As Chris struggles to come to grips with another tragedy in her life, it brings back the horror of childhood abuse and the trauma of the war in Iraq. When she has no where else to turn, Chris turns to her friend Erin, who is determined to lead her to the Lord. I just couldn't put the book down as I had to know what decisions Chris would make.
Christina McIntyre and Erin Grayson were soldiers during Desert Storm. Part of a medical unit, they saw little action during the short war. Move forward five years. Each woman has her own life. Erin is married to a doctor. Erin and her husband are part of a Christian ministry outreach in Oregon. Some of the others involved are people from Erin's military days. Chris lives in a secluded cabin in the snowy mountains of Colorado, part of the San Juan District Three Search and Rescue. When she is attacked by an escaped convict, Chris finally manages to kill him, but not before the convict murders the coworker come to rescue her. The man she thought she could love. When Eric hears of Chris' experience she decides to go to her. They did not part five years ago on the best of terms but she knows Chris needs her. Fleisher continues the story of Chris and Erin, a troubled reunion. Interspersed with the current story are flashbacks to their Desert Storm experiences. Chris has had a troubled past and Erin knows only the Lord can deliver her from her inner pain.
I was a bit disappointed in this novel. I was expecting more military experience, as the cover indicated. I also got tired of Chris blowing up and Erin soothing her. Erin's concern with Chris, these five years later, borders on obsession. Even Erin' husband does not understand the relationship and is sorely tested. The love/hate relationship between Erin and Chris is by far the main theme of the novel. The pain Chris experiences did not come from her military duty but from childhood. The war experience seemed to have little to do with the novel other than to provide a scene for the two women to meet. To me, that is a poor excuse for a novel this is supposed to honor military heroes. Fleisher lacks writing creativity. When I read that someone's “heart slammed to a stop,” for the third time, I lost appreciation for Fleisher's writing style. (Pages 166, 253, and 287. Erin's heart supposedly stopped twice while Chris' once. Fleisher used this phrase for emphasis only – no 911 calls to rescue the woman with the supposed stopped heart!) While I wasn't all that impressed with this novel, the gospel is very clearly presented. There is no reading group guide nor questions for discussion included in the book.
A veteran of Desert Storm Chris McIntyre faces self-destruction due to past problems and a tragedy she suffered in the war Erin Grayson, a former Operation Desert Storm friend, rushes to her side to help and share her faith in hopes of saving Chris's life. This is a great novel of love and mercy shown by Erin and Jesus Christ to someone who is deeply wounded.
Donna's first novel is an exceptional blend of action and suspense, palpable emotions, devoted friendship and the faithfulness of God.Christina McIntyre is a wounded soul, both from childhood secrets and her life as a soldier in Iraq. A fledgling friendship with fellow soldier, Erin Grayson, develops but is soon tested by tragedy in combat and Chris disappears to the mountains of Colorado, seeking the anonymity she prefers. Erin knows God has placed a burden for Chris on her heart and her faithfulness to that call puts her at odds with her protective husband, Scott. When Chris' life is shattered by another tragic loss, Erin brings a broken Chris into her home and and shows her what true compassion is.Donna Fleisher's sensitive characterization draws you into the lives of Chris, Erin and the eclectic group of people in the Kimberley Street Community Centre where Erin works and lives. The relationships are genuine and full of the realities of what life is really about. A fantastic start to a compelling series.
The cover enticed me. What man can resist a picture of a beautiful woman and a war-time helicopter? But the story...wow! Sometimes we forget how wounded people are in the world around us. Donna Fleisher takes us into that world, masterfully revealing glimpses into what caused the pain. Then she leads us all through it to the other side. VERY well done.
Wow! Donna Felisher takes you right to the soul of Chris McIntyre, an emotionally wounded veteran of Desert Storm. Chris battles her feelings of self-worth and past pain. Her best friend, Erin, stays by her, through Chris's drinking and violence, always loving, always showing God's love. This book is a must read.
Donna Fleisher has written a powerful story of two friends and the love that changes both their lives. Chris has a painful secret and a need for healing. Erin has a stong love and determination to see her friend's life and spirit restored. The memories of Operation Desert Shield and Storm are the background for Erin and Chris's friendship and add a unique dimension to this moving story.