SSR Book Review - Halos

Halos, artfully crafted by Kristen Heitzmann, follows the story of a young woman’s firm grasp on hope and ultimate good in the world as a series of unexpected twists create an unpredictable plot that always leaves me feeling just a little bit warmer than before. All Alessi Moore, the key character, ever wanted was a place to belong, but when sudden tragedy thrusted her into the home of her extremely affluent Aunt and Uncle in a world where self-starvation is another fashion trend and shallow social comradery is the norm, she yearns for nothing more than somewhere she is wanted and loved. The day of her eighteenth birthday her Aunt and Uncle gave her a brand new, cherry mustang and invited her to hit the road. Since then she’d been traveling in search of “the place”, somewhere for her to stay for good. As she pulled into the small, quaint town known as Charity, she was captivated by the picturesque winter wonderland before her. In a moment blinded by bliss and wonder, everything she held dear was taken, leaving her stranded in an unfamiliar town and dependent on unfamiliar people. Alessi never suspected that in a town where nothing could go wrong and faith and love even ring true in it’s name, a secret even darker than her loss was seeking to destroy her. As internal battles of will, courage, and acceptance raged within her, the last thing on her mind was the possibility of Steve, a solitary rugged maze of prejudice and judgment. As tension and danger grow, a mystery unfolds from the root of the small town that makes Steve question the people he had known all his life while his scarred heart causes him to strike out towards Alessi in bitterness and disbelief with both fangs barred. Yet no one can know the plans of God, and the hopeful, bright spirited Floridian that blew in on a winter breeze proved to be the key he needed to unlock his long-frozen heart.
As lives become intertwined and past hurts and grudges flood the gates of Charity, a message of hope and faith in all situations sings out. After my first read through this enchanting story of learning how to love again, my outlook on situations has altered and whenever I feel like it’s me against the world, I cozy up to read Halos and find my own courage and perseverance once again.