“Heart of Lies” is the second in the ‘Irish Angel’ series by this author. It focuses on the next sister who was forced to be separated from her family as a child. Laura, the oldest sister and the main character in “Heart of Stone,” has been searching for her sister, Megan. The detective she hired has a lead, and it is then that this next story begins.
Maddie Grande has spent her whole life as she knows it growing up on the streets of New Orleans as a member of a group of child thieves and beggars. As an adult, she moves to the bayou with her two “brothers” hoping for a peaceful life. Her tranquil existence is shaken when her lawless brothers get her involved in a kidnapping. The detective on the case, Tom Abbott, soon has Maddie running for her life and from her heart.
For me, the setting of “Heart of Lies” was a more interesting read than the first novel in this series. I don’t think I have ever read a Christian fiction novel that was based on a child growing up in a gang of thieves (unless you count “Oliver Twist,” and I wouldn’t necessarily classify that as Christian fiction), and that aspect of the book was really interesting. Mechanically, this novel had a better flow to it than the first one. The dialogue was more realistic, and the story mostly moves along. At first I enjoyed the ‘chase’ between Maddie and Tom as it related to the kidnapping. But I always get bored with chase scenes, and so it did get a little long (and unrealistic at times) for me.
The story was rather predictable, but sometimes I like that in a novel. I wanted Maddie to be able to experience forgiveness and the chance for a new life.
I think the author gave a good example of forgiveness and renewal among the lives of the characters in this book. However, I don’t think the issue of faith was brought up enough. It seemed to me that a relationship with God never came into the picture, either for Maddie or for Tom. The kidnapped little girl, Penelope (who was a shining star in this book) seemed to have the most faith of anyone. The views expressed seemed to be based more on people being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ rather than their faith in Christ. To me, this story would have been so much better if both Tom and Maddie had asked for forgiveness not just from each other, but from God as well. Hopefully I am getting ahead of myself and this will be made clearer in the coming novels in this series.
The story in “Heart of Lies” did draw me in, and I look forward to the next novels in this series.
About Jill Marie Landis
Jill Marie Landis is the bestselling author of over twenty novels. She has won numerous awards for her sweeping emotional romances, such as Summer Moon and Magnolia Creek. Her latest book Heart of Lies is the second installment in the Irish Angel Series, which also includes Heart of Stone. With her toes in the sand and head in the clouds, Jill now lives in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Visit Jill Marie at http://www.jillmarielandis.com/.
Jill Marie Landis is the bestselling author of over twenty novels. She has won numerous awards for her sweeping emotional romances, such as Summer Moon and Magnolia Creek. Her latest book Heart of Lies is the second installment in the Irish Angel Series, which also includes Heart of Stone. With her toes in the sand and head in the clouds, Jill now lives in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Visit Jill Marie at http://www.jillmarielandis.com/.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers through their Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this is 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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