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Desert Rose
In an instant, Jennifer’s life is forever altered.
When her ten-year-old daughter, Sarah, is abducted in Dubai, expats Jennifer and her husband Kevin are thrown into an unimaginable nightmare. With very little help provided by the local authorities and the US Embassy, Jennifer watches her life erode away and the tension in her marriage increase. Driven by rage and desperation, she is forced to make decisions she never thought possible.
An investigation without answers. A cover-up. A conspiracy. A betrayal.
There is no turning back.
What would you do if your child was taken?
Desert Rose was named ‘Most Promising Manuscript’ at the 2018 Alaskan Writers Guild Conference.
When her ten-year-old daughter, Sarah, is abducted in Dubai, expats Jennifer and her husband Kevin are thrown into an unimaginable nightmare. With very little help provided by the local authorities and the US Embassy, Jennifer watches her life erode away and the tension in her marriage increase. Driven by rage and desperation, she is forced to make decisions she never thought possible.
An investigation without answers. A cover-up. A conspiracy. A betrayal.
There is no turning back.
What would you do if your child was taken?
Desert Rose was named ‘Most Promising Manuscript’ at the 2018 Alaskan Writers Guild Conference.
Unknown Binding
First published February 25, 2019
16 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
K. Moore
4 books161 followersK. Moore lives on the Sunshine Coast, Australia and can be found often wandering its foreshore and beaches with her Karelian bear dog named Hathor. She’s an avid reader, hiker, and CrossFit enthusiast. If you manage to locate a decent bottle of gin and a chair at the bar, she might be convinced to regale you with tales of her global travels. Without the gin, you’ll have to find the evidence within the pages of her stories and poetry.
Find K. Moore online at:
www.AuthorKMoore.com
www.facebook.com/AuthorKMoore
Instagram and Twitter: @runs2ny
Keep up-to-date and sign up for K. Moore’s newsletter:
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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Find K. Moore online at:
www.AuthorKMoore.com
www.facebook.com/AuthorKMoore
Instagram and Twitter: @runs2ny
Keep up-to-date and sign up for K. Moore’s newsletter:
http://bit.ly/KMooreNL
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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September 2, 2021What would you do if your child was taken?
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“K. Moore's debut novel is an outstanding and gripping story set in Dubai, where laws and culture are so different from the Occident. It's amazing how K. Moore's words can drag you into the story as if you were the character living it and when that happens, you know you are reading a book from a great author!” – Patricia, The Bookery Reveiw
“This story was wonderfully told and incredibly moving. For a debut novel, as I’ve come to learn since reading, it was masterful.” – Melyssa, Winchester Book Reviews
“K.Moore brings forth a ricochet of emotions with this psychological thriller. A page-turner which will keep you invested until the very end. An absolute must-read.” – L.S. Pullen, author of Where the Heart Is
EXCERPT FROM DESERT ROSE
I gather yet another handful of sand, but instead of letting the breeze take it, I pour it into the jewelry box as I whisper my promise to my absent daughter. “In this place, at this time, I say goodbye. I don’t want to, and it’s not fair. But life’s not fair, and I need to concentrate on tomorrow and keep living. I hope and pray that wherever you are, Sarah, you are well. I will keep searching. I’ll never give up. Never.”
With a click, the lid to the box holding the desert sand is secured. I run my fingers over the uneven surface of the mosaic design. Sarah loved the desert roses. She couldn’t believe such a beautiful thing could grow so easily and flourish in a place devoid of water and dirt. I hope I’ve captured a part of her spirit and soul with the sand in the box.
I press my lips to the rough wood surface and gaze up into the night sky. The stars are becoming visible, and a surreal feeling overcomes me as I watch them appear in the silence of the desert.
“Do you think Sarah’s alive? Do you think she can see the stars from where she is?” My words are whispered into the night.
“Maybe?” Melanie answers on a sigh as she, too, stares into the night sky. “I hope so.”
I watch my friend leaning back against the car as a small tear trickles down the side of her face. None of this has been easy … for anyone. The events are a stark reminder that life-changing events can happen to anyone at a moment’s notice. They are indiscriminate and uncaring. Melanie’s friendship over the past weeks has been unfailing. Without her steadfast support and guiding voice, I don’t think I could have survived the duplicitous game we were forced to play with our friends, family, and the media. The white lies and half-truths, all in an attempt to try to save Sarah, to get her home. All worthless and seemingly designed to protect everyone, except us and Sarah.
I look down to the jewelry box held tightly in my hands and close my eyes. I move the box up to my chest, letting it rest beside my ravaged heart. Somehow, throughout this ordeal, it has continued to beat. I gather strength from this and offer up a prayer to anyone who will listen, praying that Sarah’s heart beats as well. I need to believe it does. I’m not sure how I could survive if I found out otherwise.
Darkness has fallen completely when I open my eyes. Even with muted light being provided by the moon and stars, the desert appears limitless. But it’s the silence. The silence surrounds us; it envelops us.
I clutch my small part of Sarah with renewed vigor, not wanting to let her go. I need to get out of this place before the silence consumes me.
READ DESERT ROSE NOW!
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“K. Moore's debut novel is an outstanding and gripping story set in Dubai, where laws and culture are so different from the Occident. It's amazing how K. Moore's words can drag you into the story as if you were the character living it and when that happens, you know you are reading a book from a great author!” – Patricia, The Bookery Reveiw
“This story was wonderfully told and incredibly moving. For a debut novel, as I’ve come to learn since reading, it was masterful.” – Melyssa, Winchester Book Reviews
“K.Moore brings forth a ricochet of emotions with this psychological thriller. A page-turner which will keep you invested until the very end. An absolute must-read.” – L.S. Pullen, author of Where the Heart Is
EXCERPT FROM DESERT ROSE
I gather yet another handful of sand, but instead of letting the breeze take it, I pour it into the jewelry box as I whisper my promise to my absent daughter. “In this place, at this time, I say goodbye. I don’t want to, and it’s not fair. But life’s not fair, and I need to concentrate on tomorrow and keep living. I hope and pray that wherever you are, Sarah, you are well. I will keep searching. I’ll never give up. Never.”
With a click, the lid to the box holding the desert sand is secured. I run my fingers over the uneven surface of the mosaic design. Sarah loved the desert roses. She couldn’t believe such a beautiful thing could grow so easily and flourish in a place devoid of water and dirt. I hope I’ve captured a part of her spirit and soul with the sand in the box.
I press my lips to the rough wood surface and gaze up into the night sky. The stars are becoming visible, and a surreal feeling overcomes me as I watch them appear in the silence of the desert.
“Do you think Sarah’s alive? Do you think she can see the stars from where she is?” My words are whispered into the night.
“Maybe?” Melanie answers on a sigh as she, too, stares into the night sky. “I hope so.”
I watch my friend leaning back against the car as a small tear trickles down the side of her face. None of this has been easy … for anyone. The events are a stark reminder that life-changing events can happen to anyone at a moment’s notice. They are indiscriminate and uncaring. Melanie’s friendship over the past weeks has been unfailing. Without her steadfast support and guiding voice, I don’t think I could have survived the duplicitous game we were forced to play with our friends, family, and the media. The white lies and half-truths, all in an attempt to try to save Sarah, to get her home. All worthless and seemingly designed to protect everyone, except us and Sarah.
I look down to the jewelry box held tightly in my hands and close my eyes. I move the box up to my chest, letting it rest beside my ravaged heart. Somehow, throughout this ordeal, it has continued to beat. I gather strength from this and offer up a prayer to anyone who will listen, praying that Sarah’s heart beats as well. I need to believe it does. I’m not sure how I could survive if I found out otherwise.
Darkness has fallen completely when I open my eyes. Even with muted light being provided by the moon and stars, the desert appears limitless. But it’s the silence. The silence surrounds us; it envelops us.
I clutch my small part of Sarah with renewed vigor, not wanting to let her go. I need to get out of this place before the silence consumes me.
READ DESERT ROSE NOW!
www.books2read.com/Desert-Rose
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/DesertRose-US
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/DesertRose-UK
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/DesertRose-CA
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/DesertRose-AU
February 27, 2019
Desert Rose held me captive from the very first page. It's hard to believe this is indeed a debut novel. K.Moore sets the scene perfectly as we see the devastation unfold from the abduction of Jennifer's daughter and the aftermath that follows.
Being in a foreign country and at the mercy of a culture where women don't hold the same rights, is just the beginning of her ongoing struggle to get answers regarding the abduction. A husband she thought she knew, now becoming a stranger and her son being forced to grow up sooner than he should have to.
K.Moore brings forth a ricochet of emotions with this psychological thriller. A page-turner which will keep you invested until the very end. An absolute must-read. And not to mention how beautiful the cover is too.
"I stand completely still and close my eyes as my life, my world, flashes before me. My blood turns to ice, and my breath hitches at the end of the increased ragged inhale. Trembling hands clasp in front of my stomach as my body rocks slightly. Dread, the feeling I was momentarily keeping at bay, returns in full force. I’m in a void of nothingness that constricts my entire being. Opening my eyes, I flinch and stumble as the overly bright fluorescent lighting blinds me. I struggle to inhale as my body becomes weightless, and everything turns black."
I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Readers Copy. But that didn't stop me from pre-ordering a copy too.
Being in a foreign country and at the mercy of a culture where women don't hold the same rights, is just the beginning of her ongoing struggle to get answers regarding the abduction. A husband she thought she knew, now becoming a stranger and her son being forced to grow up sooner than he should have to.
K.Moore brings forth a ricochet of emotions with this psychological thriller. A page-turner which will keep you invested until the very end. An absolute must-read. And not to mention how beautiful the cover is too.
"I stand completely still and close my eyes as my life, my world, flashes before me. My blood turns to ice, and my breath hitches at the end of the increased ragged inhale. Trembling hands clasp in front of my stomach as my body rocks slightly. Dread, the feeling I was momentarily keeping at bay, returns in full force. I’m in a void of nothingness that constricts my entire being. Opening my eyes, I flinch and stumble as the overly bright fluorescent lighting blinds me. I struggle to inhale as my body becomes weightless, and everything turns black."
I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Readers Copy. But that didn't stop me from pre-ordering a copy too.
March 4, 2020
Desert Rose by K. Moore
5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Holly Marie
Associate Reviewer
High Society Book Reviews
Desert Rose takes you to a beautiful city, and a country far away, is where secrets kept and lives can change in a blink of an eye. This book is captivating, thought provoking, page turning, will keep your thoughts spinning, and have you holding your breath. K.Moore’s, Desert Rose, is a book you’ll remember and recommend to your friends.
Thank you to K.Moore for this book to review. All expressions and options are of my own.
Synopsis:
“In an instant, Jennifer’s life is forever altered.
When her ten-year-old daughter, Sarah, is abducted in Dubai, expats Jennifer and her husband Kevin are thrown into an unimaginable nightmare. With very little help provided by the local authorities and the US Embassy, Jennifer watches her life erode away and the tension in her marriage increase. Driven by rage and desperation, she is forced to make decisions she never thought possible.
An investigation without answers. A cover-up. A conspiracy. A betrayal.
There is no turning back.
What would you do if your child was taken?”
5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Holly Marie
Associate Reviewer
High Society Book Reviews
Desert Rose takes you to a beautiful city, and a country far away, is where secrets kept and lives can change in a blink of an eye. This book is captivating, thought provoking, page turning, will keep your thoughts spinning, and have you holding your breath. K.Moore’s, Desert Rose, is a book you’ll remember and recommend to your friends.
Thank you to K.Moore for this book to review. All expressions and options are of my own.
Synopsis:
“In an instant, Jennifer’s life is forever altered.
When her ten-year-old daughter, Sarah, is abducted in Dubai, expats Jennifer and her husband Kevin are thrown into an unimaginable nightmare. With very little help provided by the local authorities and the US Embassy, Jennifer watches her life erode away and the tension in her marriage increase. Driven by rage and desperation, she is forced to make decisions she never thought possible.
An investigation without answers. A cover-up. A conspiracy. A betrayal.
There is no turning back.
What would you do if your child was taken?”
May 19, 2019
One of the things I like about this book is how different it is from others I've read. Sure, it's foundation is a mystery and it's got some suspense, but even more so, it explains a world many don't have the opportunity to explore, and the delicacies and Expat must navigate while living in such a different space than home.
The part I loved the most was the tie-in to the title - the story of the desert rose. In a story line that seemed hopeless, the side step into how something so delicate as a rose could survive in the desert.
Aside from a handful of slow spots throughout the plot, this story was a page-turner. I desperately wanted a happy ending, wanted closure for these characters, that I had to keep reading. It was wrapped up so quickly, I would have liked the story to move to Part II and the end sooner than it had so that more weight could have been spent in those portions of the book.
The part I loved the most was the tie-in to the title - the story of the desert rose. In a story line that seemed hopeless, the side step into how something so delicate as a rose could survive in the desert.
Aside from a handful of slow spots throughout the plot, this story was a page-turner. I desperately wanted a happy ending, wanted closure for these characters, that I had to keep reading. It was wrapped up so quickly, I would have liked the story to move to Part II and the end sooner than it had so that more weight could have been spent in those portions of the book.
January 9, 2019
This book was an intriguing story of a tragedy that tore a family apart, taking place in the backdrop of Dubai. I truly enjoyed reading about a place I've never been, Moore able to take me there by words alone. Jen was a strong woman, holding it together after her daughter goes missing - something I am unable to fathom. This story held my interest the entire time and is a great debut book by Moore. I would gladly read more by this author.
December 18, 2021
Hard to believe this is the authors first book
So well written, the story flows seamlessly
I could feel the emotion from the family after Sarah was taken, the frustration from the mother.
Being in a country where you are shackled as a woman, and not being able to do anything to help find her daughter.
I read this all in one sitting, I couldn't put it down
I read a lot of books and that doesn't happen very often
Thankyou K. Moore for a wonderful story
So well written, the story flows seamlessly
I could feel the emotion from the family after Sarah was taken, the frustration from the mother.
Being in a country where you are shackled as a woman, and not being able to do anything to help find her daughter.
I read this all in one sitting, I couldn't put it down
I read a lot of books and that doesn't happen very often
Thankyou K. Moore for a wonderful story
March 7, 2019
kfforever
Reviewed by Anna Green on behalf of KindleFriendsForever
This is the author’s debut novel and I am quite impressed with her writing style and the tight plot. This stunning standalone psychological suspense will blow you away.
Kevin and Jennifer together with their two children: twelve-year-old Liam and ten-year-old Sarah live an idyllic expat’s life in Dubai. A pampered lifestyle in an oil-rich country, it all seems perfect until the day Jennifer went shopping with her kids and lost one of them.
Told in first person narrative, Jennifer and Kevin’s biggest nightmare happens when their daughter Sarah was abducted. Dealing with the trauma, the cracks that have been slowly seeping through their marriage start to appear. Reading through this story, I thought that the author either did her research very well on the Middle East lifestyle or she has lived through the experience herself.
Having spent ten years of my life in the Middle East like the main character Jennifer, I felt like being thrown back in time. I had fond memories of my own when living that life and the author’s well-written account of these characters felt so real to me. The author captured the true essence of a wealthy Arab country that may have all the modern technology: state-of-the-art skyscrapers, man-made islands, hotels with gold ceilings etc., but when you dig deeper underneath all that glitter, there still remains a society where women are considered second class citizens and human rights are considered an indulgence.
There are so many harrowing moments in this tale, I got the goosebumps. That feeling of helplessness and frustration when dealing with the authorities and the betrayal within the family was also eloquently narrated by the author. The emotions I felt when reading Jennifer’s story made me want to reach inside my Kindle and strangle Kevin. However short secondary character Lieutenant Ahmed's role was, he actually made a significant impact on the lives of the family. Jennifer’s courage and resilience shine through, especially in the second part of the book. This cautionary tale might bring you a lot of emotional turmoil: grief, heartbreak, betrayal, courage and closure, but it is definitely worth reading. I highly recommend it!
Reviewed by Anna Green on behalf of KindleFriendsForever
This is the author’s debut novel and I am quite impressed with her writing style and the tight plot. This stunning standalone psychological suspense will blow you away.
Kevin and Jennifer together with their two children: twelve-year-old Liam and ten-year-old Sarah live an idyllic expat’s life in Dubai. A pampered lifestyle in an oil-rich country, it all seems perfect until the day Jennifer went shopping with her kids and lost one of them.
Told in first person narrative, Jennifer and Kevin’s biggest nightmare happens when their daughter Sarah was abducted. Dealing with the trauma, the cracks that have been slowly seeping through their marriage start to appear. Reading through this story, I thought that the author either did her research very well on the Middle East lifestyle or she has lived through the experience herself.
Having spent ten years of my life in the Middle East like the main character Jennifer, I felt like being thrown back in time. I had fond memories of my own when living that life and the author’s well-written account of these characters felt so real to me. The author captured the true essence of a wealthy Arab country that may have all the modern technology: state-of-the-art skyscrapers, man-made islands, hotels with gold ceilings etc., but when you dig deeper underneath all that glitter, there still remains a society where women are considered second class citizens and human rights are considered an indulgence.
There are so many harrowing moments in this tale, I got the goosebumps. That feeling of helplessness and frustration when dealing with the authorities and the betrayal within the family was also eloquently narrated by the author. The emotions I felt when reading Jennifer’s story made me want to reach inside my Kindle and strangle Kevin. However short secondary character Lieutenant Ahmed's role was, he actually made a significant impact on the lives of the family. Jennifer’s courage and resilience shine through, especially in the second part of the book. This cautionary tale might bring you a lot of emotional turmoil: grief, heartbreak, betrayal, courage and closure, but it is definitely worth reading. I highly recommend it!
January 24, 2019
😲😫🌹
Will be back with a full review soon!
Will be back with a full review soon!
April 15, 2020
I read Desert Rose as a Goodreads Psychological group read. I was extremely impressed with Desert Rose. This book is a combination suspense and thriller. I felt like I was reading a Taken book as I progressed through Desert Rose.
What impressed me the most with this book was the resolve and resiliency of the mom/wife in the book. She was a stallworth. I would even call her a heroine as she dealt with a beaurocratic and difficult situation. I was on edge throughout the book and the ending of Desert Rose left me in awe of this moving story.
What impressed me the most with this book was the resolve and resiliency of the mom/wife in the book. She was a stallworth. I would even call her a heroine as she dealt with a beaurocratic and difficult situation. I was on edge throughout the book and the ending of Desert Rose left me in awe of this moving story.
March 10, 2019
A breathtaking debut
As a mother, one of my biggest fears is my children being taken. Moore put my fears on paper and I found myself in a constant statr of anxiety and anguish during this read. I will definitely read the author's next book.
As a mother, one of my biggest fears is my children being taken. Moore put my fears on paper and I found myself in a constant statr of anxiety and anguish during this read. I will definitely read the author's next book.
August 21, 2022
* Read on Kobo*
I loved it. I actually bought it on my Kobo, and I have no regrets. I am so happy to be able to read the book of someone I greatly admire and am able to say, wholeheartedly that this is a great read.
I will warn you, this book is about child kidnapping. I felt like I could really relate a lot to Jen, how frantic you would feel. The wanting to feel close to your partner, the worry about your other child. How calm you have to try and be with your other children.
This is an amazing debut novel. I would definitely say, if you can handle the topic of the novel give it a read. I look forward to reading more.
I loved it. I actually bought it on my Kobo, and I have no regrets. I am so happy to be able to read the book of someone I greatly admire and am able to say, wholeheartedly that this is a great read.
I will warn you, this book is about child kidnapping. I felt like I could really relate a lot to Jen, how frantic you would feel. The wanting to feel close to your partner, the worry about your other child. How calm you have to try and be with your other children.
This is an amazing debut novel. I would definitely say, if you can handle the topic of the novel give it a read. I look forward to reading more.
February 27, 2019
Title: Desert Rose
Author: K. Moore
Genre: Suspense
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★★
This story was wonderfully told and incredibly moving.
For a debut novel, as I’ve come to learn since reading, it was masterful.
This novel is basically the culmination of every parent’s worst nightmare, on their own soil. Now imagine losing your child on foreign soil and having your every move given to you by someone other than the people who care and love you most.
Imagine the loss of a child bringing about the loss of pretty much everything else you hold dear, even your own sense of self. Through this story, you’re able to put yourself in Jennifer’s shoes. Imagine every single second of it. Live it with everything you’re given and shown.
My heart ached for this mother throughout. Not knowing where her daughter could be, and just how deep the betrayal would go all in the effort to find out. Even in my wildest dreams I couldn’t have predicted the way this one would turn out.
Not only that, but this book was also quite a learning experience for me in terms of culture, language, rules, you name it. It was very eye opening and honestly made me want to learn more, so my hat is off to the author for that.
Perfectly paced, fantastically written and with all of the information given, researched, with characters that were all believable in the parts they played throughout.
I look forward to reading this author again in the future and seeing what other journeys and learning experiences she will bring to the table.
My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me take this journey with the character Jennifer and her family, before it’s official release. It was one heck of a ride.
February 28, 2019
“How can a rose survive the desert? The rose with its symbol for promise, hope, and new beginnings. The symbol for love. Is it because of what it represents that it overcomes the harshness of the desert?”
Wow. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. I was blown away by this captivating story. It had my heart racing, and I felt for Jennifer. Her story has really stuck with me.
K. Moore has such a talent for telling stories. I could picture everything so clearly that I felt as though I was watching a movie. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this new author. She’s certainly been added to my list of favorites.
Wow. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. I was blown away by this captivating story. It had my heart racing, and I felt for Jennifer. Her story has really stuck with me.
K. Moore has such a talent for telling stories. I could picture everything so clearly that I felt as though I was watching a movie. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this new author. She’s certainly been added to my list of favorites.
February 21, 2022
What a to your bones scary story, anytime a child is taken is chilling. This happens over seas and just makes the nightmare that much worse. They are not getting answers, her marriage is strained. This is well written and was so realistic. I felt emotionally drained but it was a thriller. The characters were as you would expect. This is just a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2020
One of the best thrillers i read to date this year!
This was a very well written thriller. I could tell the emotional turmoil of all that was happening. The sad thing is, this happens a lot.
This was a very well written thriller. I could tell the emotional turmoil of all that was happening. The sad thing is, this happens a lot.
March 13, 2019
This is one of the most thrilling books that I’ve read lately. The captivating, surprising and heartfelt story trapped me since the beginning with its exhilarating and suspenseful rhythm. The voice of the narrator resonated in my brain and my heart while reading, her feelings were my own for a few hours, and as I was turning the pages I found myself cursing, crying and praying. Abductions are a sensible subject, and set them in the Middle East was bold because of the particularities of that country, but the author’s research about laws and procedures made of this read something believable. The families being torn by forced separations, the frustration… all those things were reflected in the story. And despite not all the time their stories have a happy ending, not even an actual ending, the final chapters in this book gives hope and invite to not lose faith. I enjoyed this book so much and I recommended it for all of you looking for an addictive and engaging story to distract your minds.
March 16, 2020
What would you do if you are living in another country and your child was kidnapped. Well this is a story of how things are much different in another country then in the USA. The rules are completely changed. Parents have not control what is printed or said on TV. Actually they are giving a script to follow. Doesn't matter if you agree with it or not. I found the writer's description to be authenticate and very detailed. Even though it left a lot opened at the end of book it did explain some of the happenings. Most of the characters in the book are unlikable but all the more reason to read it. The favorite part of the book was her explanation on how she came up with the title.
April 4, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 22, 2020
Desert Rose
The desert rose is a symbol of love and the purity of love. I just don't get how life works the way it does over in other countries compared to ours. If this would had happened here in the USA it would had been working a lot faster and easier... This poor family
The desert rose is a symbol of love and the purity of love. I just don't get how life works the way it does over in other countries compared to ours. If this would had happened here in the USA it would had been working a lot faster and easier... This poor family
March 7, 2019
Reviewed on behalf of KindleFriendsForever
This is the author’s debut novel and I am quite impressed with her writing style and the tight plot. This stunning standalone psychological suspense will blow you away.
Kevin and Jennifer together with their two children: twelve-year-old Liam and ten-year-old Sarah live an idyllic expat’s life in Dubai. A pampered lifestyle in an oil-rich country, it all seems perfect until the day Jennifer went shopping with her kids and lost one of them.
Told in first person narrative, Jennifer and Kevin’s biggest nightmare happens when their daughter Sarah was abducted. Dealing with the trauma, the cracks that have been slowly seeping through their marriage start to appear. Reading through this story, I thought that the author either did her research very well on the Middle East lifestyle or she has lived through the experience herself.
Having spent ten years of my life in the Middle East like the main character Jennifer, I felt like being thrown back in time. I had fond memories of my own when living that life and the author’s well-written account of these characters felt so real to me. The author captured the true essence of a wealthy Arab country that may have all the modern technology: state-of-the-art skyscrapers, man-made islands, hotels with gold ceilings etc., but when you dig deeper underneath all that glitter, there still remains a society where women are considered second class citizens and human rights are considered an indulgence.
There are so many harrowing moments in this tale, I got the goosebumps. That feeling of helplessness and frustration when dealing with the authorities and the betrayal within the family was also eloquently narrated by the author. The emotions I felt when reading Jennifer’s story made me want to reach inside my Kindle and strangle Kevin. However short secondary character Lieutenant Ahmed's role was, he actually made a significant impact on the lives of the family. Jennifer’s courage and resilience shine through, especially in the second part of the book. This cautionary tale might bring you a lot of emotional turmoil: grief, heartbreak, betrayal, courage and closure, but it is definitely worth reading. I highly recommend it!
This is the author’s debut novel and I am quite impressed with her writing style and the tight plot. This stunning standalone psychological suspense will blow you away.
Kevin and Jennifer together with their two children: twelve-year-old Liam and ten-year-old Sarah live an idyllic expat’s life in Dubai. A pampered lifestyle in an oil-rich country, it all seems perfect until the day Jennifer went shopping with her kids and lost one of them.
Told in first person narrative, Jennifer and Kevin’s biggest nightmare happens when their daughter Sarah was abducted. Dealing with the trauma, the cracks that have been slowly seeping through their marriage start to appear. Reading through this story, I thought that the author either did her research very well on the Middle East lifestyle or she has lived through the experience herself.
Having spent ten years of my life in the Middle East like the main character Jennifer, I felt like being thrown back in time. I had fond memories of my own when living that life and the author’s well-written account of these characters felt so real to me. The author captured the true essence of a wealthy Arab country that may have all the modern technology: state-of-the-art skyscrapers, man-made islands, hotels with gold ceilings etc., but when you dig deeper underneath all that glitter, there still remains a society where women are considered second class citizens and human rights are considered an indulgence.
There are so many harrowing moments in this tale, I got the goosebumps. That feeling of helplessness and frustration when dealing with the authorities and the betrayal within the family was also eloquently narrated by the author. The emotions I felt when reading Jennifer’s story made me want to reach inside my Kindle and strangle Kevin. However short secondary character Lieutenant Ahmed's role was, he actually made a significant impact on the lives of the family. Jennifer’s courage and resilience shine through, especially in the second part of the book. This cautionary tale might bring you a lot of emotional turmoil: grief, heartbreak, betrayal, courage and closure, but it is definitely worth reading. I highly recommend it!
February 20, 2019
AMAZING BOOK!!! I absolutely loved this story!
K. Moore's debut novel is an outstanding and gripping story set in Dubai, where laws and culture are so different from the Occident.
It's amazing how K. Moore's words can drag you into the story as if you were the character living it and when that happens, you know you are reading a book from a great author!
In this book, so well written, you can feel the despair of a mother that suddenly loses her ten year old daughter and her journey to find her back.
I'm not going to lie. I shiver just thinking about the possibility to lose my son, that's something I don't even want to imagine, but losing him in a foreign country, with laws and culture so different from mine, that is plainly terrifying!
The story in itself it's very emotional. Jen, the mother, does everything she can to make sure Sara, her daughter, is found but in Dubai things aren't as easy as they seem to be in other countries, so she see's herself facing several difficulties with the police and the embassy. If that wasn't enough, her trembling marriage is crashing too, leaving her desperate and lonely.
I want to make a point here about everything that is described to the reader in a way you understand and absorb, laws and behaviors, smells and feelings. You definitely dive into the story!
In the end and although this is a standalone story, you can't help but want more!
I hope K. Moore gives us a little more about those lost years!
K. Moore's debut novel is an outstanding and gripping story set in Dubai, where laws and culture are so different from the Occident.
It's amazing how K. Moore's words can drag you into the story as if you were the character living it and when that happens, you know you are reading a book from a great author!
In this book, so well written, you can feel the despair of a mother that suddenly loses her ten year old daughter and her journey to find her back.
I'm not going to lie. I shiver just thinking about the possibility to lose my son, that's something I don't even want to imagine, but losing him in a foreign country, with laws and culture so different from mine, that is plainly terrifying!
The story in itself it's very emotional. Jen, the mother, does everything she can to make sure Sara, her daughter, is found but in Dubai things aren't as easy as they seem to be in other countries, so she see's herself facing several difficulties with the police and the embassy. If that wasn't enough, her trembling marriage is crashing too, leaving her desperate and lonely.
I want to make a point here about everything that is described to the reader in a way you understand and absorb, laws and behaviors, smells and feelings. You definitely dive into the story!
In the end and although this is a standalone story, you can't help but want more!
I hope K. Moore gives us a little more about those lost years!
March 27, 2022
The writing in this book was a little simpler than I normally enjoy, but it was perfectly fitting for the sensitive subject matter. Coming from a family which dealt with a missing child without a happy ending, I can't say enough how glad I am that this one did have a happy ending, even if it took some time to get there.
For me, the best part of this story was seeing a little bit of how different it is in other countries, even in larger cities such as Dubai. They might be safer than smaller cities in the same country, but they are definitely not the same, especially for women. The hardest part of this book was definitely it being from the mother's perspective in a country where women have no rights. The only thing I can think of that's worse than having your child / family member go missing without being able to do anything about it, is having that situation going on and not even being able to talk about it - being forced to pretend like everything is fine and progressing nicely even when you know it isn't.
The most satisfying part was definitely the revelation of Jacquie's potential role in the kidnapping; the story almost implies that she aided in arranging it. Since she overall did everything she could to ruin the Johnson family... I'm glad she didn't get a happy ending herself. Kevin was certainly no angel, but even he didn't deserve Jacquie's actions.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
For me, the best part of this story was seeing a little bit of how different it is in other countries, even in larger cities such as Dubai. They might be safer than smaller cities in the same country, but they are definitely not the same, especially for women. The hardest part of this book was definitely it being from the mother's perspective in a country where women have no rights. The only thing I can think of that's worse than having your child / family member go missing without being able to do anything about it, is having that situation going on and not even being able to talk about it - being forced to pretend like everything is fine and progressing nicely even when you know it isn't.
The most satisfying part was definitely the revelation of Jacquie's potential role in the kidnapping; the story almost implies that she aided in arranging it. Since she overall did everything she could to ruin the Johnson family... I'm glad she didn't get a happy ending herself. Kevin was certainly no angel, but even he didn't deserve Jacquie's actions.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2021
This is a really interesting book and I read it in one session as I wanted to know what happened. The descriptions of the politics seemed to be very well researched and believable. This is a parent's worst nightmare.
This was definitely worth my time in reading - it flowed and had great characters, great story.
Will definitely be reading more by this author.
I was given a copy by voracious readers and the author but the review is entirely my own.
This was definitely worth my time in reading - it flowed and had great characters, great story.
Will definitely be reading more by this author.
I was given a copy by voracious readers and the author but the review is entirely my own.
February 23, 2022
Oh, my, gosh. Be ready to have your heart ripped out! So realistic. So frightening. So tragic. To have your 10 yr old daughter taken. How do you ever live thru that? And then be in a patriarchal country so your word doesn't even count.
This book is so well written. So well told. I felt I was there. I really recommend this read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
This book is so well written. So well told. I felt I was there. I really recommend this read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
April 24, 2019
I won a copy of Desert Rose through a Goodreads giveaway.
Desert Rose held all the right cards to make a wonderful book. While many of the things that make a great book were in place, like a great premise, it lacked speed where it needed it and expanding the plot where it felt rushed over. The ending felt incredibly rushed and I would have liked to see it fleshed out more.
Desert Rose held all the right cards to make a wonderful book. While many of the things that make a great book were in place, like a great premise, it lacked speed where it needed it and expanding the plot where it felt rushed over. The ending felt incredibly rushed and I would have liked to see it fleshed out more.
June 18, 2021
As a mum of a ten year old girl, this one shook me to the core. Desert Rose is well written, with plenty of moments to taste the fear and frustration. K Moore clearly knows Dubai and although it's not a place I've been to before myself to back it up, she describes and sets the scene beautifully and the imagry she conjures is breathtaking. A read worthy of my time.
December 3, 2022
this was what I was hoping for when reading the description. The characters were wonderfully done and I was glad I was able to read this. The plot was really well done and I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning to end. I can't wait to read more from K. Moore.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2019
Great book
This book flowed very quickly. I was caught up with the characters and thought about the story for days. I would like to see a sequel - to find out what happened further.
This book flowed very quickly. I was caught up with the characters and thought about the story for days. I would like to see a sequel - to find out what happened further.
March 7, 2019
ARC REVIEW
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. I hated it because it gave me panic attacks, anxiety, and I very nearly hyperventilated at one point. I became so aggravated with the patriarchal society of Dubai and the events that Jennifer was forced to endure. But I loved this book because it was able to invoke all those emotions in me. The writing pulled me in and refused to let me go even when Jennifer's world was falling apart at her feet and I came so close to giving up on the story I had to find out what happened. Told in a first person POV by Jennifer as her and her family go through this horrible ordeal. I was kind of hoping at one point Jennifer would go Liam Neeson on everyone's ass and find her daughter that way but no K. Moore sticks to a very realistic chain of events; frighteningly realistic. Overall, I did give this four stars out of five because it was emotional and it was a addictive read once I picked it up I didn't put it down until almost four hours later, except for the brief almost panic attack I had toward the end, I had to stop while I calmed down.
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. I hated it because it gave me panic attacks, anxiety, and I very nearly hyperventilated at one point. I became so aggravated with the patriarchal society of Dubai and the events that Jennifer was forced to endure. But I loved this book because it was able to invoke all those emotions in me. The writing pulled me in and refused to let me go even when Jennifer's world was falling apart at her feet and I came so close to giving up on the story I had to find out what happened. Told in a first person POV by Jennifer as her and her family go through this horrible ordeal. I was kind of hoping at one point Jennifer would go Liam Neeson on everyone's ass and find her daughter that way but no K. Moore sticks to a very realistic chain of events; frighteningly realistic. Overall, I did give this four stars out of five because it was emotional and it was a addictive read once I picked it up I didn't put it down until almost four hours later, except for the brief almost panic attack I had toward the end, I had to stop while I calmed down.
November 16, 2021
Wow! I've just finished reading this book and it has left me feeling really emotional. Although the book ended with both Jen and Kevin finally finding out their daughter was alive, the story ending was left up to the readers imagination as to what happened after. Throughout this story I could relate to both jen's grief and frustration as to what was happening but also her exasperation at the authorities reluctance and inaction in appearing to take their daughters disappearance seriously. They were caught up in a nightmare in which they had no control and were met with cautions and threats if they tried to take matters into their own hands. I raced through this book as I was anxious to find out who took Sarah, was she still alive and I so desperately wanted Jen and Kevin to get their daughter back safely. I would be interested to read a follow-on book to this to find out what happens next to Jen, Kevin, Liam and importantly Sarah, I also think it would make a fantastic film adaptation.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
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