Echoes (The Michelli Family Series #3) (Paperback)

by Kristen Heitzmann (Author)
Key Phrases: hung his hands, jagged breath, Matt Hammond, Lance Michelli, Grandma Beth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Even in the midst of her affectionate and chaotic Italian family all living in the Bronx neighborhood where she grew up, Sofie Michelli feels alone. For too long, she has been caught in a net of loss and despair. When an old woman murmurs, "Finchè c'è vita c'è speranza" Where there's life, there's hope, Sofie feels the familiar words penetrate and awaken something. She is alive. It is time to let go, to start again. Rese is not sure what to make of Lance Michelli's healing gift, but she feels protective of this humbled version of the swaggering man who turned her life inside out. As they find new footing, the Sonoma villa they once intended as an inn becomes a refuge for the downtrodden--including Lance's sister Sofie. Driven to protect the weak and innocent, Child Protective Service worker Matt Hammond responds to a call and finds an infant abandoned to the care of an odd assortment of misfits. He reserves judgment on the unconventional caregivers--who both concern and fascinate him--but he is especially drawn to Sofie, the mesmerizing woman with a dancer's poise, eyes like dark copper pennies--and scars on her wrists.

About the Author
KRISTEN HEITZMANN is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including Freefall, Halos, A Rush of Wings, and the Christy Award winner Secrets. She and her husband, Jim, and their family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she serves as worship leader in their church.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764228307
• ISBN-13: 978-0764228308
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #124,107 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visceral. Edgy. Awesome., September 12, 2007

By	Kay S. Walsh (Harrisonburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sophie, Lance's sister and Nonna Antonia's caregiver in Unforgotten, is caught between her past, present and future. When all three confront her at the same time, fireworks result. (Would we expect anything less of a Michelli?)

Sophie had loved a man and his little girl. While living together, Sophie came to cherish his daughter as her own. Unwittingly, Sophie was drawn into the obsessive web of her lover. When his love turned evil, he ripped his young daughter away.

Years later, Sophie seeks a new life in Sonoma in the Villa with Lance and Rese. She finds herself drawn to a man she hopes is worthy of her trust. As this tentative yet promising relationship grows, her old life creeps in, only to ambush her.

Lance, in his quest of seeking God's will, has found gifts that bring both healing and burden. He and Rese explore the future with optimistic caution. Each so different, yet uniquely bonded.

Lance wants to jump on his white horse... oops, his Harley... to rescue Sophie. But what will that mean to his relationship with Rese?

The third book in the Secrets Series by Kristen Heitzman challenges the reader to examine, experience and live the Christian faith. Not preachy, just awesome.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not to be missed!, December 10, 2007

By	Rel Mollet "RelzReviewz" (Australia) - See all my reviews

Kristen Heitzmann's concluding story, Echoes which follows the remarkable Secrets and Unforgotten is both draining and uplifting. This story delves deeply in to the heart and mind of a women almost consumed by the "love" of a charismatic yet emotionally unhealthy man. Sofie's journey is painful and agonisingly real as she searches for truth and healing. Matt is also deeply troubled by his past, burdened with anger and bitterness against his unforgiving father and attempting to assuage his own guilt by saving others. Seamlessly woven around Matt and Sofie's story is the ongoing tale of Lance's love for Rese and his battle to win back her trust while coming to terms with his God-given gift of healing. Every single character in this story is drawn with great depth and dimension, showcasing Kirsten's exceptional talent. I was drawn to each one and shared their heartaches and joys as if I was rooming at the villa.

My expectations are sky high each time I open a Kristen Heitzmann novel. I am delighted to say Kristen has managed to exceed those expectations every time and Echoes is no exception. Do not miss this compelling series!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!, November 20, 2007

By	beautyhasgrace (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This is the BEST book ever! The plot was very intense and the focus shifted from Rese and Lance to Sophie and Matt. I liked the fact that there were many short stories WITHIN the book (ie Diego and Maria, Annie, Carly, etc.) which made it very interesting. The issues that Sophie dealt with were very strong, but the message of salvation was very clear.

You should definitely read it! :o) GOD BLESS!

"You are beautiful. You are loved. You are a child of God"