This was an amazing story that covered multiple plots. The characters drew me in and I had to find out what happened to each and every one of them. I love a good plot twist with a good ending, and this book delivered. I wish I knew what Sammy thought when Julia's book came out. I liked the time jumps and never felt lost. A love story (and mystery) that was more about true love and what it means. In addition, the writer covers mental health, coming of age, disappointment, friendship, and the extreme actions a person will take to protect the people they love.

This was an interesting story. It was clear from the beginning what the link was, but I enjoyed the past story to see how it got there. However, I didn’t enjoy the present story as much, the storyline with the ex-boyfriend wasn’t really needed. The past really pulled me in though and made for a good story.

Let me start by saying I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction, but from the moment I read the synopsis I felt drawn to this book.

Have you ever found a book that just calls to you? I was looking for something to read and I stumbled across this one and it just called to me. The writing was beautiful and the plot was woven so beautifully and so intrinsically together.

The dual timelines were done flawlessly. I loved going back in time and I felt so much empathy as a mom who has been through postpartum. Then present day I couldn’t t wait to see where Julia’s journey took her.

This story was both heartbreaking and moving. I loved this book. Truly.

"The Act of Disappearing" is compelling and beautifully written. I loved the dual timelines and mystery. Themes include fertility, motherhood, family, and mental illness. Highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a well written moving story of three women, two from the past, in Kentucky and one current day living in New York. The later is given a chance to struggling with her life and is given a chance to solve the mystery of a old photograph of a woman and a child dying by suicide. I was most interested in Julia's story. If I am being picky, I would say the Kentucky story was a bit too long and seemed older than the time frame it was written about, but this is a small pickiness. It explores some serious issues with grace and understanding and makes us really root for the characters. 4.5

Engaging and immersive. A recommended purchase for collections where crime and thrillers are popular.

I really enjoyed this book! I’m definitely going to check out their other books. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review!!

I was absolutely gripped by this beautifully crafted novel!

Julia is given a mystery assignment by famous photographer Jonathan Aster to research and write the life story of a woman in a haunting photograph. As she gets close she finds not only the woman’s story but that of others too.

With themes of mental illness, fertility and motherhood this was a poignant and emotional read. I enjoyed the setting of small town Kentucky and Julia’s personal struggles in modern day society as she uncovered that of women having lived before her.

Highly recommend.

I went to college with Nathan, and know what a thoughtful person and great writer he is. So when the ARC came up for The Act of Disappearing, I jumped on it. I was not disappointed! Dual timeline stories are tricky to do, but I was captivated by both timelines. The ending came together in a way that I was not expecting, and it brought me tears. I'll be thinking about Julia, Kathryn, and those in their orbit for a while.

Nathan Gower has crafted a compelling and evocative story. The multiple timelines (present day and 1960s) work especially well for this type of story, with a mystery at its center. The mysterious photograph is an intriguing jumping off point that engages both the main character and the reader. While the pacing lags a bit, I don't think fans of literary fiction will mind too much. The author does a wonderful job of putting this jewel-like story together.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-galley; all opinions expressed herein are my own.

This elegantly written story weaves through multiple generations of women, examining what it means to be a woman and a mother, all with a compelling mystery at its center. The Act of Disappearing is an incredible debut, and I cried real tears (always a mark of an excellent book!) as Gower brought this heart-aching story to its beautiful and painful conclusion. Can't wait to see what this author writes next!!

A really captivating and emotional story. This book takes you on a journey with a wonderful mystery interwoven into a dual timeline story.