A unique blend of historical fact and engaging fiction showing the power of forgiveness.
While digging up a withering wax myrtle tree beside h... read full description
reviews
Dec 15, 2011
Vicki
rated it: 
It is a g story, with tragedy, hate and love, anger and forgiveness, despair and hope, as well as drama and peace and it is based on a true story. I found it very informative: I had no idea that during WWII, German U-boats patrolled the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico, sinking supply ships and disrupting commerce and the supply chain for Allied troops. It is a story about the power of love and forgiveness between God and people, and people and people, and how that power can
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Nov 03, 2011
Erin
rated it: 
If left to my own devices I never would've chosen this book, but I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. It is written by an inspirational speaker (cringe cringe), but I found it more palatable and better written than, say, a Nicholas Sparks book. I just turned my literary filter off and let myself become swept up in the mystery of this captivating story.
Regardless of how much of it is true, or how much the author may have manipulated his audience, it is based on some pretty amazing event More...
Regardless of how much of it is true, or how much the author may have manipulated his audience, it is based on some pretty amazing event More...
Oct 31, 2011
Jo Princess
rated it: 
The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews tells the story of two broken lives on opposite sides of enemy lines during the second world war in 1942. During this time German subs or u-boats are in the Gulf of Mexico to sink U.S. vessels and also carry goods and fuel. It was interesting reading about this part of US history that I hadn't heard about before.
A woman who was widowed due to the war discovers a wounded German soldier on the beach one night. These two lives are thrust together by circum More...
A woman who was widowed due to the war discovers a wounded German soldier on the beach one night. These two lives are thrust together by circum More...
Sep 09, 2010
Daniel
rated it: 
The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews presents two compelling and engaging stories. The first story, which consists of parts 1 and 3 of the book, tells the story of Andrews’ discovery of World War II German U-Boat artifacts in his Gulf Coast yard and his own personal journey to uncover the origins of how these items got into his yard. The second story details the ramification of a chance encounter between Josef a German submariner who becomes separated from his German U-Boat while patrolling the Gulf
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Jun 14, 2010
Sally
rated it:
I enjoy reading historical fiction and looked forward to reading Andy Andrews’ The Heart Mender. The author said this book was his best work, so I was expecting a knock-out story. While the story had excellent potential to be a really GREAT read, I felt the book fell short. Within the first couple chapters and before the main 1942 storyline even started, I knew how the story would end and which present day characters would turn out to be the 1942 couple. It was just too obvious.
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May 31, 2010
Nancy
rated it:
I'm pretty sure this is going down as one of my favorite books. I absolutely loved it!
Andrews weaves a story of finding German WWII artifacts buried in a can on his ocean front property and Josef and Helen's journey to find peace and forgiveness. Andrews offers photos of buttons, a couple of photographs, a ring, and a medal he found digging up the roots to an old tree. He then seeks to find the story for these items being deposited on the beach.
What he discovers is really More...
Andrews weaves a story of finding German WWII artifacts buried in a can on his ocean front property and Josef and Helen's journey to find peace and forgiveness. Andrews offers photos of buttons, a couple of photographs, a ring, and a medal he found digging up the roots to an old tree. He then seeks to find the story for these items being deposited on the beach.
What he discovers is really More...
May 11, 2010
Christina
rated it:
Saddened and unable to abandon her resentment toward the Nazi war machine that took her husband’s life, the young and attractive Helen Mason is living a bitter, lonely existence. Betrayed and left of dead, German U-boat officer Lt. Josef Landermann washes ashore in a sleepy town along the northern gulf coast, looking to Helen for survival.
The Heart Mender is a story of life, loss, and reconciliation, reminding us of the power of forgiveness and the universal healing experience of let More...
The Heart Mender is a story of life, loss, and reconciliation, reminding us of the power of forgiveness and the universal healing experience of let More...
May 10, 2010
Reneeseats
rated it:
To start with I want to say,"I loved this book". The "Heart Mender- A Story of Second Chances" by Andy Andrews. is based on a true story. This heart warming story starts off in modern day with the author telling the tale of how it found a time capsule of sorts and in his quest to find the meaning of its burial under is house he uncovers the story of a young women (Helen) plagued by lose and grief her entire life including the tragic loss of her husband. Then with God's h
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Jul 03, 2010
Laura
rated it:
Title: THE HEART MENDER
Author: Andy Andrews
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7852-3103-5
Genre: Inspirational/motivational/self-help
When digging up a tree in his family’s front yard, Andy Andrews digs up a rusty tin can filled with buttons and other World War II awards. While researching these items (since they were not American), Mr. Andrews discovered a whole side of the war that none of us were taught about in school when we learned about the More...
Author: Andy Andrews
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7852-3103-5
Genre: Inspirational/motivational/self-help
When digging up a tree in his family’s front yard, Andy Andrews digs up a rusty tin can filled with buttons and other World War II awards. While researching these items (since they were not American), Mr. Andrews discovered a whole side of the war that none of us were taught about in school when we learned about the More...
Jul 18, 2010
This was a fascinating story of war, faith and forgiveness. One of my favorites quotes:
“History tells us that a democracy is always temporary in nature. It simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government… a democracy will continue to exist up until the voters discover that they can literally vote themselves gifts from the public treasury. From the moment that revelation is made, the majority proceeds to vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury. T More...
“History tells us that a democracy is always temporary in nature. It simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government… a democracy will continue to exist up until the voters discover that they can literally vote themselves gifts from the public treasury. From the moment that revelation is made, the majority proceeds to vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury. T More...
May 26, 2010
Mike
rated it:
At the first glance of the cover of this book/story, the reader can gain some insight into what they will find inside. Is it a love story, a story of intrigue, a story of espionage, a war story, a story of a combination of two or more? These are the questions that each reader will have to decide for themselves.
As I started my journey towards the story line and answers to the questions noted above, I was immediately captivated by the characters. What I especially liked was the initial More...
As I started my journey towards the story line and answers to the questions noted above, I was immediately captivated by the characters. What I especially liked was the initial More...
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Aug 09, 2011
Sadly, the YouTube clip is better than the book. (Go to YouTube and search for Andy Andrews The Heart Mender for a fascinating overview.)
The story is incredible.
The writing is not.
If you don’t mind preachy interludes and awkward transitions from first person to third person narration and back, then reading this book will be worth your time.
I found the beginning of Part Three thrilling, as the author connects his personal, almost diary-like account at the beginning of this book to the bulk of th More...
The story is incredible.
The writing is not.
If you don’t mind preachy interludes and awkward transitions from first person to third person narration and back, then reading this book will be worth your time.
I found the beginning of Part Three thrilling, as the author connects his personal, almost diary-like account at the beginning of this book to the bulk of th More...
Mar 26, 2011
Darlene
rated it:
This beautiful story takes place along the Gulf of Mexico and alternates between 1942 and current day. There are two stories being told and some very important life lessons being relayed in this book. The current day story involves the author, Andy Andrews and his discovery of some photos, buttons from a military uniform and some military medals... all buried in his yard in Florida.He begins an investigation as to how and why these items were buried in his yard seemingly forgotten. Just who was
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May 15, 2010
Donna
rated it:
Andy Andrews writes a beautiful story of love and the process of forgiveness. As the story begins, we are introduced to two people destined to meet. Josef is in the German Navy against his will. Helen is angry with everyone because of the death of her husband in the war. Can each help the other forgive the ravages of war? The characters and story line immediately draw the reader in and push you to keep reading until the end. Is the story truth, fiction, or a mixture of both? Readers everywhere w
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Oct 29, 2011
Lindsey
rated it:
Andy Andrews was a speaker at Women of Faith last year (Oct 2010) in Mpls, MN. My mom purchased this book during the conference and has been passing it around ever since. now, my mom is not a reader, so the fact that she not only purchased this book, but also read it is say a lot.
At first Andy Andrews reminded me of a 5-year-old, bouncing off the walls and jumping from topic to topic faster than tennis ball. I couldn't even follow what he was saying much less hope to imagine where he More...
At first Andy Andrews reminded me of a 5-year-old, bouncing off the walls and jumping from topic to topic faster than tennis ball. I couldn't even follow what he was saying much less hope to imagine where he More...
May 10, 2010
Wendi
rated it:
The Heart Mender
By Andy Andrews
Published by Thomas Nelson
After unwittingly unearthing an old can filled with Nazi war paraphernalia in his back yard, author Andy Andrews goes in search of answers. Through Internet research and interviews with long-time local residents, clues begin to emerge about the relics Andy disinterred and the man they once belonged to. What unfolds is a haunting tale of human suffering and fragility, courage and forgiveness.
The Heart M More...
By Andy Andrews
Published by Thomas Nelson
After unwittingly unearthing an old can filled with Nazi war paraphernalia in his back yard, author Andy Andrews goes in search of answers. Through Internet research and interviews with long-time local residents, clues begin to emerge about the relics Andy disinterred and the man they once belonged to. What unfolds is a haunting tale of human suffering and fragility, courage and forgiveness.
The Heart M More...
May 15, 2010
Kipi
rated it:
3.5 stars
Even as a person fascinated with WWII history, I wasn't bowled over by this book, but I did find it to be a fairly interesting read. The author says that it is a true story, and since we all know that truth is stranger than fiction, I have no reason not to believe him. The romantic in me loved the love story between Josef and Helen, and the history buff found the the German U-boat officer's tale interesting.
The book is listed as a self-help, inspirational book, n More...
Even as a person fascinated with WWII history, I wasn't bowled over by this book, but I did find it to be a fairly interesting read. The author says that it is a true story, and since we all know that truth is stranger than fiction, I have no reason not to believe him. The romantic in me loved the love story between Josef and Helen, and the history buff found the the German U-boat officer's tale interesting.
The book is listed as a self-help, inspirational book, n More...
Aug 03, 2010
Andrea
rated it:
Received through Thomas Nelson Publishing for Advance Review.
A fascinating love story set against the backdrop of World War II in the gulf coast. There remain many mysteries surrounding what really happened during this period of history, and what we do know has been distorted by government influence and time.
Andy discovers a treasure of Nazi artifacts buried under a dead tree next to his house on the Gulf coast. Unable to resist solving the mystery of what it contains and More...
A fascinating love story set against the backdrop of World War II in the gulf coast. There remain many mysteries surrounding what really happened during this period of history, and what we do know has been distorted by government influence and time.
Andy discovers a treasure of Nazi artifacts buried under a dead tree next to his house on the Gulf coast. Unable to resist solving the mystery of what it contains and More...
Jul 22, 2011
Sonali
rated it:
I liked the message of forgiveness throughout this story.
Some of my favorite quotes were:
"I know I must forgive...."
"I mean, we are products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it."
"Just that I must practice forgiveness. It is less an act than a determined way of living. I think it is why we are supposed to forgive "70x7". True forgiveness comes only at the conclusion of an inner struggle."
"Sometimes we a More...
Some of my favorite quotes were:
"I know I must forgive...."
"I mean, we are products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it."
"Just that I must practice forgiveness. It is less an act than a determined way of living. I think it is why we are supposed to forgive "70x7". True forgiveness comes only at the conclusion of an inner struggle."
"Sometimes we a More...
Feb 24, 2011
ExtremeBibliophile
rated it:
I was given this book to read by a friend, and I have to admit that at first I cynically expected another in the "love- conquers- all-Oprahfied- Lifetime -Movie " genre. Happily I was proven wrong. This is a true story that takes place in the American South during World War II, when German U-boats patrolled the Gulf waters (a detail I did not know). I don't want to spoil it for any prospective reader but the way the story is told and the depiction of life in a small Southern seaside t
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May 13, 2010
Michael
rated it:
The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances by New York Times Best Selling Author Andy Andrews has put out another masterpiece. You start in the present day and then are thrust back into the summer of 1942.
I have to admit I was a worried about this book after just reading The Noticer by the same author. How can he put out another great book so quick? Will he did and has. This is a revision, update, or an expansion of his novel “Island of the Saints” published in 2005. I believe More...
I have to admit I was a worried about this book after just reading The Noticer by the same author. How can he put out another great book so quick? Will he did and has. This is a revision, update, or an expansion of his novel “Island of the Saints” published in 2005. I believe More...
May 13, 2010
Edna
rated it:
This is the story of two people left shattered and broken by the way life has dealt them. Set in rural Alabama in 1942, Helen Mason exists in a constant state of anguish, anger and resentment after her husband is killed by the Germans during World War II.
Although the of German names and references in the beginning of the book make its difficult to comprehend, as Helen and Josef's personal lives come to the forefront of the plot, a cast of amazing and touching individuals emerge More...
Although the of German names and references in the beginning of the book make its difficult to comprehend, as Helen and Josef's personal lives come to the forefront of the plot, a cast of amazing and touching individuals emerge More...
Jul 30, 2010
Agatha
rated it:
True story. Recommended by Megan. I totally agree with her review: "Historical fiction. I liked how the author was involved in the story. The author found Nazi artifacts in his yard in Alabama, which led him to discover the meaning behind them, how they got there and whose they were. The actual story that he developed was a bit "cheesy", I thought, and kind of predictable if you were paying attention. I kept thinking that it will be made into a Hallmark movie, or some other mad
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Jul 02, 2010
Reedross
rated it:
This story is a true story that reveals what the US government wanted to keep quiet during WWII: that U-boats were lurking off the Gulf Coast and even interacting with Americans. It took the first 100 pages for me to really grasp the story-line and then I was spell-bound. What made it more fascinating was that the story is true. It's a combination of drama, intrigue and romance.
Note: Although published as a 'Christian novel' - I didn't see any overt Christianity save a passing menti More...
Note: Although published as a 'Christian novel' - I didn't see any overt Christianity save a passing menti More...
Jan 26, 2012
Elena
rated it:
This is one of the best book I read lately.
First of all, it's a great story itself, which defenitely has some romantic in it, but in the amount just enough do not make it too sweet. Also the way author presented it makes reader to feel involved.
It has a very captivating plot, and also a deeper meaning which is apealed to me. Thoughts about forgivness is priceless!
Second, it has a lot of historical facts I didn't know about: short observation of submarine development, using More...
First of all, it's a great story itself, which defenitely has some romantic in it, but in the amount just enough do not make it too sweet. Also the way author presented it makes reader to feel involved.
It has a very captivating plot, and also a deeper meaning which is apealed to me. Thoughts about forgivness is priceless!
Second, it has a lot of historical facts I didn't know about: short observation of submarine development, using More...
Jul 17, 2011
Zach
rated it:
This book is showing up in a lot of my family's bookshelves because a copy of it was given to my mom, and she has passed it around to all of us. I think any book that has anything to do with WWII can't get less than 4 stars from me. This is a short book that has a very catchy story which Andy Andrews say's is for the most part true. It deals with a German submarine (U-boot) off the Gulf Coast and a soldier from one of them. I was surprised to learn about the Germans having such a naval prese
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Jul 22, 2010
Megan
rated it:
A historical fiction. I liked how the author was involved in the story - He found the Nazi artifacts in his own yard, which led him to discover the meaning behind them, how they got there and whose they were. The actual story that he developed was a bit "cheesey", I thought, and kind of predictable if you were paying attention. I kept thinking that it will be made into a Hallmark movie, or some other made for tv movie.
Overall, a good book, though. Learned a little hist More...
Overall, a good book, though. Learned a little hist More...
Aug 09, 2010
Mandy
rated it:
MY REVIEW:
The phrase "Don't judge a book by it's cover!" is very fitting for me and this book. For some reason, even though I was asked to review this book by Thomas Nelson, I just had a hard time picking it up and starting it. However, after the first chapter or two I could barely put it down!
This amazing book is broken into three sections with the main story being in the second section. As I followed Andy's journey from the present to the past and back agai More...
The phrase "Don't judge a book by it's cover!" is very fitting for me and this book. For some reason, even though I was asked to review this book by Thomas Nelson, I just had a hard time picking it up and starting it. However, after the first chapter or two I could barely put it down!
This amazing book is broken into three sections with the main story being in the second section. As I followed Andy's journey from the present to the past and back agai More...
Nov 14, 2010
Julie
rated it:
Have you ever turned the last page of a book, closed it, and quietly said, "Wow..."?
In "The Heart Mender", the author is digging up the stump of a wax myrtle tree and finds a metal can filled with Nazi relics - buttons, a medal, a ring, a badge, and 3 pictures - one of which is an image of Adolf Hitler and men in uniform on what appears to be a boat. Finding these items fuels an almost mini-obsession to unearth the story behind them. What are Nazi items doing bur More...
In "The Heart Mender", the author is digging up the stump of a wax myrtle tree and finds a metal can filled with Nazi relics - buttons, a medal, a ring, a badge, and 3 pictures - one of which is an image of Adolf Hitler and men in uniform on what appears to be a boat. Finding these items fuels an almost mini-obsession to unearth the story behind them. What are Nazi items doing bur More...
Nov 01, 2010
Joanne
rated it:
www.joannebischof.com
When I first began reading Andy Andrew's The Heart Mender, I was honestly worried that I wouldn't like it. The story got off to a bit of a puzzling start, but as the pieces of the mystery fell into place, I found myself digging deeper into the book, curious to find out more about what seems to be a very true love story between a WWII "Nazi" and the American waitress who finds his battered body on the shoreline.
Helen has just lost her husband to th More...
When I first began reading Andy Andrew's The Heart Mender, I was honestly worried that I wouldn't like it. The story got off to a bit of a puzzling start, but as the pieces of the mystery fell into place, I found myself digging deeper into the book, curious to find out more about what seems to be a very true love story between a WWII "Nazi" and the American waitress who finds his battered body on the shoreline.
Helen has just lost her husband to th More...
