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on April 9, 2017
I love this book!! I teach high school English and my students are currently reading The Heart Mender. It's so interesting historically and has a great lesson to be learned in practicing forgiveness. The narrating on CD by Andy Andrews is great!! I highly recommend this book!!
on January 23, 2017
The story if the subs and the US is one I had not heard before. I have since done research and learned more. I love that it is also a love story between 2 strangers. Beautifully done!
on December 7, 2013
This book involves starting over again, learning to trust, actual history (real; not made up!), and a terrific read! This is one of Andy's best books and I sent a copy to my cousin for Christmas! They will love it, too. There is just about something for everyone in it. All of Andy's books are really good; natural born storyteller - and even better human being who wants to give out what he has learned so our lives are lived better today. His books are not a rehash... def worth reading any of his books, but this one was much more than I expected! You will love it!
on September 19, 2016
This is my favorite of all Andy Andrews books.
The story is an incredible one with the WWII history an added interest for me.
I was in the area recently and tried to picture what the events would have been like as they actually took place.
The book was so great, I ordered 1 for a gift and will probably give several others away.
The story is an incredible one with the WWII history an added interest for me.
I was in the area recently and tried to picture what the events would have been like as they actually took place.
The book was so great, I ordered 1 for a gift and will probably give several others away.
on July 11, 2010
Andy Andrews brings together historical fact (Andy tells you the people, places, and dates are all based on real life events) and fascinating fiction in "The Heart Mender". There is something in the book for every reader: mystery, tragedies, war, a love story. I loved this book!
The story begins in the present day near his waterfront home on the Gulf coast, where a tree has died. Andy Andrews takes on the task of removal with ax and shovel. While digging up the stump Andy unearths a rusted metal can containing some very intriguing items. At first he is unsure of their origin, but thanks to the power of the internet, he soon identifies the artifacts as Nazi in origin and the story begins with research that unlocks a silent past.
Follow the mystery to 1942, as our country gears up for a full-scale commitment to World War II, German submarines are sent to the Gulf of Mexico to sink U. S. ships carrying goods and fuel. Helen Mason, a widow by war, stumbles upon the body of a German soldier. All of the emotion of her past is thrust upon her in this moment - enraged by the site of Josef Landerman's uniform, Helen is prepared to leave him to die when an unusual phrase, barely audible, changes her mind.
Set in a small rural town in a period simmering with anger and distrust "The Heart Mender" allows us a glimpse into a small town preparing itself for the worst the world has thrust upon its' shores. While cargo from torpedoed ships washes ashore, Josef and Helen must reconcile their pasts to create a future.
I don't want to give too much away. "The Heart Mender" is a moving story about how forgiveness can lead you to second chances. After listening to this book, the story has stayed with me. I often think of Helen and Josef - I am thankful for their story.
This story was originally released as "Island of Saints". I enjoyed that book immensely but always wondered where fact and fiction began and ended... In the newly release book Andy Andrews has included a Reader's Guide and a Where are They Now? section.
Was that tree waiting for Andy to come along so that its' treasure could be unearthed and the story told? Let me know what you think after you read or listen to, either way enjoyed, "The Heart Mender".
[...]
The story begins in the present day near his waterfront home on the Gulf coast, where a tree has died. Andy Andrews takes on the task of removal with ax and shovel. While digging up the stump Andy unearths a rusted metal can containing some very intriguing items. At first he is unsure of their origin, but thanks to the power of the internet, he soon identifies the artifacts as Nazi in origin and the story begins with research that unlocks a silent past.
Follow the mystery to 1942, as our country gears up for a full-scale commitment to World War II, German submarines are sent to the Gulf of Mexico to sink U. S. ships carrying goods and fuel. Helen Mason, a widow by war, stumbles upon the body of a German soldier. All of the emotion of her past is thrust upon her in this moment - enraged by the site of Josef Landerman's uniform, Helen is prepared to leave him to die when an unusual phrase, barely audible, changes her mind.
Set in a small rural town in a period simmering with anger and distrust "The Heart Mender" allows us a glimpse into a small town preparing itself for the worst the world has thrust upon its' shores. While cargo from torpedoed ships washes ashore, Josef and Helen must reconcile their pasts to create a future.
I don't want to give too much away. "The Heart Mender" is a moving story about how forgiveness can lead you to second chances. After listening to this book, the story has stayed with me. I often think of Helen and Josef - I am thankful for their story.
This story was originally released as "Island of Saints". I enjoyed that book immensely but always wondered where fact and fiction began and ended... In the newly release book Andy Andrews has included a Reader's Guide and a Where are They Now? section.
Was that tree waiting for Andy to come along so that its' treasure could be unearthed and the story told? Let me know what you think after you read or listen to, either way enjoyed, "The Heart Mender".
[...]
on May 8, 2014
A good title for this story or perhaps another would be God moves in mysterious ways. A great historical fiction with an obvious ending and yet I couldn't put it down. I would have been happier to know the commander of the U-Boat figured it all out and somehow took revenge but alas, that was not to be. I love true stories and loved this one but was reluctant to give it five stars as I dislike books with readers questions at the end . Sorry, my big complaint.
on November 4, 2013
An amazing story of WWII that includes perspectives of war from the personal perspective, the country perspective, and the fact that this is based in truth makes it even more realistic. I did not know about German U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico sinking American ships and it was all hushed up for political reasons as to not scare people! This story is historical and inspirational and educational all along the pages. It is an easy read because it captures your heart and attention.
on July 5, 2017
I was unable to stop reading until the end. Masterfully written and filled with truth. Our American government as far back as the early 40's was as sneaky and untrustworthy as it is today. May God be in control and mankind held back from power.
on December 4, 2016
I could hardly put it down. .I had visited the area many times as a teen in the 1940's and was aware blackout curtains were being used by the residents near the beaches. As a 90 year old, I just returned from Panama City, FL where I saw a marker where a machinegun was mounted to watch the gulf at that point. Reading this book brought back many memories.
