The Heart Mender

CanCan, 21 May 2010,
Categories: Uncategorized

Thomas Nelson Publishing sent me a review copy of The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances, a story by Andy Andrews, previously published under the title Island of Saints.

The theme of The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances is the power of forgiveness.

It is 1942, and Helen Mason is a war widow living on the Gulf Coast.

One night while walking on the beach, she discovers the near-lifeless body of a German sailor, wounded on a German submarine.

Angered by the sight of a dirty Nazi, Helen is leaning toward leaving him to die, but Josef Landermann says words that change her mind.

The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances is set in a very interesting place in time and geography.

I actually have relatives who were living in Mobile during the years of WWII and beyond, so I’m surprised that I have never heard of the German submarines washing up on the shores of the Gulf.

Apparently the German soldiers used to go ashore in New Orleans and watch movies in theatres during their off time.

I’m not normally one for “Christian romance novels”, but the historical element of The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances was enough for me to give it a fair chance.

The message of forgiveness as an important step for healing and triumphing in hard times is an inspirational and truthful lesson.

The included Reader’s Guide contains thought provoking questions for reflection or group discussion.