Echoes

Kristen Heitzmann's concluding story, Echoes which follows the remarkable Secrets and Unforgotten is both draining and uplifting. This story delves deeply in to the heart and mind of a women almost consumed by the "love" of a charismatic yet emotionally unhealthy man. Sofie's journey is painful and agonisingly real as she searches for truth and healing. Matt is also deeply troubled by his past, burdened with anger and bitterness against his unforgiving father and attempting to assuage his own guilt by saving others. Seamlessly woven around Matt and Sofie's story is the ongoing tale of Lance's love for Rese and his battle to win back her trust while coming to terms with his God-given gift of healing. Every single character in this story is drawn with great depth and dimension, showcasing Kirsten's exceptional talent. I was drawn to each one and shared their heartaches and joys as if I was rooming at the villa. My expectations are sky high each time I open a Kristen Heitzmann novel. I am delighted to say Kristen has managed to exceed those expectations every time and Echoes is no exception. Do not miss this compelling series!

Echoes lives up to the caption on its cover: "The Captivating Conclusion to Secrets and Unforgotten". Once again, this was a book I did not want to put down. Ms. Heitzmann's writings make the characters real, and bring an attachment to the reader. Considering that not all Christians believe in modern day miracles to the extent credited to Lance Michelli, some readers may not appreciate parts of the story. While in Unforgotten,the second book of the series, the part concerning Lance and his "miracle" regarding the baby was a little drastic for me, it was handled much better in Echoes. In Echoes, Lance continually gave God the credit and the "healings" that characters attributed to him were not as far-fetched as an immediate healing of a deformed baby. My personal belief is that this would have been just as much a touching and appealing story without this extreme part. Even with this, I applaud Kristen Heitzmann for once again providing the world with a group of characters I liked, I worried about, rejoiced with and regretted having to say good-bye to as the story came to an end. I am certain you will enjoy it as well as other writings of Kristen Heitzmann. Anita Burkhardt

This is the BEST book ever! The plot was very intense and the focus shifted from Rese and Lance to Sophie and Matt. I liked the fact that there were many short stories WITHIN the book (ie Diego and Maria, Annie, Carly, etc.) which made it very interesting. The issues that Sophie dealt with were very strong, but the message of salvation was very clear. You should definitely read it! :o) GOD BLESS! "You are beautiful. You are loved. You are a child of God"

Echos is one of K. Heitzmann's more challenging reads. I know men don't usually read in this genre, but someone suggested I try Secrets and I've been hooked on the series since. She didn't use this book to just neatly and happily wrap up the lives and relationship between Lance and Rese. She continues their saga but adds several others to the story, especially Sofie and Matt. I had to smile as she had the B & B that Rese had repaired become a shelter for hurting people with complex and real problems. I won't go into the plot more but the characters are vibrant living complex lives shaped by their pasts. Her descriptions bring the reader to the scene and into the hearts of the people who inhabit her world. It's not a 'lite beach read,' but she weaves the characters and plots together masterfully to a believeable and powerful completion. A must read to those who live and struggle with their own difficult experiences and need to see that God can transform their future.

Sophie, Lance's sister and Nonna Antonia's caregiver in Unforgotten, is caught between her past, present and future. When all three confront her at the same time, fireworks result. (Would we expect anything less of a Michelli?) Sophie had loved a man and his little girl. While living together, Sophie came to cherish his daughter as her own. Unwittingly, Sophie was drawn into the obsessive web of her lover. When his love turned evil, he ripped his young daughter away. Years later, Sophie seeks a new life in Sonoma in the Villa with Lance and Rese. She finds herself drawn to a man she hopes is worthy of her trust. As this tentative yet promising relationship grows, her old life creeps in, only to ambush her. Lance, in his quest of seeking God's will, has found gifts that bring both healing and burden. He and Rese explore the future with optimistic caution. Each so different, yet uniquely bonded. Lance wants to jump on his white horse... oops, his Harley... to rescue Sophie. But what will that mean to his relationship with Rese? The third book in the Secrets Series by Kristen Heitzman challenges the reader to examine, experience and live the Christian faith. Not preachy, just awesome.