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A Daughter's Journey: ...and Story of Resilience
“Goodnight Mommy,” a young five year old girl says to her mother, upon being tucked into bed for the night. The covers are snugly tucked around her very tired body, as the light is turned off and her eyes slowly close for a good night’s rest. She is abruptly awakened at 3 am by her father, telling her to get dressed. “Mommy ran away.” That would be the last time this young girl would ever hear the words “good night” from her mother.
After multiple arrests, endless arguments, and abuse, Lonene finally decided to leave her husband. The couple argued in the wee hours of the morning on January 7, 1981... and the next morning she was gone without a trace. Her husband claimed she ran away with another man. There are many clues in a thick Cold Case file that is now 40 years old, that indicates a very different story. Although, without a body, these clues are circumstantial.
A Daughter’s Journey…and Story of Resilience, details the life of Lonene Ray Rogers and that of her daughter, Alison. You will read horrific stories, and devastating events that took place in the lives of this mother and daughter, yet the legacy of the story is not one of sadness. It is one of resilience. Read how Alison decided to “rewrite the story” in her mother’s honor. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be inspired. A Daughter’s Journey is a book you will not be able to put down, or soon forget.
After multiple arrests, endless arguments, and abuse, Lonene finally decided to leave her husband. The couple argued in the wee hours of the morning on January 7, 1981... and the next morning she was gone without a trace. Her husband claimed she ran away with another man. There are many clues in a thick Cold Case file that is now 40 years old, that indicates a very different story. Although, without a body, these clues are circumstantial.
A Daughter’s Journey…and Story of Resilience, details the life of Lonene Ray Rogers and that of her daughter, Alison. You will read horrific stories, and devastating events that took place in the lives of this mother and daughter, yet the legacy of the story is not one of sadness. It is one of resilience. Read how Alison decided to “rewrite the story” in her mother’s honor. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be inspired. A Daughter’s Journey is a book you will not be able to put down, or soon forget.
938 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2022
96 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 8, 2022
Riveting and Overwhelming
I am a biased reader because I am related to the author! Yet, I will try to give an unbiased account of the book as a reader. I did know of some Allison's story, but not all of it. The overwhelming parts took my breath away! I went on this journey with her and found myself getting angry, frustrated, sad, and irritated with people that did not show empathy or concern for what she was going through. Yet, I was riveted by her ability to continue her quest to find answers regardless of the many roadblocks shoved in her way. Her resilience is her truth, and I know that to be a fact! Anyone who reads this will understand the importance of keeping on even when the road gets tough! The past can often haunt us in many ways, but what learn and do with it is what defines us in our lives! This book does just that: it helps us look at what we want to define us in our lives, nothingness or resilience!
I am a biased reader because I am related to the author! Yet, I will try to give an unbiased account of the book as a reader. I did know of some Allison's story, but not all of it. The overwhelming parts took my breath away! I went on this journey with her and found myself getting angry, frustrated, sad, and irritated with people that did not show empathy or concern for what she was going through. Yet, I was riveted by her ability to continue her quest to find answers regardless of the many roadblocks shoved in her way. Her resilience is her truth, and I know that to be a fact! Anyone who reads this will understand the importance of keeping on even when the road gets tough! The past can often haunt us in many ways, but what learn and do with it is what defines us in our lives! This book does just that: it helps us look at what we want to define us in our lives, nothingness or resilience!
February 20, 2022
This is a wonderful true story that will make you laugh, cry and cringe at all she has gone through. The resilience of one 5 year old girl turning a tragic story to one of fighting for the truth. Of her uphill battles to make a difference in the world. To be the awesome wife, mother, teacher and now writer of her mother's story and hers. I have no doubt she will get to the truth of what happened over 40 years ago.
March 24, 2022
Such amazing fortitude!! Alison has conquered such truly difficult odds. Heartfelt and determined. A compelling story to be sure
February 16, 2022
Alison’s mother disappeared when she was 5 years old. I listened to this story on a podcast and knew I had to order the book. I was not disappointed. This heartbreaking story filled me with so much anger and sadness. Alison and her brother endured many years of pain. The Eerie, Pennsylvania police department did such a poor job of investigating this crime. I hope to someday read that she is found.
February 25, 2022
In 1981 a young mother of two children disappeared in the middle of the night and was never seen or heard from again. She is still listed as a missing person. I first heard this story when I became the pastor of the church next to where she lived so when I heard this book had been published I had a personal interest in learning more about the story. It turns out that the couple had been married in that church and both of their children were baptized there.
As I read I learned that both parents were deaf and that the children, 3 and 5 at the time of her disappearance had lived with their father in an abusive relationship. This is the story as told by that daughter that was only 5 when her mother disappeared and the journey through life she has been living.
It is a very well told story that will make you cry, laugh and get angry. It is also the story of a daughter now in her 40s that wants to know what happed to her mother and why no one was ever held accountable for her disappearance.
I found the last 20% or so more challenging to read because it is the author's anger expressed over and over with everyone that she feels could have done more and wants this to be their priority as it is hers now. While I understand her desire to know where her mother is and someone, she believes her father, to be held responsible for her assumed death, it becomes clear that she has unrealistic expectations of what the police are able to do.
That said, it is a wonderful story of someone that lived an incredibly difficult life of abuse, brokenness and at the same time one of faith, good people stepping up and as she says learning to be resilient. It will open your eyes to the challenges so many that remain unseen face. It is one woman's tell of overcoming the challenges and building a life she can be proud of.
I highly recommend this if you are interested in true crime, survival of abuse and rebuilding life worth living.
As I read I learned that both parents were deaf and that the children, 3 and 5 at the time of her disappearance had lived with their father in an abusive relationship. This is the story as told by that daughter that was only 5 when her mother disappeared and the journey through life she has been living.
It is a very well told story that will make you cry, laugh and get angry. It is also the story of a daughter now in her 40s that wants to know what happed to her mother and why no one was ever held accountable for her disappearance.
I found the last 20% or so more challenging to read because it is the author's anger expressed over and over with everyone that she feels could have done more and wants this to be their priority as it is hers now. While I understand her desire to know where her mother is and someone, she believes her father, to be held responsible for her assumed death, it becomes clear that she has unrealistic expectations of what the police are able to do.
That said, it is a wonderful story of someone that lived an incredibly difficult life of abuse, brokenness and at the same time one of faith, good people stepping up and as she says learning to be resilient. It will open your eyes to the challenges so many that remain unseen face. It is one woman's tell of overcoming the challenges and building a life she can be proud of.
I highly recommend this if you are interested in true crime, survival of abuse and rebuilding life worth living.
February 26, 2022
A Daughter's Journey: ...and Story of Resilience This is not your normal childhood story. Alison takes you along the rough road that was her life after the disappearance of her Mom, Lonene, in a seamless, conversational way that reminds you of a friend telling you a story. As you go along you just want to reach out and give her a hand or at least encouragement to keep going. You soon find she has no problem with keeping going. I guess that really is resilience. She graciously gives credit where it is due during her journey. Just don’t get in her way. This is a very good read, but, I hope one day it has an ending that she so deserves. In the mean time I hope everyone enjoys reading this book and keeps looking for answers.
December 7, 2024
In the early hours of January 7th 1981 during a blizzard five year old Alison and three year old Aaron were awoken by their father (Bud Rogers) telling them their mother Lonene had "left and ran away with another man". Lonene Ray Rogers was 29 years old at the time of her disappearance. She left behind her car, medication and hearing aids. Lonene and her husband Bud are both deaf. After Lonenes disappearance Alison and Aaron were abused and left for days to fend for themselves by their father on multiple occasions. Social services would take them out of their fathers care only to send them back months later. Alison years later as an adult went to the Pennsylvania PD asking for updates in her mother Lonenes case only to find out they have no new information and have not interviewed anyone in the last 40 years. Bud Rogers is the one and only suspect in this case but has not been interviewed by police even after he agreed to meet with them. Pennsylvania PD failed to provide an interpreter. To this day there have been no new updates in this case. Alison is fighting so hard for her mother to be found. #JusticeForLonene
March 11, 2022
God love you Alison. What an amazing journey your life has been. I told you how much trouble I had reading about your past. It’s difficult to imagine how the amazing young woman you are came from a background like you experienced. Love Dave
April 9, 2022
What an amazing story of God's grace in the midst of suffering and abuse. I am so blessed to call Alison my friend and so humbled by her amazing story! She has rewritten her story and her search for justice for her mother is nothing short of incredible.
April 10, 2022
Intense and Hopeful
What started out as an intensely sad story about abuse, neglect, and *possibly* murder, became a story of love and resilience.
What started out as an intensely sad story about abuse, neglect, and *possibly* murder, became a story of love and resilience.
November 15, 2024
A beautifully written book about hardship, perseverance, and the undying love for a mother who deserves her story to be told and her case to be solved. I cannot recommend this book enough for those who want to dive into a true crime book that is full of heart. Justice for Lonene! ❤️
March 30, 2022
This is such a great book! If you haven’t read it then you should! The story Alison shares is in-depth, detailed and tells everything!
March 30, 2022
This book is a must read!!!
March 25, 2022
Alison Duiker has written her story of Resilience. This is a book that you will not want to put down. She tells her story in a way that makes you want to jump through the pages and help her find the answers she is searching for.
I knew her mom and dad, Alison and her brother. I also know people and places she was talking about in her story. This isn't just a story it is real. Alison tells her story in a very loving way and shares it to help others heal because of the trials they have gone through. My prayer is that Alison will find the answers she is looking for.
I knew her mom and dad, Alison and her brother. I also know people and places she was talking about in her story. This isn't just a story it is real. Alison tells her story in a very loving way and shares it to help others heal because of the trials they have gone through. My prayer is that Alison will find the answers she is looking for.
February 4, 2023
Definitely a story of resilience and perseverance, it's also a story of love between family members and the fact that those who aren't of your blood can still be your family. I understand the writer's frustration with small town law enforcement in this book, even though she was still dealing with the PA State Police. One would have to live there at that point in time to understand... I'm from Pittsburgh, born and raised, but at one point when I was young, I lived in this area where most of these small towns had (nor have, present day) no municipal police forces and must rely on the State Police. I took my driver's test in Crawford County, right out on the road, no driver course for me! This was back in the day when the state troopers rode in the cars with you and decided if you passed or failed. Unless you're from a small town or live in one for a period of time enough to acclimate, I don't think you can begin to understand the culture, and it IS a different culture. Then there's all the trauma this poor child/girl/woman endured... It's indescribable, beyond words. Yet, no one sees or wants to see, much less acknowledge that she and her brother are not only being neglected and physically abused, but emotionally abused as well. Her journey is one of the toughest I've ever read, but her endurance? Wow! If this book doesn't inspire you, then nothing can.
If you can tolerate typos & misspellings, then the book's fine. If they bother you, you might want to pass on this one.
If you can tolerate typos & misspellings, then the book's fine. If they bother you, you might want to pass on this one.
May 12, 2022
From someone who never knew this was going on in our highschool to many years after when hanging out with Aaron…this book gave me chills, goosebumps and adrenaline..many times I had to stop reading as it gave me chills! The best part was when I went to see Allison at her very first talk and book signing , I had left off in the book where she was currently speaking about as I walked in late..so surreal and so beer proud of all she and her team have done..let’s keep going and spreading the word and get closer to brining your mom home!!
May 1, 2022
What I didn't love about this book is, oddly, what I DID love. This is true crime, but from such a unique perspective. The author is obviously not a professional author, but that narrative works best when telling the story of a mysterious disappearance and children left wounded and wondering. It was hard to follow, but at the same time emotional and uplifting. Powerful stuff!
April 29, 2022
A great read! I couldn't put it down. You will be impressed with the author's strength, humor, and perseverance.
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July 10, 2022I thought the book was too long. Some details were repetitive. The storyline was not in order. It started off well but then I started to lose interest. I do not not finish a book and I was curious about the investigation itself. I think that this book will truly help the families that are going through the same thing, especially when it comes to dealing with the police. In the end, I felt for Alison and I truly hope they arrest her father and/or find her mother.
July 9, 2022
Great book
I think this story is written very well. Mrs. Duiker is a very amazing person that has overcome such a horrible childhood. I do not agree with her attitude toward the police investigators. I am not a police officer BuT I feel they put their life on the line daily for all of us, maybe some previous investigators did drop the ball but her attitude toward the officers is very disrespectful. I also think her wanting to see the case files is very ridiculous and I do think I would feel this way if it was my mother. Because I am also a fighter I do respect her for trying to solve the case but I do not think she should be so disrespectful to the investigators.
I think this story is written very well. Mrs. Duiker is a very amazing person that has overcome such a horrible childhood. I do not agree with her attitude toward the police investigators. I am not a police officer BuT I feel they put their life on the line daily for all of us, maybe some previous investigators did drop the ball but her attitude toward the officers is very disrespectful. I also think her wanting to see the case files is very ridiculous and I do think I would feel this way if it was my mother. Because I am also a fighter I do respect her for trying to solve the case but I do not think she should be so disrespectful to the investigators.
November 21, 2022
Boring
Writer over explains, repeats, gets off subject very often. Too long and way too many explanations. Doesn't really describes her fathers abuse, but just mentions that she was physically abused by him. She doesn't goes into details so its not likely you can play it like a visual movie in your head. Only describes how she feels after the abuse. Was happy when I finished reading it. It really drags. But I pray she finds her mom and has closure.
Writer over explains, repeats, gets off subject very often. Too long and way too many explanations. Doesn't really describes her fathers abuse, but just mentions that she was physically abused by him. She doesn't goes into details so its not likely you can play it like a visual movie in your head. Only describes how she feels after the abuse. Was happy when I finished reading it. It really drags. But I pray she finds her mom and has closure.
October 26, 2022
She needed a better editor
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews