Mistaken Identity

Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope

By: Don Van Ryn, Susie Van Ryn, Colleen Cerak, Whitney Cerak, Newell Cerak

Narrated by: Lillian Thayer

Part 1: Reunion or Farewell?
The story begins as Colleen and Newell Cerak first learn the doubtful, then shocking news that their daughter, buried five weeks earlier, may still be alive. It continues with Colleen's drive to the hospital with the dental records, amidst desperate calls to Newell, overseas on a mission, and finally the reunion. Forming a backdrop to the reunion are the faces of the Van Ryn family, strangers to the Ceraks, who are just coming to terms with the harsh reality that the girl whose bedside they have been posted at for five weeks is not their daughter after all - and that their own daughter, Laura, has already been buried under the name of Whitney Cerak.

Part 2: Five Weeks or a Lifetime?
Part 2 begins the night of the accident and continues up through "Laura's" arrival in the emergency room. The rest of this section centers upon the five weeks when the Ceraks believed their daughter to be dead, and the Van Ryns cared for a girl that was not their own. Woven into these chapters are the back stories of both families and their daughters, including the key questions of how each of these individuals reached a point at which they could respond to this tragedy as they did. A strong element of this story is how the families came to faith and how that faith developed to the point where they could trust God through the unthinkable. The characters all take on full dimensions in this part, and listeners will identify with and feel a strong affection for them. In this section, both families are still separated, traveling down two different arcs. These arcs come together in the night first described in chapter one. Finally, this section will explore the unfolding drama of the Van Ryn's growing doubts that the girl in the hospital is their daughter.

©2008 Susie Van Ryn; 2008 Newell Cerak; 2008 Don Van Ryn; 2008 Colleen Cerak; 2008 Whitney Cerak (P)2008 Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Best book ever

What a great story. This is the 2nd time for me. I read it the first time and listened the next. Still an amazing story.

God’s grace is amazing

This is a beautiful story of two families’ testimonies during a very difficult situation. I was moved to tears at times and encouraged by their trust in the Lord.

This Book Changed Me

I have listened to over 60 books on audible and none habe been "true stories" this is a story that I knew about from media. I am so glad I was able to hear the whole account. I loved the story, the message and the narrator. I will be looking for more true stories for my next read.

Worth a credit !! One of my fave !!

Love the story .. A heartwarming and touching story about family . I just find it odd that their own parents didn't recognize their own daughter ..

Mistaken Identity

This story is truly awesome. The narrator does an excellent job!!!!!!!! This is one of the best books I have in my library and I have quite a few really good books in my library. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!!!!!!

Beautiful testimony, lives well lived

Testimony of how we all should be living, sad yet beautiful to those who know Jesus and those who don’t or are curious about him. Shocking story, makes us all more aware of life and tragic death or death and life in itself. Especially Jesus, some things we will never know why, but look at all those lives touched and made stronger servant for or God our father!

Fascinating story, lots of "GOD" talk.

OK. This is a very interesting story. I had heard condensed versions before on mystery and true crime podcasts. The story here is told well by a good narrator, especially considering that the families are not authors.
BUT, in my opinion there is too much GOD talk. I guess now that I know the families are evangelical Christians, it makes sense. And their experience WAS deep. Maybe it is common in midwestern, small town communities. But I find it hard to believe people talk like this constantly. If that bothers you, it will bother you. If not, then it won't.
Good story, ok book.

sad but wonderful story

unreal what happens to these families, but the strong faith they have is wonderful! i must hear story.

Great Book!

As an EMT I have witnessed those kind of accidents before but have not been on the recipient side of this kind of story. People like Whitney really make sacrificing time for a volunteer Fire Dept, EMS and EMA all worth it. Thanks for writing this book. May God Bless You!

An Amazing Story of Triumph

This story restored my hope in humanity. The sorrow, joy and pain of loosing a child but gaining her back. The hope and anticipation of healing and recovery. All relying on God's amazing love for everyone involved. My faith has received a boost!!