The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews is a unique blend of historical fact and engaging fiction showing the power of forgiveness.
In 1942, 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.
In The Heart Mender, a small town must prepare itself for the worst the world has to offer, and Josef and Helen must reconcile their pasts to create a future.
I received this book in the mail on Friday. Even though I had wedding flowers to do, deliver and then a wedding to decorate for I was done reading it by Saturday evening. This book was totally my style as it is full of history, welling written dialogue, a thought provoking message and a bit of mystery.
The book was inspired by a time capsule of sorts that the author dug up in his back yard. In it was German Marine memorabilia from WW2 and a few pictures. Andy was so curious about it that he started doing some investigating and found this intriguing story of a German sailor and a bitter American woman, widowed young as a result of the the war. I found the story totally amazing, it was funny at times and scary at times too. I did wish that he would have told more of the story but I guess it is better to be left wanting for more than to be bored with the story.
I did find the way the story was written to be a little bit hard to follow a few times as the author would go from present day to WW2 time and then back again but as a general rule it was easy reading and fun too. I do appreciate the obvious time the author put into research. I would definitely recommend this book to others and this in one that I intend to make room for to keep on our shelves.
Now for the fun part!
Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me not just one book but two! They asked me to give a second copy away here. So if you would like to win this book please leave a comment on this post. Please tell me about a book you have enjoyed reading. I would especially enjoy hearing about any books that you like that would be suitable reading for my ten year old girl as we are continually running out of books for her.
Comments are now closed. The Winner is: Gary and Michelle!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
