After nine years searching for his missing sister, attorney Henderson Parker uncovers a clue that leads him to Twin Oaks, Virginia—and podcaster Elle Updike investigating the case. Partnering with the journalist is the last thing Henderson wants, until mysterious thugs make multiple attacks on both their lives. Now they’ll have to trust each other…before the suspected kidnappers make them disappear for good.
Award-winning and best-selling author Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and three cats.
Vanished Without a Trace had me wanting to read many more Christian suspense stories after I was finished with this one. It was truly exciting and truly suspenseful without being too dark or scary like some secular novels. I was always wanting to turn another page or read another chapter.
***minor spoilers ahead*** I did have one critique for this book, though, and it's for a scene in the latter half of the story. In it, Elle is being chased by guard dogs with two men with rifles from a gang following behind. She got herself into this situation because she was investigating a supposed hideout for the "gang". Henderson arrives in a vehicle just in time, and he tells the men with rifles to call the dogs off. They do, which isn't too unrealistic, but then Henderson just leaves with Elle and the rifle men just let them leave. Considering how they shot a rain of bullets when Henderson and Elle were at the phone booth, shooting out all the glass in the booth and basically destroying their car, this later development felt quite unrealistic. Still, this was only one scene among many that were perfectly fine.
Overall, I loved reading Vanished Without a Trace, and I'll definitely be picking up more faith-based suspense novels in the future because of this book. Thanks, Sarah!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Vanished Without a Trace is a great title for this gripping and perplexing Love Inspired Suspense. Helena Parker vanished in thin air nine years ago and since her disappearance her brother Henderson Parker is still doing a missing person’s search. When he accidentally sees a woman that looks a lot like his sister in a newspaper article about the Christmas in July parade in Twin Oaks Virginia, he travels to that town hoping to find Helena. Henderson isn’t the only one searching for Helena. Pretty podcaster Elle Updike would love to do a show about his missing sister in the hopes of bringing attention to Helena’s disappearance and finding clues as to where she might be. Someone doesn’t want them to search for Helena and will do whatever it takes to keep Henderson and Elle from finding her.
There are lots of reasons to keep Helena hidden from her family. This book is unpredictable and scary and made my heart rate increase. You just don’t want to put the book down because each chapter seems to end in such a way that I wanted to rush into the next one. It definitely was a page turner and an easy read. Entertaining and action packed at times, and there was Romance too. This suspense did not disappoint this reader.
I recommend this story to readers of Suspense and Love Inspired books. It is a standalone . Fans of Sarah Hamaker will love it.
I won a copy of this book in a Facebook group giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
First -- that cover? I did a double take. Wait, is that a phone booth? Are there even any payphones left out in the world? And if this isn't a historical novel, how does it fit into the story? I had to buy the book just for that anomaly on the cover! (And yes, it fits into the plot very nicely!)
Sarah Hamaker is a new-to-me author and I am smitten. Love the way she spins a tale, drawing out the suspense, planting red herrings for me to find (or not,) making me suspect perfectly nice people of nefarious deeds. :-) The list goes on. Loved the pacing and the twists -- in both the suspense and the romance.
I've always had a certain fascination for missing person cases -- anyone remember the TV show 'Without a Trace'? Well, Elle is producing a real life podcast version which puts her in a unique position to be a help or hinderance to Henderson as he follows a new lead on his sister's near decade old disappearance. Only he can decide which it is, and let's just say he's conflicted. There's a nice push/pull to the romance which creates even more tension in an already tense situation. Just the thing for a bout of frenzied page-turning on a lazy summer afternoon!
This was an interesting missing persons case. When the book opened, it seemed that no one in any official capacity was very invested in finding Henderson’s sister, Helena, who was still missing after nine long years. He and his family wanted answers and believed that she had not cut ties with them willingly. He was a dedicated brother and it was impressive the lengths he was willing to go to in order to find his sister.
There was someone else seeking answers to Helena’s disappearance, though. Elle Updike, a podcaster who had found success with a couple of other missing person cases, was also hoping to find out what happened to Helena. The case could be another big hit for her podcast and she cared about helping the families find answers along the way, as well.
There were a lot of mysterious clues throughout this story, as well as plenty of danger. I found myself so frustrated with the police department’s handling of the multiple incidents that involved Elle and Henderson. It added some great tension to the story. Another good source of tension came from Elle and Henderson themselves, starting out as enemies who eventually began to fall for each other. This was an exciting story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Vanished Without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker is a Love Inspired romantic suspense.
This cold case story follows Henderson Parker as he attempts to find his missing sister and a cold case podcaster who wants to help. The romance has an enemy-to-lovers feel that adds a fun spice to the suspense.
Elle and Henderson don’t get many down moments as they are constantly (and often violently) warned off from following their leads. Elle and Henderson’s relationship is also on the volatile side as they learn whether and how to trust one another.
I enjoyed this story. It was an intense read that wouldn’t let me put it down. If you enjoy romantic suspense, then definitely give this one a try!
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Attorney Henderson Parker has been searching for his missing sister for nine years. He finally gets a break in the case when someone sends him a picture so he heads to Virginia where he meets up with podcast Elle who is also investigating his missing sisters case.
As they work together to figure out what has happened and get closer to some answers, the more they have to run for their lives and protect the ones they love. More and more questions come up and they don’t know who to trust.
This story had nonstop action, drama and some clean romance. I read it in one night because I couldn't stop reading. I also really enjoyed some of the other characters like the Bed and Breakfast husband and wife that both Henderson and Elle say with.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Are you ready for a book that keeps you guessing? Vanished Without a Trace will do that and leave you shaking your head at the twist. Captivating from the beginning and I loved the back and forth between Henderson and Elle. Just when I thought I had something figured out it took me down a different curvy road. Great characters that are easy to identify with, suspense that is spot on, family that doesn’t give up on each other, etc these are ingredients for great entertainment. Pick up a copy and settle in for a thrill ride. I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Henderson Parker has been searching for his missing sister Helena and he is determined to unearth any clue he can to do so. But he refuses to accept the help of Elle Updike, a podcaster who looks for missing people. Henderson refuses to turn his family tragedy into a sensation or to spotlight his sister's past misdeeds.
Two years ago Henderson refused her offer of help, but Elle Updike isn't one to give up. When a random photo sends Henderson to the area of a possible sighting he can't ignore this chance to bring Helena home. And Elle is ready to offer her assistance any way she can, she just needs Henderson to realize her motivation isn't mercenary.
All too soon someone is targeting both Henderson and Elle, hindering their investigation and threatening their lives. Will their visit to Twin Oakes, Virginia, end in a reunion or in their deaths?
Vanished Without a Trace keeps the level of suspense high throughout most of the story and one is left wondering is Helena even still alive? Or is Henderson living on false hopes, putting his personal life on hold on the slim chance of finding someone who vanished leaving no traces behind?
I've never read Sarah Hamaker's work before but I found it to be engaging and attention-grabbing from page one. It is interesting to see how Henderson and Elle's relationship seemingly progresses as they work together and yet there is that something that is a hindrance. I like that Love Inspired Suspense is clean reading. Yes, there are criminal elements and romance, but I don't need to worry about anything graphic or over-the-top. Would I recommend this book? Yes, without hesitation. So pick up a copy and spend your holiday weekend with a good book.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
I was in the mood for a quickish romantic suspense read and I had Vanished Without A Trace on my ereader so I just dove right on in. Sarah Hamaker is a new Love Inspired Suspense author to me but I love discovering those so it was a match made in fiction.
I enjoyed Vanished Without A Trace all the way through. The storyline was interesting, some of the things that annoyed me about the characters were the things that made them even more believable, and there was never a dull moment. Sarah Hamaker also did a good job in striking a balance between the romance and the action and suspense. There was a time or two where I almost wondered if this would be the first Love Inspired Suspense novel where the hero sticks his foot in his mouth just too many times and he wouldn't get the girl in the end...well, no, I didn't really, but he sure did have a talent for needing to make an apology.
Vanished Without A Trace is a good read, especially if you enjoy missing persons stories with a few surprise twists. As with any Love Inspired Suspense you can finish fairly quickly or you can snatch a chapter here and there if you don't have the time to read it in one sitting. So, don't miss this latest novel from Sarah Hamaker...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
“Vanished Without a Trace” by Sarah Hamaker is a Love Inspired, Suspense, Inspirational Romance. Love Inspired creates stories (romances) to uplift and inspire you and they have many different genres. Inspirational books, of which this is one, has a light Christian theme throughout the story. And I can’t forget about the suspense, which also runs throughout this book. Vanished Without a Trace is a story about a woman who has disappeared and her brother, Henderson, who is desperately trying to find her. She has been missing for nine years, and he doesn’t know if she is in hiding, has been murdered, or kidnapped and sold into sex slavery. His mother is having some serious heart problems and her greatest desire is to see her daughter again! By some miraculous circumstances Henderson, sees a photo of a lady he believes is his sister, so he goes cross country following another possible clue, just as he has been doing for many years. While searching he meets Elle Updike, a journalist, who is also interested in his search, although for very different reasons. She wants to do a podcast about this story. As they join forces they start running into some serious roadblocks. Someone doesn’t want them to be successful in their search and is trying their hardest to thwart them. Which only makes Elle and Henderson think they are getting closer! When someone shoots at them, they need to decide whether they should go to the local police for help or if the local police are in on this conspiracy too, and if they are, how high does it go? It is tough to decide who they can trust. And you will need to read the book to see what they discover. Vanished Without a Trace is an easy-to-read story. It is well edited, and kept me guessing as to who the bad guy (or girl) was right up to the end. There is a bit of violence, although nothing graphic, throughout this story as well as a light theme of drugs. A couple of kisses were shared, but no other sexuality. So, if you like a mystery you might want to pick up this book. I received this book free from the author.
Imagine that you’re a successful attorney who has just lost his dad. Your mother is in very poor health and the last thing she wants to see is her daughter, who vanished without a trace. Even though you don’t trust journalists, you team up with a podcaster who solves crimes. Do you think this is going to be stressful? Yes, but you never thought about falling in love.
Henderson is searching for his long-lost sister in Twin Oaks, Virginia after he sees a newspaper picture of his sister, Helena. He shows the podcaster, Elle, and she is skeptical, but the story could be really big for her business. She and Henderson begin to investigate all through the town, doing everything from hanging up posters to asking questions of everyone.
There seems to be no knowledge of the “compound” that is one of the clues. The deputy sheriff that they meet seems to be sketchy? Is he involved with the crime group? There are so many questions. They get shot at, chased by dogs, and almost get the B & B set on fire as the bad guys try to scare them off.
Will they be able to find the elusive Helena or is she even in this small town? Will their mutual attraction blossom into love or will it just become a terrible distraction from their mission? I think you’ll enjoy this action-filled Christian suspense book. I certainly did.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I really enjoy Love Inspired Suspense novels. They are a short read and very interesting reads. Vanished without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker is the latest book in this Genre/Series that I have read.
Henderson Parker has been searching for his sister for 9yrs. He sees a picture in a newspaper that looks like it could be her, so he heads to Twin Oaks, Virginia to follow this lead. Arriving in Twin Oaks, Virginia he meets Journalist and Podcaster, Elle Updike. Elle Updike is interested in helping Henderson find his sister. Her main reason is she also wants to do a Podcast about his Sister's story and her being missing. Henderson reluctantly agrees to working along side Elle to find his sister. Henderson and Elle are being stalked and they fear the kidnappers might be after them. Will Henderson and Elle find his sister in time? Will the unlikely pair have a chance at romance?
WOW, this book is filled with suspense and is a definite page turner. I really like how the author introduced Henderson and Elle and that the pair decided they would work together to find his sister. Henderson and Elle learning to trust one another once it became apparent their lives were at risk also. The faith aspect was shown throughout the book especially with the trusting one another. The book had me on the edge of my seat at many parts and chapters! I am looking forward to reading more of Sarah Hamaker books in the future! FANTASTIC BOOK!
I love a good suspense book and this one fits that bill. You go on the chase of a lifetime trying to help find a missing woman. They know she’s not just missing of her own free will but will they end up dead before they find her?
Henderson is an attorney and he’s had a sighting of his sister in a small town. There is no way he’s going to not follow up on it! But what happens when podcaster Elle shows up too? He’s told her that under no circumstances is she going to do a story on his sister and yet she’s determined to help out.
Can they put aside their differences to search for Helena? Will they survive with their own lives intact? And what will they do when someone will stop at nothing to keep them from finding Helena?
This was a fast paced story and I loved reading it. It’s also a clean read which means none of that steamy stuff that makes you blush and put the book down. There is violence though so please know that. And hopefully you’re not squeamish of snakes.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Wow! This was non-stop action with flying bullets, copperhead snakes in places they do not belong (horror) and car accidents which were not accidents! I feel as if I have ran a marathon after reading this little gem of a book! Henderson Parker has been searching for his sister for 9 long years. He truly believes she is alive, which is how he ends up in Twin Oaks, Virginia in his search. While there he encounters Ellie Updike. Ellie has a podcast about cold cases, and she has chosen to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Helena. Henderson is not happy to see her, but soon he grudgingly realizes that not only is she on the right track, she needs his help to stay alive! This was a great romantic suspense mystery with an inspirational message. You will be hanging on by a thread by the end of the book, especially after reading the shocking twist at the end of the book! If you enjoy a good, solid mystery, this book will check all the boxes for you!
I have read and enjoyed other books by author Sarah Hamaker. I was expected to read her newest suspense filled release, Vanished Without a Trace. I was not disappointed. I thought it was pretty good. I enjoyed getting to know Henderson and Elle. I thought they had good chemistry together. I was wrapped up with their mystery and wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I found it was not even close to being predictable. I had it all read in one sitting. It was great.
I am giving Vanished Without a Trace five plus stars. I recommend it for reading who love reading clean Romantic Suspense. I would love to read the other books like this from Sarah Hamaker in the future.
I received a digital copy of Vanished Without a Trace from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Whatever you do, do not set this story aside until you have finished it! Just imagine having a sibling you love very much disappear without any evidence left behind. Now you are approached by a podcaster to do a series on this sibling - the one you have been searching for for more than 9 years already. Would you accept the help?
Henderson has checked out every lead he has ever had into the disappearance of his sister Helena, all to no avail. A chance picture brings him to a new area to continue his search, a search that seems to ruffle the feathers of more than one person. How will an old fashioned phone booth set him in the right direction? Between mugging, shots, accidents and more will the quest end up with the death of others?
This early copy was received through Love Inspired Suspense. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
What could be better than suspense and romance. What a great combination! This book was exactly that and kept my attention till the very end. Henderson has been looking for his sister for years. He and Elle combine forces to find her but there is no easy going but rather all kinds of mysterious and scary attempts on their lives. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as the twosome forge ahead to find clues and answers and Helena. They are a good team and I really enjoyed them and how they interacted together and with the other characters. This author writes a great suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Set in Virginia, Vanished Without a Trace is a captivating, enjoyable read. The story centers around attorney Henderson Parker and podcaster journalist Elle Updike as they worked together to locate Henderson’s sister who has been missing for nine years. The suspense-filled, surprise-laden plot flows smoothly and moves at a steady pace. The characters are well-developed and engaging. The gentle faith element is inspiring, and a bit of romance adds interest to the read. I think fans of inspirational suspense will really like this book. I highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review.
Thank you to Sarah Hamaker for my ARC. This is my honest review.
Henderson Parker has been searching for his sister for nine years. A possible clue leads him to Twin Oaks, Virginia. While staying at a BB there he runs into Elle Updike. Elle is a podcaster interested in missing persons cases. Henderson is not interested in Elle's help or being interviewed. He thinks she just wants to boost her ratings. Henderson eventually agrees to let Elle help him. As they uncover more clues, strange things happen. Attempts are made to hurt and scare them. Someone does not want them searching. The book does a good job of focusing on putting our hope and trust in God.
Another page turner! Just when I thought I had everything figured out Sarah puts another twist that makes me shake my head! Henderson is convinced that his sister Helena is still alive though she vanished years ago. Ellie, a podcast reporter, has a passion to help people from her heart and not just for a story, has as much hutzpah as she does heart! With Ellie’s help Henderson sets out to keep that promise…no matter what! Will he be able to keep the promise he made to his parents to find her before it’s too late? I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
As Attorney Henderson Parker has been searching for his sister for 9 years will he finally get the answers he needs in Twin Oaks, Virginia! As he decides to partner with podcaster Ellie Updike to help solve this missing person case they have to trust each other to find the answers they need! This was such a good read and I highly recommend this book! It is a page-turner to see what happens next! This is my own honest review I highly recommend this book!
A great story that had me on the edge of my seat. It was very engaging! Great believable characters. Lots of suspense and a little romance makes for a perfect book. So glad I got a chance to read this. I received a copy of this book but all opinions are mine.
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Vanished Without a Trace. Sarah is a fairly new author for LIS but a welcomed addition. I look forward to her next book. This story is well-written, action-packed, and full of drama. I know you are really going to enjoy her book.
Attorney Henderson Parker has been searching for his missing sister for nine years. He sees a picture of a holiday parade and there in the background is his sister. He heads straight for Twin Oaks, Virginia. There he and a journalist, are both attacked. He has had bad experiences with the press and wants no part of her. Both of them are targets for a killer. They must work together. Can he trust her?
Podcast journalist Elle Updike is in twin Oaks investigating Henderson's missing sister. Her podcast is on missing people, Gone Without a Trace. She tried to contact Henderson in the past but he refused to have anything to do with her, now they are forced to work together to find his sister as their lives are in jeopardy.
An Exciting journey to find the sister and stay a step ahead of the people who are trying to stop them. God has a plan for these two, a good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a plan for peace and not for destruction even in this time of political turmoil and unrest. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.
Vanished Without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker is a Love Inspired Suspense stand-alone novel. Attorney Henderson Parker has been searching for his missing sister for nine years. When he receives a new clue he goes to Twin Oaks, Virginia. There he runs into podcaster Elle Updike who wants to help; but she’s the last person Henderson wants help from. The only problem is that someone is desperate to keep Henderson from uncovering any information. Teaming up with Elle is the only way he will be able to hopefully find his sister. This story takes you on a wild ride from the beginning page to the end. There are so many twists and turns that it’s hard to breathe. You can’t turn the pages fast enough!
I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.
Vanished Without a Trace is filled with many twists and non-stop action. It was a suspenseful read from the start. The characters are strong, well-grounded, and determined. The storyline kept me guessing from the beginning.
I was mesmerized as the story unfolded and I tried to figure out what would happen next. The relationship between Henderson & Elle was strained as they tried to uncover his sister, Helena's disappearance. It was one set back and mystery after another. The ending wrapped everything nicely. A great read!
I received a complimentary copy of the book and voluntarily choose to review it.
Love this kind of book and this one was so good. I liked the mystery of it all and the suspense. The story was well written and I liked the characters. Henderson is a great guy and so protective and determined. Elle is tenacious and strong.
The author did a great job just making the story flow. I liked the whole thing start to finish and it was just good. I say anyone who loves romantic suspense will love this book.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.