A man with a painful past. A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts.
It begins on the shaded... read full description
reviews
Aug 11, 2008
Carrie
rated it: 
I can see this as a Hallmark presents film at Christmas.... but still really enjoyed it. Be prepared with a BOX of tissues to accompany you on the reading journey, i WEPT the last 100 pages.
The story is centered around a man born with incredible talents to a unique calling, and a Pollyanna-ish southern girl battling a heart defect that makes each day a fight, and a treasure. The author brings to life some really endearing characters and I love his use of quotes from literature... ran More...
The story is centered around a man born with incredible talents to a unique calling, and a Pollyanna-ish southern girl battling a heart defect that makes each day a fight, and a treasure. The author brings to life some really endearing characters and I love his use of quotes from literature... ran More...
Apr 19, 2009
Glenna
rated it:
Even though this book is a little predictable, it is a pleasant read and good for the "heart". It is a story of faith and a story of despair and a story of healing. Some great characters and some great quotes.
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Jan 29, 2009
Melissa
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and I loved the passages/quotes from other books. It's interesting what we choose to read and when. I have been reading this book as Boston struggles with his health; it was a soothing way to release and deal with the stress of Boston's episodes. It's a great book; I even gained a little anatomy refresher course. :) Although it did take awhile to get into this book, it was definitely worth the time.
For Rachelle, I'm still a little More...
For Rachelle, I'm still a little More...
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Feb 23, 2009
Chick
rated it:
Wow, another terrific book about the heart (literally), emotional healing and the power of redemption and love. How refreshing to read a mainstream book that speaks of God, is squeaky clean, even gives a powerful sermon (without being preachy) about the evils of pornography, an unspoken sermon about the evils of drugs, and a storyline that lifts the soul. Being interested in medicine, I also enjoyed what I learned on that front. I highly recommend this book.
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Dec 18, 2010
Sidna
rated it:
This is another book that my book club read a few years ago that I bought at the used book sale. It is o.k. A medallion on the cover states that it won a Christian Book Award. It was a little preachy in the beginning and I wasn't sure that I would finish it, but it got better.
It is the story of a man who, as a child, met and fell in love with a girl who had a weak heart. He devotes his life to becoming a heart surgeon expressly to save her life. They marry and he has a chance to imp More...
It is the story of a man who, as a child, met and fell in love with a girl who had a weak heart. He devotes his life to becoming a heart surgeon expressly to save her life. They marry and he has a chance to imp More...
Jun 17, 2008
Patti
rated it: 
My first Charles Martin book so far. I really like this author and I plan to read more of his books. I really like the fact that he is from this part of Florida, and his books incorporate places I am familiar with. (Much more in Wrapped in Rain than in this book, but this book is still close to home) I learned so much about the physical heart, and I loved the passionate main character and the little girl. Very emotional book that will make you want to read straight through to the end.
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Nov 27, 2011
Ryan
rated it: 
I liked Chasing Fireflies alot - I am something of a sucker for stories of fathers and children, and it was well done.
This was...well, I can't say I didn't like it. I did. I do like the way he writes about being in love, about loving and cherishing, and I enjoy when people are building things, or engaging in their passion, like rowing or doctoring.
The story was well told and I definitely cried in all the right places. When I was done, though, I felt as though I'd eaten on More...
This was...well, I can't say I didn't like it. I did. I do like the way he writes about being in love, about loving and cherishing, and I enjoy when people are building things, or engaging in their passion, like rowing or doctoring.
The story was well told and I definitely cried in all the right places. When I was done, though, I felt as though I'd eaten on More...
Jun 02, 2008
Suzanne
rated it:
This is my favorite Charles Martin book that I've read so far. The amount of research and the attention to detail were impressive. I started reading this book in the car on the way to Orlando, and couldn't stop reading or crying for the rest of the day. It was an extremely emotional book, both happy and sad. I like the fact that the author keeps the romance mostly in the background, and focuses on the little girl and the doctor.
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Feb 09, 2008
Christi
rated it:
This is the sweetest, SWEETEST book I have ever read! Thank you Linda for giving it to me. I have never cried so much, or smiled so much when reading a book. It's the story of the heart-literally and metaphorically. The author, Charles Martin, has created a story of death, rebirth and redemption all centering around a little angel of a girl-Annie. I loved nearly word of this story. I can't wait to read all his other stories.
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Dec 02, 2008
Lisa
rated it:
A really captivating story about self forgiveness. I really enjoyed the style of the author and found the story intriguing.
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Feb 06, 2009
Kristy
rated it:
A man with a painful past. A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts.
It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. But the little girl's pretty yellow dress can't quite hide the ugly scar on her chest. The stranger understa More...
It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. But the little girl's pretty yellow dress can't quite hide the ugly scar on her chest. The stranger understa More...
Sep 03, 2011
Rachael
rated it:
This book was absolutely fantastic! I was a bit disappointed in the ending.
*SPOILER ALERT*
After going into so much detail with the preparations for the surgery, receiving the heart, and the surgery itself, we were led to believe that Annie died. The characters really drew me in so I felt grief in her passing. I'm disappointed that Charles Martin let us believe that for as long as he did. Suddenly Mr. Martin turns around, tells us that she is, in fact, still alive, More...
*SPOILER ALERT*
After going into so much detail with the preparations for the surgery, receiving the heart, and the surgery itself, we were led to believe that Annie died. The characters really drew me in so I felt grief in her passing. I'm disappointed that Charles Martin let us believe that for as long as he did. Suddenly Mr. Martin turns around, tells us that she is, in fact, still alive, More...
Mar 05, 2011
Leigh
rated it: 
Awful! I read this book for my book club, and it was very painful for me. A weird religious vibe to it, with randomly preachy scenes awkwardly jammed into the book. Terribly maudlin. If the author made one more cheesy heart reference (ex: BOY: I want to give you my heart (he meant literally). GIRL: You can't. You already gave it to me.), I would have thrown the book out the window. To be honest, I couldn't bring myself to finish this book. My book club filled me in on the remaining plot line, an
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Jan 22, 2012
Andrea
rated it:
Some friends and I just started a book club. If this first book is any indication of how awesome this club will be, then we are in for good times.
When Crickets Cry was a very touching story about a man hiding from his past, a young girl full of hope in spite of her limited chances for survival, and a small town with loving people.
There are a lot of medical details in this story. Typically the amount included would lead me to quite a bit of skimming, but it was fascinating.
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When Crickets Cry was a very touching story about a man hiding from his past, a young girl full of hope in spite of her limited chances for survival, and a small town with loving people.
There are a lot of medical details in this story. Typically the amount included would lead me to quite a bit of skimming, but it was fascinating.
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Jan 29, 2012
Cjsonntag
rated it:
this book was slow to grab my attention, but the second half of the book kept my attention and made me want to read quickly to solve the dilemmas in the story. I was especially interested in the authors treatise on"Hope". Quoting from p. 235; "Hope is a flower that sprouts and grows when others pour water upon it. I think sometimes that I spent so much time worrying about how to protect and strengthen the flower--even going so far as to graft in a new stem and root system--th
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Jul 19, 2011
Janet
rated it:
Was very surprised to LOVE this book! Not my usual genre. I picked it up at my daughter's house...she had it on her bookshelf of "to reads". I had finished the book I was reading and was looking for a fill in until I could choose another one. Much to my complete surprise, I really couldn't put the book down. Finished it the next day and ordered another one of Charles Martin's books for my nook. Loved that one too! (The Mountain Between Us). I will be looking for more books by this au
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Jul 19, 2009
Amy
rated it:
Fabulous book. I bought this in North Carolina, and really enjoyed the fact that I knew the town this is set in very well. In fact, the beginning action of the book takes place on Savannah Street in Clayton, Ga, and just a few weeks ago I ate lunch at Savannah Street Cafe. Fun stuff.
Not a light, fluffy read, it packs an emotional punch. But it is well worth it. I wish I could give it 4 and 1/2 stars, but I can't, so I'd rather give it 5 than 4. Beautiful and engrossing, and spiritua More...
Not a light, fluffy read, it packs an emotional punch. But it is well worth it. I wish I could give it 4 and 1/2 stars, but I can't, so I'd rather give it 5 than 4. Beautiful and engrossing, and spiritua More...
Jun 15, 2009
Lisa
rated it:
I loved this story - couldn't put it down, and cried quite a few tears too. A very touching story of a man trying to recover from the death of the wife he loved so much, and how his heart is healed. The author does a great job moving back and forth through time in the main character's life, keeping you guessing and building the story, making it very interesting for the reader. And because I love reading novels where health-related topics are included, I really loved how the author wove into t
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Jul 26, 2011
Connie
rated it:
I LOVED this book! It was compelling and inspirational. I loved greatly that it was a clean
read. I thought the writing was strong and informative without being over the head when
the medical terms were used. The descriptions were so spot on, I almost felt as if I could
have assisted in heart surgery after reading it. I ached that he carried this horrific secret
about his wife for so long. I was so relieved when he was able to tell someone and relieve
himself of More...
read. I thought the writing was strong and informative without being over the head when
the medical terms were used. The descriptions were so spot on, I almost felt as if I could
have assisted in heart surgery after reading it. I ached that he carried this horrific secret
about his wife for so long. I was so relieved when he was able to tell someone and relieve
himself of More...
Jul 08, 2009
Amy
rated it: 
I have a hard time reviewing this book or even deciding how many stars to give it. At the beginning I was frustrated but kept reading hoping for more, and by the end I was really drawn in. What frustrated me was the switching back and forth between time periods and points in his life. I had to read a whole page in to a chapter before I could say for sure is he a child, teenager, grown man. His writing is also so descriptive and a little too sappy at points I was thinking- get on with it alread
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Mar 04, 2011
Deb
rated it:
An encounter with a girl at a lemonade stand starts the main character, Reese, on a journey out of his self-imposed isolation. Reese was once more than a man who likes to restore boats and pal around with his brother-in-law. And the secret to who he once was may be just what Annie--who has a terminal illness--needs.[return]This is a heart-felt story, if you are prone to cry be sure to have plenty of kleenex on hand as you read it. Out of tragedy comes hope and a chance for redepmtion and a br
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May 21, 2009
Pam
rated it:
Set on Lake Burton, this is a well-crafted book with a sappy storyline and unbelievable plot. It is interesting and I had no trouble picking it up and reading when I had time, but I found it necessary to suspend reality to get through it. The dialogue between the characters is especially unrealistic. One of the main characters is 7 years old and has the insight and language of a much, much older person. I got the feeling that the author had never really been around a 7 year old! I'm not sur
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Mar 22, 2009
Tracie
rated it:
Without exaggeration, this is one of the best works of contemporary fiction that I have ever read. The story is gripping, "heart-wrenching", filled with insights and literary quotes that will move your soul in ways that not many books do. I thought that I would get lost in the medical technicalities, but I found them fascinating--especially b/c my mother had open heart surgery in 2001. The characters are complex, rich, and make you wish you lived in the lakehouse next door! I can't
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Jul 14, 2009
Heidi
rated it:
My twin sis recommended this book and mailed it to me with high praise. Once I got into, I was captured. I wept and I laughed out loud. But it was EXTREMELY hard to get into. Literally, it took at least 10 chapters to get good. The author had a way of keeping me out of the loop with every step of the book. I hate that. Even in the very last chapter, I honestly thought that I missed the climatic sentence that told me what the heck was going on. The subject material was awesome, but I would have p
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Nov 25, 2011
Audry
rated it:
I enjoyed the book. It had come scripture quoting in the beginning and a little through out, but not so much I had to put it down. It was well written and well told. I know so much more about transplanting hearts and who and how and especially all the things a patient goes through before, during, and after. I love the characters. There was an oops near the end during the end when Reese puts the heart into the bowl, and then a few paragraphs later, he puts it in again,(things like that get to me)
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Apr 02, 2009
Linda
rated it:
This was an interesting book with great character development. It was written from the main character's perspective, Jonny Mitchell. During the book he moves from the present back to episodes in his childhood to allow you to understand why he is living life bound by his past.
The author's style pulls you into the story through vivid and detailed descriptions. It was a hard book to put down. You found yourself searching for the explanation of Jonny's pain just as much as he seemed More...
The author's style pulls you into the story through vivid and detailed descriptions. It was a hard book to put down. You found yourself searching for the explanation of Jonny's pain just as much as he seemed More...
Aug 04, 2010
Leisy
rated it:
I really thoroughly enjoyed this book! With that said there were a few spots in the book that were a little too much for me (too sappy/over the top). It's a beautiful book with a beautiful message. Some spots slowed me down down (he gets far too descriptive sometimes)- but the last half picks right up and sucked me in. I loved the medical aspect of the book- and how the author built up anticipation. The characters are very well developed and I finished the book thinking I knew these people.
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May 22, 2010
Lue
rated it:
I didn't want to like this book ... the first several chapters conjured thoughts of a Hallmark movie, with a series of broken people living broken lives. Throw in some oddball twists (a spiritual rode-side dive? a blind carpenter? all the heart analogies, quotes, and transplant details? reams of boat restoration stuff?) and I was ready to chalk it up to a book trying to be too many things. But somewhere along the way, it started to work, and I proceeded to sob my way through, enchanted by the
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Jan 05, 2011
Angie
rated it:
Thirty pages in , I could have closed the book and told the entire story ( minus one small detail ) . That's how predictable this one is .
That predictable yet worthy of 5 stars ? You bet ! For me that fact did not take away from the story one little bit . It only softened the pain that was to unfold and actually allowed me to keep reading without all the tears that could have fell . ;-)
A page turning quick read that left me wishing that everyone had a man like "Reese" More...
That predictable yet worthy of 5 stars ? You bet ! For me that fact did not take away from the story one little bit . It only softened the pain that was to unfold and actually allowed me to keep reading without all the tears that could have fell . ;-)
A page turning quick read that left me wishing that everyone had a man like "Reese" More...
Sep 13, 2009
Lisa
rated it:
We read this book in our ward's Enrichment Book Club. I liked it a lot. There are parts of the plot line that are unbelievable, but I was nonetheless moved and, like the other characters in the book, captivated by Annie. The author draws you into the plot by wrapping a lot of mystery around the main character, Reese. And I wanted to believe that someone could be as clear-thinking and content even in tragedy as Charlie, Reese's brother-in-law who is blinded in the prime of his life.
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