Book Review and a GIVEAWAY!

**This is a review for Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze program.**

I just finished reading The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews.

From the publisher:

A unique blend of historical fact and engaging fiction showing the power of forgiveness.

While digging up a withering wax myrtle tree beside his waterfront home on the Gulf coast, author Andy Andrews unearths a rusted metal container filled with Nazi artifacts and begins an intriguing investigation that unlocks an unspoken past that took place in his backyard . . . literally.

In 1942, as the country gears up for a full-scale commitment to WWII, German subs are dispatched to the Gulf of Mexico to sink U.S. vessels carrying goods and fuel. While taking a late-night walk, Helen Mason-widowed by war-discovers the near-lifeless body of a German sailor. Enraged at the site of Josef Landermann's uniform, Helen is prepared to leave him to die when an unusual phrase, faintly uttered, changes her mind.

Set in a period simmering with anger and suspicion The Heart Mender offers the very real chronicle of a small town preparing itself for the worst the world has to offer. As cargo from torpedoed ships begins to wash up on the beach, Josef and Helen must reconcile their pasts to create a future.

Blending his unique style of historical accuracy with unparalleled storytelling, New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews offers a tale of war, faith, and forgiveness illuminating the one principle that frees the human spirit.

My Thoughts:

I hadn't heard of Andy Andrews and had really no idea what to expect when I got this book. My interest was piqued when I read the description and learned it had to do with WWII--I'm fascinated with this period in history.

I was not disappointed by this book!

The story is engaging. There is mystery, a love story, winsome characters (though I have to admit I would have liked some of them to be even better developed but it certainly wasn't a distraction from the story), and historical facts.

Andrews does an excellent job of weaving the story so that you aren't quite sure (at least I wasn't!) just how the story is going to end up until the end.

The book is published under self-help/motivational/inspirational because of the forgiveness that takes place. That is certainly part of the story though this is not a "10 steps to forgiveness" kind of book. It is a good story with characters who faced incredible circumstances and found their hearts changed.

The Give Away:

Thomas Nelson sent 2 copies of The Heart Mender for me to give away here on the blog. This is a first for me! If you would like to be entered, just leave a comment (with a way to contact you). Winners will be randomly picked and announced on Thursday morning! Good luck!