Customer Reviews

Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was searching recently for a different kind of book, one that is faithfilled, kind of science fiction, yet original and brings Jesus into the picture. After reading this books synopsis and digging into the book's first chapters I knew I had chosen a good one to spend the day with.

Michael, a single parent is trying to raise his daughter Elizabeth, now a teenager alone, his wife Vicky had passed away during the baby's birth. Assisting the priest one night Michael and Elizabeth happen upon a tunnel at the church and find themselves walking into the 1st century Jerusalem in the time of Christ. They were looked upon as foreigners, their dress and language calling attention to themselves by the Roman soldiers and other bystanders. Michael and Elizabeth feel they must speak out against the atrocities they are witness to. They soon find out that defending someone in 1st century can sometimes produce harsh consequences. They are taken in by a kindly woman named Leah. She teaches them about her culture and way of life. While in Jerusalem Michael looks for a way to change the outcomes of events he knows that will happen, but yet knowing they must find their way back home somehow.

The novel also expertly blends Michael's past when he was younger so the reader can get to know his character more in depth.

This novel was quite an amazing story that will hold the readers attention throughout the book! History, suspense, drama and creativity are smoothly blended along with a twist ending in this well written first novel. Characters are well developed, plot, dialogue, description and scenery all work well as there are no dull parts. I found the overall message inspiring and I was challenged in my faith. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Sullivan in the future! I highly recommend this book to others. Very Well Written!

This is a story about a dad and teenaged daughter who travel into the distant past to Passion Week in Jerusalem. For me, it was a very fast read. I didn't want to put it down and read the book over a weekend. Very thought provoking... if you had a chance to meet Jesus, would you? If you could change the events that surrounded His death, would you?

A single parent, who had suffered hardships throughout his childhood, Michael Stewart is now raising his daughter, Elizabeth, to the best of his ability. To shun potential relationships, he digs out his wedding band.

To fulfill her honor society credits, Elizabeth has to attain a certain number of community-related service points, so Michael is taking her to help out with the food pantry at Our Lady of the Bay Church.

It's here that Michael and Elizabeth find a sub-basement door while stacking excess food donation boxes in the cluttered basement. Returning with the last boxes, Elizabeth is nowhere to be found. That's when Michael notices that the sub-basement door, the one he distinctly told her not to open, is lying flat against the floor. It's at the end of that sub-basement tunnel that we find father and daughter looking through a grate into a time warp of the first century, the week before Jesus' crucifixion, which they first think is a play.

The cruelty they witness initiates them to push through the grate to rescue a man. Thus, Michael and Elizabeth are transported back into the days of the Roman Empire, filled with all the cruelty, violence, and inhumane treatment of that era. The reality of the circumstances has you imagining yourself getting dusty and dirty right along with the characters, while cautiously keeping out of sight of the Roman officers. The tension and fear are palpable. The descriptions of the locale and customs are fascinating to learn about.

Since the story revolves largely around Michael and Elizabeth trying to re-enter their world again through the grate without getting caught by the Roman soldiers, while also trying to save Jesus from the lies, cruel beatings and death, it's highly action-packed and dangerous. The romantic tension tempers the dire circumstances Michael and Elizabeth find themselves in.

The flashbacks of the different characters throughout the story helped bring you `up-to-speed' as to what transpired in the lives of each of the characters to-date, presenting several different points of view. Great contrast to the storyline.

The statement, "Heartbreak is necessary for one to understand how great God's gift of time truly is," is so poignant in the story, something Michael needs to contemplate personally. Through this statement, the author also gets you thinking on different levels as you comprehend the circumstances, past, present, and even the future, regarding Jesus and your own life. The descriptions of the customs, fear, danger, and harshness of crucifixion help you understand the background of the Scriptures better.

I stepped outside my normal genre, and was pleasantly surprised.

This book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. No monetary value was exchanged.

Michael Sullivan's novel "Necessary Heartbreak" has received so many colorful, descriptive, and eloquent reviews that covered the many positive points about the story; there isn't much I can add.

I liked Michael Sullivan leading the reader directly into the story by Michael and Elizabeth's sudden shocking arrival in the middle of Jerusalem, wondering where they were and how they got there. That had me worrying from the beginning how they were going to get back home. The worse the troubles they faced, the more concerned this reader became wondering how Michael Sullivan would figure out where he would take his main characters next.

The author's character developments are very keen; the wicked were wicked and sinful. The kindness and benevolence of the good character roles were finely tuned to loving and intensity of compassion. He gave the Roman soldiers the intellect of cunning wolves, seeking out prey with devious and calculating measures that kept Michael and Elizabeth on the run fearing for their lives especially when in the open during daylight.

Leah, a woman in Jerusalem, came to Elizabeth's rescue without a second thought when Michael was arrested and thrown into prison for no reason. My favorite part of the story was how like family the three of them became as the story progressed. To each of them, the other had some familiarity that was mysterious.

The book was difficult to put down and turn out the light when it was time to sleep. I won't reveal my other favorite parts of this story for fear of spoiling it for the one who hasn't read it yet. "Necessary Heartbreak is an excellent read and I think suitable for the young teen to read and learn the importance of Holy week, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

It is my understanding that Michael Sullivan is working on a sequel to "Necessary Heartbreak." I look forward to the sequel with excited anticipation. I'm predicting that the next book will be as full of surprises as this one, and will be another five star novel. Congratulations, Mike, on your success with this great novel.

Reviewed by: Barbara J. Shelton

Really enjoyed the extra information that was put in this book from the original. It still kept you in suspense and was sure hard to put down. Already looking forward to the second book coming out and this would be great to see in a movie down the road too.

Michael Sullivan captures the true teenage/parent relationship in the first few pages BUT his heartfelt and compassionate story during Holy week is so compelling-ever wonder what it was like during that time? Wonder no more and have yourself transcend back in time. Fell the dust and the heat-- you really can feel the dust in your mouth. One feels transported back to time but not only that the flashbacks of his character Michael Stewart's past are compelling and real. The story makes your heart sing and you feel understand joy despite sadness and a love for all humankind. It is a must read. Christmas has "A Christmas Carol" Easter Season/Passover has "Necessary Heartbreak" You will enjoy it no matter what you believe.... Read it; live it feel it!

Author Michael Sullivan does an amazing job of bringing all of the events of Holy Week and the Passion of Christ to life in Necessary Heartbreak as seen through the eyes of Michael and Elizabeth Stewart, the father and daughter that find themselves 2,000 years back in time. What the novel delivers is an adventure that has many facets. It features time travel, history, action,and most importantly, it is about love. Michael Stewart's quest to return to present day Long Island isreally a quest for him to find what truly is important. To do that, he first has to experience pain and loss, which must happen to reclaim his happiness. Along the way, he must face the the threat of a Roman Centurion, meet up with Judas and experience the Christ in all his passion. Michael Sullivan paints an historic work of literary art, bringing Holy Week to life and leaving you turning the pages rapidly as you wait to see if the father and daughter can find their way home.

Necessary Heartbreak will take you on a journey of faith and of the heart.

Michael Stewart has had his share of struggles. He had a troubled childhood, and then he lost his mother. Then, his father and he got into an argument and Michael found himself on the street. No place to go, no place to sleep.

Over time, Michael met and fell in love with Vicki. Finally, things were going right for Michael. They got married, and planned a family until tragedy took Vicki away. Now, Michael struggles to financially and he's struggled for years raising Elizabeth on his own. Michael's faith is gone. Or is it?

When he and Elizabeth go to a local church to help with donations, the find themselves loading boxes into the basement. Curious, Elizabeth opens a trap door in the basement floor. Afraid of losing his daughter, Michael follows her into the dark and dank tunnels and where they end up is astonishing.

The other side of the tunnel is a grate and through the grate they see soldiers in dusty sandals, long flowing robes. They are in Jerusalem and although they are confused, they try to help someone being beaten. A soldier set his eye upon Elizabeth and wants to claim her as his wife. Michael will do everything within his power to keep her safe, and he thrusts her into the arms of a woman with kind eyes. Her name is Leah and she helps Michael and Elizabeth to safety.

Through Leah and circumstances, Michael begins to believe again. He never lost his faith, he just lost his path. When a major event occurs, Michael, on his knees shouts at the Lord, and his healing has began. But that is only the beginning as they must find their way back to their own time, and it is Good Friday, the day of Jesus's crucification.

Necessary Heartbreak is phenomenal. The background story of Michael's story unfolds against events in Jerusalem, bringing understanding to his plight. What happens in Jerusalem will leave a track of tears on your cheek as you turn the pages. Hope, Faith, Forgiveness are absolute, and I look forward to the next book in this stunning debut series.

While this was not a typical book that I would have read, it was still a pretty good book. I didn't have trouble with being confused or anything like that, however, it was a different kind of plot. Very different. But, all in all, it was a good read.

Michael Sullivan shows talent. Lots of talent. The characters were created beautifully and blended well with the setting of the plot. The plot itself is thrilling and captivating. It has faith, family and Biblical themes to it. I was completely captured by the 2nd chapter, when Michael and his daughter, Elizabeth, step into Biblical times, right into the last week of Jesus' life. That was the thrilling, captivating part. It truly came to life when Michael and Elizabeth arrived in Jerusalem through the mysterious door in the basement of their church.

I give this story high 4 star recommendation, especially if you want a new kind of Biblical thriller. It gets your mind turning and keeps you focused on faith. Well done!

BRAVO TO MICHAEL SULLIVAN!

"Necessary Heartbreak" is both Passionate and Piercing! The story takes the reader on a journey of self reflection. Thank you Michael for allowing your readers to take the journey of HEALING with you!

Evangelist Stacye Earl