Author: Andy Andrews
Rating: Good
Reason for Reading: We received this as a part of the BookSneeze program from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by receiving the book for free.
Summary: The Heart Mender is a story within a story. As such, there are many layers and levels to the book and the lessons to be learned from the book. At the beginning of the book, the author discovers a mysterious object buried in his yard. While trying to unravel the mystery of the object, Andrews takes the readers on a journey through time in which the main characters of the story learn to overcome their intense grief and disappointment by discovering the beauty and healing power of second chances.
Review: The Heart Mender is a beautiful and poignant story about the miraculous power of forgiveness and second chances. While fans of The Traveler's Gift might feel bereft because of the lack of an in-your-face, step-by-step guide to the moral of the story, they can be reassured that the lessons typical of an "Andy" book are all still there. These lessons are cleverly and seamlessly woven into the dialogue and the plot of this tale. The author assists readers in uncovering the deeper meanings and lessons of the book by providing a reader's guide in the back. Andrews truly is a master storyteller and The Heart Mender is a wonderful story.
This book is a definite must-read.
Dawn
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BookSneeze gave us a SECOND copy of The Heart Mender with the express instructions that we give it away on this blog! So, we'll be having a contest. To enter, read the following rules and then answer the question: When has a second chance (or the lack of a second chance) drastically changed your life?
Rules:
1. Answer the question in about 100 words using the comment feature of the blog.
2. Do not include any personally identifying information.
3. All entries must be received by midnight June 30, 2010.
4. Be honest. We prefer integrity over entertainment.
Devon and Dawn will choose a winner from the entries that follow the above guidelines. Winner will be notified via email and posted on the blog. Odds of winning will depend on number of entries submitted. Devon and Dawn reserve the right to use all entries in future blog posts. Only one book will be given away. Book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers and the BookSneeze program. Our review was not influenced by the free book, nor the number of books given to us. Devon and Dawn created the rules of the contest and these rules were not a part of the BookSneeze program.
On June 13, 1992 I was hit head on by a drunk driver. I was angry mostly because everyone kept telling me I woud never walk again. I had ONE person who simply reminded me that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Exactly two years and three days after the accident I took 3 steps on my own. In an acident that I should have (by all accounts) not survived, I got a second chance to live and walk. I have lived my lie and will continue to live as though I know I have no promise of tomorrow. I laugh, love, dance, and I am an advocate for "you can do anything you think you can do. Never waste a day to tell someone that they are special. You never know what an impact you may be having on someone you dont even know.......
ReplyDeletesecond chances,what an amazing concept! i always believed that my life was just what it was. i worked i lived,i played, never believing in much else. married divorced, and serious addiction issues, my life was what i gave it, nothing. till one day. the most amazing thing... i was going to have a baby. and now, a dozen years later, that precious little one, the other savior of MY life, gave me a second chance. to yes, be a mom, but to become a human that at last i am proud of being! she taught me love,humility, humanity, and continues to teach me to this day. she and her (now) brother have been here for some of the hardest lessons of my life and their constant love and support have enabled me to find a better path, to find (at long last) true love, and a most happy home. though i did not suffer terrable tragedy to find my second chance, there is not one day that goes by, that i do not tuck my daughter into bed at night and say "i love you sister, thank you for helping God save mommys life" small though it is, my little humans have helped give me a second chance!
ReplyDeleteNeither of you gave me your email. Please post a comment with your email in it, and I will contact the winner. I will not allow the comment to be posted on the blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Dawn
The Heart Mender is an inspiring story about the power not just of love, but of forgiveness, community and faith. Intertwined with the love story of an American woman and a German soldier during World War II (and with the stories of their friends and neighbors) is a bit of the author's own story, as he uncovers the clues that lead him to discover the romance.
ReplyDelete