The Heart Mender

I haven't been able to review a book for Thomas Nelson in quite some time, and I am most thrilled to tell you about this book by Andy Andrews.  Previously released under the title of Island of Saints, the novel did not get much attention and saw little sales.  However, with a second round of good publicity and a new title, Andrews' story of forgiveness and understanding has been well-received, as it most definitely deserves.

The Heart Mender is the story of a bitter young widow and a German officer serving aboard one of the infamous U-boats.  When Helen Mason discovers Josef Landermann washed ashore in a small town on the northern Gulf Coast, her first reaction is one of anger, bitterness, and confusion.  Josef, seriously injured, wears the uniform of the men who killed her husband.  Helen is content to leave Josef on the shore, but somehow she decides to help Josef.  The story that unfolds is one of forgiveness and redemption.

I was hooked by this book from the beginning, and if I am completely honest, I read it in one sitting.  One of the most intriguing things about this book is the setting; the author apparently lives in Orange Beach, Alabama- just a short stone's throw away from my own dear hometown of Pensacola, Florida.  In the first few chapters of the book, Andrews details his discovery of a small tin container buried in his yard.  The contents of the container are even more intriguing, and he goes on a quest for answers.  In so doing, he writes about visiting nearby towns as he interviews older people who might have some answers to the historical mystery.  He mentions towns I am sure no one except those people from Flora-Bama have ever known: Lillian, Robertsdale, Foley.  These aren't exactly booming metropolises, people.

The ending is perhaps the best part of the book...but I won't ruin the surprise for you.  You'll just have to read it yourself!

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.”