Vanished Without a Trace Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Vanished Without a Trace

Author: Sarah Hamaker

Genre: Romantic Suspence

Release date: June 28, 2022

A missing person case. A new clue. And a fight for survival.

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.

Click here to get you copy!

 

About the 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, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats. Visit her online at sarahhamakerfiction.com.

 

More from Sarah

As a podcaster myself, I’ve listened to many true crime podcasts, such as “Up and Vanished” and “Accused,” so when I was thinking about the plot for Vanished Without a Trace, I decided to have my heroine be a true crime podcaster investigating cold missing persons cases. I also am fascinated by unsolved mysteries, probably because I love history, and have a strong sense of justice—I want those who commit crimes to be caught. Of course, as a Christian, I do rest in the assurance of God as the ultimate and only truly righteous Judge, but I do find myself rooting for cold cases to be solved and criminals brought to justice. Thus the book combines my two of my interests—cold cases and true crime.

 

Personally, I can’t imagine anything more difficult than to have a loved one go missing and never be found or heard from again. The uncertainty of their fate must weigh very heavily on the family members left behind. I wanted to capture some of that with Henderson’s strong desire to find his missing sister, Helena, and reunite her with their mother. He’s seen how much Helena’s absence has taken a toll on their mother’s health and mental well-being, and when he has a chance to chase down the first real lead in years, he jumps at it.

 

Elle’s motives are no less personal than Henderson’s—her own heart aches for these grieving families. Having distant parents, she wants to help families heal by discovering what happened to a loved one if possible. But Henderson doesn’t trust her motives and the two clash more often than not over her podcast. 

I hope you enjoy seeing how Elle and Henderson learn to work together to find Helena…and perhaps, their own happy ending.

MY REVIEW

I love a story that is filled with action, suspense and characters that are intriguing.   This book checks  all those boxes for me. The opening sets the stage for a puzzle that keeps readers glued to the edge of their seat. Missing people are probably one of the hardest investigations to be part of. With little clues the police have to rely on evidence that is hard to track down. In this story we find someone who won’t give up his search for his missing  sister even after nine long years. 

Henderson goes to Twin Oaks, Virginia to retrace his sisters steps. He has hopes of finding her and bringing her home. I can’t imagine not knowing where a loved love disappeared to and the hopelessness you would feel. Henderson and his sister were very close so he can’t understand how she would just disappear without a trace. 

Elle is also in town hoping to interview Henderson for her podcast. She convinces Henderson to join with her in hopes of finding answers to what happened to his sister. I wasn’t quite sure if Elle was trusting and had to follow closely to see why she was so interested in Henderson’s case. When they join forces that is when danger starts for them. A snake in Elle’s bathroom, an attack on their lives and a strange encounter at a clinic gives them reason to believe they are on to something. 

The story takes on a dark and dangerous turn of events. I didn’t expect the outcome of the story at all. The author does a sharp turn into the world of drugs and power which  leads to a secret place that  has been on the FBI’s radar for awhile. I liked how the author gives us a trail of what is coming up with glances of a person Henderson recognizes. I won’t say anything  else about the story because it is best for readers to discover the truth themselves. 

I did notice that there was not much of a faith element in the story and I didn’t care for the forced relationship between Henderson and Elle. It just seemed was  to fast without much chemistry between them. I would have liked to seen more character development so the characters could be more relatable to the story. It is a nice story but the ending  was rushed and almost too perfectly wrapped up. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 25

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, July 25

Bizwings Blog, July 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 27

Through the Fire Blogs, July 27

Betti Mace, July 28

For the Love of Literature, July 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

Pause for Tales, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 30

Inklings and notions, July 31

Genesis 5020, August 1

Bigreadersite, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 2

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 2

deb’s Book Review, August 3

Livin’ Lit, August 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 5

Paula’s Persuasion, August 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 6

Blogging With Carol, August 7

Mary Hake, August 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a Vanished Without a Trace branded tote bag, Vanished Without a Trace pin, a print copy of the book, plus a $75 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ffe1/vanished-without-a-trace-celebration-tour-giveaway