Monday, May 31, 2010

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews Review and GIVEAWAY

I'm pretty sure this is going down as one of my favorite books. I absolutely loved it!

Andrews weaves a story of finding German WWII artifacts buried in a can on his ocean front property and Josef and Helen's journey to find peace and forgiveness. Andrews offers photos of buttons, a couple of photographs, a ring, and a medal he found digging up the roots to an old tree. He then seeks to find the story for these items being deposited on the beach.

What he discovers is really quite shocking. German U-boats were always present in the waters serving the American soldiers, including the Gulf of Mexico. During the war, much debris washed up on the shores from U-Boat carnage. They submarines shot all ships they could to smithereens. There were, however, a number of Germans rather than Nazis. They asked the crew to please exit the vehicle, blew it up, then approached the life boats to offer canteens of water and directions to the nearest landfall.

Apparently, this is documented to be true.

Also true is that some of the soldiers chose to be listed as "Missing In Action" or presumed dead rather than return to Germany where Adolf Hitler reigned his horrors and there was nothing to return. They integrated into society, although not without some help, I'm certain.

This is the story of Josef, a German, and Helen, a widow. The story is incredibly well told and draws the reader into a believable realm. Told with empathy, the journey of Josef's and Helen's hearts is hopeful. Both have suffered great loss. Both learned how to forgive and relinquish to God.

Loved it.

If you want it (and you should), leave me a comment. Include email address. U.S. only, no post office boxes.

Ends June 9th

This book was offered to me by Thomas Nelson Group for an honest review.

26 comments:

CountessLaurie said...

Ooooh! I want it! (Adding to my to-read list now!)

Apparently, my great-great (?) grandmother left Germany so her son would not be forced to serve in the Army. But that was long before Hitler. This sounds like a cool read!

Thanks for the review!

l.moore.j (at) gmail.com

Judylynn said...

Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a wonderful book, I really really want it.....please include me.

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

No need to enter me, babe. I'm dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I've got this posted at Win a Book for you.

Margie said...

Sounds great...thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Teresa said...

Please include me!

teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com

Joann said...

this sounds like a great read, and I love to read! jbdownie5@yahoo.com

tetewa said...

I'd like to be included, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

Anita Yancey said...

Sounds like an amazing book. I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Elise said...

I would love to read this book. Enter me.

caliblue7 at gmail dot com

Johnny said...

I love books that talk about WWII, both fiction and non-fiction. I am a history fanatic. Thanks for the opportunity.
johnnystruckwash at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Sounds like an interesting read! Count me in.
dakotasky55 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I'm excited about this book. Hope to read it.

dianarod23 at gmail dot com

Dawn M. said...

I didn't know that about the U-boats. Must not have been paying attention during history class that week. Not surprised. Heh.

I think I'd enjoy learning a bit about it now. Count me in, please! :0)

Thanks!
librarygrinch at gmail dot com

Tiffany said...

I tried to get this one at my local library but no such luck. So I'm reduced to begging for it on the internet.

tbeath00 at msn dot com

toothybooks said...

ooh. i can't wait to read this book!
please enter me.

toothybooks@gmail.com

McCrakensx4 said...

Sounds like a great book! Please include me in the give a way. Blogged over from Foursons where I am also playing Read it Forward!

slmac20@yaoo.com

Mama4Real said...

I love stories about this era!
julie _ presley 48 @ yahoo dot com

Foursons said...

Thanks so much for linking up! My FIL was a WWII hero and I'd love to read this!

Libby's Library said...

Ok - here's my comment...
Please, oh please, let me win this one!
Thanks for the giveaway.

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read The Heart Mender :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

Cari said...

This sounds great!

carissa.sutton(at)gmail.com

Book Lover said...

Please enter me :)
time4mommy@gmail.com

Arch said...

This sounds like an interesting book. Please enter me for the giveaway.

archanaskorner(at)gmail(dot)com

Thanks
Arch

Betty: Reflections with Coffee said...

Yes definitely!

bmcbroom @ gmail dot com

Amy DM said...

I'd love to win this! And I have a U.S address. LOL

laiah1773@gmail.com