A Different Kind of Gone by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a well-documented journey of the effect spousal abuse can have on the victim, the families, and associated people, and even the abuser. Jill has run from Jake. They were in a campground and adjacent campers had seen him twist her arm behind her back and force her into a tent earlier. Norma lived a solitary life, by choice. She had her dogs and her horse and she was happy. She worked in the evening in the only bar in town. She didn’t really have any friends but she did work with the local search and rescue. She and her horse and her dogs. Then Jill disappeared, Norma answered the call. She didn’t find Jill, but her dogs did. Jill begged not to be returned. She knew Jake would kill her. Norma was a rational person, pragmatic, even. But, from sad experience she knew how Jill felt. She agreed to help although lying did not come to her easily. Jill disappeared, presumed dead.

Jill is only one of the people damaged by proximity to Jake. The story picks up five years later when it all comes to a head. Norma, stoic as ever, had pretty much returned to her previous life. She was not an uncaring person, she just dealt in reality, facts. That was difficult for some people to understand, especially young ones. So much damage one person could cause, but oddly, how much good came from it. This is a moving story. Those of us who have been lucky enough to avoid abusive situations cannot really comprehend the horror involved. The loss of relationships. The misery. This was a well-written book about relationships, something that everyone can identify with.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Different Kind of Gone by Lake Union Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #LakeUnionPublishing #CatherineRyanHyde #ADifferentKindOfGone

Having recently finished “A Different Kind of Gone” by Catherine Ryan Hyde, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.

I seem to select books by this author whenever I want a realistic, fast paced, crisis to take me away for a while. This story was definitely that; a combination of domestic drama, moral dilemma and a bit of found family too. I was immersed in the arid, middle of nowhere setting, and read quickly to get to the ultimate conclusion; would justice prevail? The build up led to an unexpected outcome, but I like that when it’s done in a well thought out way. Ms. Hyde’s stories always feel as though they are, from the first page to the satisfying last.

When you pick up a Catherine Ryan Hyde book you know you are getting a great story with wonderful characters. This one is no exception. This one is about domestic violence. One thing I really liked about it was that the women were helping and supporting each other. Now that I’m thinking about it, the men in the story were not good people. From the perpetrator to the revenge seeker to the dishonest district attorney, not a good one in the bunch. Interesting.
I’ve been lucky to read early copies of the author’s last few books and have enjoyed them all. This was not one of my favorites, but still a great read.

"People talk a lot about justice. They seem quite invested in it. But we don't have a justice system in this country. We have a legal system. The two are not quite the same."

This book grabbed me from the very beginning. An emotional and powerful story about domestic abuse. Strong female characters that gain more strength with the help of each other. These women could be your next door neighbor. You never know what is happening behind closed doors.
This is definitely a thought provoking novel and unforgettable.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

A Different Kind of Gone is a book about domestic abuse that should be read for book club. I can’t wait to discuss it with someone. Many of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books have characters that you fall in love with, characters with great morals and characters you would want as friends. This book went against my morals and what I would have done in the situation the main character Norma found herself in. I really did not like any of the characters. The question I can’t stop asking myself is do you have a moral obligation to turn someone in to the police if you know they have caused harm to another human being? How would you feel if you didn’t and then that person went on to hurt others? Could you live with yourself? So while I didn’t agree with anything about this book I would love others to read it so that I could hear their opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jill Ross is missing. A member of the volunteer search party, Norma, knows the real story. She found Jill and secretly escorted her to safety from an abusive ex. Five years later that ex is charged with Jill’s murder and Norma is the only one who knows she’s alive and feels she should come forward.

I love a lot of Hyde’s books but this wasn’t my favorite. I appreciated the plot and there’s a lot to the story. It examines a lot of real life and serious topics. The middle was a little slow for me and unfortunately I had a hard time connecting with the main character; her development just wasn’t there for me.

“When love comes out less like love, and more like obsession, bad things follow.”

A Different Kind of Gone comes out 12/5.

“People talk a lot about justice. They seem quite invested in it. But we don’t have a justice system in this country. We have a legal system. The two are not quite the same.”

This is my third book by this author in 6 months! I’ve noticed that Hyde writes to stimulate careful consideration about things most of us haven’t given much attention to either because of the ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude or because we hang our hat on an opinion rather than fact.

In this book, she highlights the very human struggle we have with when to say something and when to stay quiet.

The main character in this novel, Norma Gallagher, is forced to make a life-changing decision that promises consequences if she stays silent yet has immense risks if she tells the truth. Norma is a volunteer with search and rescue in Sloot, Utah when she meets someone who reminds her of her former self. With the wisdom that comes with a life of overcoming, Norma is able to step up and mentor others to stop the cycle of domestic violence.

Hyde examines:
✔️ unlikely friendships
✔️ karma
✔️ justice
✔️ obsession
✔️ guilt
✔️ generational trauma
✔️ brokenness
✔️ different forms of love
✔️ lies and secrets
✔️ impossible choices

I personally connected with these quotes because I’ve lived them.

“Pretty easy to carry guilt that should belong to someone else. Sometimes I think we don’t even know we’re doing it.”

“There’s no such thing as everybody happy all at once.”

“...most of us have had some kind of experience loving somebody we shouldn’t.”

I don’t normally enjoy women’s fiction but when I see this author, I eagerly reach for her books. Her writing is like a conversation with an old friend, her characters are so believable and the topics she covers are worthy of debate. Hyde is a ‘no fluff’ writer! This one will stay with me for quite some time because I see a lot of myself in the characters - I even share a name with one of them!

I’m eagerly anticipating Life, Loss and Puffins on May 14, 2024.

I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Norma is a woman who lives a quiet and private life. She works as a bartender at night, but also helps out as a search & rescue volunteer, when needed. When 19-year-old Jill goes missing, Norma saddles up her horse and starts helping with the search. The results of that search are something that only Norma and Jill know and understand because of the impacts of domestic abuse and the fear that comes along with those experiences.
5 years later, Jill's boyfriend Jake is arrested and faces charges for the murder of Jill - even though Norma knows that he didn't kill her. Norma is faced with the dilemma of when is it right to keep a secret and when should she speak out.

3.75 deep question stars

This author provides a reliable read for me every time. Her characters are not always likable, but I find them realistic, and she tells unique but believable stories.

This time, the main character is Norma. She’s a recluse, preferring the company of her reliable horse, St. Fred, and her dogs. She works at the only bar in town and goes out occasionally on search and rescue missions on her trusty horse.

She sets out as part of the rescue team one day as they search for a woman missing from a campground. She finds Jill Moss, but in a twist, she does not let the rescue team know. Jill fears for her life and wants to escape her controlling and violent boyfriend.

Norma drives Jill to her parents and keeps it all a secret. I found myself wondering what I would do in this situation. Could I keep that under wraps? Was it the best thing for Jill? It is hard on the search team that keeps looking for the missing woman. And what about her boyfriend? Should he face consequences? Will he reform or continue to abuse the next woman he dates?

Norma was abused in the past, and I think that might have impacted her decisions. She wrestles with these thoughts for years. And then a surprise visitor shows up, and she’s thrown right back into the situation. There’s a trial looming, and Norma has more tough decisions to make.

A wonderful again from Katherine Ryan Hyde. Educational as far as spousal abuse. I hope women from that environment gleaned some information from it. Not all of the situation is something that theses woman should attempt but whatever you have to do to get out of a horrible situation and works for you.

Looking forward to more books from this author!

Norma Gallagher lives a quiet life as a bartender and search and rescue volunteer, with her two lovable hound dogs, and her gentle horse, Saint Fred.

When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing after fellow campers witnessed her boyfriend Jake twisting her arm behind her back and forcing her to return to their campsite near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone fears the worst.

But, Norma knows the truth of what happened because she found Jill, huddled in a cave-terrified that her abusive boyfriend would kill her, if he ever sees her again.

Despite having strong opinions on the subject and grave reservations, Norma smuggles Jill out of town, delivering the girl to her grateful parents in California.

BUT SHE KNOWS THIS SECRET WILL NOT STAY HIDDEN FOREVER

Now, five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for another crime, and the DA chooses to also charge him with the murder of Jill Moss, just declared legally dead.

Part One sets up the synopsis shared in the book blurb, and clearly the author wanted to educate readers on the cycles of abuse which repeat with both abusers and Victims-the excuses, the guilt and the shame. But, though the message is an important one-Norma comes off as a “preachy” and I found her repeated use of the phrase “my young friend” irritating, as she shares her own thoughts on the subject.

Part Two really offers up some thought provoking questions for book clubs to ponder. Can Norma live with herself if she doesn’t come forward and Jake is found guilty of Murder? If she does come forward and it costs Jill her life, could she live with that outcome? And, is it her secret to tell?

Finally, as the trial commences and a sentence is delivered, we are asked to examine if we have a legal system that actually doles out Justice?

3.75 rounded up!

A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her insights about this one!

Available December 5, 2024

Thank You to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.

This is a fantastic, unique story. I say this after every book I finish by Catherine Ryan Hyde, “How does she come up with these awesome plots?”. I have read several of her books and none have ever disappointed me. When someone asks me to recommend an author, she is the name I usually give.

I did not want to put down this book and leave this world for a moment. When I did have to stop, since life does have to continue, and I had to do other things besides read, my mind constantly thought of this book and what would happen next.

Ms. Hyde has a way of creating characters that become much more than a person in a book. I care about them, and I feel so much emotion for them, sometimes bringing me to tears. I love how she has a variety of ages in her books. In this one, there is an older female who becomes a mentor for a young woman, even though it is not totally by her choice. It shows how a person’s actions can have a ripple effect to create a better world or destroy it.

I may have finished this book, but it is continuing in my mind, and I do not think it will leave soon.

A huge thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

This was my first book by the author and I absolutely loved the story so much, I was completely hooked.

But I did not like the characters at all. Norma especially felt too self righteous with a holier than thou attitude. Overall felt very preachy

But for readers who like plot based stories, this is a perfect read

Catherine Ryan Hyde has become one of my favorite authors. Her books are always engrossing and they normally bring attention to current problems society faces. This one is focused on the abuse of women.

Description:
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?

My Thoughts:
I loved Norma for her wisdom and the support she provided both to Jill and to Wanda. Behind her gruff exterior she has a warm, caring heart. The story kept my attention all the way through and kept me flipping the pages. I enjoyed the dogs and horses that were Norma's companions. The way various characters' stories interconnected was seamless and some of the connections were surprising. Highly recommended for anyone who likes stories of strong women, or women's fiction in general.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on December 5, 2023.

This is the first book I read from Catherine Ryan Hyde and I completely enjoyed it. There were some difficult topics addressed in the book. It would be a good one for high school juniors and seniors. Great character development and would lead to wonderful conversations. Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.

I wasn't far into this book before I knew that it would be hard to write a review for it. It is hard to say something significant about it without spoilers. But, I will try.

Like every book that I have read by this author, I was drawn in very quickly and kept turning pages until I was finished.

Ethical and moral dilemmas are at the centre of the plot. A couple of clichéd questions come to mind. What would you do? How far will a mother go to protect her child? Then there are the old adages: “oh what a tangled web we weave…..” and “if you tell the truth, you don't need a good memory.”

The central character is Norma, a middle-aged lady who works in a bar but as needed, she also works as a volunteer for Search and Rescue, combing the mountainside on horseback for missing hikers. Ms Hyde is very good at creating characters that are strong, yet vulnerable. And, definitely unforgettable. Norma appears crusty and abrupt but she has a big heart. She is wise beyond words. She has to make decisions in this book that really make the reader search their own mind.

I love that the author often includes animals in her books. As an animal lover, their inclusion always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Norma has 2 hound dogs and a horse called Saint Fred. They are very important to her.

The ending was not what I expected, but it wasn't a surprise. It was a good ending.

This is a book that really makes the reader think.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

This was a different book for me. Domestic violence is such a scary topic, and the author did a good job portraying the fear of someone affected by it. However, I felt the book was a little disjointed. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it’s not the author’s best book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own

3.5 stars
Catherine Ryan Hyde could decide to reprint the phone book in my local area and I would read it hungrily. In A Different Kind of Gone she tackles domestic violence. When Norma, a search and rescue volunteer, finds the missing woman, Jill Moss, she gets far more than she bargained for and it sets Norma's life on a shaky moral path.

If I still had a book club to go to, I think I would just be recommending CRH titles all the time. Her books are filled with characters of different generations just trying to do the right thing. Although sometimes I felt a little bit in the middle about Norma as a character, she tended to have quite a wall built around her.


Expected Publication Date 05/12/23
Goodreads review 15/10/23


#ADifferentKindofGone #NetGalley

Jill Moss is nineteen, she goes on a hiking trip with her boyfriend Jake and she goes missing near the Utah/Arizona border. Norma Gallagher works at a local bar in Stoot, she’s also a search and rescue volunteer, she gets the call, Norman and her hound dogs meet the coordinator at the car park of the camping ground and she sets off on horseback looking for any trace of Jill.

Norma finds Jill, she hiding behind some rocks and in a small cave. Jill is scared of her boyfriend Jake Willis, he’s hurt her in the past and he’s threatened to kill her. To protect Jill, Norma promises to not tell anyone where she is, drive her home to her parents house in California and it’s not something she would normally do. Jill’s parents Owen and Teresa don’t trust Jake, they want the whole thing kept a secret, from the police, press, public and Norma agrees.

Five years later, Jake is caught trying to strangle his wife Wanda, the police arrest him for the attempted murder of Wanda Willis and the murder of Jill Moss. Jake is about to stand trial, Norma knows he didn’t kill Jill, her parents won’t come forward and tell the truth and they think Jake is finally getting what he deserves. Norma has to decide if she’s going to break her promise, who would she tell and will they believe her and will she get into trouble with the law?

I received a digital copy of A Different Kind of Gone by Catherine Ryan Hyde from NetGalley and Lake Union publishing in exchange for an honest review. The well written narrative explores the lengths parents will go to protect their daughter and keep her safe. Norma herself was in an abusive marriage, no one would believe her and she lost custody of her children

Norma is a rather private person and a loner, she's lives with the consequences of what she did for Jill and she's spent five years looking over her shoulder, wondering if she made the right choice and what would you do in the same situation?

Four stars from me, a story about loving someone you shouldn’t, how do you end a relationship with them, forms of domestic abuse and is there such a thing as karma!

Norma is an extraordinary woman. True, she has a gruff exterior, she likes to play things close, and she believes in honesty. Keeping the secret about Jill eats at her through the years. But she’s never stopped thinking of the girl she helped escape, wondering who she is now and if she’s happy. Time has a way of doing that.

I never get sick of reading books by this author because I know they will have incredible characters with a storyline that might be hard to read at times, but will come together beautifully. I know it’s not Ryan Hyde’s style to do a series, but I want more from all the characters, and I definitely want more Norma. This was such a special read.