Heart of a Stranger (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798860283527)

WINNER OF THE 2025 CHRISTLIT BOOK AWARD!!

Back Cover Teaser:
Under the pale glow of the moon, in a secluded fishing village, a tiny baby is abandoned on the steps of the firehouse. The infant's piercing wail shatters the night as a young woman hastily flees. The next morning, the life of a lonely firefighter will be forever altered.

Fifty years later, Ginny Mersea, a renowned biographer with an uncanny ability to uncover long-forgotten secrets, is taking a sabbatical to plan her upcoming wedding. Her expertise as both a storyteller and a mystery solver are highly sought after, and not everyone can wait until her office reopens. After receiving a puzzling package at her favorite coffee shop, Ginny is thrust into a new mystery brimming with lies, betrayal, and heartbreak. Soon, she's compelled to abandon her own plans and beliefs or risk losing the answers to the one case she could never crack-the disappearance of her sister.

How does the story of a firehouse foundling intertwine with her own? Does everyone leave a trace? And can a stranger's heart reveal the love of God to someone lost in the shadows of her past? Discover the heartwarming and suspenseful tale in Heart of a Stranger.

"What blew me away about Heart of a Stranger by Leah van de Berkt is the author's remarkable
talent. Her ability to create exquisite prose that immerses readers in an intricately constructed
narrative is simply incredible.

The prologue effectively sets the stage for the unfolding story, piquing curiosity and establishing
an atmosphere that persists throughout the entirety of the book. Van de Berkt's skill for crafting
intimate moments between characters is particularly noteworthy; these instances of normalcy
allow readers to connect deeply with their personalities, making their journeys feel authentic and
relatable.

I genuinely enjoyed the way the novel is sprinkled with a delightful dose of humor, which serves
as a refreshing counterbalance to the weighty themes explored throughout. As the lives of the
characters intertwine, readers are taken on a journey through various landscapes and time
periods, each setting meticulously depicted to instill a sense of reality that amplifies the
storytelling. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, van de Berkt delivers an ending
that is both surprising and satisfying, wrapping up a magnificent mystery in an exceptional way.

Overall, the entire book is a captivating escape, effortlessly sweeping you away into its world.
Upon immersing yourself in this literary journey, you will discover it is almost unfeasible to set
aside, thanks to the ongoing anticipation and wonder. I enthusiastically endorse it, and this
author is certainly one of my new favorites!"

- Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Awards

Author: Leah Van De Berkt
ISBN-13: 9798860283527
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 09/02/2025
Pages: 458
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.99lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.93d