My only disappointment with this book was that I had read its sequel first without realizing, so many of the story angles were effectively spoiled. Ah well--still a good read. ( )

I picked this book to read because of all the mixed reviews that I saw on Amazon and on this site. Some of the reviews seemed extreme opposites of each other: one of them was critical about the graphic descriptions of the animal cruelty case, one of them was critical of profanity, and one of them was critical of the immorality in the book.
The main thing I was afraid of is the graphic descriptions of animal cruelty. However, the descriptions really didn't bother me. I guess because while I was reading them, I was wondering why someone would do what they did to the animals. I think that the author was intending the reader to question the motives and not to get caught in graphic descriptions. I guess it also didn't bother me as much because I knew it wasn't real. I am extremely sensitive when it comes to animal cruelty issues so I wasn't sure if I would have trouble with these issues or not. However, there were only two instances of graphic animal cruelty.
I really did not consider profanity an issue because during the whole book, I think "Hell" was used once as an obscenity. I do not use obscenities and I don't like them in my books; however, I think one time really isn't something to get worked up about. And it could have been worse language that "hell."
And the last thing that was mentioned in the reviews was the immorality in the book. The immorality that was in the book was written very factual and nongraphic. It was told in a way so that the reader would understand the characters pasts and how Christ is forgiving.
All of this being said, this book kept my interest all the way through. There were so many twists and turns, I couldn't put the book down. This is my first book written by Kristen Heitzmann, and I will definitely be looking for more of her books to read. I am very excited about this book. I wish I knew of someone I could talk to about the book because I don't want to write anything and spoil any of the storylines for prospective readers. I highly recommend this book.
However, one thing I will say is that this is an adult book. I'm not sure that all the topics in this book would be appropriate for some children to read seeing that it does mention some adult topics in it such as rape, drug and alcohol abuse, and infidelity. So it you're a parent who's child is going to read this, it will depend on the age and maturity of the child that will be reading this. It does not condone any of these adult topics but you will want to understand that these topics come up so that the book does not open up a big can of worms for your ethusiastic younger reader.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. ( )

Being an animal lover this one was kind of hard for me to read. The writing was great but the subject matter was something that really makes me emotional. I can't stand to read about hurt animals, and this book had quite a few hurt animals in it. The whole book I wanted to know who did it and I wanted to do the same horrible things to them.

I couldn't figure this whodunit out until the very end. I guessed it just a few pages before they discovered it in the book. I was so surprised, it was such a crazy twist! I would have never thought of ending the book the way it was. But it was so awesome that now that I know how it ends there's no way I'd ever want it to change. It really blew me out of the water!

The writing was very well done in this book. I didn't get lost in the dialog, and the dialog actually was "real." I also think the handling of the subject matter was done nicely. This book had a few gruesome parts, but it didn't focus on the gruesome, it focused on the love story that arises from the chaos is great. A real love triangle!

Despite the gruesome parts this book was still very good and I couldn't put it down. I think I laid in the tub for well over an hour because I didn't even want to set it aside while I got out of the tub. It really keeps the suspense going. Just as things start to wind down they get going full speed again. I really makes for a fast and compelling read. ( )

Full review on my blog ( )

I loved this book! This is my first novel by Kristen Heitzmann, but it definitely won't be my last. Her writing style is so eloquent that the words don't get in the way of the story. Her character development is incredible! Usually hard-headed characters who beat themselves up or refuse to accept love or change their ways for the better get on my nerves because their actions and dialogue is redundant. However, Heitzmann manages to create several neurotic, stubborn characters who can't get out of their own way, but they are real instead of cartoonish.

The book is filed as a mystery/suspense/Christian/romance. Based on that, I would not have expected to like it, but the Christianity is just part of the story, not preaching to the reader. And the romance is like everyday relationships, not some sappy, swooning "Lifetime" drama.

The only part that didn't quite fit was the villain. That character wasn't as developed as the others and it showed. Maybe Heitzmann just doesn't know how to be bad. :) ( )