Book Review: The Heart Mender, by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews' 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.

Andrews is a skilled storyteller, and weaves dialogue and description to create vivid and believable characters.  The issues with which the characters struggle are real, and the answers to which they come are hard-won - but throughout the book is a firm and unyielding hope and confidence that love will, in the end, triumph.  From beginning to end, the storylines illustrate the truth that bitterness and resentment do nothing but continue to wound, while making the choice to forgive can do everything towards bringing healing and hope to a broken heart.

One of the things I most appreciated about this story is that while it is a love story, it doesn't happen in isolation.  It blossoms in the context of a community, and affects - and is affected by - that community.  I love that.  It makes the entire book feel even more true - because in real life, relationships do inevitably happen in the context of community.

I absolutely loved this story.  I have actually read it twice now, and already loaned it to a friend.  So I am happy to say that Thomas Nelson actually sent me an extra copy to give away on my blog!  :)  If you're intrigued and would like to read it, please let me know by commenting below.  Your names will be entered in a drawing, which will take place a week from Saturday.


Disclosure in agreement with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising":  I received this book for 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.

7 comments:

Ruth said...

I always love your book recommendations Happy. I hope I win!

How was your Christmas? I was following your advent postings a bit and signed up for the daily messages from Beth.

thatcutelittleredhead said...

Hey Happy,

Please enter me into your drawing! I'd love to read that book!

Thank you! :-)

Happy said...

Well, ladies - since you're the only two who entered - how about if you both win. Since I have two copies.... ;)

Jamie, I think I have your new address already; Ruth, can you email me yours? :) Thank you! I'm excited to share this book with you - it's a GREAT story.

Christmas was good - quiet, but good. I'm still learning the balance between working for a church and the busyness that goes with that versus finding time to be quiet and still the way I love to be at Christmastime - but this year went way better than last year, so I have hope for next year! :D

How was yours?

Ruth said...

I'm so excited! I love winning and I'm going to love reading this book. Thank you Happy! I'll email you my addess.

Happy said...

Update: now all i need to do is actually GET to the post office....

Hoping to have them in the mail by the end of the week. :)

Ruth said...

Looking forward to it. Thanks so much :)

Ruth said...

The book arrived! I'm so looking forward to curling up with it on the weekend. Thanks Happy...you made me happy!