Kiss

I recently signed up for book review program through Thomas Nelson. The first book I chose to review was Kiss, by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy. I have to admit, when I first started the book, it took me a while to get into the story. In fact, I read the first few chapters and then put the book aside for about a week. I finally started reading it again one night of this past week and could not put it down. Kiss is the story of Shauna McAllister, who is the daughter of a very influential, presidential candidate. The book starts with Shauna in a hospital in a coma after a horrible car accident. As she starts to awaken from the coma, she realizes that she has lost about 6 months worth of memories. Throughout her recovery, she is constantly trying to figure out what is truth, what is a lie, and whom she can believe. Shauna also discovers she has very unusual powers of the mind, being able to take memories from those whom she connects with. Shauna eventually learns the truth, and in the process finds love, both the love of man and of the Lord. I can't say much more about the book without giving away everything, but suffice it to say this was a great book!

"Kiss" by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy had me hooked from the first chapter! Wow!! I love a good mystery ... this was not a disappointment!! Shauna McAllister and her brother are involved in a car accident ... her brother is left severely brain damaged and Shauna in a coma for weeks. Shauna cannot recall the accident and has lost her memory of the last 6 months of her life. While she struggles to remember, she finds she has the ability to tap into the memories of those around her ... and what she learns could kill her. There is her forgotten boyfriend, Wayne Spade, who is standing by her; her father, Senator McAllister who is also a candidate for President; an abusive stepmother; doctors; journalists. Who can she trust? There's too much that can be given away here ... this is a book that makes time fly by, yet you can't put it down until you know how it turns out! There are twists and turns throughout that will have you on the edge of your seat! Highly recommended - but beware - you won't be able to put it down!! - 1smileycat :-)

Kiss is one of those books that pulled me in right away, and kept me hanging on the whole way through. Full of suspense, Kiss presented interesting characters caught up in a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm not a reader of romance books, so I was a little leery (I mean, with a name like "Kiss," you have to wonder). But while there was some romance, it wasn't overdone, and it didn't overshadow the thrills -- that's definitely a good thing. I've long enjoyed Ted Dekker's books and his collaboration with Erin Healy on this book was definitely a success. There were Ted's signature thrills and chills, and a touch of paranormal (though not so much as to be "way out there"), but it was well-written from a female perspective. Looking for a book that'll keep you up too late turning pages? One where you keep saying, "Just one more chapter" but can't seem to stop? Pick up Kiss!

Ted Dekker knows how to spin a tale that makes the improbable seem possible. Whether it is a child who can heal multitudes as in "Blessed Child" or a woman who can steal memories from others through physical touch and emotional vulnerability as in "Kiss", Dekker's stories make the surreal come alive. In "Kiss" Dekker joins with author Erin Healy in creating a story that keeps the reader on edge and looking over his or her shoulder, never knowing who can be trusted. Although the story is billed by some as a romance, that isn't the central theme of the book. Heart-warming relational connections do find their way into the story, but the real thrill is in the suspense of a good mystery and in the psychological phenomena woven tightly in the plot. Dekker's writing has drawn me in like few authors can. I hesitated to pick up the books because I'm not a fan of Sci-Fi or Fantasy fiction. But now I see that his writing is neither. There are no aliens or fantasy creatures. Instead, his style introduces supernatural events in everyday situations. Healy adds enough of the feminine touch to this story that both male and female readers will enjoy this gripping account of emotional healing and reconciliation. I give "Kiss" five big smackeroos.

My daughter is a huge fan of Ted Dekker, so when this book became available to me, although I was skeptical, I went on her recommendation that it "must" be good. I sat down to read it, knowing I only had an hour or so of free time...and suddenly realized the day had passed and I was halfway through! The book drew me in and took me on a ride that I did not expect. I had no previous knowledge of the book (other than the author), and no idea what it was about. It's a fast moving, easy reading story about a daughter of a politician...some very shady business deals...a terrible car accident...lies, tricks, shadows and mirrors...her unexpected ESP gift (or is it a curse?), and her journey to find the truth. I don't want to give away too much about the book (and certainly not the ending), but I must say that this was a great choice and I owe my daughter kudos for the tip! (My daughter is 19, and has been a Dekker fan for many years.) While the book has a Christian slant, it is not shoved down your throat, nor is it some sort of propaganda piece. This is a great choice for teens and adults alike. If you've never read Ted Dekker, this will hook you...if you have, you're already hooked... Enjoy!