Halos

I absolutely LOVE this book. It's one of my favorite books to read. I will recommend this book to anyone. ❤️

I had mixed feelings about this book, based solely on the notes of other reviewers. How glad I am that I took the time to read it for myself! Kristen Heitzmann, again, took me to a place I was loathe to leave. 21 year old Alessi is a truly unique character, & one cannot help but love her. Through all of her struggles, which include being orphaned by 12 & unwanted by any of her biological family, she maintains her wry humor, warm heart, & non-judgemental spirt, along with her belief in miracles. Quick to forgive & offer a second-chance, Alessi is not about to take a handout from anyone. And oh, how she longs to belong somewhere! Steve is scarred by women, having been abandoned as a boy by his mother & then again in adulthood by his fiancee. He's preparing to endure his first Christmas since his elderly father passed away. Gruff & bear-like, the reader knows the only way this boy's shell is going to crack is through the gentle, unassuming presence of Alessi. The characters are lovingly developed, continuing to grow throughout the book as they learn more about God, themselves, & those around them. I found myself rooting for each one as they faced minor to catastrophic challenges. Even Carl, who I was pre-disposed to dislike, had gained my empathy by the end. This is a beautiful story about God, love, forgiveness, faith, & miracles. The characters wormed their way into my heart & left me aching for their happiness. I personally could have used another chapter or two; perhaps merely an epilogue. I was not ready to let this story end. Instead I guess I'll just get a few more of Mrs. Heitzmann's books.

I found it very, very easy to loose myself in this book. Kristen Heitzmann does an excellent job of bringing the characters in this book to life. Alessi Moore is stranded in a town that makes it no secret her presence is not welcome. She's faced with horrible obstacles that would send most warm bodies running with their tail between their legs, but not Alessi. She stood firm and refused to leave, but she did it with a compassion that definitely put my spirit in check when I was reminded of all the times I could have loved instead of fought. I originally bought this book so I could have something to read during my lunch hour. Instead, I had it read the very weekend I bought it. The romance in this book was perfectly balanced which further affirms my love of Kristen Heitsmann's writing. She does not shy away from true human affection and emotion but she also doesn't cross the fine line of over or under doing it. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance/suspense novel without compromising their faith.

Once I started on this book,I couldn't put it down. This is one of the best books I have ever read by Kristen Heitzmann. The story of a young woman in a tough situation with everything she has in the world stolen and a cynic yet lovable male character has his life and perspective changed because of her has moved me. Alessi Moore's kindness and optimistic outlook on life, changes the people around her and makes them see how the little good things in life go unnoticed and underappreciated. Steve Bennet is a cynical Christian with a not-so-very-glamourous life either. But his outlook is changed dramatically when Alessi comes into his life. The town of Charity also need to realize that their suppressed secret will still continue to harm innocent people. Will the miracle Alessi anticipated with the appearance of the halo around the sun will take place despite of the underlying attitude of the seemingly quaint town? Awesome story. Kristen Heitzmann is one of my favourite authors and I will read her next story "Secrets" which is coming out this fall and continues the story generations later of Quillan and Carina in the Diamond of the Rockies.

Alessi Moore has been on her own since she was eighteen. While experiencing a snowfall for the first time in the town of Charity, she interprets the halo around the sun as a good sign. When her prized and only major possession, a red convertible Mustang is stolen, she begins to doubt whether Charity is a good place for her. With no money, clothes or place to go, she unfortunately must stay to find out if the town lives up to its name.Charity does live up to its name as the town folks embrace Alessi. While suspicious about Alessi's predicament, Steve, a bookstore owner gives her a job. Due to his past and recent experience with women, Steve's lack of trust creates tension between the two.Alessi is convinced that her stolen car is still in Charity. Her fears are confirmed as an unidentified individual plays prank after prank on her, each prank becoming more serious than the precedent one. While the town refuses to face the fact that evil DOES exist in Charity, Steve's heart begins to melt towards Alessi and her plight.Kristin Heitzmann has become a force in the Christian romance/suspense market. Her latest book Halos will definitely seal her as a favorite among Christian fiction book lovers. Alessi's presence is almost "angelic" and magical as the halos she believes in. Her presence creates turmoil in the town of Charity and at the same time serves as an inspriation to discouraged individuals ... one being a very bitter man who learns how to love again ... this time falling in love with the woman destined to be for him from God. This story is emotionaly satisfying! Plan to be hooked from page one!--- reviewed by Tyora Moody for Christian Bookshelf

With no on to turn to and only a beautiful red Mustang to her name, Alessi Moore drifts from place to place. When she sees a halo around the sun near the town of Charity, she knows she is meant to go there and that something wonderful awaits. Unfortunately, it seems only trouble was waiting. She becomes stranded in Charity and must count on the good will of a town where most people seem to wish she would simply disappear. The first friends she find in Charity are Ben and Dave, who take her in. That good will is short lived when their roommate, Steve, objects. Steve feels Alessi is up to know good. As Alessi struggles to stand on her own two feet, it seems others are just waiting for her to stumble. Alessi begins to wonder why exactly God would put a halo over a town where she is obviously not wanted. She even reasons that maybe the halo was meant for somewhere else. But she is in Charity now. The town seems charming at times, but coarse at others, as do the people. Every step of her journey makes for a great story.Alessi is looking for a place to belong. She's not accustomed to trusting anyone, though she does try to see the best in everything and everyone. Steve is still trying to heal from his own lifetime of hurt. He can't decide if Alessi is a trouble maker, or if she really is as innocent as she seems.This is a sweet, touching book about overcoming old hurts and finding joy even in trials. Alessi's own journey to keep surviving is mirrored in the struggles of many of the characters she meets. From cover to cover, Halos races through inspriration, drama, and romance without stopping for a breath. It is not just a good read, it is a beautifully satisfying read. Kristen Heitzmann does a marvelous job weaving together this poignant tale about moving beyond the past and forgiving. The characters are believable. That was one thing that struck me from the very beginning. It is not a book full of saints, rather a book full of people that seem very real. The other great thing about the characters is how how developed they are. By the end of the book, you can really see to the hearts of the two main characters. This is truly a wonderful book. I wish I could better put into words just how good it really is. This is the first book I have read by Kristen Heitzmann, but I will definitely be reading more by her soon. I just wish the book could be longer. I was more than ready to keep reading.A single word to sum up Halos would have to be engaging. I recommend this book highly. It makes for a terrific read.