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The Face of the Earth
From the award-winning author of After All, a man finds his wedding vows tested after his wife disappears.When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.” Hours later, Jill still hasn’t returned, and Mitch’s irritation turns to dread.
When the police come up empty, Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, to help search. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer––and decidedly more complicated. Every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.
When the police come up empty, Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, to help search. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer––and decidedly more complicated. Every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2013
796 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books682 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
April 27, 2022
Excellent story about a woman who disappears off the face of the earth. Figured it out toward the end, but that didn't detract from the story.
This amazing story is difficult to put down until the ultimate resolution. Mitchell and Shelley are realistic characters who face an untenable situation with grace, yet also experience true-to-life struggles. Raney’s novel is gut-wrenching, but incredibly satisfying.
While attending an out-of-state conference, Mitchell Brannon’s wife Jill leaves a message saying she is heading home and should be there for dinner. When she fails to arrive, Mitchell enlists the help of the police and their longtime friend and neighbor Shelley, but Jill seems to have vanished. As the days pass without clues, Mitchell tries not to lose hope. He and Shelley grow closer, but try to avoid temptation as they continue the search.
This amazing story is difficult to put down until the ultimate resolution. Mitchell and Shelley are realistic characters who face an untenable situation with grace, yet also experience true-to-life struggles. Raney’s novel is gut-wrenching, but incredibly satisfying.
While attending an out-of-state conference, Mitchell Brannon’s wife Jill leaves a message saying she is heading home and should be there for dinner. When she fails to arrive, Mitchell enlists the help of the police and their longtime friend and neighbor Shelley, but Jill seems to have vanished. As the days pass without clues, Mitchell tries not to lose hope. He and Shelley grow closer, but try to avoid temptation as they continue the search.
December 30, 2013
When I call this the "perfect" book, I am not joking. This is a book that kept my entire attention from the very beginning until the end, and not many books can do that. This has something in it for everyone: mystery, romance, contemporary concerns, and true faith. This is a book that is clean and well-written.
In light of current media stories where people go missing far too often, this was a smart topic to cover in this book. The author kept me guessing almost until the very end. At one point, I said to myself that she could steer the book at least fifty different ways. I had to force myself to stop and eat lunch and do other things that were necessary. I actually forgot that this was a fiction book.
In addition to this, there is a very inconvenient romance, and I was greatly touched and conflicted as I read about it. I was so glad that those involved turned to the Lord. While the gospel message is not expressly stated in the book, it is clear that a foundation based on a relationship with God is absolutely key.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It should be a joy for anyone who enjoys mysteries and romances.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
In light of current media stories where people go missing far too often, this was a smart topic to cover in this book. The author kept me guessing almost until the very end. At one point, I said to myself that she could steer the book at least fifty different ways. I had to force myself to stop and eat lunch and do other things that were necessary. I actually forgot that this was a fiction book.
In addition to this, there is a very inconvenient romance, and I was greatly touched and conflicted as I read about it. I was so glad that those involved turned to the Lord. While the gospel message is not expressly stated in the book, it is clear that a foundation based on a relationship with God is absolutely key.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It should be a joy for anyone who enjoys mysteries and romances.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
February 17, 2013
When I first saw this book, this author was new to me, but the description looked interesting, so I gave it a try. I hate the cliched term "If you only read one book this year..." but I honestly think that can describe this book. If I had to only read one book this year it would be this one.
I was not only surprised and delighted by what I found between these covers, but totally amazed that I had not yet discovered this talented author.
This is a Christian fiction book like no other that I have read. The author, Deborah Raney, has written a tender tale of love, loss, forgiveness and enduring friendship that transcends the everyday world. She has created characters who are worthy of the book they are in and who struggle to do what they feel is right in their own eyes and the eyes of their creator.
I was enthralled with this book for a number of reasons. First, there is mystery and it is the type of mystery that does not relent until the end of the book. My desire to know what happened and how it happened made me feel like one of the characters and in some way, caused me to sympathize in ways I never thought I could with those who have had things like this happen in real life.
Secondly, over the course of this book I grew to genuinely care for the characters in this story. My favorite character was Shelley. From the beginning she was strong and supportive, but also compassionate and the type of person you can't help but love. She put her desire to please the lord and help the family of her best friend over her own wants.
I was pleased with the way the author ended this story. There were no loose ends that still needed to be tied up and I thought the conclusion to the mystery was perfect.
If you are looking for a book that can make you feel, really feel something, this is where you should go.
This review is based on an ARC from the publisher.
I was not only surprised and delighted by what I found between these covers, but totally amazed that I had not yet discovered this talented author.
This is a Christian fiction book like no other that I have read. The author, Deborah Raney, has written a tender tale of love, loss, forgiveness and enduring friendship that transcends the everyday world. She has created characters who are worthy of the book they are in and who struggle to do what they feel is right in their own eyes and the eyes of their creator.
I was enthralled with this book for a number of reasons. First, there is mystery and it is the type of mystery that does not relent until the end of the book. My desire to know what happened and how it happened made me feel like one of the characters and in some way, caused me to sympathize in ways I never thought I could with those who have had things like this happen in real life.
Secondly, over the course of this book I grew to genuinely care for the characters in this story. My favorite character was Shelley. From the beginning she was strong and supportive, but also compassionate and the type of person you can't help but love. She put her desire to please the lord and help the family of her best friend over her own wants.
I was pleased with the way the author ended this story. There were no loose ends that still needed to be tied up and I thought the conclusion to the mystery was perfect.
If you are looking for a book that can make you feel, really feel something, this is where you should go.
This review is based on an ARC from the publisher.
July 9, 2017
Oh my goodness! This novel was absolutely compelling and one that I could not set down. Even though it was fiction, I felt myself following the story and waiting for leads as breathlessly as the characters in this book.
I had this book on my shelf for a couple of years and finally worked up the courage to read it. I have enjoyed other stories written by this author, but was not sure if I could handle this very grave subject matter. I'm glad I waited and read it when I was really in the right place to give it all of my focus. It was an amazing story, written very skillfully. I highly recommend it.
I had this book on my shelf for a couple of years and finally worked up the courage to read it. I have enjoyed other stories written by this author, but was not sure if I could handle this very grave subject matter. I'm glad I waited and read it when I was really in the right place to give it all of my focus. It was an amazing story, written very skillfully. I highly recommend it.
April 7, 2024
After reading 25 chapters I decided I just cannot finish this book. A wife to Mitch, and a mother to 2 college aged kids disappears and the story becomes about the husband & her best friend developing an intimate relationship after just 5 months & the kids return to college like nothing has happened. I will skip to the end to see if she is ever found, but that's it.
May 13, 2013
This book immediately grabs you. I was reading feverishly right away, trying to find out what happened to Jill. I found myself thinking backwards like Mitchell, wondering what on earth could have happened to Jill. Did she leave because of something he did? Did somebody hurt her? Did she get in an accident? I think this was excellent writing by Raney, especially because I didn't even realize until now that she had done so.
I also found that this book lit a fire under me. I have always said to my husband, "If I fall of the face of the earth, then..." followed by telling him how to do something or where something is. Well, what would happen if I did disappear? So many details that are critical to our household running would be lost or very difficult to find. I think this novel should urge all readers to get their affairs in order; even if they don't need them soon, they'll still be ready for when they are needed. It made me realize that I really need to make a "in case of emergency" file or something, just in case.
I have to admire Mitchell's dedication to his wife. How many other husbands would not only keep looking and searching but also be able to withstand the temptation of the other adult who loved his wife so much? Mitchell's love for Jill shines brilliantly in his actions in this area, as well as many others.
I also found that this book lit a fire under me. I have always said to my husband, "If I fall of the face of the earth, then..." followed by telling him how to do something or where something is. Well, what would happen if I did disappear? So many details that are critical to our household running would be lost or very difficult to find. I think this novel should urge all readers to get their affairs in order; even if they don't need them soon, they'll still be ready for when they are needed. It made me realize that I really need to make a "in case of emergency" file or something, just in case.
I have to admire Mitchell's dedication to his wife. How many other husbands would not only keep looking and searching but also be able to withstand the temptation of the other adult who loved his wife so much? Mitchell's love for Jill shines brilliantly in his actions in this area, as well as many others.
January 18, 2013
Another wonderful book by one of Christian fiction's finest writers. Bravo Deb.
April 23, 2022
Mitchell Brannon comes home from his job as a high school principal and looks forward to his wife, Jill, returning from a teaching conference which she has been attending. But what happens when days later, Jill has not come home and no trace of her can be found? Will Mitchell and their neighbor, Shelley, who is also Jill's best friend be able to find what local, state, and federal authorities can't? And what happens between Mitchell and Shelley as they both pursue finding their best friend?
Deborah Raney put me on the edge of my seat with the suspense filled book that didn't let me put it down until I came to the very end. This book gave the reader a look into what happens when a person vanishes without a trace and becomes a cold case file in the eyes of legal authorities after they have done everything they possibly can. Yet, is there a clue out there that will lead to the answers if someone keeps digging? And when is it time to give up and move on? All questions that plague family and friends when someone goes missing without a trace.
Deborah Raney put me on the edge of my seat with the suspense filled book that didn't let me put it down until I came to the very end. This book gave the reader a look into what happens when a person vanishes without a trace and becomes a cold case file in the eyes of legal authorities after they have done everything they possibly can. Yet, is there a clue out there that will lead to the answers if someone keeps digging? And when is it time to give up and move on? All questions that plague family and friends when someone goes missing without a trace.
September 11, 2019
This is a book that explores loss and grief. MItch Brannon’s wife Jill fails to come home from a teachers conference one fateful day. Mitch and Jill’s best friend and neighbor Shelly Austin search for her to no avail. I can’t imagine having to deal with someone disappearing off “The Face of the Earth” without a clue as to what happened. How long can you stay faithful to your vows and live in limbo not knowing what the future holds. This is a very good book and I enjoyed it very much. I got this book from the Library.
January 9, 2025
4.5 stars honestly for me. This was a great Christian mystery that kept me curious. I deducted a star because the female protagonist was pushy and too quick to write off her missing best friend. That part was a little too repetitive for my liking.
February 7, 2024
Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Read: January 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #21 of 50 - “featuring law enforcement” - police detectives helped with the missing person case
Book #8 for 2024: Having a loved one go missing must be one of the most difficult traumas to ever endure. There are nothing but questions and horrible, wild imaginings. The story had me immersed in the shock and pain of it all from the perspective of the husband, the adult children, and her best friend.
Naturally, spending a lot of time with someone can lead to feelings. There is so much rawness and inter-dependency there. Mitch even says it is like he could hardly distinguish his wife from her best friend after a while.
Yet I still felt uncomfortable with the waffling by the best friend between being worried for her friend and having deep feelings for her best friend’s husband amidst all the trauma. I found her to be a contradiction and that frustrated me greatly. She did redeem herself at one point but then I felt she reverted right back. It felt manipulative to me. I admittedly didn’t like her that much.
While I can’t understand the incredible difficulty of that situation, it just felt dishonouring to even consider starting a relationship when someone is missing. Regardless of whether a person is missing, has left of their own accord, or has died, the healthy response is to take some time to grieve or work through the situation. It sometimes felt like she would prefer that her friend be gone so she could have her husband. It was just weird and uncomfortable for me.
The story was compelling though and I did enjoy most of it. The ending seemed a little strange after the journey but sometimes the obvious answer is the least expected.
Read: January 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #21 of 50 - “featuring law enforcement” - police detectives helped with the missing person case
Book #8 for 2024: Having a loved one go missing must be one of the most difficult traumas to ever endure. There are nothing but questions and horrible, wild imaginings. The story had me immersed in the shock and pain of it all from the perspective of the husband, the adult children, and her best friend.
Naturally, spending a lot of time with someone can lead to feelings. There is so much rawness and inter-dependency there. Mitch even says it is like he could hardly distinguish his wife from her best friend after a while.
Yet I still felt uncomfortable with the waffling by the best friend between being worried for her friend and having deep feelings for her best friend’s husband amidst all the trauma. I found her to be a contradiction and that frustrated me greatly. She did redeem herself at one point but then I felt she reverted right back. It felt manipulative to me. I admittedly didn’t like her that much.
While I can’t understand the incredible difficulty of that situation, it just felt dishonouring to even consider starting a relationship when someone is missing. Regardless of whether a person is missing, has left of their own accord, or has died, the healthy response is to take some time to grieve or work through the situation. It sometimes felt like she would prefer that her friend be gone so she could have her husband. It was just weird and uncomfortable for me.
The story was compelling though and I did enjoy most of it. The ending seemed a little strange after the journey but sometimes the obvious answer is the least expected.
June 19, 2018
Home
A beautiful story of love and how God led his children to honor the commitment made before him. A perfect beginning, middle, and end. A must read.
A beautiful story of love and how God led his children to honor the commitment made before him. A perfect beginning, middle, and end. A must read.
May 9, 2025
#BookReviewFriday
#2025readingchallenge
#31overcomingatragicevent
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 31 Overcoming a Traumatic Event
Book: The Face of the Earth
Author: Deborah Raney
Five stars. Wow. No one captures real human emotions under the most unusual but realistic circumstances quite like Deborah Raney. This book gripped me, I couldn’t put it down. I could not imagine how I would feel if my loved one seemingly vanished in to thin air.
I love how Mrs. Raney tackles tough subjects like this yet the reactions are always realistic. Nothing in her books are ever contrived. She cuts to the heart of human emotion.
Compounding an already difficult situation is watching Mitchell and Shelly deal with the growing attraction they feel for each other while searching for Jill. This book tore my emotions up. I didn’t know what to do, how to feel and I’m glad I wasn’t put in this situation. The characters calling out to and relying on God through these difficult times are an added bonus.
I can’t wait to read more from Mrs. Raney, absolutely joins the list as one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book.
Join my reading challenge! Scripture Literature - You are what you Read on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
#2025readingchallenge
#31overcomingatragicevent
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 31 Overcoming a Traumatic Event
Book: The Face of the Earth
Author: Deborah Raney
Five stars. Wow. No one captures real human emotions under the most unusual but realistic circumstances quite like Deborah Raney. This book gripped me, I couldn’t put it down. I could not imagine how I would feel if my loved one seemingly vanished in to thin air.
I love how Mrs. Raney tackles tough subjects like this yet the reactions are always realistic. Nothing in her books are ever contrived. She cuts to the heart of human emotion.
Compounding an already difficult situation is watching Mitchell and Shelly deal with the growing attraction they feel for each other while searching for Jill. This book tore my emotions up. I didn’t know what to do, how to feel and I’m glad I wasn’t put in this situation. The characters calling out to and relying on God through these difficult times are an added bonus.
I can’t wait to read more from Mrs. Raney, absolutely joins the list as one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book.
Join my reading challenge! Scripture Literature - You are what you Read on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
May 14, 2013
Face of the Earth is a beautifully written and heart-wrenching story that deals with a very scary subject. Isn't every person's nightmare one where a loved one never comes home? When Michell's wife fails to return home from a teacher conference, he does everything in his power to find her. I really felt for Mitchell. I can only imagine the panic and frantic feeling of not knowing what happened. Along the way, he finds out some secrets about Jill that make him start to question his relationship with her. His heartache and guilt over imagining the worst about her came across so well. Through his faith and prayer, he is able to find some consolation. The story takes place over a year. While they are waiting for Jill to come home, the routine of life still goes on. Holidays come and go. Work and school are still there.
The book also deals with the question of how far do you take your vows that you make to your spouse? How long are you supposed to wait before you move on? One year? Ten? Can your faith be enough to sustain you until you get the answers that you need so desperately? Both Mitchell and Shelley struggle with this as they grow closer through their grief over the loss of Jill. I thought the situation was handled very well and realistically. I commended both Mitchel and Shelley for recognizing their weakness toward each other and doing things to make sure they remained just friends.
After reading the book, I'm not sure that I am any closer to an answer. I honestly don't know what I would do in this situation. I think it is only something that each person can answer for themselves. It is definitely a book that makes you do some deep soul searching. Do they ever find Jill? I don't want to give that away. I'll just say that I loved the ending. I felt like I got closure and was happy with the conclusion of my journey with Mitchell and his family.
The book also deals with the question of how far do you take your vows that you make to your spouse? How long are you supposed to wait before you move on? One year? Ten? Can your faith be enough to sustain you until you get the answers that you need so desperately? Both Mitchell and Shelley struggle with this as they grow closer through their grief over the loss of Jill. I thought the situation was handled very well and realistically. I commended both Mitchel and Shelley for recognizing their weakness toward each other and doing things to make sure they remained just friends.
After reading the book, I'm not sure that I am any closer to an answer. I honestly don't know what I would do in this situation. I think it is only something that each person can answer for themselves. It is definitely a book that makes you do some deep soul searching. Do they ever find Jill? I don't want to give that away. I'll just say that I loved the ending. I felt like I got closure and was happy with the conclusion of my journey with Mitchell and his family.
May 15, 2013
Title: THE FACE OF THE EARTH
Author: Deborah Raney
Publisher: Howard Books
May 2013
ISBN: 978-1416599975
Genre: Contemporary
What if she never came home . . . ?
When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife sets off for home after a conference, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised that Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.” Hours later, Jill still hasn’t returned, and Mitch’s irritation turns to dread.
When the police come up empty, Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, to help search. As hours turn into days and days into weeks, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly more complicated. Every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared from the face of the earth.
THE FACE OF THE EARTH is Ms. Raney’s most recent book. It has the potential of being a page-turner, and a tear-jerker. Mitch’s wife has vanished and he’s desperate to find her. But this is also complicated by his wife’s best friend—who he suddenly realizes he has feelings for. Neither of the two main characters have much depth—I couldn’t force myself to care for them. I figured how the story would end, from the beginning and it was predictable, not veering from the way I thought it would go. But it is also kind of sad.
Some readers will love Ms. Raney’s newest book. I’m disappointed I wasn’t one of them. I liked it okay. I didn’t love it. It is very well written, has the potential of being real—and maybe would make a good movie. $14.99. 368 pages.
Author: Deborah Raney
Publisher: Howard Books
May 2013
ISBN: 978-1416599975
Genre: Contemporary
What if she never came home . . . ?
When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife sets off for home after a conference, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised that Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.” Hours later, Jill still hasn’t returned, and Mitch’s irritation turns to dread.
When the police come up empty, Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, to help search. As hours turn into days and days into weeks, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly more complicated. Every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared from the face of the earth.
THE FACE OF THE EARTH is Ms. Raney’s most recent book. It has the potential of being a page-turner, and a tear-jerker. Mitch’s wife has vanished and he’s desperate to find her. But this is also complicated by his wife’s best friend—who he suddenly realizes he has feelings for. Neither of the two main characters have much depth—I couldn’t force myself to care for them. I figured how the story would end, from the beginning and it was predictable, not veering from the way I thought it would go. But it is also kind of sad.
Some readers will love Ms. Raney’s newest book. I’m disappointed I wasn’t one of them. I liked it okay. I didn’t love it. It is very well written, has the potential of being real—and maybe would make a good movie. $14.99. 368 pages.
May 22, 2013
My review:
I love books that make me think. This is the type of novels that leaves you pondering things even after you finish the last page. I really liked how the story ended because it brought closure to everything. I also appreciated the realistic struggles that the hero and heroine had. This author does a good job with stirring emotion in the reader and making hearts ache as well as rejoice. There were just enough "we think we've found out what happened" scenarios to make it seem suspenseful, even though it wasn't a suspense novel. There was also a mystery element to the book. It would be hard to sit around waiting when the trail seems to grow colder by the day.
The questions Mitch asked himself were legitimate ones. How do you know when it's time to let go? How do you get peace in a situation like this? Why did God let it happen and why did it take so long to find out the truth? Well, God knows what he's doing and if we tune into His will, we will find peace and a deeper relationship with Him, but we have to surrender our own plans first. It's really hard to talk about some of the characters' journeys without posting spoilers and this is the kind of book that you don't want to cheat and read the end first.
Half the beauty of reading the story is not knowing the outcome. The moral and spiritual dilemmas are more complex when the reader doesn't know the future... just like in real life. How many decisions would we change if we knew what the future held? It was a realistic and touching journey for me in that respect. I really enjoyed this story.
I love books that make me think. This is the type of novels that leaves you pondering things even after you finish the last page. I really liked how the story ended because it brought closure to everything. I also appreciated the realistic struggles that the hero and heroine had. This author does a good job with stirring emotion in the reader and making hearts ache as well as rejoice. There were just enough "we think we've found out what happened" scenarios to make it seem suspenseful, even though it wasn't a suspense novel. There was also a mystery element to the book. It would be hard to sit around waiting when the trail seems to grow colder by the day.
The questions Mitch asked himself were legitimate ones. How do you know when it's time to let go? How do you get peace in a situation like this? Why did God let it happen and why did it take so long to find out the truth? Well, God knows what he's doing and if we tune into His will, we will find peace and a deeper relationship with Him, but we have to surrender our own plans first. It's really hard to talk about some of the characters' journeys without posting spoilers and this is the kind of book that you don't want to cheat and read the end first.
Half the beauty of reading the story is not knowing the outcome. The moral and spiritual dilemmas are more complex when the reader doesn't know the future... just like in real life. How many decisions would we change if we knew what the future held? It was a realistic and touching journey for me in that respect. I really enjoyed this story.
April 26, 2013
Contemporary women’s fiction with a strong plot line that had me hooked from the back cover copy.
What has become of Jill? Kidnapped? Run away? Nervous breakdown? Lost? Dead? Three hundred pages of trying to find this woman who has simply disappeared off the face of the earth. Husband Mitch is such a character to feel for. What is he to do? Searching, passing clues to the police and each one is a dead end. Can one even imagine being in such a position?
I think the story does a good job of what that must feel like to have someone you love just disappear and you have no clue why. The story plays with great realism and yet still keeps our main characters likeable and as real as the people who might live next door.
The ending is heartbreaking. It’s one you know is coming, you have a pretty good idea of what has happened after reading the entire book. And on one hand my heart was saddened, on the other I was grateful our characters had their “answer”.
The story is the struggles faced with every human life. It’s a love story twined through as real life story as what might be ripped from the headlines. It’s a story that has its moment of difficulty as I traversed the literary landscape, but one I walked closely by each of the characters.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
What has become of Jill? Kidnapped? Run away? Nervous breakdown? Lost? Dead? Three hundred pages of trying to find this woman who has simply disappeared off the face of the earth. Husband Mitch is such a character to feel for. What is he to do? Searching, passing clues to the police and each one is a dead end. Can one even imagine being in such a position?
I think the story does a good job of what that must feel like to have someone you love just disappear and you have no clue why. The story plays with great realism and yet still keeps our main characters likeable and as real as the people who might live next door.
The ending is heartbreaking. It’s one you know is coming, you have a pretty good idea of what has happened after reading the entire book. And on one hand my heart was saddened, on the other I was grateful our characters had their “answer”.
The story is the struggles faced with every human life. It’s a love story twined through as real life story as what might be ripped from the headlines. It’s a story that has its moment of difficulty as I traversed the literary landscape, but one I walked closely by each of the characters.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
May 23, 2013
A story that makes you think...all that we take for granted. No matter who in your family doesn't come home, there is a sense of panic. Going around for about a year with no answers has got to be heart wrenching.
I could not imagine my husband's voice on our answering machine, saying he would be home shortly, and then vanishing with no trace. What length would you go to to find your loved one?
We find Mitchell Brannon's wife Jill showing up in unexpected ways...but where is she? Will Mitch make it through this trauma. What will happen to his college age children?? How do you deal with school when part of your family is missing. Did Jill take off of her own free will? Where is she?
I don't think I could, and know Mitch didn't without God's help! As time goes on by, you wonder how her reappearing in their lives is going to effect them, or if she never comes home.
The not knowing has got to be the horror of this book. It becomes a real page turner trying to see where the answers are going to come from. I highly recommend this mystery....it is a great read.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
I could not imagine my husband's voice on our answering machine, saying he would be home shortly, and then vanishing with no trace. What length would you go to to find your loved one?
We find Mitchell Brannon's wife Jill showing up in unexpected ways...but where is she? Will Mitch make it through this trauma. What will happen to his college age children?? How do you deal with school when part of your family is missing. Did Jill take off of her own free will? Where is she?
I don't think I could, and know Mitch didn't without God's help! As time goes on by, you wonder how her reappearing in their lives is going to effect them, or if she never comes home.
The not knowing has got to be the horror of this book. It becomes a real page turner trying to see where the answers are going to come from. I highly recommend this mystery....it is a great read.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 20, 2013
What if your wife disappeared off the face of the earth? Trying to find out what happened to the missing wife and why she disappeared was a real page turner, and a mystery that had me unable to put this book down. But the developing relationship between the husband and the best friend was also reason to turn the pages. How do you go on with life when a loved one is missing? How was this all going to end? The fact that this was Christian fiction actually made this story more realistic for me. In my world when tragedy strikes, people pray, and they ask others to pray for them. This is the story of imperfect people dealing with a devastating turn of events. I actually teared up at the end of this novel. I recommend!
October 10, 2015
Every time I hear about a missing person my thoughts go to those who love that person. It must be so very hard to wait for closure--either good or bad. This book is about the people who love a wife, mother, and friend who disappears off the face of the earth. It was a very compelling read and I could hardly put it down. How sweet was the reminder, though, that we do not go through these tough times alone, but that our Lord is with us through it all.
April 13, 2020
This enthralling book puts the reader into an instant dilemma. Within the first few pages, this guy’s wife is missing. Where is Jill? The three obvious choices are: she’s dead from some tragedy, she’s been kidnapped, or this confused wife has chosen to make herself scarce from her distraught husband.
You’re instantly hooked, wanting to know which of the three it is. And I figured: Okay, two chapters in, Raney will inform us, and then the book will deal with the aftermath of this unfolding catastrophe. But no, you’re left to read the entire book before the ending is unveiled! You may or may not appreciate that literary gimmick; the good news is that her story is very nicely told.
The main drama is an achingly slow budding romance with the nice lady next door. Mitch and Shelley are beginning to fall in love with one another . . . but what about Jill? The two ladies were best friends, and now this alive and breathing beauty queen is enamored with her neighbor. Unless Jill is really dead – the cops and detectives don’t know – does their evolving relationship border on adulterous?
Two elements of this story are finely woven. Both parents have college-age kids, and the dialogue and levels of discipline/interaction are realistic and sometimes gritty. Even though this is an inspirational novel, Mitch has to deal with the possibility that his son and dorm friends are having a beer bust at the cabin. Stuff like that, and the vignettes feel about right.
Even better is how Raney infuses just the right amount of a God element. These two struggling souls pray, they seek heaven’s wisdom during the hard moments – and this story has plenty of those. But her writing is not pious or insufferable, and in today’s Christian market, that is a positive strength. I attempt some writing in this same genre, and it’s oh so easy for the platitudes to spill forth as a rival to Wednesday night prayer meeting.
I won’t give away the ending, but this book is a solid achievement and grace-bathed testimony.
You’re instantly hooked, wanting to know which of the three it is. And I figured: Okay, two chapters in, Raney will inform us, and then the book will deal with the aftermath of this unfolding catastrophe. But no, you’re left to read the entire book before the ending is unveiled! You may or may not appreciate that literary gimmick; the good news is that her story is very nicely told.
The main drama is an achingly slow budding romance with the nice lady next door. Mitch and Shelley are beginning to fall in love with one another . . . but what about Jill? The two ladies were best friends, and now this alive and breathing beauty queen is enamored with her neighbor. Unless Jill is really dead – the cops and detectives don’t know – does their evolving relationship border on adulterous?
Two elements of this story are finely woven. Both parents have college-age kids, and the dialogue and levels of discipline/interaction are realistic and sometimes gritty. Even though this is an inspirational novel, Mitch has to deal with the possibility that his son and dorm friends are having a beer bust at the cabin. Stuff like that, and the vignettes feel about right.
Even better is how Raney infuses just the right amount of a God element. These two struggling souls pray, they seek heaven’s wisdom during the hard moments – and this story has plenty of those. But her writing is not pious or insufferable, and in today’s Christian market, that is a positive strength. I attempt some writing in this same genre, and it’s oh so easy for the platitudes to spill forth as a rival to Wednesday night prayer meeting.
I won’t give away the ending, but this book is a solid achievement and grace-bathed testimony.
September 17, 2021
When Mitch Brannon's wife doesn't return home after a conference, he does everything he can to find her. Hours turn to days, and many theories are given about why she has yet to return home. Mitch knows she wouldn't have left him voluntarily, though, so he he can't give up trying to find out what happened to her, with the help of their next-door-neighbor and his wife's best friend, Shelley. But how can she handle her growing attraction for her missing friend's husband as she begins to spend more time with him?
When I first heard about this book, I had some concerns about how it might go, based on the synopsis, regarding the developing relationship between Mitch and Shelley. But after reading some reviews, I decided to give it a try. While my concerns were not entirely unfounded, the author did handle the situation as well as I think could be possible in this type of book, especially on Mitch's side of things. I did not like Shelley, however, who had been attracted to her best friend's husband long before any of this happened, and whose actions I didn't care for throughout the book.
The book is written well, but the story was not as engaging as I would have hoped for. It's said to be suspense, but to me, there wasn't much of that. The mystery involving Mitch's wife made me curious, but curiosity is not suspense. In the end, it went on a little long and included a few romance cliches that made me cringe, since I couldn't buy into any kind of romance between the two main characters. It's an interesting perspective regarding a Christian man or woman whose spouse goes missing (not dead, not moved out/divorced, but just disappeared) and the question of how or when, if at all, the one left behind should move on with their life, especially relationship-wise.
When I first heard about this book, I had some concerns about how it might go, based on the synopsis, regarding the developing relationship between Mitch and Shelley. But after reading some reviews, I decided to give it a try. While my concerns were not entirely unfounded, the author did handle the situation as well as I think could be possible in this type of book, especially on Mitch's side of things. I did not like Shelley, however, who had been attracted to her best friend's husband long before any of this happened, and whose actions I didn't care for throughout the book.
The book is written well, but the story was not as engaging as I would have hoped for. It's said to be suspense, but to me, there wasn't much of that. The mystery involving Mitch's wife made me curious, but curiosity is not suspense. In the end, it went on a little long and included a few romance cliches that made me cringe, since I couldn't buy into any kind of romance between the two main characters. It's an interesting perspective regarding a Christian man or woman whose spouse goes missing (not dead, not moved out/divorced, but just disappeared) and the question of how or when, if at all, the one left behind should move on with their life, especially relationship-wise.
May 25, 2019
A lot of spouses have had to discover their own answer to the question: at what point, if ever, are you released from your marriage commitment when the one you made them to is absent, either literally or mentally?
I just finished this amazing story where the author examines this question and demonstrates a sensible, faith-based response. She writes about characters who embrace Christian principles and seek direction through prayer, but I recommend this book to anyone.
Mitch and Shelley are two vulnerable human beings thrown together in a time of high emotions time and you know the connection is going to produce some sparks. Shelley’s trying to not betray her friend. Mitch intends to be faithful to his wedding vows, “Til death do you part.” He tries to keep alive in his heart the hope that his wife Jill will be found, but as weeks stretch into months, he starts to wonder: at what point is he released from those vows when the one he made them to has vanished from the face of the earth — and may never return?
This story is masterfully written and played out in a totally realistic way. You ride along with these people on their roller coaster of hope and despair, feeling with them through their painful vigil, the nightmares, the (finally tiresome) expressions of sympathy, the flashes of hope when some new detail is uncovered, the suspicion, the gossip.
Warning: Don’t start this book after 9 pm unless you can afford to be up half the night!
I just finished this amazing story where the author examines this question and demonstrates a sensible, faith-based response. She writes about characters who embrace Christian principles and seek direction through prayer, but I recommend this book to anyone.
Mitch and Shelley are two vulnerable human beings thrown together in a time of high emotions time and you know the connection is going to produce some sparks. Shelley’s trying to not betray her friend. Mitch intends to be faithful to his wedding vows, “Til death do you part.” He tries to keep alive in his heart the hope that his wife Jill will be found, but as weeks stretch into months, he starts to wonder: at what point is he released from those vows when the one he made them to has vanished from the face of the earth — and may never return?
This story is masterfully written and played out in a totally realistic way. You ride along with these people on their roller coaster of hope and despair, feeling with them through their painful vigil, the nightmares, the (finally tiresome) expressions of sympathy, the flashes of hope when some new detail is uncovered, the suspicion, the gossip.
Warning: Don’t start this book after 9 pm unless you can afford to be up half the night!
July 30, 2018
This book captivated my interest the moment Jill went missing. There were several ways the author could have taken this book. What would it be like if my husband just didn't come home one day and I knew nothing about why or where he was? Mitch was devastated and went to extremes to find his wife. He did a thorough and intense search for her. Shelley was a good support to him, which made sense since she was Jill's best friend and they lived right next door to each other. I loved how Mitch stayed true to his vows to Jill. It would have been so easy to fall in love with Shelley and move on with life. He did fall in love with Shelley, but he fought his desire and remained true to Jill clear until the story climaxes with finding Jill. Taking a year for that to happen would be a long time to wait, to wonder, to worry, to try and piece together a life without your loved one. The ending was touching. It didn't end with Mitch proposing to Shelley, but his gifts to her of the magnifying glass and the paper with the house on it with his words to her to dream of her bed and breakfast place with him. I hope I never have to live this scenario in real life. I would be devastated if my hubby did not come home at the end of work every day.
August 15, 2025
Great writing. Shaky lesson for new believers
The author deals with an area that not writers care to touch: the aftermath of a “Missing Person” report and the trauma that awaits the families and loved ones. She was skillful, I think, in trying to help her readers “wait it out.” Just as in real life: the wait, the unknowns, holding out hope, etc.
My disappointment came with Shelley. She just couldn’t seem to help herself: She shamelessly wanted her best friend’s husband as her own. I couldn’t seem to warm up to this lady. Usually, I give characters a chance to grow and change as the story develops but this seemed to not be the case for Shelley. More egregious was that it was as if when she prayed, she gave herself passes. Was even relieved when her daughter and and Evan broke up. She knew that the breakup helped paved the way to Mitch: her best friends’s husband. She was a schemer and she knew it. But she had one target and one target only. If only Jill could have known what was in her friend’s heart. How much does she truly honor her friend when all is said and done?
The author deals with an area that not writers care to touch: the aftermath of a “Missing Person” report and the trauma that awaits the families and loved ones. She was skillful, I think, in trying to help her readers “wait it out.” Just as in real life: the wait, the unknowns, holding out hope, etc.
My disappointment came with Shelley. She just couldn’t seem to help herself: She shamelessly wanted her best friend’s husband as her own. I couldn’t seem to warm up to this lady. Usually, I give characters a chance to grow and change as the story develops but this seemed to not be the case for Shelley. More egregious was that it was as if when she prayed, she gave herself passes. Was even relieved when her daughter and and Evan broke up. She knew that the breakup helped paved the way to Mitch: her best friends’s husband. She was a schemer and she knew it. But she had one target and one target only. If only Jill could have known what was in her friend’s heart. How much does she truly honor her friend when all is said and done?
May 3, 2020
What a tough topic Deborah Raney tackled in this book. And she did it with such grace and compassion. Reading this story opened my eyes and brought me to a greater awareness of what many endure who've had a family member go missing without a trace. I can't even imagine the pain.
I found myself anxious throughout the story, hoping along with the characters, for some clue or word about their missing loved one. So many thoughts and emotions swirled within me as I considered the themes this author brought out, one of which was the marriage commitment: until death do we part.
The hero in this story had to wrestle with how long he'd honor that vow when there were no clues to his wife's disappearance. Lots to ponder in this heart-wrenching journey of loss and broken hearts and how two families waded through unchartered pain and difficult decisions.
I recommend this book and this author. Her writing in this book was excellent, as always.
I found myself anxious throughout the story, hoping along with the characters, for some clue or word about their missing loved one. So many thoughts and emotions swirled within me as I considered the themes this author brought out, one of which was the marriage commitment: until death do we part.
The hero in this story had to wrestle with how long he'd honor that vow when there were no clues to his wife's disappearance. Lots to ponder in this heart-wrenching journey of loss and broken hearts and how two families waded through unchartered pain and difficult decisions.
I recommend this book and this author. Her writing in this book was excellent, as always.
January 1, 2022
The situation of this story was intriguing. Mitch's wife, Jill, disappears and her family doesn't know if she is dead or alive. Jill's best friend, Shelley, helps search for Jill. In time Mitch and Shelley begin to have romantic feelings for each other.
I appreciate the author's desire to make a stand for the faithfulness of marriage vows, but I felt Mitch and Shelley, put themselves in very unwise situations time after time while they looked for Mitch's wife. Shelley basically took over Jill's job as wife and mother as she did many helpful things that, though kind and well-intentioned, were inappropriate for her as a divorced women to be doing for a man whose wife had disappeared. And these unwise situations did put them in a dangerous position spiritually.
The story did drag on for many chapters just basically searching for Jill in the same ways with the same results, no progress. It was a nice basic story and had some good things to say, but it wasn't one of Raney's best.
I appreciate the author's desire to make a stand for the faithfulness of marriage vows, but I felt Mitch and Shelley, put themselves in very unwise situations time after time while they looked for Mitch's wife. Shelley basically took over Jill's job as wife and mother as she did many helpful things that, though kind and well-intentioned, were inappropriate for her as a divorced women to be doing for a man whose wife had disappeared. And these unwise situations did put them in a dangerous position spiritually.
The story did drag on for many chapters just basically searching for Jill in the same ways with the same results, no progress. It was a nice basic story and had some good things to say, but it wasn't one of Raney's best.
April 26, 2020
This was a book that I found so hard to put down, from the first page to the last.
Jill goes to a meeting away from home, leaves there, and just doesn't come home. Mitch waits for her return, but it just doesn't happen.
He and Jill's best friend Shelley go searching for her. They search the routes they think she may have taken on her way home, but couldn't find her. The police also do their best to locate her.
After searching for almost a year, and a lot of prayers, a clue comes in that helps them locate her.
This is a story with a hint of mystery, along with true love, faithfulness, hope, and sadness.
Another wonderful book by Deborah Raney. This one is probably the best one I have read so far. This is a really great book. A five star book.
Thank you Deborah for this wonderful book.
Jill goes to a meeting away from home, leaves there, and just doesn't come home. Mitch waits for her return, but it just doesn't happen.
He and Jill's best friend Shelley go searching for her. They search the routes they think she may have taken on her way home, but couldn't find her. The police also do their best to locate her.
After searching for almost a year, and a lot of prayers, a clue comes in that helps them locate her.
This is a story with a hint of mystery, along with true love, faithfulness, hope, and sadness.
Another wonderful book by Deborah Raney. This one is probably the best one I have read so far. This is a really great book. A five star book.
Thank you Deborah for this wonderful book.
January 19, 2024
A thought provoking book
I enjoyed reading this book... A compelling story for anyone who has waited for someone to come home and they didn't.
The anxiety fear and Anger all muddled into 1 giant feeling, was pictured as the tale was told
I thought the author repeated herself to much and took to long to tell the story. That's why I have it the 3 Stars, I don't enjoy repetitive writing even though I know it's hard to avoid.
I loved how she included the guilt and the joy that comes from life's harrowing trials.
I loved how the hero turned to God and found peace. An echo of my experiences in life.
I also loved how she showed the every daybmiracles that happen during those trials.
I think a good editor could have made this an exceptional book. Maybe ina future addition.
I enjoyed reading this book... A compelling story for anyone who has waited for someone to come home and they didn't.
The anxiety fear and Anger all muddled into 1 giant feeling, was pictured as the tale was told
I thought the author repeated herself to much and took to long to tell the story. That's why I have it the 3 Stars, I don't enjoy repetitive writing even though I know it's hard to avoid.
I loved how she included the guilt and the joy that comes from life's harrowing trials.
I loved how the hero turned to God and found peace. An echo of my experiences in life.
I also loved how she showed the every daybmiracles that happen during those trials.
I think a good editor could have made this an exceptional book. Maybe ina future addition.
Currently reading
December 26, 2025im so glad i got this book free, i had been wanting to read it, so blessed
married couple, kids in college. wife at conference, didnt make it home
the neighbor is her good friend. she had gotten divorced. their kids dated for a while but broke up.
the wife is teacher, the husband principal. he contacted the police who didnt find any clues to even figure out where to start looking
the best friend next door told him the wife had gotten a message from her x boyfriend from hs. she was going to meet him at the conference but changed her mind and said no
when the police questioned him he said they never met. but months later he confessed to the husband he did see her right before she left.
the maid found jewelry in the motel that the x hs boyfriend had given her all those years ago
months go by and still no word.
married couple, kids in college. wife at conference, didnt make it home
the neighbor is her good friend. she had gotten divorced. their kids dated for a while but broke up.
the wife is teacher, the husband principal. he contacted the police who didnt find any clues to even figure out where to start looking
the best friend next door told him the wife had gotten a message from her x boyfriend from hs. she was going to meet him at the conference but changed her mind and said no
when the police questioned him he said they never met. but months later he confessed to the husband he did see her right before she left.
the maid found jewelry in the motel that the x hs boyfriend had given her all those years ago
months go by and still no word.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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