. This book C will n m and you think.
August 18, 2024
Great!
Some books you enjoy over time. Some you find hard to put down. This book is one that was most difficult for me to put down. I was brought to tears a few times but in the end I smiled. Wes is a lost soul and Ally is stuck in a life where she sees no happiness in her future. There was extreme sadness, mystery and love.
Some books you enjoy over time. Some you find hard to put down. This book is one that was most difficult for me to put down. I was brought to tears a few times but in the end I smiled. Wes is a lost soul and Ally is stuck in a life where she sees no happiness in her future. There was extreme sadness, mystery and love.
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