Monday, January 24, 2011

The Heart Mender

by Andy Andrews

Lt. Josef Landermann,a German U-boat officer in the Gulf of Mexico during WWII, is shot and washes ashore on the Alabama coast. Helen Mason is a young widow who lives alone in a cottage on that coast. She is bitter and angry at everyone, but especially the Germans who killed her husband. When she finds the wounded officer on the beach, her first impulse is to kill him, but for some reason she doesn't. She delays telling the police about him until it is too late and her own life is in jeopardy. How she solves her dilemma and what happens later makes an engaging tale.

I thought this was an excellent book and would highly recommend it. It includes something for all tastes: history, romance, mystery and adventure. According to the author's note, it is mostly true. The characters were very realistic and easy to visualize. Although the story is told from several different points of view, it is still easy to follow. The lesson and necessity of forgiveness are very clear throughout the book. I was fascinated by the events recounted and would even be interested in reading more about this time in history because I so enjoyed this book.

*Note: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers to review.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

501 Decorating Ideas Under $100

from Better Homes and Gardens

This book has lots of lovely ideas and inspiring photos. The instructions for making several projects are included.