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 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. ( )

If you like to read romantic suspense stories you will really enjoy this one. Henderson and Elle are great characters. I felt that they were made for each other the minute they met. This story had me wondering who was bad and who was good in the town. I enjoyed all of the suspense in the story. This is a fast paced story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

As I began reading this book, I quickly found myself caught up in the story of Henderson Parker, his missing sister Helena, and the podcaster Ellie Updike, who only wants to help him find his sister. As the title implies Helena vanished without a trace. However, Henderson refuses to believe she died or does not want to be found. When his search takes him to Twin Oaks, Virginia, he encounters Ellie Updike.

Ellie Updike hosts a podcast that sets out to chronicle families’ journeys who attempt to find a lost loved one. She firmly believes she and her team potentially have the resources to help Henderson. But the suspense in this novel kept me reading and guessing about the true villain and the actual reason behind the sinister plot.

As I kept reading, I quickly found myself caught up in the story, and wanted to know more about “the compound” and the secrets Helena might be keeping. The dynamics and chemistry between Ellie and Henderson bring this story to life. The characters and storyline mesmerized me from the moment I started reading, and I found myself unable to put this book down until I finished it.

Others in this book carry secrets that the reader will appreciate by the end of the story. So if you enjoy Christian suspense novels, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

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. ( )