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Footsteps
Every parent's nightmare comes true for Debra Patterson, whose children disappear from the entrance to a Houston mall when she dashes into the pouring rain to get their car. When Debra learns that her husband is also missing, apparently having taking the children with him, she feels her whole world is collapsing. Suddenly out from under her husband's iron fist, but very much alone, she must find new strength... and very much alone, she must find new strength... and the path that will bring her children back to her arms. Author DiAnn Mills's chilling story follows Debra's downward spiral and ultimate reliance on God for support.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
91 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
DiAnn Mills
129 books1,975 followersDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 14, 2018
This novel had everything I enjoyed in a christian mystery:
1) They mystery of the disappearance of Debra's children and husband and then other truths that came to light as part of the search for her children.
2) The story felt realistic in the sense that the children weren't found immediately.
3) A flawed character who grew in her relationship with Christ and who was used by God despite the circumstances.
4) Great supporting characters who helped the main character in her relationship with God. I especially liked Cale and how he was just there for Debra. I think he might be my second favourite male lead this year.
This was my first book by Diann Mills, and after this read I hope to read a lot more from her.
1) They mystery of the disappearance of Debra's children and husband and then other truths that came to light as part of the search for her children.
2) The story felt realistic in the sense that the children weren't found immediately.
3) A flawed character who grew in her relationship with Christ and who was used by God despite the circumstances.
4) Great supporting characters who helped the main character in her relationship with God. I especially liked Cale and how he was just there for Debra. I think he might be my second favourite male lead this year.
This was my first book by Diann Mills, and after this read I hope to read a lot more from her.
November 20, 2017
Well, I'll say one thing right off the bat....this is not a book to start before bed! From the first page, I was riveted and read into the night!
I'll dispense with my usual places, dates and characters. I want to get right into this review.
Slight synopsis:
The book is a journey of despair, and hope, and discovery of the one true love she never knew was possible, the love of a Savior who she could count on to comfort and guide.
I loved this book. I was apprehensive at first. Ugh! Not a child abduction book! But the writing is so good, and the faith element is so strong and SO well done that I couldn't stop reading. I can heartily recommend this book to anyone, and I look forward to more books by DiAnn Mills in the future.
I'll dispense with my usual places, dates and characters. I want to get right into this review.
Slight synopsis:
The book is a journey of despair, and hope, and discovery of the one true love she never knew was possible, the love of a Savior who she could count on to comfort and guide.
I loved this book. I was apprehensive at first. Ugh! Not a child abduction book! But the writing is so good, and the faith element is so strong and SO well done that I couldn't stop reading. I can heartily recommend this book to anyone, and I look forward to more books by DiAnn Mills in the future.
August 12, 2009
Debra was celebrating with her children, as school was about to begin. A shopping spree for new clothes, a movie, and eating out. Her husband was a well-known lawyer who liked order in his life, whether it was work, home, eating habits, you name it.
As Debra and the children were leaving the mall, it was pouring down buckets of rain. She had 8-yr-old son Chad wait with his sister, Lauren, 5, at the mall door while she got the car. When she arrived at the mall door, her nightmare began---the kids were gone! Mall security, the police, and the FBI are involved. She subsequently finds out that her husband is missing as well, along with all his belongings and the children's, down to their birth certificates and pictures! The husband ends up dead with no indication of where the kids could be, if they were even alive. Two years have passed and still no word on the children. Are they dead? Are they underground? In another country? Are they safe?
How does Debra continue on with her life? What will she do? How will she cope? To whom can she turn? Who can she trust?
DiAnn keeps you riveted by the constant turns in this story. One piece of evidence throws you into another direction! And all the time, the agony of missing children keeps you reading to see if they are even alive. We've all read stories of missing children, some are found, others are not. What they've gone through haunts your every move. A very good read.
As Debra and the children were leaving the mall, it was pouring down buckets of rain. She had 8-yr-old son Chad wait with his sister, Lauren, 5, at the mall door while she got the car. When she arrived at the mall door, her nightmare began---the kids were gone! Mall security, the police, and the FBI are involved. She subsequently finds out that her husband is missing as well, along with all his belongings and the children's, down to their birth certificates and pictures! The husband ends up dead with no indication of where the kids could be, if they were even alive. Two years have passed and still no word on the children. Are they dead? Are they underground? In another country? Are they safe?
How does Debra continue on with her life? What will she do? How will she cope? To whom can she turn? Who can she trust?
DiAnn keeps you riveted by the constant turns in this story. One piece of evidence throws you into another direction! And all the time, the agony of missing children keeps you reading to see if they are even alive. We've all read stories of missing children, some are found, others are not. What they've gone through haunts your every move. A very good read.
May 26, 2021
Mills definitely picked a little addressed topic for this suspense novel: child abduction by a parent. Debra Patterson has taken her son, Chad, and daughter, Lauren, shopping for school clothes. When they finish it is pouring rain, she asks the children to sit on a bench and grabs her car a very short distance away. When she returns to pick them up, they are gone. She and the mall security as well as the local police and bystanders look everywhere, but Chad and Lauren are nowhere to be found. When Lauren returns home to wait for any possible calls, she finds that everything pertaining to her husband and children is gone!!
The action begins in the very first chapter and does not stop until the last page. Mill obviously did research regarding child abduction, the FBI and its role in child abduction, as well as child abduction laws in regards to crossing both state and country boundaries. I found the information on the The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction very interesting and did not know that there are some countries who will not return a child abducted by a parent without extensive legal procedures.
Once again, Diane Mills has used her wonderful talents for suspense to present a topic not often dealt with in this genre.
The action begins in the very first chapter and does not stop until the last page. Mill obviously did research regarding child abduction, the FBI and its role in child abduction, as well as child abduction laws in regards to crossing both state and country boundaries. I found the information on the The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction very interesting and did not know that there are some countries who will not return a child abducted by a parent without extensive legal procedures.
Once again, Diane Mills has used her wonderful talents for suspense to present a topic not often dealt with in this genre.
April 10, 2009
A totally unexpected parental abduction, sends Mom into a torrent of fear, guilt and hopelessness. Written with compassion and the strength of Mom's relationship with God after years of shunning religion. Mom had NO prior relationship with God until AFTER her husband abducted his children. Well written, good character development. I'll be looking for more DiAnn Mills books.
From back cover:
"Gone in the blink of an eye. Debra Patterson's two young children are missing from a Houston mall. How will she explain this horror to her husband, whose demanding, perfectionist personality has already filled her life with pain?
But now he's missing too-along with his belongings, the children's clothing, and other personal items.
A monstrous, downward spiral has begun.
Debra tried to fill her empty soul with alcohol, new friends, and finally, faith. But will she ever find the strength to live each day without her children-without knowing where they are or if they are safe?"
From back cover:
"Gone in the blink of an eye. Debra Patterson's two young children are missing from a Houston mall. How will she explain this horror to her husband, whose demanding, perfectionist personality has already filled her life with pain?
But now he's missing too-along with his belongings, the children's clothing, and other personal items.
A monstrous, downward spiral has begun.
Debra tried to fill her empty soul with alcohol, new friends, and finally, faith. But will she ever find the strength to live each day without her children-without knowing where they are or if they are safe?"
November 27, 2009
I enjoyed reading Footsteps because the story was fast paced and kept you wanting more from the very beginning. You become desperate with Debra to find out what happened to her children.
What I loved most about the book is that DiAnn Mills tells a story about a character experiencing painful trials handled from a biblical worldview. I appreciate that immensely. I intend to add more of her fiction to my reading pile.
What I loved most about the book is that DiAnn Mills tells a story about a character experiencing painful trials handled from a biblical worldview. I appreciate that immensely. I intend to add more of her fiction to my reading pile.
September 18, 2017
Ok, but a little too drawn out, then ending was tied up too quickly.
I have enjoyed her other series much better, especially both of the FBI series. This one was a little too predictable.
I have enjoyed her other series much better, especially both of the FBI series. This one was a little too predictable.
December 7, 2015
Very good
What a joy to read a good story, well-written and well-edited. It is mystery with adventure and a touch of romance. Good read!
What a joy to read a good story, well-written and well-edited. It is mystery with adventure and a touch of romance. Good read!
February 9, 2019
Debra has a happy and successful day, with her two children, shopping for school clothes. Because Houston was experiencing an onslaught of pounding rain, Debra tells her children to wait under the overhang while she gets the car. When she drives up to where she left them, they are gone. She searches the area, engages a store employee to help her and finally calls on mall security. But Chad and Lauren have seemingly disappeared into thin air. But it’s not long before Debra figures out her controlling, abusive husband has kidnapped them. Then the police get involved.
While she awaits her children’s return, she eventually becomes a Christian, volunteers at church and at a hospital, and goes back to work teaching school Clue: in one of those places she finds a love interest.
The story is very compelling and I raced through to see what was going to happen although the plot lines were very predictable.
When I chose this book, for some reason I missed that it was Christian fiction. I have a bit of a bias against this genre, not because of the religious connection, but all the ones I’ve read were badly written. So was this one.
This title would have been so much better had a good editor worked his or her magic on it. The author changes point of view in the middle of a paragraph, uses complex words when the simpler ones make more sense and the dialogue is very awkward. I would recommend she sit in a coffee shop or some place where folks are talking and note they don’t usually talk in full sentences.
All the grammar errors and use of the wrong words distracted me from the story.
I’ve checked out reviews on Amazon and see that I’m in the minority, so read at your own risk.
While she awaits her children’s return, she eventually becomes a Christian, volunteers at church and at a hospital, and goes back to work teaching school Clue: in one of those places she finds a love interest.
The story is very compelling and I raced through to see what was going to happen although the plot lines were very predictable.
When I chose this book, for some reason I missed that it was Christian fiction. I have a bit of a bias against this genre, not because of the religious connection, but all the ones I’ve read were badly written. So was this one.
This title would have been so much better had a good editor worked his or her magic on it. The author changes point of view in the middle of a paragraph, uses complex words when the simpler ones make more sense and the dialogue is very awkward. I would recommend she sit in a coffee shop or some place where folks are talking and note they don’t usually talk in full sentences.
All the grammar errors and use of the wrong words distracted me from the story.
I’ve checked out reviews on Amazon and see that I’m in the minority, so read at your own risk.
January 16, 2019
The tension and nightmare start from the beginning, what will she do.As strict and demanding as her husband was, surprise she was able to maintain her friendship with Jill. Her support came in different people to help her as she needed. Coming to rely on faith to help and heal her. Praying for a loving person to care for her children, till she found them
Cale was a special person, to help her, his faith and how he practiced it.A story one will long remember. The author did a great job, holding our attention to the end.
Cale was a special person, to help her, his faith and how he practiced it.A story one will long remember. The author did a great job, holding our attention to the end.
December 21, 2022
I have loved all her books til this one. Definitely prefer when the book is written about law enforcement not when main character is not in law enforcement because this book made law enforcement look like they weren’t worth much at all. Also they were still using answering machines and had to go home to get phone numbers yet internet was used to find info etc. They had cell phones just didn’t use them. Wondered if they were short on minutes 😂
June 8, 2018
A good story about a couple in a rocky marriage. Then her children and husband disappear. What will she do? How will she find her kids? Finally she learns to depend on God and trust in Him. As the FBI investigate they find out her husband has gotten involved in some shading dealings. Will they be able to find him and the kids? Will she ever get her kids back?
July 3, 2019
This is the first time that I have read any book by DiAnn Mills. I cannot wait to read more. The story was very compelling. It was full of faith and inspiration. The story of Debra and what she had went through taught her to trust in Jesus not only in the good times but through the difficult times when you feel like letting go. Great Read!
March 19, 2024
Loved this story. Debra Patterson's husband, Michael, absconds with her children. He is later found murdered in Mexico. All traces of the children are gone. Debra persists in her search for her children, finding a good friend in Dr. Cale Thurston. Together they search for the children. A double happy ending!
December 4, 2022
Enjoyed this thriller about a woman whose husband kidnaps her children and hides them. As she frantically searches for her children, Debra turns to friends who lead her to the Lord. Would like to read more by this author.
April 7, 2024
Thoroughly Enjoyed
It seems the majority of the books I read start with a damsel in distress with a man instantly falling in love while protecting the damsel from a killer. This book is different and oh so well written.
It seems the majority of the books I read start with a damsel in distress with a man instantly falling in love while protecting the damsel from a killer. This book is different and oh so well written.
July 12, 2024
The story was gripping, but perhaps forgettable, judging from the fact I read it only a week or so ago, and I don't recall much about it, even after rereading the description. But I do remember enjoying it while I read it.
October 31, 2025
Great read
This story is another one of DiAnn's adventures. The characters are clearly defined and you always root for the heroine. There us a gripping story and a little romance. Enjoyed it.
This story is another one of DiAnn's adventures. The characters are clearly defined and you always root for the heroine. There us a gripping story and a little romance. Enjoyed it.
October 20, 2017
Good Christian Book.
September 10, 2019
Good, fast-paced read
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the first one I’ve read of DiAnn Mills. Hard to put down. Good plot and characterization.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the first one I’ve read of DiAnn Mills. Hard to put down. Good plot and characterization.
October 16, 2019
Christian mystery. Not a bad storyline but very predictable.
June 19, 2021
I really liked this book until about halfway through when I felt like it should be wrapping up. Then the end seemed, I don't know, contrived and unrealistic.
June 14, 2022
Great plot but moved very slow.
November 19, 2023
well written with her growth as the book progressed like that not part of a series
November 13, 2024
Good read about a woman who had her children abducted by her unfaithful husband.
December 23, 2024
Great book, somewhat predictable but very inspiring
February 11, 2015
There are really no words to describe how this book has affected me. As a mother of three children, I agonized deeply over the complete anguish Debra experienced when her children and husband vanished without a trace. Debra was not a Christian, although her best friend Jill was. But in the time after the abduction, Debra learned about God and let Him take full control of her life and the lives of the children she so desperately loved and missed. Debra went through so much trauma in learning about her husband's deceits that she had a very deeply-rooted fear and distrust of men. Dr Cale Thurston never once pushed Debra beyond anything she might run from. Gradually, with God's help and leading, Debra allowed Cale to help in searching for her children. What struck me most in reading this book was the deep anguish that Debra allowed God to take and use to make her strong in her faith in God. Seldom do I every read a Christian novel that touches me as deeply as this one. God came first in everything Debra experienced in her horrifying experiences. I give the absolute highest rating I can give and so much more to DiAnn Mills for Putting God in the leadership position in Footsteps. I am deeply humbled in reading about Debra. I have faith in God, yes! But would I be able to keep God number one in my life under such circumstances? I would like to think so, and pray that I would. To say this book is moving does not begin to express my feelings. It has made me think, ponder a true Christian life in the midst of this evil world, and pray for the strength that Debra claimed as her own. Thank you, DiAnn Mills. With all my heart, thank you! Oh yes, one thing: there was no closure between the FBI and Debra.
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February 11, 2015SIMPLY AMAZING!
There are really no words to describe how this book has affected me. As a mother of three children, I agonized deeply over the complete anguish Debra experienced when her children and husband vanished without a trace. Debra was not a Christian, although her best friend Jill was. But in the time after the abduction, Debra learned about God and let Him take full control of her life and the lives of the children she so desperately loved and missed. Debra went through so much trauma in learning about her husband's deceits that she had a very deeply-rooted fear and distrust of men. Dr Cale Thurston never once pushed Debra beyond anything she might run from. Gradually, with God's help and leading, Debra allowed Cale to help in searching for her children. What struck me most in reading this book was the deep anguish that Debra allowed God to take and use to make her strong in her faith in God. Seldom do I every read a Christian novel that touches me as deeply as this one. God came first in everything Debra experienced in her horrifying experiences. I give the absolute highest rating I can give and so much more to DiAnn Mills for Putting God in the leadership position in Footsteps. I am deeply humbled in reading about Debra. I have faith in God, yes! But would I be able to keep God number one in my life under such circumstances? I would like to think so, and pray that I would. To say this book is moving does not begin to express my feelings. It has made me think, ponder a true Christian life in the midst of this evil world, and pray for the strength that Debra claimed as her own. Thank you, DiAnn Mills. With all my heart, thank you!
There are really no words to describe how this book has affected me. As a mother of three children, I agonized deeply over the complete anguish Debra experienced when her children and husband vanished without a trace. Debra was not a Christian, although her best friend Jill was. But in the time after the abduction, Debra learned about God and let Him take full control of her life and the lives of the children she so desperately loved and missed. Debra went through so much trauma in learning about her husband's deceits that she had a very deeply-rooted fear and distrust of men. Dr Cale Thurston never once pushed Debra beyond anything she might run from. Gradually, with God's help and leading, Debra allowed Cale to help in searching for her children. What struck me most in reading this book was the deep anguish that Debra allowed God to take and use to make her strong in her faith in God. Seldom do I every read a Christian novel that touches me as deeply as this one. God came first in everything Debra experienced in her horrifying experiences. I give the absolute highest rating I can give and so much more to DiAnn Mills for Putting God in the leadership position in Footsteps. I am deeply humbled in reading about Debra. I have faith in God, yes! But would I be able to keep God number one in my life under such circumstances? I would like to think so, and pray that I would. To say this book is moving does not begin to express my feelings. It has made me think, ponder a true Christian life in the midst of this evil world, and pray for the strength that Debra claimed as her own. Thank you, DiAnn Mills. With all my heart, thank you!
December 10, 2015
Footsteps is another great novel from DiAnn Mills. When a mother's two children are abducted she frantically searches for them, but they are gone. The police and FBI join the hunt for the children and she learns that it was her husband who took them, but where did he take them?
When her husband turns up dead in Mexico the trail goes cold and she fears she will never find her children. Birthdays and Christmases come and go. Will she ever find them? Are they alive? Against all hope she continues to believe that they are alive, but will she ever find them.
Footsteps is awesome and it really gets you into the head of a mother who has lost her children. From despair to drowning your sorrows, to the joy that comes from any lead that brings you a step closer to finding your children this is one wild ride.
Grewat story!
When her husband turns up dead in Mexico the trail goes cold and she fears she will never find her children. Birthdays and Christmases come and go. Will she ever find them? Are they alive? Against all hope she continues to believe that they are alive, but will she ever find them.
Footsteps is awesome and it really gets you into the head of a mother who has lost her children. From despair to drowning your sorrows, to the joy that comes from any lead that brings you a step closer to finding your children this is one wild ride.
Grewat story!
January 13, 2014
DiAnn Mills has lived up to my expectations, again, with another great Christian Romantic Suspense tale. She takes the reader on a faith journey fraught with a parent's worst nightmare --the abduction of, not just one child (a horror all its own), but of all of the central character's children. There is nothing trite about Debra's faith journey in this tale; nor does she find easy answers or gain a quick resolution to her nightmare. It is hard road that she is compelled to travel, for years, with almost no hope of ever being reunited with her children. Debra's agony is so real that one needs a box of tissues handy while reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews