The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances

The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances was one of the best books I've ever read. From the very first page, I was absorbed in the fascinating story and barely able to put down the book. Andy Andrews masterfully weaves the historical tale of love, intrigue, and forgiveness. While cutting down a tree on his property, Mr. Andrews discovers an old can that contains eight antique buttons, three photographs, a ring, and a medal. His quest to discover the origin of these items uncovers little-known World War II history as well as a story of the many kinds of love, including the forgiveness that one can only learn from knowing and loving God. During World War II, German U-boats patrolled the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, sinking ships and intercepting Allied supplies. Far from their homeland, the German submariners obtained food and fuel from money-hungry American traitors and, sometimes, even came ashore to see movies. One submariner, wounded by a member of his own crew, washed ashore and was found by an angry young woman whose husband had already been killed in the war. The unlikely friendship between these two people leads them both to forgiveness and healing through faith in God. Mr. Andrews provided a helpful Reader's Guide to spur group discussion or invite further self-reflection on concepts such as symbolic imagery, the nature of decisions, the idea that "No Man is an Island", the course of civilizations, and the power of forgiveness. Lastly, the author provided a "Where Are They Now" summary at the very end of the volume. This book is an excellent transition for mystery or historical fiction readers who are ready to take a step toward reading for self-improvement and personal growth. One cannot read this book and be unchanged. Much like faith itself, it requires a decision and action. In this case, one is confronted with the following questions that demand a response: What does it mean to be a Christian? Who do I need to forgive? What people has God placed in my path for me to mentor and love? And, finally, what legacy do I want to leave behind?

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews is a very heartwarming book, yet not without suspense and history intertwined throughout it's pages. It starts off from the perspective of an author who uncovers some surprising items in his backyard, and from there weaves a beautiful story about war, love, and forgiveness. I personally love historical fiction, especially when there is a bit of romance involved, so The Heart Mender was a very enjoyable novel for me to read. Romance was not the main theme of the book though, just an offset of it. The main theme of the book was about forgiveness in times of hardship and fear. It was split into three parts, yet each part flowed to the next, so it was an easy book to read and take pleasure in. In fact, I finished it within a few days of starting it because the story was very captivating to me The historical part of the book followed events occurring during WWII when German submarines attacked U.S. vessels off the Gulf of Mexico. I had never heard of these events before (which are true!) so I was very interested in the background, the storyline, and what would happen next. If you love a good heartfelt story and the chance to learn a bit of history in the process, I would highly recommend this novel.

The Heart-Mender is the story of two people who have been destroyed by harsh events in their lives. Bitterness, anger and despair are coming easily to both characters. Then another horrific accident brings the two characters together and they together must learn the practice and power of forgiveness. If this sounds like a romance novel to you and that makes as nervous and as ready to bolt as a man accidently wandering into the feminine hygiene aisle then you feel like I did when this book arrived in my mail box. But I had made a committment to Thomas Nelson to review the book so I read it. What I discovered was a real pleasure to read. Mr. Andrews has a gripping writing style, without a ton of action I was still riveted and had to know what happened to these two characters. I also felt like Andrews was able to make his characters very real, like people you might actually know. The theme of the book was finding forgiveness in the midst of real despair inducing hardships. The book is not only easy to read but does a powerful job of explaining forgiveness and showing its power to heal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Who can resist little know facts about submarine activity off the coast of the United States coupled with a love story? I thought I knew a great deal about World War II. Much to my surprise the submarine activity along the Southern states and the Gulf of Mexico was extensive. The facts in the book are amazing. Can you believe that German sailors were mingling with movie goers in New Orleans? The background in this book was exceptionally interesting. But the war history wasn't the best part. A damaged young woman and an equally damaged enemy sailor find love, turn their lives around, and surprisingly, live happily ever after. But the romance isn't sticky sweet. It portrays the need for forgiveness and has an aspect that makes the best thrillers sell like hotcakes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't recommend it highly enough for an educational and inspirational read! The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances

This latest book from from Andrews, is a compelling story of two people left shattered and broken by the painful cards life has dealt them. Set in rural Alabama in 1942, Helen Mason exists in a constant state of anguish, anger and resentment after her husband is killed by Germans during World War II. Josef Landermann, a young soldier aboard a German U-boat treading through the Gulf of Mexico, is devastated by his separation from his beloved wife and daughter. The two couldn't have been leading more opposite lives, until deception and hatred from Josef's shipmate leads to a near death experience. But this malicious act instead eventually helps Josef to be reborn; start a new persona somewhere he never imagined he'd discover compassion and refuge- America. Although the onsalught of German names and references in the beginning of the book make it rather difficult to comprehend, as Helen and Josef's personal lives come to the forefront of the plot, a cast of amazing and touching individuals emerges, Protagonists who should hate the world after what's happened to them throughout their lifetime, but theymiraculously muster the strength and courage to move forward and count their blessings. And then there's the idea of forgiveness. This is the enthralling, yet simple force driving the appeal of "The Heart Mender". Recognizing the ability to remember your past and what you've been through, but releasing the emotional contempt you feel in order to produce an even better present and future. Andrews harbors a passion for encouraging his readers to realize what, and who, are most important in life. It's something that should be perfectly clear to us all, we just have to be reminded of it sometimes. His compelling account of timeless love, sacrifice and healing makes "The Heart Mender" a novel you can't afford to miss.