A strange and slightly disturbing book, which is as mesmerising and uncomfortable as the dark woods themselves. I didn't exactly enjoy reading this, as I found it confusing and upsetting in places, but it did grip me right from the start, and I couldn't put it down.

The story of Allie and Zach's friendship, and journey through the woods is set in a bigger context of a family and town beset by tragedy and brokenness. Coffey's writing beautifully captures complex emotions, relationships and questions, and does so in a way which mirrors the subject matter.

I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Title: In the Heart of the Dark Wood
Author: Billy Coffey
Pages: 384
Year: 2014
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Billy Coffey once again has written a brilliant masterpiece which captures both the heart and mind of readers everywhere. One never knows exactly what mystery waits in the pages of his novels; yet, anticipation always runs high when first opening the book. In other novels written by the author, I experienced mystery that is spiritual and yet palpable in the deepest part of my soul. All of the author’s novels are set in the town of Mattingly where the woods have been the focus of many stories and adventures.
When opening the story with the character Allie Granderson and her fixation on the plastic figure of Mary in her nativity which she leaves on display year round, readers will soon get lost in the heart-gripping tale. Allie’s father, Marshall, brings an all too true and realistic way some deal with life’s tragedies along with Allie’s response to Marshall. The story is set five days before Christmas. Allie along with her best friend Tommy set out to find the plastic figure Mary that was blown away in a storm.
The tale brings out the themes of unresolved grief, community support, faith, puberty and discovery. The novel begins with the kids in school before break and then leads readers on a heart-tugging adventure all the way to Christmas. As the two main characters, Tommy and Allie, set out for the woods to find the missing Mary, they discover along the way something heart-stopping. The author takes readers to what is happening with the two kids to what is also occurring at the same time in the town of Mattingly. The way the author wrote it was wonderful and reminds us of the multi-faceted way life happens which only God can see and we tend to forget is happening.
Grab a copy and then sit down and be prepared for an adventure in Billy Coffey’s novel, In the Heart of the Dark Wood!
My rating is 5+ stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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