Delighted to welcome a new author to the Cafe and Bookstore – Mark Bierman and his debut novel Vanished.
About the book
Tragedy . . . heartache . . . how much more can Tyler Montgomery and John Webster take? This missions trip, the “healing” one, has only added fresh layers of pain. Construction of an orphanage in Haiti’s northwest . . . yes. But a doomed rescue operation, human traffickers, human anomalies, extreme personal danger . . . risk of death? They hadn’t signed up for those.
Turning their backs on the crisis, however, is unthinkable, it’s just not who they are.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Although this is a work of fiction, it’s tragic to know the book is grounded in reality. Tyler and John take a mission trip to Haiti. Tyler is grieving the loss of his wife to cancer—who was John’s daughter. Son-in-law and father-in-law have a strong relationship, readily apparent from the start. No sooner do we meet them, however, than a child goes missing, abducted by slave traders. Many of the locals are ready to write the little girl off as lost, as child abductions are commonplace. Tyler takes a different stance, and John is soon in all the way.
What follows is a riveting search to save a life, and a grim look at the ugliness of human trafficking. There were parts of the book that made me squirm, others that brought inspiration and hope. Bierman makes atrocities clear without being graphic, yet the scenes are raw and powerful, the delivery intense. All of the characters are well developed, including secondary roles. The reader becomes enmeshed in the lives of many, the threads that tie various plot points together, expertly handled. Well written and polished, the story moves at a breathless clip and delivers a satisfying ending. Undertaking such a difficult subject is not an easy feat, but Bierman delivered social commentary and an engrossing story in a seamless package.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Mark: Goodreads
50% of the proceeds from Vanished go to an organization that helps victims of human trafficking.
Amazon US Author Page: Amazon US
Amazon UK : Amazon UK
About Mark Bierman
Born and raised on a farm near Brockville, Ontario, Mark Bierman’s childhood consisted of chores, riding horses, snowmobile races across open fields, fishing trips to a local lake, and many other outdoor adventures. He was also an avid reader of both fiction and non.
Transitioning towards adulthood also meant moving from the farm and into large urban areas that introduced this “country boy” to life in the big cities.
After a short stint as a private investigator, he moved into the role of Correctional Officer, working at both Millhaven Institution and Kingston Penitentiary, until it closed.
Connect to Mark Social Media
Will definitely be checking out this book in the near future. Thanks for sharing, Sally, hugs xx
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Great to hear thanks Harmony..hugsx
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Than you, Harmony!
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Congrats on the debut novel and review, Mark!
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Thanks Teri..
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Thanks Teri!
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Great addition and review, Sally. Congrats to Mark.
I just picked up my copy. 🙂
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Fantastic thanks Diana. xx
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Thank you, D. Wallace!
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Already on Chapter 3. 🙂
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Realism and fantasy merge in this book to create a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it Sally. Mark is an awesome writer.
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Thanks Balroop.. and for recommending..♥
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Thank you, Balroop!
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I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Vanished. Mark’s work deserves to be widely read. Thanks for sharing this with us today, Sally.
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Thanks for adding your recommendation Suzanne..hugsx
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Thank you, Soooz!
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My pleasure, Mark!
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Great to see Mark featured here, Sally. I really enjoyed Vanished.
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Thanks Robbie you wrote a great review too. xx
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Yes she did, and it was greatly appreciated! Thank you, Sally, for the privilege of being part of your wonderful blog!
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Pleasure Mark and look forward to sharing recent reviews and other books as they appear.
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Thank you, Roberta!
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The book description and cover are equally menacing!
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Yes, both were meant to have an impact. I want to spread the word about this crime. Thanks for stopping by!
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I agree Jaye..xx
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thank you for reblogging, it is greatly appreciated!
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You’re welcome, Mark…
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Thanks Jaye and Anita..hugsx
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Sounds riveting. Added to my TBR! ❤
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Thanks Debby ♥
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Thank you!
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Already purchased! 🙂
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Congratulations to Mark on the wonderful review! I’m particularly interested in the Haiti setting.
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Thanks Liz.. great reviews for the book.. xx
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Thank you, Liz! Haiti is a fascinating place. My father used to go there to do charitable building projects and I’ve been to the Dominican Republic for the same. These experiences helped inspire the story. The charatcer John, is based somewhat on my father.
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Oh, interesting! One of the characters in my debut novel is based on my father.
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Awesome review! It’s on my kindle. 🙂
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Thanks Bette..hugsx
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Thank you, Bette!
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Thank you for the very “pulling” review. Michael
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Thanks Michael.. enjoy your day….hugs
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Thank you for commenting, Michael.
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Wow! I loved Mae Clair’s review. I’m sold, and I will be picking this up for sure. A son-in-law and father-in-law who share that grief is a powerful connection. I find that quite intriguing. Congratulations to Mark!
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Thanks Pete..great to hear…xx
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Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words and for picking up a copy!
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out what’s new on the shelves of the Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore. – It’s the new thriller, Vanished by Mark Bierman.
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thanks for sharing Don..
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You’re welcome.
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Thank you, Don! I really appreciate the support!
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You’re welcome.
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Sounds like a character driven read! I’ve added Mark’s book to my TBR pile. Sounds great. ❤
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Fantastic, thank you Colleen ♥
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Thanks, Colleen!
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