Publication
Waterville, Maine : Thorndike Press, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning, 2017.
Collection
Call number
Large Print Fiction S
Physical description
483 p.; 23 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
Fiction. Literature. Suspense. Thriller. HTML: "A skillful, insightful debut: a deft exploration of the mysteries of marriage, the price we pay for our secrets, and just how easy it is to make the worst choices imaginable." �??Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling author of The Sandcastle Girls and Midwives "An emotional powerhouse of a novel." �??Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of A Sudden Light and The Art of Racing in the Rain Violet and Finn were "meant to be," said everyone, always. They ended up together by the hands of fate aligning things just so. Three years into their marriage, they have a wonderful little boy, and as the three of them embark on their first vacation as a family, Violet can't help thinking that she can't believe her luck. Life is good. So no one is more surprised than she when Finn leaves her at the beach�??just packs up the hotel room and disappears. And takes their son with him. Violet is suddenly in her own worst nightmare, and faced with the knowledge that the man she's shared her life with, she never really knew at all. Caitlin and Finn have been best friends since way back when, but when Finn shows up on Caitlin's doorstep with the son he's wanted for kidnapping, demands that she hide them from the authorities, and threatens to reveal a secret that could destroy her own family if she doesn't, Caitlin faces an impossible choice. As the suspenseful events unfold through alternating viewpoints of Violet, Finn and Caitlin, Jessica Strawser's Almost Missed You is a page turning story of a mother's love, a husband's betrayal, connections that maybe should have been missed, secrets that perhaps shouldn't have been kept, and spaces between what's meant to be and what might have b… (more)
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User reviews
LibraryThing member techeditor
Just last evening an alarm sounded on my iPhone, signaling another Amber alert of a child abduction, probably a parental kidnapping. That is the main subject of ALMOST MISSED YOU. Violet’s husband, Finn, has left her waiting on the beach while he has taken off with their 3-year-old son. She did
Meanwhile, Violet’s and Finn’s good friends, Caitlin and George, have hidden problems of their own, not to mention Caitlin’s lies of omission that contributed to Violet’s and Finn’s troubles. And, like Violet and Finn, Caitlin and George are each lying to the other by omission.
Fans of women’s fiction, which I am not, will love ALMOST MISSED YOU. The novel explores, mostly, the two couple’s friendships, marriages, and lies of omission that threaten to tear it all apart. This subject matter is too soap operaish for me, but is popular with so many people that the term “women’s fiction” was coined just for them.
So ALMOST MISSED YOU contains lots of secrets and lies, and that is essentially it. A story like this doesn’t appeal to me. Yes, lots of people would disagree with me. I would have disagreed, too, when I was a young adult.
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not see the problems in their marriage that led to this because of his lies of omission. And Violet realizes that she, too, kept quiet when she should have spoken up.Meanwhile, Violet’s and Finn’s good friends, Caitlin and George, have hidden problems of their own, not to mention Caitlin’s lies of omission that contributed to Violet’s and Finn’s troubles. And, like Violet and Finn, Caitlin and George are each lying to the other by omission.
Fans of women’s fiction, which I am not, will love ALMOST MISSED YOU. The novel explores, mostly, the two couple’s friendships, marriages, and lies of omission that threaten to tear it all apart. This subject matter is too soap operaish for me, but is popular with so many people that the term “women’s fiction” was coined just for them.
So ALMOST MISSED YOU contains lots of secrets and lies, and that is essentially it. A story like this doesn’t appeal to me. Yes, lots of people would disagree with me. I would have disagreed, too, when I was a young adult.
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LibraryThing member arielfl
This book was a real page turner. Everyone thinks Violet and Finn are fated to be together. They meet on a beach on vacation and go their separate ways without even getting each others names. A year later they reconnect through a Craig's list missed connections ad and end up living happily ever
The story goes back and forth through time revealing information about Finn and Violet's relationship and that crucial year before they reconnect. I got the gist of where the book was going about half way through. Even though the plot twists slowed down at the end, the book still gave you a lot to think about. Are relationships based on chance meetings or does fate put us together with the person we are cosmically supposed to be with? Also one person's perception of what is going on in a relationship can be so radically different from what their partner is thinking. I don't know if all of the misunderstandings that take place in the novel would have ever happened in a real relationship, so many characters choose to not ask questions about things I would have been all over. Nevertheless it was an entertaining story.
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after, or so Violet thinks. On a vacation to Florida while Violet is sipping a drink on the beach her husband Finn packs up all of his stuff from the hotel and disappears with their young son Bear. I could not stop reading to find out what happened next. The story goes back and forth through time revealing information about Finn and Violet's relationship and that crucial year before they reconnect. I got the gist of where the book was going about half way through. Even though the plot twists slowed down at the end, the book still gave you a lot to think about. Are relationships based on chance meetings or does fate put us together with the person we are cosmically supposed to be with? Also one person's perception of what is going on in a relationship can be so radically different from what their partner is thinking. I don't know if all of the misunderstandings that take place in the novel would have ever happened in a real relationship, so many characters choose to not ask questions about things I would have been all over. Nevertheless it was an entertaining story.
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LibraryThing member pomo58
Almost Missed You by Jessica Strawser will draw you into both the story and the characters then tweak each one until you begin to question what is really going on and who these people really are.
The writing is wonderful and will quickly make the scenes believable and the characters real. What
The plot is very good though I found myself so caught up in the people involved that I probably didn't pay as much attention to the story as I should have. One of the areas where Strawser excelled was in making the plot such an intimate part of the characters as we got to know them that even in my case the plot was very present and never became lost because of my interest in the characters.
I would highly recommend this to readers of relationship (be it familial or friendship) dramas and stories that incorporate subtle psychological studies into an otherwise page-turner of a story. Readers who are comfortable loving and hating the same character, often at the same time, will find a lot to enjoy here as well.
Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads.
The writing is wonderful and will quickly make the scenes believable and the characters real. What
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stands out for me is the development of the characters, both within the story and within my mind as a reader. I particularly like the way Strawser makes it difficult to simply label characters as either good or bad. If you want to either like or hate a character this novel may challenge you because the characters are nuanced, much like the people who inhabit our own daily lives.The plot is very good though I found myself so caught up in the people involved that I probably didn't pay as much attention to the story as I should have. One of the areas where Strawser excelled was in making the plot such an intimate part of the characters as we got to know them that even in my case the plot was very present and never became lost because of my interest in the characters.
I would highly recommend this to readers of relationship (be it familial or friendship) dramas and stories that incorporate subtle psychological studies into an otherwise page-turner of a story. Readers who are comfortable loving and hating the same character, often at the same time, will find a lot to enjoy here as well.
Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads.
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LibraryThing member kathleenbarber
I had been dying to read this book ever since I heard the premise: while on a beach vacation, Violet’s husband Finn took their child and walked out on her with no warning and leaving nothing behind. It quickly becomes evident that Violet’s seemingly perfect life was undercut with secrets.
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It’s a rare book that can make me sympathize with someone like Finn (especially how he first appears, with his kidnapped child in tow and slinging blackmail threats), but author Jessica Strawser has constructed such complex, three-dimensional characters that I couldn’t help but hope things worked out for all of them, Finn included. I stayed up way later than I should have, eagerly turning pages as the secrets behind the characters’ motivations (and misconceptions) were gradually revealed. (I have to admit, I harbored the same misconception as one of the characters and was surprised to find out I was wrong!) Show Less
LibraryThing member melaniehope
The story is about Finn and Violet who are married with a young son named Bear. Then one day, whole on a family vacation at the beach, Finn disappears with his son. Violet is left devastated and reeling from shock. I enjoyed this book and the writing style. However, the plot was a bit farfetched
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for me. I don't think I could ever comprehend how a husband and father could get to such a desperate state without their spouse realizing something was going on. Finn never talked to his wife, never revealed his past and Violet even admitted to knowing he had fiancee, but she did not want to ask her husband unless he was willing to share this info. For that reason, I never really responded as positively to the storyline as the other readers seem to have. Show Less
LibraryThing member debkrenzer
I have mixed feelings for this book. I think the author did a great job writing the book. I truly enjoyed it for the most part.
However, I come away with an extreme emotion for one of the characters. It's an emotion that I just can't get over. I have never, ever felt this way over a character in a
Otherwise, I did enjoy the book and was glad that I got the opportunity to read it.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
However, I come away with an extreme emotion for one of the characters. It's an emotion that I just can't get over. I have never, ever felt this way over a character in a
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book. I'm guessing it's the mother in me that is making me feel this way. I'm not going to spoil the reading of the book for anyone, so I will not give the particulars here. For anyone who has read the book, I'm sure you will know what I'm talking about.Otherwise, I did enjoy the book and was glad that I got the opportunity to read it.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member hubblegal
Violet and Finn seem to have it all – a loving marriage that was meant to be and their little boy, Bear. But there are secrets in this marriage that Violet only begins to become aware of when Finn shockingly abducts Bear. Finn turns to his best friend, Caitlin, with a threat to reveal her
I’ve always enjoyed books that involve the mystery of fate or destiny. There’s something so compelling about how some things are “just meant to be”. The title of this book, “Almost Missed You”, is what drew me to it the most. We’ve all wondered at one time of another whether, for instance, our life would be completely different if we had decided to stay home that day instead of taking a walk on the beach. The plot of this book is a fascinating one and the author has done a good job of mapping out all of the coincidences and how they all play into the lives of Violet, Finn, Caitlin and George. She also does a good job of describing the torment Violet goes through dealing with the abduction of her child.
However, too much of this book just didn’t ring true to me; most importantly, Finn’s reasons for leaving Violet and for taking Bear. Also, most of the back story read too much like a romance novel and dragged on far too long for me, causing me to disconnect with the story of Bear’s abduction. This book is publicized as a psychological thriller but I didn’t really find much thrilling about it. The plot’s an interesting one, though, so if you can take some of the reasoning given with a grain of salt, this might be more your cup of tea than it was mine.
This book was given to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.
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marriage secrets to her husband, George, if Caitlin doesn’t hide him and Bear.I’ve always enjoyed books that involve the mystery of fate or destiny. There’s something so compelling about how some things are “just meant to be”. The title of this book, “Almost Missed You”, is what drew me to it the most. We’ve all wondered at one time of another whether, for instance, our life would be completely different if we had decided to stay home that day instead of taking a walk on the beach. The plot of this book is a fascinating one and the author has done a good job of mapping out all of the coincidences and how they all play into the lives of Violet, Finn, Caitlin and George. She also does a good job of describing the torment Violet goes through dealing with the abduction of her child.
However, too much of this book just didn’t ring true to me; most importantly, Finn’s reasons for leaving Violet and for taking Bear. Also, most of the back story read too much like a romance novel and dragged on far too long for me, causing me to disconnect with the story of Bear’s abduction. This book is publicized as a psychological thriller but I didn’t really find much thrilling about it. The plot’s an interesting one, though, so if you can take some of the reasoning given with a grain of salt, this might be more your cup of tea than it was mine.
This book was given to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member cburnett5
3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading Almost Missed You although it was not what I was expecting. While on vacation, Violet’s husband Finn takes their young son and disappears. The book then flashes back and forth in time unraveling the details that lead to the kidnapping and disappearance. Strawser writes
I enjoyed reading Almost Missed You although it was not what I was expecting. While on vacation, Violet’s husband Finn takes their young son and disappears. The book then flashes back and forth in time unraveling the details that lead to the kidnapping and disappearance. Strawser writes
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beautifully, and I enjoyed learning more about the characters as the storyline unfolds. I think my issues with the book probably reflect more about me than they do about the book. While I liked Violet, as details emerge I kept wondering why she had not paid more attention to the signals (a thought I frequently have when reading this genre). I have a hard time relating to these type of characters which lessens my enjoyment of the book a bit. However, Strawser’s prose is exceptional and her storyline well thought out. I was glad I read the novel and definitely recommend it if you like this type of suspense – it is one of the best I have read in this genre. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Show Less
LibraryThing member leopolds
Violet and Finn are parents of a three year old boy named Bear. They drive to Florida on their first vacation as a family since Bear was born. One afternoon, Violet enjoys a few hours to herself while her husband volunteers to stay with their son. When she returns to her hotel room, she discovers
Finn sets off driving aimlessly without a plan. Needing time to figure out his next steps, he reaches Cincinnati and seeks help from his high school friend Caitlin. He demands that Caitlin hide them at her in-laws vacant cabin for a few days. Finn threatens to go public with embarrassing information that will ruin her family if she doesn’t cooperate. Caitlin is torn between protecting her family and helping reunite Violet with her child.
This is a book filled with a combination of twists, suspense, and secrets. It is fast paced and alternates between the past and the present. I enjoyed the journey and the development of each character in the book. This is a debut novel by Jessica Strawser.
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that her husband and her son are missing. Violet calls the police after discovering that their car and other valuables are also gone. Believing her marriage was secure, she struggles to understand her husband’s disappearance.Finn sets off driving aimlessly without a plan. Needing time to figure out his next steps, he reaches Cincinnati and seeks help from his high school friend Caitlin. He demands that Caitlin hide them at her in-laws vacant cabin for a few days. Finn threatens to go public with embarrassing information that will ruin her family if she doesn’t cooperate. Caitlin is torn between protecting her family and helping reunite Violet with her child.
This is a book filled with a combination of twists, suspense, and secrets. It is fast paced and alternates between the past and the present. I enjoyed the journey and the development of each character in the book. This is a debut novel by Jessica Strawser.
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LibraryThing member Pet12
What should have been a relaxing, enjoyable vacation in Florida, turns into a terrible nightmare for Violet, when her husband, Finn, disappears from their hotel room taking their three-year-old son, Bear, with him. Violet is distraught but also baffled. She thought her marriage to Finn was solid
The story switches between August 2016 when Finn disappears and various times in the past when the reader learns about all the events that finally led to Finn and Violet getting married. Told through the three alternating perspectives of Finn, Violet, and Caitlin, it slowly becomes clear that all the characters have been keeping secrets.
I really liked that every character managed to surprise me and the way the revelations were made was well done. All the little twists kept me glued to the pages. The story contained a compelling mix of suspense, mystery, and emotion. It's been a while since I've been this absorbed in a domestic suspense novel. From the convincing writing style, the unanticipated plotting, and the solid characterization I would have never guessed this was the author's first novel. I thought it was really impressive. My only minor issue was with the epilogue. It's not that I didn't like it as such, but it was just a bit too high on the serendipity scale for me.
I will, however, definitely be looking out for Jessica Strawser's next novel due out in 2018.
I received an ARC via NetGalley. Thank you!
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and they both loved being parents to Bear. Meanwhile, Finn manages to solicit the help of his high school friend, Caitlin, to stay under the radar of the FBI. Caitlin had also become close friends with Violet as her husband, George, was away a lot and their twins were of a similar age to Violet's and Finn's son, Bear. Caitlin understands how devastated Violet must be and feels torn about aiding Finn but is forced to remain quiet in order to protect her own secret and her family.The story switches between August 2016 when Finn disappears and various times in the past when the reader learns about all the events that finally led to Finn and Violet getting married. Told through the three alternating perspectives of Finn, Violet, and Caitlin, it slowly becomes clear that all the characters have been keeping secrets.
I really liked that every character managed to surprise me and the way the revelations were made was well done. All the little twists kept me glued to the pages. The story contained a compelling mix of suspense, mystery, and emotion. It's been a while since I've been this absorbed in a domestic suspense novel. From the convincing writing style, the unanticipated plotting, and the solid characterization I would have never guessed this was the author's first novel. I thought it was really impressive. My only minor issue was with the epilogue. It's not that I didn't like it as such, but it was just a bit too high on the serendipity scale for me.
I will, however, definitely be looking out for Jessica Strawser's next novel due out in 2018.
I received an ARC via NetGalley. Thank you!
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LibraryThing member GrandmaCootie
Almost Missed You by Jessica Strawser is a first-rate thriller, full of suspense and surprises. Talk about peeling the layers of an onion. Every event, every encounter, makes you wonder just who these characters really are and if what you think has happened has in fact happened The story is told
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from perspective of three people, and you will run through a range of emotions - angry, sad, sympathetic, amazed – and your allegiance will shift back and forth. The story starts out almost overly sweet: fate brought us together. But soon it’s terrifying. You can’t figure out what will happen next because there are so many possible endings, and they are all plausible. I had to force myself to not peek at the ending because the action was moving so quickly and had an “are you kidding me?” feeling. It’s hard to write a specific review about the people and their actions without spoilers, but can express how you feel, what this story does to you, and how you can’t stop thinking about it afterwards. Show Less
LibraryThing member susan0316
Do we ever really know the person that we are married to? Violet believes that her marriage to Finn was meant to be, that they were soulmates who met by chance on the beach, lost contact and later met again. As the novel begins, she is sitting on the beach thinking about her perfect love with Finn
This is a fast paced novel about trust and love, family and friendship. It's about the search for ideals - ideal family and ideal friendship and finding out that they may not exist in the real world. And what connects the entire story is Violet's love for her son.
I enjoyed this book and once I started, I had to keep reading to find out why some of the characters make the decisions that they did. There were several instances where I didn't agree with their decisions and I found Violet, through sympathetic, to be very naive. Overall, it's a fantastic debut novel from a new author and I am looking forward to her books in the future.
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and their wonderful 3 year old son Bear. However, her world quickly changes when she goes to their hotel room and Finn and Bear are missing and her life quickly turns into despair and confusion. She calls on her best friend Catalain to help her but is she truly her friend or is she hiding secrets, too?This is a fast paced novel about trust and love, family and friendship. It's about the search for ideals - ideal family and ideal friendship and finding out that they may not exist in the real world. And what connects the entire story is Violet's love for her son.
I enjoyed this book and once I started, I had to keep reading to find out why some of the characters make the decisions that they did. There were several instances where I didn't agree with their decisions and I found Violet, through sympathetic, to be very naive. Overall, it's a fantastic debut novel from a new author and I am looking forward to her books in the future.
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LibraryThing member EllenH
Great escape book! I read it in one day.
LibraryThing member pgchuis
While on vacation, Violet's husband Finn takes their son Bear back to the hotel room for a nap and when Violet goes up to the room, Finn and Bear have disappeared. This story is told in the present (2016) as the FBI search for Finn and also in flashbacks to 2010-2012 when we learn about how Finn
I was disappointed by this story and found myself skimming quite a lot. The mystery of why Finn acted as he did
SPOILERS
was just so unconvincing and despicable. I found myself at a loss to sympathize with Finn at all and I wondered at Violet never asking Finn about a fiancee he had presumably broken up with less than a year before meeting up with her again. I disliked George for lying to Caitlyn about his fertility and I disliked Caitlyn for lying to George about their twins and for not turning Finn in as soon as he turned up in her kitchen. Mostly I just found the whole scenario tawdry, sad and under-motivated. I hated the ending.
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and Violet met. I was disappointed by this story and found myself skimming quite a lot. The mystery of why Finn acted as he did
SPOILERS
was just so unconvincing and despicable. I found myself at a loss to sympathize with Finn at all and I wondered at Violet never asking Finn about a fiancee he had presumably broken up with less than a year before meeting up with her again. I disliked George for lying to Caitlyn about his fertility and I disliked Caitlyn for lying to George about their twins and for not turning Finn in as soon as he turned up in her kitchen. Mostly I just found the whole scenario tawdry, sad and under-motivated. I hated the ending.
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LibraryThing member gpangel
I almost Missed you by Jessica Strawer is a 2017 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Serendipity- Fate- Kismet-
This is the story of Violet and Finn, a couple who seemed destined to be together…
They met on a beach by chance, but that one encounter was enough to leave a lasting impression on them
But, for a long time they were like two ships that passed in the night, until yet another chance meeting finally cements them firmly together. But, for one of them the cement has begun to crack.
Out of the clear blue sky, Finn suddenly packs up his and Violet’s three year old son,'Bear', on what looks like a spur of the moment decision, and skips off to parts unknown, leaving everyone who knows the couple flummoxed and bewildered- including Violet and Finn’s best friend, Caitlin.
But, Caitlin soon finds herself in between the ultimate rock and a hard place when she must choose between Finn and Violet. Which one will she help? Which side will she take? Why did Finn leave his perfect marriage and why did he kidnap his son?
I had this book on hold at the library for a long time. I don’t know why there was only one digital copy of this book, but long story short, the wait time was very long. Truth be told, it had been so long since I had thought about this book, I’d forgotten the premise entirely.
As a result, I just dove into this book blindly, believing it to be a psychological thriller. Initially, the novel went right down that path. But, as time moved on, the story seemed to morph into something a bit more than that.
I was unprepared for the level of suspense that gripped me. It was so unbearable I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Every character has a secret and every secret carries an enormous consequence if they are exposed. Some secrets are scandalous, some are more minor, and some are incredibly heart wrenching.
This book was not exactly what I was expecting it to be, since, in my opinion, it’s not a traditional psychological thriller, or novel of suspense, which caught me completely off guard- and this is yet another one of those books that is hard to categorize. Having said that, this story blew me away, with its intensity, emotion, characterizations and dialogue. The pacing is so perfectly timed, the mere thought of putting this book down was untenable.
At the end of the day, this is a story of loss and tragedy, of ill -advised choices resulting in deeply held cataclysmic secrets that come back to roost in a most spectacular fashion. It’s a story of sacrifice, love, guilt and hope, which put me through an emotional wringer that left me nearly breathless.
It’s intense, but also has a beauty to it, with an ending that made feel as though a giant weight was lifted and that all would be well, just given a little more time, and what’s more, left me believing wholeheartedly in destiny, fate, kismet, and all the rest. Some things are just meant to be.
Serendipity- Fate- Kismet-
This is the story of Violet and Finn, a couple who seemed destined to be together…
They met on a beach by chance, but that one encounter was enough to leave a lasting impression on them
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both. But, for a long time they were like two ships that passed in the night, until yet another chance meeting finally cements them firmly together. But, for one of them the cement has begun to crack.
Out of the clear blue sky, Finn suddenly packs up his and Violet’s three year old son,'Bear', on what looks like a spur of the moment decision, and skips off to parts unknown, leaving everyone who knows the couple flummoxed and bewildered- including Violet and Finn’s best friend, Caitlin.
But, Caitlin soon finds herself in between the ultimate rock and a hard place when she must choose between Finn and Violet. Which one will she help? Which side will she take? Why did Finn leave his perfect marriage and why did he kidnap his son?
I had this book on hold at the library for a long time. I don’t know why there was only one digital copy of this book, but long story short, the wait time was very long. Truth be told, it had been so long since I had thought about this book, I’d forgotten the premise entirely.
As a result, I just dove into this book blindly, believing it to be a psychological thriller. Initially, the novel went right down that path. But, as time moved on, the story seemed to morph into something a bit more than that.
I was unprepared for the level of suspense that gripped me. It was so unbearable I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Every character has a secret and every secret carries an enormous consequence if they are exposed. Some secrets are scandalous, some are more minor, and some are incredibly heart wrenching.
This book was not exactly what I was expecting it to be, since, in my opinion, it’s not a traditional psychological thriller, or novel of suspense, which caught me completely off guard- and this is yet another one of those books that is hard to categorize. Having said that, this story blew me away, with its intensity, emotion, characterizations and dialogue. The pacing is so perfectly timed, the mere thought of putting this book down was untenable.
At the end of the day, this is a story of loss and tragedy, of ill -advised choices resulting in deeply held cataclysmic secrets that come back to roost in a most spectacular fashion. It’s a story of sacrifice, love, guilt and hope, which put me through an emotional wringer that left me nearly breathless.
It’s intense, but also has a beauty to it, with an ending that made feel as though a giant weight was lifted and that all would be well, just given a little more time, and what’s more, left me believing wholeheartedly in destiny, fate, kismet, and all the rest. Some things are just meant to be.
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LibraryThing member SimplyKelina
** spoiler alert ** I was sent this ARC from NetGalley. I give this a 4.5 stars!
I have picked up and DNF probably over ten books over the last few weeks and I thought this was going to be the same thing. However; this had my interest at the end of chapter one. Every chapter left me wanting more and
I do not normally like books that switch between the past and present, but this is the exception. Every chapter left me wanting to know what was going to happen and trying to guess what I thought was going on. However; I will say that about 50% in, I was over the some of the flashbacks as they were not needed and were boring. They took away from the feeling of suspense that everything else had you feeling in the put of your stomach. This is the main reason I am taking off ½ a star.
I also loved how well this book really makes you have a love/hate relationship with Finn. I loved the Finn when he was described in the past chapters, but I hated the Finn in the present. It was almost like he was two different people, but I still loved every minute of it. This was a very intense PTSD story. I was not sure how I felt about the ending, but after thinking it through I actually was routing for the couple to be together which I never thought I would do.
I think some of the twists and turns were predictable and others not all! I still enjoyed them regardless if I knew they were coming. I really liked the writing style and look forward to reading more from this author.
I have picked up and DNF probably over ten books over the last few weeks and I thought this was going to be the same thing. However; this had my interest at the end of chapter one. Every chapter left me wanting more and
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I was sucked in. I did not even want to go to work today so I could finish this (I had to go though).I do not normally like books that switch between the past and present, but this is the exception. Every chapter left me wanting to know what was going to happen and trying to guess what I thought was going on. However; I will say that about 50% in, I was over the some of the flashbacks as they were not needed and were boring. They took away from the feeling of suspense that everything else had you feeling in the put of your stomach. This is the main reason I am taking off ½ a star.
I also loved how well this book really makes you have a love/hate relationship with Finn. I loved the Finn when he was described in the past chapters, but I hated the Finn in the present. It was almost like he was two different people, but I still loved every minute of it. This was a very intense PTSD story. I was not sure how I felt about the ending, but after thinking it through I actually was routing for the couple to be together which I never thought I would do.
I think some of the twists and turns were predictable and others not all! I still enjoyed them regardless if I knew they were coming. I really liked the writing style and look forward to reading more from this author.
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LibraryThing member LivelyLady
Violet returns to her hotel room after being on the beach on a family vacation and finds her husband and son gone. The story goes back and forth, with the history of her husband and she meeting and of their friends. The mystery unravels and makes for a good read.
LibraryThing member kbranfield
In Almost Missed You by Jessica Strawser, unresolved grief and guilt are the basis for an impetuous kidnapping that tests the bonds of friendship and love.
Violet and Finn Welsh, along with their three year old son Bear, are on vacation in FL when Violet returns to their hotel room and finds both
Years earlier, Violet and Finn met while they were both on vacation and despite their instant connection, they are separated before they can exchange even the most basic information. They each return to their normal lives, but they both wonder "what might have been". Years later, they eventually reunite but they do not talk much about what happened in their lives between their first meeting and their reunion. By all appearances, their marriage is happy and both Violet and Finn are devoted to their son Bear. Violet is beyond stunned when Finn kidnaps Bear and during the subsequent investigation, she learns some very shocking information about her husband. In light of these revelations, Violet looks back on their relationship and comes to some very shocking conclusions about herself, her husband and their marriage.
Almost Missed You is a very suspenseful and engrossing novel. The chapters alternate between Violet, Finn and Caitlin's perspectives and often end on cliffhanger. One of the most gripping questions that keeps the pages turning at a blistering pace is, of course, why did Finn kidnap Bear? Equally compelling is what happened in the years between Finn and Violet's first meeting and their reunion years later. Forgiveness, secrets, deliberate omissions and betrayal are just a few of the fascinating topics that Jessica Strawser explores in this well-written and intriguing story. The novel ends on a curious note that is vaguely unsatisfying but overall, readers will be quite pleased with this debut.
Violet and Finn Welsh, along with their three year old son Bear, are on vacation in FL when Violet returns to their hotel room and finds both
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her husband and son have disappeared. She has no idea what prompted Finn's decision to kidnap their son and as the days pass with no word about them, she discovers Finn and their close friend Caitlin Bryce-Daniels have been keeping secrets from her. Finn uses some of those secrets from his and Caitlin's shared past to gain her co-operation when he needs a place to hide while he figures out what to do next. Caitlin is torn between her loyalty and her fear about what will happen to her family if she does not do what Finn asks. Will Violet be reunited with her son? Can she forgive Finn for taking their son?Years earlier, Violet and Finn met while they were both on vacation and despite their instant connection, they are separated before they can exchange even the most basic information. They each return to their normal lives, but they both wonder "what might have been". Years later, they eventually reunite but they do not talk much about what happened in their lives between their first meeting and their reunion. By all appearances, their marriage is happy and both Violet and Finn are devoted to their son Bear. Violet is beyond stunned when Finn kidnaps Bear and during the subsequent investigation, she learns some very shocking information about her husband. In light of these revelations, Violet looks back on their relationship and comes to some very shocking conclusions about herself, her husband and their marriage.
Almost Missed You is a very suspenseful and engrossing novel. The chapters alternate between Violet, Finn and Caitlin's perspectives and often end on cliffhanger. One of the most gripping questions that keeps the pages turning at a blistering pace is, of course, why did Finn kidnap Bear? Equally compelling is what happened in the years between Finn and Violet's first meeting and their reunion years later. Forgiveness, secrets, deliberate omissions and betrayal are just a few of the fascinating topics that Jessica Strawser explores in this well-written and intriguing story. The novel ends on a curious note that is vaguely unsatisfying but overall, readers will be quite pleased with this debut.
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LibraryThing member purple_pisces22
Though enjoyable, I found this one pretty good but not exactly what I would call a suspense novel. It was definitely more about family and dealing with past mistakes. Obviously, everyone has a history, but Finn had more than most. The ways he chose to deal with it becomes the story. 3.5 stars
LibraryThing member nyiper
This was so cleverly written and with so many twists and turns! Violet and Finn, Caitlin and Finn...and George...and Bear and the twins! Yes, there are definitely some questioning that needs to have happened with these people but it IS a novel and I'll definitely allow Strawser to go ahead and
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present this the way she wants to. Working the time frame by going back to the past between chapters was well done. Show Less
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
Suspense and dual timelines frame this novel which is centered around the disappearance of a father and son while on vacation. As one might expect, there were plenty of plot twists, right up to the conclusion and lots of characters with complex motivations. Overall, I enjoyed this novel but I never
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really fully immersed myself in the story. I imagine if you're the kind of reader who enjoys mysteries and suspense, this would be the kind of book for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member write-review
Amazing for the Wrong Reason
Some who have read even cursorily into a small shelf of beach books, romantic mysteries, gothic potboilers, and the like, have probably encountered their fair share of head-shaking plots and self-flagellating characters. Even they, however, will find Jessica Strawser’s
This novel, a suspense of sorts, revolves entirely around the plot. A happily married young woman, married to whom she thought was a dream man, returns from the beach to check in on her husband and young son. She finds them both missing and embarks on a frantic search to no avail. Turns out the dream husband has absconded with their child without nary a word of explanation or whiff of a clue. She returns home to have her grandmother try to help her face the situation. The FBI enters the case. Nothing can lift her from her funk and everything reminds her of her son, even the silence; self torment goes on for pages.
Her name is Violet. Her husband is Finn. She met him on a beach while on vacation, their sole connection that they had in their youth attended the same summer camp. Years pass before they hook up again and it is then that they marry and have their son Bear. They renew their relationship in Cincinnati. Through Finn, they have friends, Caitlin and George. These two are fabulously wealthy, not only by virtue of George’s family’s wealth and political connections, but also by George’s own business acumen. Finn and Caitlin have known each other for years and years. They share a bond that Caitlin’s husband respects, seemingly. When Caitlin, who has had a terrible time conceiving, issues twins, and Violet births Bear, Caitlin and Violet bond like hydrogen and oxogen. But, and this is the super big plot propulsion that drives the novel and probably why many have and will find it appealing: each harbors a profound secret chilling enough to transform their elemental bond of friendship in a block of ice between them. Enough said about the plot or your experience, if you decide to read the book, will be spoiled. Suffice it to say the whole thing will strike some of you as preposterous.
Now, we’ve all read the unbelievable and ridiculous when it comes to suspense and mystery novels. Usually, though, we can overlook this shortcoming because the author writes so well. Crisp dialogue. Enticing descriptions. Characters with substance. Situations that, within the context of the absurd, carry enough veracity to keep us going. Think Patricia Highsmith and others like her. Unfortunately, Almost Missed You possesses none of these saving graces. What that leaves you with is something guaranteed to try your patience. Dents in walls are made by books like this.
Some who have read even cursorily into a small shelf of beach books, romantic mysteries, gothic potboilers, and the like, have probably encountered their fair share of head-shaking plots and self-flagellating characters. Even they, however, will find Jessica Strawser’s
Show More
novel worthy of a gasp or three. And that’s not meant in a good way.This novel, a suspense of sorts, revolves entirely around the plot. A happily married young woman, married to whom she thought was a dream man, returns from the beach to check in on her husband and young son. She finds them both missing and embarks on a frantic search to no avail. Turns out the dream husband has absconded with their child without nary a word of explanation or whiff of a clue. She returns home to have her grandmother try to help her face the situation. The FBI enters the case. Nothing can lift her from her funk and everything reminds her of her son, even the silence; self torment goes on for pages.
Her name is Violet. Her husband is Finn. She met him on a beach while on vacation, their sole connection that they had in their youth attended the same summer camp. Years pass before they hook up again and it is then that they marry and have their son Bear. They renew their relationship in Cincinnati. Through Finn, they have friends, Caitlin and George. These two are fabulously wealthy, not only by virtue of George’s family’s wealth and political connections, but also by George’s own business acumen. Finn and Caitlin have known each other for years and years. They share a bond that Caitlin’s husband respects, seemingly. When Caitlin, who has had a terrible time conceiving, issues twins, and Violet births Bear, Caitlin and Violet bond like hydrogen and oxogen. But, and this is the super big plot propulsion that drives the novel and probably why many have and will find it appealing: each harbors a profound secret chilling enough to transform their elemental bond of friendship in a block of ice between them. Enough said about the plot or your experience, if you decide to read the book, will be spoiled. Suffice it to say the whole thing will strike some of you as preposterous.
Now, we’ve all read the unbelievable and ridiculous when it comes to suspense and mystery novels. Usually, though, we can overlook this shortcoming because the author writes so well. Crisp dialogue. Enticing descriptions. Characters with substance. Situations that, within the context of the absurd, carry enough veracity to keep us going. Think Patricia Highsmith and others like her. Unfortunately, Almost Missed You possesses none of these saving graces. What that leaves you with is something guaranteed to try your patience. Dents in walls are made by books like this.
Show Less
LibraryThing member write-review
Amazing for the Wrong Reason
Some who have read even cursorily into a small shelf of beach books, romantic mysteries, gothic potboilers, and the like, have probably encountered their fair share of head-shaking plots and self-flagellating characters. Even they, however, will find Jessica Strawser’s
This novel, a suspense of sorts, revolves entirely around the plot. A happily married young woman, married to whom she thought was a dream man, returns from the beach to check in on her husband and young son. She finds them both missing and embarks on a frantic search to no avail. Turns out the dream husband has absconded with their child without nary a word of explanation or whiff of a clue. She returns home to have her grandmother try to help her face the situation. The FBI enters the case. Nothing can lift her from her funk and everything reminds her of her son, even the silence; self torment goes on for pages.
Her name is Violet. Her husband is Finn. She met him on a beach while on vacation, their sole connection that they had in their youth attended the same summer camp. Years pass before they hook up again and it is then that they marry and have their son Bear. They renew their relationship in Cincinnati. Through Finn, they have friends, Caitlin and George. These two are fabulously wealthy, not only by virtue of George’s family’s wealth and political connections, but also by George’s own business acumen. Finn and Caitlin have known each other for years and years. They share a bond that Caitlin’s husband respects, seemingly. When Caitlin, who has had a terrible time conceiving, issues twins, and Violet births Bear, Caitlin and Violet bond like hydrogen and oxogen. But, and this is the super big plot propulsion that drives the novel and probably why many have and will find it appealing: each harbors a profound secret chilling enough to transform their elemental bond of friendship in a block of ice between them. Enough said about the plot or your experience, if you decide to read the book, will be spoiled. Suffice it to say the whole thing will strike some of you as preposterous.
Now, we’ve all read the unbelievable and ridiculous when it comes to suspense and mystery novels. Usually, though, we can overlook this shortcoming because the author writes so well. Crisp dialogue. Enticing descriptions. Characters with substance. Situations that, within the context of the absurd, carry enough veracity to keep us going. Think Patricia Highsmith and others like her. Unfortunately, Almost Missed You possesses none of these saving graces. What that leaves you with is something guaranteed to try your patience. Dents in walls are made by books like this.
Some who have read even cursorily into a small shelf of beach books, romantic mysteries, gothic potboilers, and the like, have probably encountered their fair share of head-shaking plots and self-flagellating characters. Even they, however, will find Jessica Strawser’s
Show More
novel worthy of a gasp or three. And that’s not meant in a good way.This novel, a suspense of sorts, revolves entirely around the plot. A happily married young woman, married to whom she thought was a dream man, returns from the beach to check in on her husband and young son. She finds them both missing and embarks on a frantic search to no avail. Turns out the dream husband has absconded with their child without nary a word of explanation or whiff of a clue. She returns home to have her grandmother try to help her face the situation. The FBI enters the case. Nothing can lift her from her funk and everything reminds her of her son, even the silence; self torment goes on for pages.
Her name is Violet. Her husband is Finn. She met him on a beach while on vacation, their sole connection that they had in their youth attended the same summer camp. Years pass before they hook up again and it is then that they marry and have their son Bear. They renew their relationship in Cincinnati. Through Finn, they have friends, Caitlin and George. These two are fabulously wealthy, not only by virtue of George’s family’s wealth and political connections, but also by George’s own business acumen. Finn and Caitlin have known each other for years and years. They share a bond that Caitlin’s husband respects, seemingly. When Caitlin, who has had a terrible time conceiving, issues twins, and Violet births Bear, Caitlin and Violet bond like hydrogen and oxogen. But, and this is the super big plot propulsion that drives the novel and probably why many have and will find it appealing: each harbors a profound secret chilling enough to transform their elemental bond of friendship in a block of ice between them. Enough said about the plot or your experience, if you decide to read the book, will be spoiled. Suffice it to say the whole thing will strike some of you as preposterous.
Now, we’ve all read the unbelievable and ridiculous when it comes to suspense and mystery novels. Usually, though, we can overlook this shortcoming because the author writes so well. Crisp dialogue. Enticing descriptions. Characters with substance. Situations that, within the context of the absurd, carry enough veracity to keep us going. Think Patricia Highsmith and others like her. Unfortunately, Almost Missed You possesses none of these saving graces. What that leaves you with is something guaranteed to try your patience. Dents in walls are made by books like this.
Show Less
LibraryThing member JillHannah
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this great book.
Violet and Finn meet by chance, or was it fate? With instant chemistry, their initial meeting leaves a lasting impact on them both. So eventually, when they find each other again, get married, and start a
Not so. There are secrets from Finn's past, things Violet only gets fed bit by bit after Finn disappears with their young son. And Finn's not the only one keeping secrets. Their mutual friend has a doozy of her own, which holds her back from helping Violet.
Along with secrets comes guilt. Can Violet and Finn come to terms with the past? And, will they think the struggle to do so is worth it?
A great read, reminding us that everyone has a past. And some will go to great lengths to keep it hidden.
Violet and Finn meet by chance, or was it fate? With instant chemistry, their initial meeting leaves a lasting impact on them both. So eventually, when they find each other again, get married, and start a
Show More
family, we assume they'll live happily ever, right?Not so. There are secrets from Finn's past, things Violet only gets fed bit by bit after Finn disappears with their young son. And Finn's not the only one keeping secrets. Their mutual friend has a doozy of her own, which holds her back from helping Violet.
Along with secrets comes guilt. Can Violet and Finn come to terms with the past? And, will they think the struggle to do so is worth it?
A great read, reminding us that everyone has a past. And some will go to great lengths to keep it hidden.
Show Less
Language
ISBN
9781410499356