When a small town is overrun with thousands of strangers and the your house is located on a dark remote part of the road next to the music festival the best this couple could do was close the windows and doors and hope the rain drowns out the noise.
Vicki and Murphy came for the music, but left with a baby. What started out as a kidnapping story slowly became about the choice between doing what’s right and wrong.

Overall:
Setting up the characters plays an initial part in the story laying the ground work for what’s ahead, yet I struggled with this setup. Not until the actual kidnapping was I aware of the direction this story was headed.
I was disappointed with the volleying back and forth with making a decision.
I felt like the situation was on an endless loop cycling through the same scenario prolonging the outcome.

I liked the way the story alternated between Rachel’s life and Vicki’s life. I liked how the relationships remained strong with comfort and support. Forgiveness played a big factor in the telling of this story. I’m not saying I would be as understanding in this situation, but that’s irrelevant. I struggled with the moving forward portion of the story. I grew impatient with the slow pace of the story and began skimming.

I can’t say I loved it nor liked it. It was average. This unconventional situation certainly weighed heavy on my conscience. The topic gave me pause and aroused all types of questions and concerns. Yet I couldn’t get into the story. This need for a better solution plagued my mind. Not this moving forward with a forgiving heart.

I’m sad that I didn’t love this story, but the execution dragged on for far too long. I know every book isn’t for every reader and in this case this book just missed the mark on one too many areas.

Emily, Gone is an amazing story. When I finished reading, after staying up half the night because I couldn’t put it down and gathered up all the tissues I had used to dab at my eyes, all I could say was, “Wow.” This is a book I will not soon forget. I couldn’t read fast enough, but at the same time I didn’t want it to end, didn’t want to leave these people I felt so at home with.

It starts with a music festival in 1971. For those of us old enough to remember, it feels like Woodstock. Such promise and joy but then it got crowded and dirty and ugly. It feels like that. A sadness hangs in the air even in the very beginning of the book. It moves from person to person and forward in time, with trying times and pain and love and hope. I wanted to reach into the story to “fix” things for so many of the characters.

There are a handful of books you read that stick with you, not because they are the latest psychological thriller with the unreliable narrator that knocks you off your feet with shock and surprise, but because they are just darn good stories, with real people we can relate to. Made memorable with good writing, good characters, and heart. So much heart. Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain, How to Walk Away by Katherine Center, Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky come to mind, and now Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby.

And this isn’t to say that these “darn good stories” aren’t suspenseful, because they are. You have to know what is going to happen to the main character. You are so involved, so engrossed, so engaged. And Emily, Gone fits right into this category.

Thanks to author Bette Lee Crosby and NetGalley for providing an ARC of Emily, Gone. It was marvelous and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. And happily I have another author for the top of my TBR stack.

Another great book by Bette Lee Crosby! Drawn into the story of the kidnapping of a baby and could not put the book down until the end. Be ready with tissues! The story truly does ask the questions; what would you do if your baby was taken, would you be able to forgive the person who did it? Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Emily, Gone was a pretty good read. I highly recommend it, as well as, any other novel by Bette Lee Crosby.

I felt lucky and privileged to be sought out by Bette Lee Crosby to read this book. Even though there was a lot of action, particularly the kidnapping of Emily, the narrative had a quiet, smooth quality that I enjoyed very much. I definitely love this author’s writing style.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Rachel and Mama Dixon. In some ways, the kidnapping was the making of these two characters. Mama Dixon had to step up and be there for her son and his wife, who she came to realize she had never opened up to because of jealousy. The story of how these three characters and their relationship to each other evolved was wonderful.
Without giving any spoilers, I find the ending very satisfying. This is a new author to me, but I will definitely seek out other books by her. Highly recommended!

This book did not grab my attention at the start so I didn't finish it and moved on to another book.

Author Bette Lee Crosby has written another beautiful and heartfelt story. The despair and hopelessness that Emily's mother, Rachel felt was written with so much clarity, I felt it myself as I read each page. Bette Lee Crosby writes with so much passion regardless of the subject. Never one to disappoint, Bette Lee Crosby has written another great read!

Emily Gone
Bette Lee Crosby

Author and Netgalley gave me the opportunity to review this book before release.
I found the book cover to be quite serene to me, what appears to be mother and child in embrace. But then there is the title.

The book begins with the close knit town of Hesterville and how a music festival is coming to the farmers field and how it will effect the town and it’s people.
Following protests, and broken shop windows, a lot of the town closes up their shop fronts and go home. George Dixon, owner of the Hardware store, suggests that his wife Rachel and baby go to stay with his mother Helen for a few days. Rachel disagrees that this is necessary, but as the festival goes on the music floods the town with bass and seemingly never ending music. With the unrelenting heat and nowhere quiet to escape to baby Emily is restless and unable to sleep along with the rest of the town.
With the end of the festival finishing on the same evening as a heat breaking thunderstorm, a deep sleep falls upon the many who have had none to little sleep since it started. Much attributes to why everyone sleeps deeper than usual that night and with tiredness comes forgetfulness of bedtime routines and habits.

The book begins slowly with town folk being riled by the impending arrival of the festival.
It doesn’t take long to see why there are concerns.
Few people from the festival become part of the story, but what is learnt about them, gives you an idea of what the locals were concerned about.
Just when it all seems over and done with, many lives are changed forever. An ever emotional rollercoaster begins for many and yet a little healing for just one.

Helen Dixon initially comes across as a bit of a battle axe in law, liking absolutely nothing about hers son’s wife, nothing she does is right. It’s a little hard to believe at first but her character becomes likeable the more you find out about her.

It’s a journey of emotion that engulfs the whole town, but stays brutal and raw for some more than others.

Some parts of the story found me turning pages faster thinking ‘this is it, this is where it all has to stop.’ Other parts had me asking why? Due to some of the characters reactions. There will always be situations where individuals like to thinks that they know how they would react, but until we walk in those shoes...

I like the if, buts, and maybes, I asked myself what I’d do/ react? Complete honesty gave me Rachel and Emily. I believe their reactions would genuinely be mine.

Loved this book!!! It was beautifully written. So sad and heartbreaking. Felt horrible for George and Rachel. I loved the relationship Rachel ended up having with Mama Dixon. The horrible tragedy of losing Emily, brought the two woman together. Mama Dixon helped Rachel heal and be able to live one day at a time. The best thing to happen to "Lara" was Angela. Rachel and George couldn't have wished for better parents for their daughter. There was just so much wrong with Vicki, besides the fact that she kidnapped a baby. She was grieving, mentally unstable and relying on drugs and alcohol to relieve the pain. I also felt horrible for Angela and Kenny. The book was very emotional and I definitely shed a few tears.

Definitely recommend the book. I loved everything about it- the story, characters and writing style. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby is a beautiful sad story that often bought tears to my eyes. Kidnapping another persons child is so sad. Was an amazing book I wish all stories of kidnapping could have a happy ending.

Emily, Gone
by Bette Lee Crosby -----

#EmilyGone
#NetGalley

1971 A music festival that the town did not want, an exhausted family and 2 concertgoers make for an interesting opening.

When Rachel Dixon puts her infant daughter Emily to bed, she never realizes it would be the lst time she saw her. Precious little Emily is snatched in the night.

I knew about the kidnapping going into the story, but I didnt know it would NOT be a typical "look for the kidnapper" story.


This book is so emotinal and full of twists and turns. I read it in 2 sittings and was hoping that Emily would remain stafe and come back to her family.

I loved the relationships in this story and the emtional heartsrings it pulled on.

I enjoyed reading about Rachel and Mama Dixon, and Vicki and her sister.

I can't remember reading anthing by the authr but I will certainly look up her other books for sure.


I would recommend the book to anyone who wants a different take on kidnapping, and a book about family and relationships.
4.5 stars!
I want to thank Netgally and the publisher and author for an advance ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Bette Lee Crosby sure knows how to write books that will tug at your heartstrings, and Emily, Gone did just that to me. This is a beautiful story of faith, family, love and forgiveness with wonderful characters that were very believable. This is one that will pull you right in from the start and won't want to put down. I stayed up way too late reading this one but it was worth losing sleep over. The ending will leave you teary-eyed so have those tissues handy. I highly recommend Emily, Gone.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

“Emily Gone” by Bette Lee Crosby was a book I read non stop in one day. I found it to be an amazing heartwarming story.
As the story unfolds, you will start to know that God is always watching over us and we should always keep our faith in him.
Such a uplifting story❤️
Such a heart filled story❤️
Many, many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and especially Bette Lee Crosby, for the honor to read “Emily Gone.”

Five Tissue Box! Though this story has much sadness and unimaginable happened, the writing is clever and beautifully told! Absolutely a must read!

Bette Crosby writes beautiful, thoughtful and imaginative books. There is no doubt about that. I'm proud to be committed to reading each and every book she writes. "Emily, Gone" is no exception.

Yes, there's a however coming....I miss the books this author has written previously. "Emily, Gone" is excellent. Bette provides a beautiful story, full of feeling and amazing details. She is, at heart, a true storyteller. But, personally, I have grown tired of reading about child kidnappings and the pain and frustration that even imaginary parents go through. Maybe it's my age, maybe it's because we hear so much about the world's agony that I just can't handle it anymore. Let's leave at that.

Bette has written a beautiful book, full of love and pain. I recommend it but with reservations. It is a true tear jerker.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Does every mother hold a deep fear in her heart that one day her child could be kidnapped? I can’t imagine the heartache that parents of missing children must endure. But this story paints just such a picture, in such vivid detail, that I could very easily put myself in their place.

On the final night of a music festival in Hesterville, Georgia, a storm muffles the sound of the blaring music as Rachel Dixon tucks her baby into bed before falling into a deep sleep. So deep, she doesn’t hear a sound. When she and her husband wake up in the morning, Emily is gone. Y’all I was heartbroken right there! Her baby is gone! My arms ached to hold this fictional child. To put this child back in her crib, so this family wouldn’t have to know such a loss.

Vicki Robart is one of the thousands at the festival, but she’s not feeling the music. She’s feeling the emptiness over the loss of her own baby. In a desperate act, she does something that changes the lives of many for years to come. Again, heartbroken! Her baby, too, is gone, although in different circumstances than those of the Dixons. I’ve never lost a child but have friends who have. I feel Crosby captured Vicki’s pain and mental anguish over her loss quite well.

I wasn’t surprised at how this story played out, but I was thrilled that it was happening the way it was. I realize that statement probably doesn’t make a lot of sense. She figured out what was happening and liked it anyway? Yes, I did. You’ll just have to read this story to figure out what the heck I’m talking about. This is one of those stories that make everything come full circle! I love the chance encounters, etc. that lead the characters down a path they didn’t expect.

Pages turned faster and faster as I wished and prayed for a happy ending. While the ending is satisfying, it kept this book from being a 5-star read, which is was until that point. The story kept me on pins and needles with tears of sadness and joy in my eyes throughout. But the ending felt too easy and rushed after the emotional ride I’d been on. I’ll read a longer book every time if I can simply have those little details that really close out the story in a satisfying way.

Crosby has found a new fan of her work, so excuse me while I head off to the library for more of her books to add to my list.

Advanced copy of Emily, Gone provided by NetGalley.

The words God makes things right in his own time never had as much meaning as they do in this story of faith. Hope and love.
Life shattering drama happens when infant Emily disAppeared in the middle of the night from her crib. Very little clues are left behind and now begins many years of searching and praying. As the years go by life eventually moves on. This story will make you feel heartbreak and sorrow for this family. But never give up your faith that god is watching he has a plan. We just have to hold on to it.

This is a must read for fans of Diane Chamberlain's The Dream Daughter. Like Chamberlain, Crosby begs the question of what you would do if your child was taken away from you as an infant and brought back to you as a teen.

Crosby pulls you into the lives of all three mothers to Emily/Lara. With each mother, you feel the pain and joy that Emily/Lara brings them and are able to sympathize with each, in their own way However, it would be impossible not to be more drawn into the feelings of Rachel, Emily's biological mother. Year after year, Rachel begs God to let whoever has Emily love her and care for her the way she and George would have, had she not been taken.

As the story goes on, you realize that one day, Rachel will find Emily again but as the years pass, you begin to get apprehensive. How can Rachel reenter Emily's life without destroying the only life Emily has ever known as being Lara? Rachel was always adamant in her search and belief for finding Emily again yet you begin to wonder if she will be able to destroy the life Lara knows for the truth of being Emily because this isn't about a case where the stolen child is being abused or harmed in any way. In fact, it's just the opposite. Emily has always and will always be loved, but is just now known as Lara.

As a mother, myself, my heart was torn. It broke open for Vicki, who could barely keep living without the baby that grew inside of her and gave her the hope for a life she always wanted but was torn away by a stillbirth and the knowledge that she would never have another. And my heart absolutely broke open and bled out for Rachel, who even worse, was viciously ripped from her daughter's life and had to forever live in fear, for her new children and that of Emily's wellbeing and happiness. Lastly, your heart goes out to Angela, destined to never bear her own children but found in the middle of this story through no fault of her own and loving the same girl just as much as the other two mothers.

This story was a whirlwind of feelings. There were times when my heart beat faster with fear and times where I wanted to cry out in pain, having to stop and check on my children, thanking God that I never had to experience Rachel's pain. And yet, there were times where I know I was smiling as I read. In the end, I realize how blessed I truly am and have a better understanding of a mother's true love through Rachel and Angela, who we can all learn from.

There aren't enough complimentary words to describe this book - it's compelling, emotional, evocative and downright amazing.Told from the viewpoint of two families, the story delves into the harrowing concept of a baby taken from her natural parents and raised by another. Set in the 1970s, in a small town in Georgia, the author re-creates the festival vibe - but not as a party, rather as an intrusion upon the residents of Hesterville. An intrusion with the most far-reaching consequences imaginable.A storm hits down as the festival draws to an end, and the sleep-deprived parents of newborn Emily Dixon finally succumb to their fatigue. But when they wake the next morning, Emily is gone. Their story takes a path through anguish, fear and anger as the search begins for the baby. As the days, weeks, months and years pass, they never lose hope.Festival-goer Vicki Robart attends the festival but her heart is not in it; she still pines for her own child who was stillborn only months early. High on weed, she pleads with her partner to pull over for a bathroom break outside a family house in the vicinity. she has no qualms about waking the family, but when the door is unlocked she creeps inside and sees a baby asleep. Her instinct is to take the baby and run back to the van, where she urges her partner to drive on. He is unaware of the baby, hidden within Vicki's clothing until the baby stirs.He wants to take the baby back; Vicki disagrees. From this point on their relationship is on very shaky ground. The moral dilemma is too much to keep them together, so Vicki takes the baby - renamed Lana - to her sister's. Does Vicki ever feel any remorse for her action? Not really, because she has convinced herself the child is her own.The impact of that one night is forever felt by the Dixons. All they can hope for is that their daughter is loved and safe. The emotional pull of the story lies here, you really want the Dixon's to have a happy ending, but as time passes it seems ever more unlikely.A beautiful story, packed with emotion, drama, tension and hope.My thanks to NetGalley for this wonderful book - highly recommended to fans of compelling women's fiction.

Will be reviewed on Amazon April 30, 2019

I received the book Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby from Netgalley in exchange for my fair and honest review. This was a wonderful read, I found it heartbreaking at times and could feel the parents pain at the kidnapping of their daughter. I felt so many emotions come to the surface as I read this book. I could feel myself connecting with the characters of the book, was it right for Vickie to take the baby, no of course not but I can also understand the need to replace her lost child. You will shed tears as you read this wonderful story. It was beautifully written and I would certainly recommend this book to others.