Helpful Score: 4
When I first started reading this book I thought I had made a mistake and that I wasn't going to like it. However, it soon picked up and as it turns out was a very good book. If you want a good book that you wouldn't be embarrased to pass on to your grandmother this is one of them.
Helpful Score: 3
I absolutely loved this book! There were so many emotional twists and turns and it truly shows of God's mercy and grace and that miracles can still happen today as long as you believe. God and His ultimate will, will be done! I give this book 10 gold stars. I have fallen in love with our Lord and Savior all over again! If you want to believe in miracles today I suggest you read this book.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was entertaining. Not as gripping as some of the author's other novels, but a good read.
Helpful Score: 2
This book flows well, it is easy to read. I enjoyed it overall, but I did get frustrated with how stubborn the main character, Alessi, is throughout the book. Her behavior does a lot to add to the tension of the story, which I guess is the whole point!
Helpful Score: 2
Great combination of suspense and Christian romance. Heitzmann fans won't be disappointed and if you've never read one of her books before you'll soon become a fan!
Alessi Moore is a naive 21-year-old who still believes in fairy tales and miracles, despite a past that has left her orphaned and alone. As she drives across the country, looking for a new life, she stops in the snowy northern town of Charity. Her car and worldly possessions are stolen, and Alessi finds herself dependent on the kindness of strangers. She takes a job working in a bookstore for Steve, who distrusts all women; a cliched, angst-ridden romance follows. But something is rotten in Charity. The sheriff seems uninterested in finding Alessi's car; her stolen clothes turn up piece by piece in occasionally gruesome circumstances; and Alessi bears an eerie resemblance to a woman who disappeared several years ago. As the townsfolk talk of a mysterious "pact" they have made with one another, they muse cryptically, "Maybe they'd slain the devil, but his works were not forgotten." Will miracles be enough to save those in danger? Heitzmann paces her story well, and there is an appealing tension as the plot unfolds. Occasionally, Heitzmann overwrites ("The longing for Alessi's face filled his stomach more completely than the eggs and sausage"), but she also offers many solid descriptions and humorous moments. The use of the verboten word "damned" may surprise some conservative Christian readers. The joy of this novel is in Heitzmann's competent voice, engaging characters and many original touches.
Alessi Moore is a naive 21-year-old who still believes in fairy tales and miracles, despite a past that has left her orphaned and alone. As she drives across the country, looking for a new life, she stops in the snowy northern town of Charity. Her car and worldly possessions are stolen, and Alessi finds herself dependent on the kindness of strangers. She takes a job working in a bookstore for Steve, who distrusts all women; a cliched, angst-ridden romance follows. But something is rotten in Charity. The sheriff seems uninterested in finding Alessi's car; her stolen clothes turn up piece by piece in occasionally gruesome circumstances; and Alessi bears an eerie resemblance to a woman who disappeared several years ago. As the townsfolk talk of a mysterious "pact" they have made with one another, they muse cryptically, "Maybe they'd slain the devil, but his works were not forgotten." Will miracles be enough to save those in danger? Heitzmann paces her story well, and there is an appealing tension as the plot unfolds. Occasionally, Heitzmann overwrites ("The longing for Alessi's face filled his stomach more completely than the eggs and sausage"), but she also offers many solid descriptions and humorous moments. The use of the verboten word "damned" may surprise some conservative Christian readers. The joy of this novel is in Heitzmann's competent voice, engaging characters and many original touches.
Helpful Score: 2
It's been awhile since I read this one, but I know that I really enjoyed it. It's got a basic Christian base to it, but is one of those novels that isn't preachy and could be enjoyed by just about anyone. It's categorized as "romantic suspense," but I somehow just can't put it in the romance category, perhaps because of my own preconceptions. Really, this is a well written and touching story. Some bits may be a bit "overwritten," but mostly it's very good.
Story Line for book jacket:
The halo she glimpsed around the sun was the first sign that this might be it - the place she was searching for. Filled with hope and promise, Alessi Moore pulls into Charity admidst her first real snowfall. Enraptured by the pure, serene beauty of the little town, she just knew something good is coming. But the almost heavenly impression is quickly dashed by an unforseen loss. Left with nothing but the clothes on her back, Alessi is cast into the care of a reluctant party. Yet in a place where nothing could be worong, darkness sometimes lurks.
The halo she glimpsed around the sun was the first sign that this might be it - the place she was searching for. Filled with hope and promise, Alessi Moore pulls into Charity admidst her first real snowfall. Enraptured by the pure, serene beauty of the little town, she just knew something good is coming. But the almost heavenly impression is quickly dashed by an unforseen loss. Left with nothing but the clothes on her back, Alessi is cast into the care of a reluctant party. Yet in a place where nothing could be worong, darkness sometimes lurks.
Helpful Score: 1
While I really like this author, this book was somewhat of a dud. It didn't get interesting til I was between 1/2 to 3/4 through it. I like a book that will hold your interest from beginning to end.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book!!! I couldn't put it down from the very beginning. It kept you on the edge of your seat and have a hanky ready the last couple of chapters.
Helpful Score: 1
I had not read this author (Heitzmann) however, I enjoyed it very much. It's a love story and a mystry. Most of the story takes place around Christmas.
Helpful Score: 1
I wasnt thinking I liked this book as much as some of the authors other books I have read. Until I got closer to the end then couldnt put it down till I finished it.
Helpful Score: 1
My first reading of this author. Characters well written. Loved it!
Interesting story with lots of intrigue. You'll be left with a interesting question about good vs. evil.
A really good book -- although the idea of "signs" guiding someone's way seemed a little weird to me at first. Still, a book I would definitely recommend.
I loved this book. I ordered it strictly on reviews because the written synopsis seemed kind of goofy. But it was a wonderful book that I couldn't wait to finish and the characters were much more realistic and sympathetic than the write ups imply.
Very good book. I couldn't put it down.
Keep the tissues handy.
Keep the tissues handy.
Wonderful book that I have read again and again! This was the first book I read by Kristen Heitzmann...led me to her others. I love her writing style, and her imagination. Hope she never stops writing!
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters. The story was gripping and kept me reading. Never read this author before, but I will now. Recommended.
I'm a huge fan of K. Heitzmann and this book was GREAT! I loved every minute of it, and couldn't put it down!
A christian fiction novel. A great read.
Awesome read.....Kristen Heitzmann has a real flair for unusual plots. I loved the book!
A good book...some suspense, with a Christian twist. An easy read!
Halos is a story about a young woman who in one moment is looking toward her future with great expectancy and hope, but only a moment later everything she has is snatched away. She is left with nothing and no one.
I love this book! The characters are very interesting and deeply developed. The storyline is unique. The faith themes are abundant, but most are subtlety woven into the daily lives of the characters.
Steve is a very unlikely hero and although he shows promise, he comes across more as selfishly, egocentricnot without cause, however. Alessi is a precious heroine, who can aptly be described as a survivor. The great cast of secondary characters adds richness and depth to the novel.
Halos is a novel that delves into the why of life and living and comes up with some heart-wrenching, but liberating answers for readers to ponder.
I love this book! The characters are very interesting and deeply developed. The storyline is unique. The faith themes are abundant, but most are subtlety woven into the daily lives of the characters.
Steve is a very unlikely hero and although he shows promise, he comes across more as selfishly, egocentricnot without cause, however. Alessi is a precious heroine, who can aptly be described as a survivor. The great cast of secondary characters adds richness and depth to the novel.
Halos is a novel that delves into the why of life and living and comes up with some heart-wrenching, but liberating answers for readers to ponder.
This was a really good book.
Love books by Kristen Heitzmann, this one was no exception. Great book.
This book was really good. Reminded me of the old Rod Searling show the Twelight Zone. I could not put the book down. The lady ends up in this town with no ID and strange things begin to happen to her. No one seems to know who she is and if they do they pretend not to know her. This book is a page turner.