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Missing
A fan favorite Lynette Eason story of a secret child in jeopardy
Her daughter is the most important person in Lacey Gibson's world. So when the girl disappears, Lacey will do anything to find her. Even track down a man she hasn't seen in sixteen years—U.S. Marshall Mason Stone, the father of her child.
Mason was perfectly content with his life until Lacey arrived. Her confession that their daughter—the daughter he didn't know they had—is missing shakes his carefully controlled world. But there's no time to adjust as they race to find their child, catch the kidnappers…and learn whether they can have a second chance at happily-ever-after.
(Originally published in 2011)
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2010
82 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Lynette Eason
182 books3,799 followersLynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."
Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice
Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
June 29, 2022
This one is a fast paced thriller set around a teen girl's disappearance.
While I don't always like the "secret child" trope, I do enjoy second-chance romance stories, and this one kept me interested all the way through. It was a great way to spend an afternoon and I really enjoyed the characters.
The hero is previously seen in another story in the High Stakes series. Only the first three are shown as a series by the publisher, but this is the fifth and last.
While I don't always like the "secret child" trope, I do enjoy second-chance romance stories, and this one kept me interested all the way through. It was a great way to spend an afternoon and I really enjoyed the characters.
The hero is previously seen in another story in the High Stakes series. Only the first three are shown as a series by the publisher, but this is the fifth and last.
May 19, 2011
One of my favorite genre's is romantic-suspense. It is very hard to find books in that category that are clean. Someone referred me to this author and I am so grateful. This was right up my alley and to make it even better it is written by a Christian author so I don't have to worry about the smut. The story moved quickly, I was never bored, and I loved the characters. I am anxious to read another of her books.
September 23, 2025
Riveting
January 9, 2015
1.5 stars for Missing
The Quick Sum Of It All
Unfortunately for this book, I start with a bit of a prejudice against books that involve old flames rediscovering their love. This book didn't even come close to climbing out of that hole...
I also have an issue with the idea of two people falling back in love when their daughter is missing. I personally would be to full of worry, anxiety and fear if my little girl went missing. So much so, I wouldn't even be thinking about anything romantic at any point in time until she was safely returned to me.
Also, I totally nailed the ending. Too predictable. I figured it out way too early and didn't have much of a reason to keep reading save the fact I was hoping I was wrong and there would be a loop thrown in. Wrong.
On the upside, it wasn't too preachy so I added on a .5 to my score for that one. Sometimes Love Inspired can be overwhelmingly preachy.
In conclusion
I'm not going to be recommending this one to anyone, which is a shame because I like several of Eason's other books.
The Quick Sum Of It All
Unfortunately for this book, I start with a bit of a prejudice against books that involve old flames rediscovering their love. This book didn't even come close to climbing out of that hole...
I also have an issue with the idea of two people falling back in love when their daughter is missing. I personally would be to full of worry, anxiety and fear if my little girl went missing. So much so, I wouldn't even be thinking about anything romantic at any point in time until she was safely returned to me.
Also, I totally nailed the ending. Too predictable. I figured it out way too early and didn't have much of a reason to keep reading save the fact I was hoping I was wrong and there would be a loop thrown in. Wrong.
On the upside, it wasn't too preachy so I added on a .5 to my score for that one. Sometimes Love Inspired can be overwhelmingly preachy.
In conclusion
I'm not going to be recommending this one to anyone, which is a shame because I like several of Eason's other books.
September 21, 2018
Pretty good suspense overall! The author did a decent job keeping me turning the pages.
Lacey’s daughter has vanished and Lacey turns to her old flame Mason Stone to help find their daughter. Which he never knew he had a child so this turn of events makes this case all the more personal . Time is running out for Mason and Lacey! Can they find Bethany in time?
Lacey’s daughter has vanished and Lacey turns to her old flame Mason Stone to help find their daughter. Which he never knew he had a child so this turn of events makes this case all the more personal . Time is running out for Mason and Lacey! Can they find Bethany in time?
April 28, 2025
Lacey Gibson is desperate to find her kidnapped 15 year old daughter, Bethany. Lacey will do anything to rescue her so much so that she tracks down a man she hasn't seen in sixteen years, U.S. Marshall Mason Stone. We s soon learn,unbeknownst to him, that he is the father of her child. Mason had no idea he’d fathered a child and was perfectly content with his life until Lacey arrived. Now, together they are racing to unravel the why behind Bethany’s kidnapping as they embark on a tense and emotional journey to save their daughter. The quest results in confronting buried secrets and dealing with old and nearly forgotten feelings. Will Lacey and Mason get the chance for happiness as a family, or is it too late?
Eason kept the tension high from start to finish and the narrator was quite dramatic. I highly recommend the audio version.
Eason kept the tension high from start to finish and the narrator was quite dramatic. I highly recommend the audio version.
January 19, 2020
My first thought was "oh, look, it's another book where the mother kept the existence of the baby from the baby's father" though the baby is a teenager by now. My second thought was that my friend would say this belongs in the law enforcement sub-genre of this genre. (A different friend sent me this book in a box of books.)
I thought I guessed who the culprit was early on in the book, but I was wrong. That character was related to the culprit though--so maybe I was only half-wrong LOL!
Unlike some covers, this one does seem to have a relation to the story within.
I thought the reconciliation was just a bit too easy. A conversation or two and they're back together like almost nothing happened. That didn't seem realistic to me.
I thought I guessed who the culprit was early on in the book, but I was wrong. That character was related to the culprit though--so maybe I was only half-wrong LOL!
Unlike some covers, this one does seem to have a relation to the story within.
I thought the reconciliation was just a bit too easy. A conversation or two and they're back together like almost nothing happened. That didn't seem realistic to me.
November 22, 2015
3.5 stars
Missing was a good romantic mystery. While I wasn't surprised by who was behind everything (I definitely saw it coming), I did find parts of the story very suspenseful.
The romance was great and I loved how the main characters had been a couple earlier in life and it wasn't an "instant" romance.
So, while Missing isn't my favorite of Lynette Eason's books I've read, I still enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of her novels.
*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Missing was a good romantic mystery. While I wasn't surprised by who was behind everything (I definitely saw it coming), I did find parts of the story very suspenseful.
The romance was great and I loved how the main characters had been a couple earlier in life and it wasn't an "instant" romance.
So, while Missing isn't my favorite of Lynette Eason's books I've read, I still enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of her novels.
*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
August 23, 2016
Good reading...but not for the faint of heart.
July 1, 2025
I hated this book. So much to hate. Don't read further if you don't want spoilers. So, main character's dad is a preacher. There is a lot of religous reference in this book. Unfortunately, it is of the type that it's all God's will until it isn't what they want. Preacher's "good girl" daughter, Lacey, gets knocked up by boyfriend. Boyfriend, Mason, witnesses his best friend, Daniel, kissing her.Daniel says she kissed him. Mason believes his best friend and refuses to hear anything she has to say-including the fact that she is pregnant. Parents ship Lacey off to a home for pregnant girls because preacher dad can't face the humiliation of a pregnant sinful daughter. Lacey raises her daughter, Bethany, by herself. Her parents have a change of heart 6 years later. Lacey is unwilling to reconcile. She also never again tried to tell Mason about his daughter. Bethany is now 15. Lacey has found God (When did she lose him?) with the help of others and is ready to let her parents be part of her daughter's life. Bethany is whinning about how she wants her daddy. Really?!! At 15? Lacey returns to her hometown and starts living with her parents. Apparently, though things have been "tight", Bethany has had Karate lessons all her life and has competed. Bethany also loves to ski. Skiing is an expensive hobby but never fear, a single mom has managed to give her all this by working a full time job and another part-time job at home. Anyway, even though she was able to afford all that, she now has to live with her parents. All is forgiven because everybody has found or refound God. Bethany is being stalked by psycho. Turns out it is the jealous, used to be, best friend of Lacey. She blames Lacey for her miscarriage because her husband, Daniel, was still pining for Lacey. Meanwhile, in a span of 3 days, Mason forgives Lacey from with-holding his daughter from him. He probably wouldn't have felt that way if he had been married with a bunch of kids with another woman. Lacey forgives him for not listening to her. Bethany responds to Mason with open arms as she has found her "Daddy". Never mind that they are complete strangers. Then, after 3 days, they get married.
April 21, 2020
This was one of those books you just had a difficult time putting it down. It kept your interest from the very first page when Lacey comes to her ex-boyfriend, who is a U. S. marshal, to help her find her daughter, Bethany. Little does he know that he is the father of the child. Their romance rekindles and his best friend's lie -- that broke them up -- is revealed near the end. It's a compelling read and rarely do I read a book this quickly. However, as a writer myself and one who also writes suspenseful, clean, Christian romances (but historical ones), I spotted the plot right away. I kept reading to find out if my instincts were correct and they were. This is why I gave this novel four stars. The author needed to add more swerves, so you could not figure it out. One other item which bothered me is the daughter calling from a pay phone. When was the last time you saw a pay phone, especially in the era of cell phones which the characters used? God bless.
October 12, 2024
Lynette Eason captured the feeling of hopelessness skillfully, when she penned 'Missing'. This story offers a snapshot into the lives of a close mother-daughter relationship when the child chooses escaping in order to keep her Mom safe. It brings back memories of happy times, sad times, times of loss and definitely those times of grief. All in all, Eason detailed the the loss of what could be.
In reading this book, I was impressed with the attention to detailing each of the main characters. I loved that I almost felt every emotion felt. Throughout the many questions, the amount of danger that existed, the tragedy of loss and the hope of love -- this story reminded me the of the way tomorrow is never promised. Yet, if tomorrow does arrive the hope is exemplified throughout out our lives. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
In reading this book, I was impressed with the attention to detailing each of the main characters. I loved that I almost felt every emotion felt. Throughout the many questions, the amount of danger that existed, the tragedy of loss and the hope of love -- this story reminded me the of the way tomorrow is never promised. Yet, if tomorrow does arrive the hope is exemplified throughout out our lives. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
April 11, 2025
Missing by Lynette Eason
Missing is a Christian romantic suspense novel that explores themes of redemption, trust, and the enduring bonds of family. The story follows Lacey Gibson, whose daughter disappears under mysterious circumstances. Desperate for help, Lacey turns to U.S. Marshal Mason Stone—who, unbeknownst to him, is actually the father of her child. Together, they set out on a tense and emotional journey to find their daughter, confronting buried secrets and reigniting old feelings along the way.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook early thanks to NetGalley. It was a thrilling read that kept me hooked with its unexpected twists and turns. I couldn’t stop coming back to see what would happen next!
Missing is a Christian romantic suspense novel that explores themes of redemption, trust, and the enduring bonds of family. The story follows Lacey Gibson, whose daughter disappears under mysterious circumstances. Desperate for help, Lacey turns to U.S. Marshal Mason Stone—who, unbeknownst to him, is actually the father of her child. Together, they set out on a tense and emotional journey to find their daughter, confronting buried secrets and reigniting old feelings along the way.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook early thanks to NetGalley. It was a thrilling read that kept me hooked with its unexpected twists and turns. I couldn’t stop coming back to see what would happen next!
April 19, 2019
When Lacey discovered she was pregnant 16 years ago, her family sent her away. Now she has returned home with a 15 year old daughter and strange things have started happening to her daughter. Lacey goes to the police and files a missing report but she isn't sure that the police are taking her seriously. She then turns to her old sweetheart Mason.
It's a really fast paced book that gets you hooked from page 1 to the end. If you are interested in romance with some suspense you will love this book.
It's a really fast paced book that gets you hooked from page 1 to the end. If you are interested in romance with some suspense you will love this book.
June 6, 2024
Gripping Drama
Lynette Eason has done it again! Another intense novel filled with terror, betrayal, and love. I read through this easy-to-read book very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. It does have some typos or mistakes in the Kindle version but it’s not so bad as to make it difficult to read. I don’t know if the mistakes are common to all versions or not. I did think I know who the offender was early on, but realized before the end that I was incorrect and then I knew who it was for sure. Not a huge surprise; however, I still enjoyed reading it.
Lynette Eason has done it again! Another intense novel filled with terror, betrayal, and love. I read through this easy-to-read book very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. It does have some typos or mistakes in the Kindle version but it’s not so bad as to make it difficult to read. I don’t know if the mistakes are common to all versions or not. I did think I know who the offender was early on, but realized before the end that I was incorrect and then I knew who it was for sure. Not a huge surprise; however, I still enjoyed reading it.
July 18, 2023
Nonstop action
Lynette Eason has put together a short book packed with action & characters that pull on your heartstrings. A dark family secret is revealed & forgiveness has to happen before reconciliation. Lacey's daughter Bethany is kidnapped and Lacey turns to the man she vowed never to see again--the man she never stopped loving, to locate Bethany. It is soon evident they are dealing with a deranged person. A must read.
Lynette Eason has put together a short book packed with action & characters that pull on your heartstrings. A dark family secret is revealed & forgiveness has to happen before reconciliation. Lacey's daughter Bethany is kidnapped and Lacey turns to the man she vowed never to see again--the man she never stopped loving, to locate Bethany. It is soon evident they are dealing with a deranged person. A must read.
August 14, 2023
great Read full of suspense
Another great read from an amazing author. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this book and could not put it down. I originally tagged Daniel as the kidnapper, however it unfolded to the real villain and the seedy characters that helped her pull it off. Love the parallel between the main characters and God’s forgiveness. Simple misunderstandings can ruin the strongest relationships if allowed.
Another great read from an amazing author. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this book and could not put it down. I originally tagged Daniel as the kidnapper, however it unfolded to the real villain and the seedy characters that helped her pull it off. Love the parallel between the main characters and God’s forgiveness. Simple misunderstandings can ruin the strongest relationships if allowed.
October 25, 2023
When I first picked up this book, I had no idea it was written by a christian author otherwise I probably wouldn't have read it. Saying that though, I'm glad I did read it. It was fast paced with a lot of action and thankfully I was able to handle the minimal religious topics. This book has made me a little more open minded when considering books to read. As per usual I did catch a few typos but it wasn't anything major.
November 5, 2023
Good suspense easy pacing and fast with single plot. I suspected one person from the first page but was another one closed to the one I suspected. A kidnapper with mental issues some insane jealous suspect. However I loved how Lacey made concessions and go asked Mason her ex for help after leaving her pregnant with their daughter sixteen years ago because his pride prevents him from listening and how Betheny runaway to saves her mom's life so touching
January 22, 2024
This was actually a pretty good, fast paced read. A girl is missing, and her mother is so desperate for help that she goes to a US Marshall she knew a long time ago and who had broken her heart. And was also the girl’s father, unbeknownst to him. It is the story of forgiveness and a second chance that love all wrapped up in a story of suspense. I don’t normally care for second chance for romances, but this one wasn’t too bad
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February 22, 2025DNF at 31%. There’s nothing wrong with this book as a whole, but it just didn’t click for me. The plot is fast-paced and quick, but the reintroduction of certain characters from the past felt a bit contrived. The characters do know God at the start of the novel, but they came to Christ later on as adults (after the events that conceived their daughter and split them apart). Some parts were interesting, but not enough to keep me on board to the end.
June 4, 2017
Very intense story from the beginning. The author does a good job of filling in the past without a lengthy flashback and manages to show how both characters came to this point. Lacey's daughter has gone missing and she turns to Mason for help, even though he doesn't realize Bethany is his daughter also.
December 9, 2018
Her daughter is missing and is the most important person in her life so Lacey turns to the one person she hopes with help her, Mason. Mason is a U>S> Marshall and someone from Lacey's past. He is also her daughters father a daughter he doesn't know existed. Will he help find her or will the past be to much? Good book from beginning to the end.
August 15, 2024
𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰
Lynette Eason
Mystery Romance
𝒪𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓁𝓁: 2/5
𝒜 𝐹𝒶𝓋𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝒬𝓊𝑜𝓉𝑒: “The missing piece of the puzzle? (Bethany)” - “No way. The last piece of the puzzle. The piece that makes the picture complete. (Mason)” - “I like that. (Bethany)”
𝒯𝓇𝒾𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝒲𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈: Kidnapping; car accident; attempted murder
Lynette Eason
Mystery Romance
𝒪𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓁𝓁: 2/5
𝒜 𝐹𝒶𝓋𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝒬𝓊𝑜𝓉𝑒: “The missing piece of the puzzle? (Bethany)” - “No way. The last piece of the puzzle. The piece that makes the picture complete. (Mason)” - “I like that. (Bethany)”
𝒯𝓇𝒾𝑔𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝒲𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈: Kidnapping; car accident; attempted murder
April 22, 2025
Great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. You will be invested from the very first page, rooting for justice and trying to figure out whodunnit. Twists and turns throughout that will keep you guessing to the very end. Narration was great and really brought the story to life!
June 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and Lynette Eason for giving me an advanced copy of the book Missing in exchange for my honest opinion. This book was a decent and easy read. I appreciate the clean and wholesome vibe of this book, even though it came with a kidnapping and attempted murder haha. The Christian mindset of the book is truly refreshing.
January 6, 2026
Sometimws anger will get the better of us and we can't see the forest through the trees.
Even though they parted on harsh terms she wasn't afraid to beg to ask fornhelp in finding her daughter who has gone missing.
the culprit did aome unscrupulous thing and in the process ended up getting hurt.
Jealousy is never a good look.
Even though they parted on harsh terms she wasn't afraid to beg to ask fornhelp in finding her daughter who has gone missing.
the culprit did aome unscrupulous thing and in the process ended up getting hurt.
Jealousy is never a good look.
June 2, 2023
The Unknowns
Lacey is gone from town 16 years after being forced by her parents to go to a home for unwed mothers. Bethany keeps asking about her father. However, their return is met with danger. Who is the perpetrator?
Lacey is gone from town 16 years after being forced by her parents to go to a home for unwed mothers. Bethany keeps asking about her father. However, their return is met with danger. Who is the perpetrator?
July 3, 2025
This was an amazing story, and it wasn't too Christian-y. Which was great. In fact, I didn't realize it was Christian Fiction until I began updating Goodreads.
This was a fast-paced thriller that captivated me!
This was a fast-paced thriller that captivated me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews