Into the Fire

There are innumerable authors who are able to write a series of books where each one carries its own mystique yet seamlessly connects to the next and to the next for however long the series takes to close. To me the marks of a successful series of novels are a sense of both completeness and anticipation when the first one comes to an end, the ability to sustain the level of involvement and appreciation in each of the following books, and an ending which causes both immense satisfaction and a succinct sense of loss. I have read some recent series where the first novel is a mere setup for the next with the main hook to continue coming at or near the end, and I resent that method of constructing a series. What should have been one book becomes two or more, and it feels like a ploy to extract my money. I stopped reading a series awhile back for that reason.

Author Kristen Heitzmann has given us a series of three novels which are each compelling stories in their own right. Secrets, Unforgotten, and Echoes display unforgettable major and minor characters. You might recall I mentioned how Tim Downs had created one of the most interesting characters in all of literature in the “Bug Man”. Kristen Heitzmann writes a cast of characters who are touching, valiant, endearing, bizarre, troubled, faithful, and unique. Her minor female character “Star” is a quirky yet sympathetic equal to any I’ve ever envisioned in fiction. The male and female protagonists throughout the series compel you to root for them, to stand with them in all their challenges, and to rejoice with them when all is said and done. The ribbon which ties these abundant individuals together within each story speaks of a genuine connection with supernatural dimensions.

You know there’s something special about a book when it ministers to you as a reader. I cannot tell you how much these three novels touched me. The undaunted passion of Lance Michelli, the main character, and his response to the things of God, whether understood or misguided in his attempts, betrayed my own heart. It was like reading about a male version of myself, his failures my failures. His reality lived inside my skin. I loved him for his passion, for his devotion to the Lord, for his romantic nature.

As a writer who includes significant romance in my novels, no one I’ve read captures romance more like me than Kristen. It pops and sizzles, and it screams—or whispers—of authenticity. I love the way she confronts the sensuality of a man and a woman from both points of view. And she, too, lets you see it from both sides of the spiritual fence. It’s just so good.

And as far as the spiritual and supernatural go, she writes with authority and ease, making them occur as naturally or unnaturally as they so often do in the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. There’s a genuine depth, reality, and knowledge of the spiritual realm.

Sometimes the superfluous praise for novels sours in the delivery. For me these novels deserve this praise and admiration. They’re full of good, but they show despair, gain and loss, sin and redemption, fear and faith, bitterness and forgiveness. It’s all there comprised in fascinating characters with hearts intermittently absorbing devastation but giving way to determination. It’s just real life.

These three aren’t Kristen’s only novels. Earlier novels A Rush of Wings followed by the sequel The Still of Night are two excellent reads. I’ve read her other contemporary stand alones, but these five are my favorites.

I will so miss Lance, Rese, and the others . . . but she ended it well. Satisfying but experiencing the loss of meaningful characters and their wonderful, heart-rending stories.

Father, you’ve given Kristen such an ability to communicate spiritual things in everyday ways in characters who seem real in all their flaws and oddities as well as their pain and kindnesses. Truly gifted. I pray you would continue to inspire her work with your anointing and wisdom. Bless her efforts done for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please continue to pray for Kristy Dykes.*