A Bounty of Books

Stranger Things by Erin Healy is an engaging suspense story based around the sordid world of human trafficking. Each character is somehow connected to this world, including the main character, Serena, a high school biology teacher who finds herself in a huge mess after allegations from a student surface. The main action happens over the course of four days and is showcased from a number of points of view.

I was first exposed to Erin Healy through Burn and Kiss, the novels she coauthored with Ted Dekker. I was excited to see how she did on her own, and I wasn't disappointed. Healy took a difficult and somewhat unrecognized problem, that of domestic sex trafficking, and built and engaging story around it that puts names and faces to the problem. First and foremost, Stranger Things is a work of fiction and it accomplishes the goal of entertaining quite well. However, the greatest works of fiction don't just entertain, but instruct as well. The thought that drives the characters in Stranger Things that fight against domestic sex trafficking is thinking "you are my sister" about every girl they meet. It's easier to ignore massive issues when we think of them as such - as massive, faceless, nameless issues. When the issue is seen through the lens of a person with a name and a story however, it is much harder to ignore. This is what Healy has done while still entertaining and without being preachy about it. My favorite part of the novel is that she used a physical location as a "thin place" an old Celtic concept where the line between the physical and spiritual world is nearly non-existent. It makes the house almost as much of a character as the people.

Stranger Things includes a list of questions for those who read through it as a group to discuss. The cover is attractive and an accurate representation of what is inside. The characters and dialogue are realistic and interesting. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of fiction with elements of suspense, redemption, relatable characters, or that brings light to major problems that exist in the real world.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Though Heart Failure is not edge of your seat suspenseful, it is fairly entertaining and keeps the reader guessing. There are enough red herrings thrown in that do a good job of obscuring the truth of who is behind the attacks and why until the end. Adam and Carrie share equally in the narration, with the perspective sometimes shifting mid-scene. The balance provides good character development and gives the reader insight into both main characters and their thoughts and motivations. The other characters are entertaining and add to the uncertainty both the main characters and the reader feel as the story progresses. The faith of both main characters is developed as more of a background theme than a dominant one. The romance between Adam and Carrie is a key part of the story, though I think calling Heart Failure a romantic novel would be a stretch.

I'd recommend Heart Failure by Richard Mabry to anyone who enjoys a solid story with some twists and turns. Those who enjoy reading novels told from one than more perspective will especially enjoy this. There is a little something for those who enjoy suspense, a touch of romance, or modern day stories.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann is an intricately woven suspense story set in a little mountain town in Colorado. Focusing on two main characters with an intriguing supporting cast, Indivisble explores the bonds that tie us all - and the consequences of trying to live without any bonds- through a disturbing series of crimes, and a tortured courtship.

Fans of Kristen Heitzmann will find the unique characters and hidden motives familiar; however, Indivisible is more suspensful and action driven than most of her work. It captured my attention more than any fiction book I've read in quite a long time. The disturbing set of crimes that forms a thread through the novel literally made me unable to read it right before bed for fear of what was just around the corner on the next page. I was both hesitant and anxious to find out what happened next.

The character development was more in depth than some novels of this type. While I couldn't imagine anyone doing the things that were done, when the criminal was revealed it made total sense and kind of completed that character. Overall there was a redemptive theme that reinforces the idea that God did not create us to live alone; we are meant to be tied to many people in varying ways and degrees. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter really added to this overall theme as well as the development of the story.

I'd recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel, as well as anyone who needs to understand the utter brokenness that occurs when we resist being connected with others.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255