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Ten Years Taken
On a rainy September day in 2001, a stranger enters Elle Holley’s car and forces her to drive hours away from her Nashville home. The terrified young mother fears her life will soon end at the hand of her abductor. But Elle learns that her kidnapper, Jonathan Marsh, is a prominent Houston businessman who claims to be saving her from a life of middle-class monotony by taking her home to Texas, marrying her and molding her into the ultimate socialite. With a new identity, Elle is forced to play the role of Jonathan’s loving housewife, and it doesn’t take long for her to discover that her new husband is an incredibly powerful and cunning man. Elle is accepted by high society, and she slowly forms friendships, but soon secrets are uncovered that leave her wondering if her husband is truly the villain. Will Elle Holley ever be reunited with her daughter and with her life of middle-class monotony?
- GenresFiction
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2015
180 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Susannah B. Lewis
15 books589 followersSusannah B. Lewis is an author, humorist, and podcaster. She has written nine books, including Can’t Make This Stuff Up and How May I Offend You Today, both USA Today Bestsellers published by Thomas Nelson. Her work has been featured on Erma Bombeck’s Humor Writers, TODAY, and US Weekly, and her articles have appeared in Parents Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and more. She is the winner of the Southern Writers’ Magazine Short Story Contest and a recipient of the BlogHer Voices of the Year Award. Susannah also hosts the Moral of the Story Podcast, produced by AccessMore.
She lives on 90 beautiful acres in Tennessee with her husband, their three children, and a "whole bunch" of dogs and cats.
She lives on 90 beautiful acres in Tennessee with her husband, their three children, and a "whole bunch" of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
January 7, 2016
I can't seem to put into words how amazing "Ten Years Taken" actually is.
I've read it twice. TWICE and I only just got received 7/1/15; enjoying it even more the second time around.
I read all of the other reviews for this book after I finished reading it for the second time and was pleased to see I'm not alone in my opinion.
I found the plot to be believably unbelievable; as the story progressed I found myself wanting more. Everything from the character development and their emotions to the descriptions of the environments & settings were so well written, I could picture them in my mind as I read.
The balance between heartache, heartbreak and heartwarming moments is perfect. While wanting to hate the antagonist, I found myself feeling the same as the protagonist - Torn between loving and hating them.
I highly recommend this book - whether you normally read for enjoyment or not; you'll enjoy this one.
I've read it twice. TWICE and I only just got received 7/1/15; enjoying it even more the second time around.
I read all of the other reviews for this book after I finished reading it for the second time and was pleased to see I'm not alone in my opinion.
I found the plot to be believably unbelievable; as the story progressed I found myself wanting more. Everything from the character development and their emotions to the descriptions of the environments & settings were so well written, I could picture them in my mind as I read.
The balance between heartache, heartbreak and heartwarming moments is perfect. While wanting to hate the antagonist, I found myself feeling the same as the protagonist - Torn between loving and hating them.
I highly recommend this book - whether you normally read for enjoyment or not; you'll enjoy this one.
September 12, 2015
Not a final draft.
This was a wonderful premise but so many of the characters fell flat, questions were left unanswered, the timeline jumped without warning, and the ending was, for me, mostly unsatisfying; Many of the character arcs in the book were just abandoned. Overall everything wrapped up too quickly and quite unevenly following the climax. I wish I could be more specific but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. I also was very distracted by the high number of grammatical and spelling errors (i.e., using the word queue where cue should have been used). Overall, it definitely could have used another rewrite or two before publishing. Still, it was fun fluff and I finished it in roughly 3 hours.
This was a wonderful premise but so many of the characters fell flat, questions were left unanswered, the timeline jumped without warning, and the ending was, for me, mostly unsatisfying; Many of the character arcs in the book were just abandoned. Overall everything wrapped up too quickly and quite unevenly following the climax. I wish I could be more specific but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. I also was very distracted by the high number of grammatical and spelling errors (i.e., using the word queue where cue should have been used). Overall, it definitely could have used another rewrite or two before publishing. Still, it was fun fluff and I finished it in roughly 3 hours.
August 26, 2015
Worst book I've ever read. Could have been an interesting storyline but the characters were not believable at all. Rushed ending made it even more unsatisfying. Bleh.
July 11, 2015
Hoping for a sequel! Anxious to read about Elle's future.
February 9, 2025
highly rated book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had the right amount of suspense and emotions. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a great book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had the right amount of suspense and emotions. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a great book.
June 30, 2015
Not a bad read
I read this book in a day and I don't regret reading it. I feel like it was missing something but not entirely sure what. There was a "Gone Girl" feel to it without the...pizzaz. either way, it was entertaining enough!
I read this book in a day and I don't regret reading it. I feel like it was missing something but not entirely sure what. There was a "Gone Girl" feel to it without the...pizzaz. either way, it was entertaining enough!
January 29, 2025
Rating: 2.75 - adjusted to 3
I wanted to really like this book, and normally I don’t leave this in depth reviews, but this book was a trip. I had to suspend my belief a lot for the plot to really work for me, but I was still interested enough to finish it.
I’ll admit to not being a fan of some of the random details - they felt too much. For example, at one point the MC remembers when she found out she was first pregnant by saying “still holding the pregnancy test wet with my urine.” Just little comments that felt like random tmi, especially because a lot of the details were about her boobs for some reason. There was also quite a bit of language and no faith at all - I had expected some faith given the author is a Christian comedian of sorts. Instead there is talk of karma instead of God, and the only reference to church is in a (negative) purity culture context.
There was a big plot point (murder of a secondary character) that was discussed/planned in one chapter and then the next the MC is at the funeral, yet the actual murder is never explained or touched on again.
There were several formatting issues/typos, and while I don’t normally care about that, it was difficult to ignore with all the other glaring things going on.
The ending was a bit of a disappointment - a big moment of someone’s death was so underplayed that I actually missed it and had to reread the paragraph to figure out why the MC was now fainting 🙈 It was interesting enough that I did want to finish the story, but also I wouldn’t pick it up again or even recommend it 😅
I wanted to really like this book, and normally I don’t leave this in depth reviews, but this book was a trip. I had to suspend my belief a lot for the plot to really work for me, but I was still interested enough to finish it.
I’ll admit to not being a fan of some of the random details - they felt too much. For example, at one point the MC remembers when she found out she was first pregnant by saying “still holding the pregnancy test wet with my urine.” Just little comments that felt like random tmi, especially because a lot of the details were about her boobs for some reason. There was also quite a bit of language and no faith at all - I had expected some faith given the author is a Christian comedian of sorts. Instead there is talk of karma instead of God, and the only reference to church is in a (negative) purity culture context.
There was a big plot point (murder of a secondary character) that was discussed/planned in one chapter and then the next the MC is at the funeral, yet the actual murder is never explained or touched on again.
There were several formatting issues/typos, and while I don’t normally care about that, it was difficult to ignore with all the other glaring things going on.
The ending was a bit of a disappointment - a big moment of someone’s death was so underplayed that I actually missed it and had to reread the paragraph to figure out why the MC was now fainting 🙈 It was interesting enough that I did want to finish the story, but also I wouldn’t pick it up again or even recommend it 😅
September 22, 2023
My husband of 50 years died and I am binge reading your books!
My husband of 50 years (been with him since I was 17) died and I have been feeling as low and depressed as a soul can be. I thought this was a perfect opportunity to finally read all your published (both fiction and nonfiction) since I now have all this extra time on my hands. I must say that I had enjoyed everything you have written. I especially loved when you describe being a rather wild southern girl from a small town in Tennessee as I feel your writing my story. I lost my grandmother 20 years ago (,and I was her oldest granddaughter and we had a very special bond) and lost my Mother just 6 years ago and was the only daughter. I haven't got over that lost before I had to face the loss of my best friend - my husband! Your books made me feel like I time traveled back to my past and I've belly laughed and cried like a baby in equal measure. I'm just disappointed that I finally finished your last piece of published work. The best thing you can say about a book is that it both comforted you and took you out of the dark gloom in your mind while you were immersed in reading it ! Thank you!!!!!!
My husband of 50 years (been with him since I was 17) died and I have been feeling as low and depressed as a soul can be. I thought this was a perfect opportunity to finally read all your published (both fiction and nonfiction) since I now have all this extra time on my hands. I must say that I had enjoyed everything you have written. I especially loved when you describe being a rather wild southern girl from a small town in Tennessee as I feel your writing my story. I lost my grandmother 20 years ago (,and I was her oldest granddaughter and we had a very special bond) and lost my Mother just 6 years ago and was the only daughter. I haven't got over that lost before I had to face the loss of my best friend - my husband! Your books made me feel like I time traveled back to my past and I've belly laughed and cried like a baby in equal measure. I'm just disappointed that I finally finished your last piece of published work. The best thing you can say about a book is that it both comforted you and took you out of the dark gloom in your mind while you were immersed in reading it ! Thank you!!!!!!
March 29, 2022
who a Susannah ! That s was good !!
I follow Susannah through Facebook and have read her books about herself and her family and love them. Tried to read her short story book but just couldn't get into it ( sorry ). This is her first novel I read and I love it !!!! Made the mistake of starting it before bed and stayed up ball night reading. Elle has a good list of with her daughter , her parents, sister and high school boyfriend when she is kidnapped by an arrogant rich man from Houston. He saw her in an airport several months back and Kearns everything about her. He stalks her and kidnaps her when she is shopping at a mall. He takes her back to Houston and cuts her off from her family and makes up a story to tell his family and associates. Tengas men watching her every move at his house, makes her marry him and threatens to kill her family if she attempts to contact them. For ten years she is secluded from her family until situations change with the man and she has a chance to escape. Could not put this book done. Looking for more from Mrs. Lewis. 5 stars!it's
I follow Susannah through Facebook and have read her books about herself and her family and love them. Tried to read her short story book but just couldn't get into it ( sorry ). This is her first novel I read and I love it !!!! Made the mistake of starting it before bed and stayed up ball night reading. Elle has a good list of with her daughter , her parents, sister and high school boyfriend when she is kidnapped by an arrogant rich man from Houston. He saw her in an airport several months back and Kearns everything about her. He stalks her and kidnaps her when she is shopping at a mall. He takes her back to Houston and cuts her off from her family and makes up a story to tell his family and associates. Tengas men watching her every move at his house, makes her marry him and threatens to kill her family if she attempts to contact them. For ten years she is secluded from her family until situations change with the man and she has a chance to escape. Could not put this book done. Looking for more from Mrs. Lewis. 5 stars!it's
November 15, 2025
This book stumped me. Let me tell you why.
I was going to read it after I finished the insane Rachel Price book, but I knew I would need a little break since it looked like they were going to be somewhat similar.
I was the one who chose this book for our regular book club, and I was so excited to read it. I absolutely LOVE Susannah B. Lewis as a person and her FB posts make me laugh out loud and ponder many things. I had just had the opportunity to see her (and my other two podcast besties Angela and Fran) at a women's conference back in October. That was the first time I had met her and she was just as lovely in person as she is on FB. Real, gritty, hilarious, in love with Jesus and her fam. I have read another one of her books and thoroughly enjoyed.
I was going to read it after I finished the insane Rachel Price book, but I knew I would need a little break since it looked like they were going to be somewhat similar.
I was the one who chose this book for our regular book club, and I was so excited to read it. I absolutely LOVE Susannah B. Lewis as a person and her FB posts make me laugh out loud and ponder many things. I had just had the opportunity to see her (and my other two podcast besties Angela and Fran) at a women's conference back in October. That was the first time I had met her and she was just as lovely in person as she is on FB. Real, gritty, hilarious, in love with Jesus and her fam. I have read another one of her books and thoroughly enjoyed.
July 20, 2018
I had no idea Whoa Susannah wrote such good books. This the second one I have read and have enjoyed both. This book was good. Couldn't put it down. Although I was aggravated that Elle just went along with what Jonathan said, I reminded myself that she was only 20 and not a strong personality. I just like to see women fight harder. That being said, this really was a good book. I would read a sequel.
March 19, 2019
Unable to put this down!
I first bought this book with ever intention to read at least a Chapter a night. Didn't seem to go as planned. My husband and I went away for the weekend to his bowling tournament, and amazing I had a lot of time to sit in peace and read. I enjoyed this book from the beginning to end. I didn't want it to end! I give this book 5 plus more stars!!!!!!!
I first bought this book with ever intention to read at least a Chapter a night. Didn't seem to go as planned. My husband and I went away for the weekend to his bowling tournament, and amazing I had a lot of time to sit in peace and read. I enjoyed this book from the beginning to end. I didn't want it to end! I give this book 5 plus more stars!!!!!!!
July 10, 2019
Simply AMAZING!!!
I loved this book. At first I didn't think I would like it and I struggled to stay interested. But the more I read the more entranced I became so much that I read it in one sitting!! I have a 6yo son and my heart ached right along with Elle but I also imagined what the high life that Claire got to experience must be like. Susannah, PLEASE tell me there is gonna be a part two!?!?
I loved this book. At first I didn't think I would like it and I struggled to stay interested. But the more I read the more entranced I became so much that I read it in one sitting!! I have a 6yo son and my heart ached right along with Elle but I also imagined what the high life that Claire got to experience must be like. Susannah, PLEASE tell me there is gonna be a part two!?!?
March 30, 2023
Oof, this is so painful, I only got about 1/3 of the way through. The writing is terrible, characters are so unbelievable. I feel like it was written by a teenager with no real world experience of relationships or how adults act.
This book is a prime example of why an editor is important! Not only for the grammar (it’s muumuu, not “moo-moo,” and ma’am, not “mam”) but also because an editor can show you your plot holes, pacing problems, and terrible writing.
This book is a prime example of why an editor is important! Not only for the grammar (it’s muumuu, not “moo-moo,” and ma’am, not “mam”) but also because an editor can show you your plot holes, pacing problems, and terrible writing.
December 24, 2017
Kept my interest the whole time!
I love Whoa Susannah on Facebook but haven't ever read any of her book. This was a nice addition to reasons to love her. I flew through the pages of this book, it kept my interest the entire time. I highly recommend it! I can't wait to pick up one of her other book.
I love Whoa Susannah on Facebook but haven't ever read any of her book. This was a nice addition to reasons to love her. I flew through the pages of this book, it kept my interest the entire time. I highly recommend it! I can't wait to pick up one of her other book.
March 11, 2018
After discovering Susannah B. Lewis' live hilarious talk show on Facebook, I discovered she was an author. I ordered Ten Years Taken. I was blown away, and this is coming from a girl who loves her fairies, wizards, and shadowhunters.
In Ten Years Taken, Lewis tells the riveting story of Ellie. She was kidnapped from a mall, and lived a life in high society Houston for 10 years. After living a secret with the kidnapper she got accustomed to her life, but to know more you will have to read it.
I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to know what was next. It was not my usual read, but I can tell you I want more of Susannah B Lewis. Not only was it a good story, but it was masterful. She constantly threw a curve ball.I never really had my finger completely on the characters. I would think one thing and the next thing I know BAMM curve ball hit me, and I was back to square one. That is what made it a suspense novel. Well Done Susannah!
The only thing wrong was there was not more of it, or a sequel.
In Ten Years Taken, Lewis tells the riveting story of Ellie. She was kidnapped from a mall, and lived a life in high society Houston for 10 years. After living a secret with the kidnapper she got accustomed to her life, but to know more you will have to read it.
I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to know what was next. It was not my usual read, but I can tell you I want more of Susannah B Lewis. Not only was it a good story, but it was masterful. She constantly threw a curve ball.I never really had my finger completely on the characters. I would think one thing and the next thing I know BAMM curve ball hit me, and I was back to square one. That is what made it a suspense novel. Well Done Susannah!
The only thing wrong was there was not more of it, or a sequel.
June 7, 2018
Gripping, Warm and Lively
Susannah B. Lewis, I read this book in two sittings! Fell asleep reading it last night (not from boredom - it was midnight) and finished this afternoon.
Folks do yourselves a favor and read this gripping, warm and lively story. Thank you for writing Ten Years Taken, Susannah. It was wonderful.
Sherry Morrison, Chapin SC
Susannah B. Lewis, I read this book in two sittings! Fell asleep reading it last night (not from boredom - it was midnight) and finished this afternoon.
Folks do yourselves a favor and read this gripping, warm and lively story. Thank you for writing Ten Years Taken, Susannah. It was wonderful.
Sherry Morrison, Chapin SC
June 22, 2017
Fantastic Read!!
Character development was excellent. I was hooked from the beginning. As the story progressed I found myself developing a relationship with the characters. I was sad to come to the end.
Character development was excellent. I was hooked from the beginning. As the story progressed I found myself developing a relationship with the characters. I was sad to come to the end.
December 20, 2017
First book of Susannah B. Lewis' that I have read and it was amazing! I've been a fan of her Facebook page for a while and had her books on my to read list. I just got around to this one and it certainly did not disappoint! Anxious to read her others as this one was hard to put down!
January 2, 2018
More
I just finished reading 10 years taken, This is a book I didn't want to put down. The author has done a outstanding job and captures the emotions great. A must read. I would love a sequel to this!
I just finished reading 10 years taken, This is a book I didn't want to put down. The author has done a outstanding job and captures the emotions great. A must read. I would love a sequel to this!
February 10, 2018
My first Kindle read. My first Susannah B Lewis. I dunno...I liked it well enough except it did rush at the end. Also, I did not appreciate the plot use of certain Hispanic characters. I think we white folks need to be less willing to use or ignore implicit bias. I will just leave that there.
December 20, 2019
Awesome read, I didn't want to stop reading.
I chose 5 stars because everything was brilliant about this book. The suspense, the mystery, the way Mrs.Lewis mixed humor with suspense, it's just perfect..the ending has me praying for a part two!
I chose 5 stars because everything was brilliant about this book. The suspense, the mystery, the way Mrs.Lewis mixed humor with suspense, it's just perfect..the ending has me praying for a part two!
July 7, 2020
I enjoyed this immensely
It was different from any other plot that I have ever run across in all my years of reading. Thank you Susanna for a great novel I could not down. You have a new fan.
It was different from any other plot that I have ever run across in all my years of reading. Thank you Susanna for a great novel I could not down. You have a new fan.
November 16, 2020
Enjoyed!
Interesting story. I gauge success by whether or not I want to know what happened next; this is success. Congratulations on finishing and publishing. Following your dream.
Interesting story. I gauge success by whether or not I want to know what happened next; this is success. Congratulations on finishing and publishing. Following your dream.
November 27, 2020
Wow
I bought this book on a whim, after watching her videos. Her videos are silly, sarcastic and lightheartedly "dumb" (in the best way) but I am FLOORED by her finesse of writing and gripping you with this tale! Amazing !
I bought this book on a whim, after watching her videos. Her videos are silly, sarcastic and lightheartedly "dumb" (in the best way) but I am FLOORED by her finesse of writing and gripping you with this tale! Amazing !
June 1, 2022
Great Read
This was a suspenseful read. Kept me wanting to know what was coming next. I never in my wildest dreams thought it would have ended like it did. I was thinking maybe Jonathan would take her home to Nashville and reunite her with Vaiden & her mother.
This was a suspenseful read. Kept me wanting to know what was coming next. I never in my wildest dreams thought it would have ended like it did. I was thinking maybe Jonathan would take her home to Nashville and reunite her with Vaiden & her mother.
December 27, 2023
Great!
Perfect amount of funny and suspenseful. I couldnt put it down. I need more of this story. What happens next? Does she and Nathan end up together or does she find someone else? Highly recommend!!
Perfect amount of funny and suspenseful. I couldnt put it down. I need more of this story. What happens next? Does she and Nathan end up together or does she find someone else? Highly recommend!!
November 27, 2016
Page Turner
I started reading this book and could not put it down. Loved this but now there is a twist with the ending!
I started reading this book and could not put it down. Loved this but now there is a twist with the ending!
November 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this book so much. I was a little leary reading about the premise but the author pulled it off and made it really believable. I could not put this book down it was so good.
May 11, 2017
Really liked this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews