A Different Kind of Gone by Catherine Ryan Hyde

 

My thoughts

This author never disappoints me. She's written so many wonderful and heartfelt books. I've enjoyed each that I've read and always look forward to the next one. 

This book is an emotional story. A story of abuse. The fear of a man. A woman who is so terrified of this man she's willing to disappear. To start a whole new life. A whole new identity. That is a deep fear. No woman should ever have to feel that. Never have to feel so desperate that she's willing to give up everything. Before you blame the woman you should stop and take a good long look at how these men do these things. As this book says: There's not a person on God's green earth who ever met somebody new and had that person say 'Come be in love with me, but just know in advance I'm gonna knock you around some.' That's a powerful line to me... 

This story is about a young woman. A nineteen year old named Jill who goes missing. She's running away. Norma is the main character and she's the one who is helping look for Jill. The thing is, when Norma was married she was in an abusive marriage also. She understands. She knows. You also meet Wanda. She's interested in the story of Jill. But she meets Jake. She falls in love with Jake. Jake is the one suspected of killing Jill and Wanda knows it. She believes in him though. As so many young women do with this type of guy. 

You get to know each of these characters and a few others. You meet Betty who is Norma's friend and coworker. Jake of course who is an abuser and attempted murderer. You vaguely meet a man named Farley. I have to admit that I liked Farley. I felt very sorry for him. I think he believed in what he did completely. You also meet Jill's parents. I understood their fear. I understood why they did what they did. This is a very complex story but so easy to follow. It's not the easiest book to read because of the subject but it's still good. I think if you've ever been in an abusive relationship you could read this without having problems. 

This author never disappoints me. Her books contain situations that take you through many emotions. They tend to have a lesson in them too. I loved how she did this book. How all the lives intersected and worked. I loved Norma very much and was so happy with the ending. Made my heart feel full. Yes I shed quite a few tears while reading this one but it was well written and just makes you stop and think of what you might do if it was your child...

Thank you #NetGalley, #CatherineRyanHyde, #LakeUnionPublisher for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

5/5 big stars and I recommend you read it. Kleenex a must.

About

The truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance becomes something to conceal in a gripping novel about justice, lies, and impossible choices by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone has an opinion. Only Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, knows the real story.

Norma’s already found Jill, huddled in a cave and terrified that her abusive boyfriend, Jake, will kill her. If he ever sees her again. To protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma quietly delivers the girl to her grateful parents in California, even though she’s conflicted. Keeping Jill safe and hidden from Jake, the press, and the public will be their secret. But secrets can’t last forever.

Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for the murder of Jill Moss—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her. As Jake is about to stand trial, lust for retribution inflames public opinion and Jill’s family refuses to come forward, forcing Norma to make a life-changing decision.

What are the consequences if she stays silent? And what are the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth?