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Afloat
Dark waters are rising. Who will stay afloat?
Architect Vance Nolan has crafted a marvel—shining apartments floating in the peaceful cove of a winding river. The project is partially occupied and about to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way.
Torrential rains quickly flood the cove, leaving a handful of builders, investors, and residents cut off from the rest of the world.
The motley group is bitterly divided over how to survive.
Vance insists they wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single-mom Danielle Clement, obligated to each man and desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, isn’t sure which one is wiser.
Power failure, an unnatural daytime darkness, explosions, and a murder expose hidden intentions and dark histories. Then Simeon spots something strange underwater—beautiful, shifting lights in the dark depths.
In this watery world, everyone’s secrets will eventually come to light. And deliverance may mean more than just getting out alive.
Another stunning exploration of the human spirit and supernatural possibilities from best-selling author Erin Healy.
“Heart-pounding suspense and unrelenting hope that will steal your breath.” —Ted Dekker, New York Times best-selling author (for Never Let You Go)
“[Afloat] is full of danger, intrigue, and compelling characters. Readers will enjoy the way she intersperses supernatural elements into this action-packed novel.” —CBA Retailers and Resources
“[Afloat] is original and engrossing, with a unique plot and relatable characters.” —Romantic Times
Architect Vance Nolan has crafted a marvel—shining apartments floating in the peaceful cove of a winding river. The project is partially occupied and about to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way.
Torrential rains quickly flood the cove, leaving a handful of builders, investors, and residents cut off from the rest of the world.
The motley group is bitterly divided over how to survive.
Vance insists they wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single-mom Danielle Clement, obligated to each man and desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, isn’t sure which one is wiser.
Power failure, an unnatural daytime darkness, explosions, and a murder expose hidden intentions and dark histories. Then Simeon spots something strange underwater—beautiful, shifting lights in the dark depths.
In this watery world, everyone’s secrets will eventually come to light. And deliverance may mean more than just getting out alive.
Another stunning exploration of the human spirit and supernatural possibilities from best-selling author Erin Healy.
“Heart-pounding suspense and unrelenting hope that will steal your breath.” —Ted Dekker, New York Times best-selling author (for Never Let You Go)
“[Afloat] is full of danger, intrigue, and compelling characters. Readers will enjoy the way she intersperses supernatural elements into this action-packed novel.” —CBA Retailers and Resources
“[Afloat] is original and engrossing, with a unique plot and relatable characters.” —Romantic Times
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First published March 1, 2013
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About the author
Erin Healy
15 books332 followersErin Healy is a supernatural-suspense novelist and an award-winning fiction editor. She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding stories before their collaboration on KISS, the first novel to seat her on "the other side of the desk."
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
August 11, 2013
An intriguing premise goes absolutely nowhere.
Vance is the lead architect of a housing complex built over a cove. His goal is to use this high-end complex to show that you can make affordable housing for the poor over water. Unfortunately things start to go wrong, and the residents of the complex get trapped in an increasingly destroyed building. The only chance seems to be for people to stay with Vance, and there are these odd lights in the water...
Unfortunately the book doesn't live up to the idea. The premise is a little far-fetched. Why not just build houseboats for the poor? The idea of building fixed dwellings for people over deep water doesn't make any sense to anyone who lives by the ocean because hurricanes and storms can really wreck fixed houses even on the coast. This is forgivable, as the book starts out with the intriguing idea that there are things holding up the building under the water...
...but ignores that idea in favor of a really bland thriller. Again, it wouldn't have been bad if it went that route either. The idea of being trapped on a perilous house in the middle of a raging sea would be excellent drama. It just fizzles out though. If you're going to keep people in a confined space for much of the book, you really need to make them vivid characters with a lot of back-and-forth. They never really get beyond single note characters; Vance is the hero, Zeke the prophet, Dani the wife object, and a few others.
The spiritual aspect is a bit confused. I'm not sure why it was so important to stay, especially when I don't mind that God would tell people to stay close to someone to to show His power, but I'm not convinced why not just go on a raft considering how dangerous conditions were there. There's also issues with Zeke, considering that as well as It's perplexing.
I can't recommend the book based on this. None of the ways it could be interesting work, and it feels like a short story stretched out to novel length.
Vance is the lead architect of a housing complex built over a cove. His goal is to use this high-end complex to show that you can make affordable housing for the poor over water. Unfortunately things start to go wrong, and the residents of the complex get trapped in an increasingly destroyed building. The only chance seems to be for people to stay with Vance, and there are these odd lights in the water...
Unfortunately the book doesn't live up to the idea. The premise is a little far-fetched. Why not just build houseboats for the poor? The idea of building fixed dwellings for people over deep water doesn't make any sense to anyone who lives by the ocean because hurricanes and storms can really wreck fixed houses even on the coast. This is forgivable, as the book starts out with the intriguing idea that there are things holding up the building under the water...
...but ignores that idea in favor of a really bland thriller. Again, it wouldn't have been bad if it went that route either. The idea of being trapped on a perilous house in the middle of a raging sea would be excellent drama. It just fizzles out though. If you're going to keep people in a confined space for much of the book, you really need to make them vivid characters with a lot of back-and-forth. They never really get beyond single note characters; Vance is the hero, Zeke the prophet, Dani the wife object, and a few others.
The spiritual aspect is a bit confused. I'm not sure why it was so important to stay, especially when I don't mind that God would tell people to stay close to someone to to show His power, but I'm not convinced why not just go on a raft considering how dangerous conditions were there. There's also issues with Zeke, considering that as well as It's perplexing.
I can't recommend the book based on this. None of the ways it could be interesting work, and it feels like a short story stretched out to novel length.
July 15, 2025
Danielle was a horrible mother. First, she talks about wanting to get her 5 year old son to stop with his “imaginary stories” and then just an hour or so later proceeds to engage her son in a pretend game of the floor is lava. Besides for the mixed messages this shows, I also believe that we should allow kids to be kids for as long as possible. I mean, he's only 5. What is so wrong with the kid talking about seeing something that she believes couldn’t have been real? Second, a flood is threatening their home. When a worker advises her to leave the house with her kid for their safety she decides not to go. Why? Because her jerk boyfriend says that the house is protected and safe. She has a kid. Better safe than sorry. Third, she leaves her kid with a friend, who she has mentioned previously that she doesn’t fully trust with the well-being of her child, to run to a locker to grab life vests and tells Vance that when her child ended up back outside, in the pouring rain, with the river over flowing and almost drowns again, was not her fault.
Not only is Danielle a horrible mother, but she is also stupid when it comes to the men in her life. After talking to one of her friends at the beginning of this book, she gets this idea in her head that she shouldn’t need a man in her life and that needing someone makes her appear weak. She clearly doesn’t love Tony, and when she starts to realize that she may have feelings for Vance she says that she needs to “analyze that desire for what it was (self-doubt, weakness) and put it in its place”. She then goes on to explain that all her needs can be earned herself and Tony will provide as compensation. That is not what she should be concerned about when thinking about a relationship. If she feels safe and secure with Vance, that does not make her weak.
With the writing style, it was hard to remember that the character, Zeke, was blind. Using words to describe things with the other senses would have helped pull the character trait forward. Other than that, Zeke was one of the few characters in this book that didn’t continually get on my nervous.
Tony is a jerk. The way he talks to Danielle and then turns around and says something different about her to someone else was disgusting. Not just Danielle either. Tony is a jerk to the people working under him as well.
Pete’s childish refusal to make up with his brother, Vance, over their father freezing to death and him loosing his foot to frost bite is stupid. First, their father died before Pete ventured out in search of him. Second, Pete wouldn’t have lost his foot if he had stayed inside the car like Vance wanted him to. So . . . Pete blames Vance for the fact that he lost his foot by going outside when Vance didn’t want him to go outside in the first place??? Pete’s argument makes no sense whatsoever, and the fact that his disagreement between them lasted 15 years . . . This is such a stupid, childish argument.
I hated most of these characters and there was too much religion talk in it for me, but the plot was good. That was the only thing keeping me invested in this book.
The ending was beautifully done. I loved what the author did to wrap up this book and how she explained the lights that the characters had been seeing in the water throughout the whole plot.
Not only is Danielle a horrible mother, but she is also stupid when it comes to the men in her life. After talking to one of her friends at the beginning of this book, she gets this idea in her head that she shouldn’t need a man in her life and that needing someone makes her appear weak. She clearly doesn’t love Tony, and when she starts to realize that she may have feelings for Vance she says that she needs to “analyze that desire for what it was (self-doubt, weakness) and put it in its place”. She then goes on to explain that all her needs can be earned herself and Tony will provide as compensation. That is not what she should be concerned about when thinking about a relationship. If she feels safe and secure with Vance, that does not make her weak.
With the writing style, it was hard to remember that the character, Zeke, was blind. Using words to describe things with the other senses would have helped pull the character trait forward. Other than that, Zeke was one of the few characters in this book that didn’t continually get on my nervous.
Tony is a jerk. The way he talks to Danielle and then turns around and says something different about her to someone else was disgusting. Not just Danielle either. Tony is a jerk to the people working under him as well.
Pete’s childish refusal to make up with his brother, Vance, over their father freezing to death and him loosing his foot to frost bite is stupid. First, their father died before Pete ventured out in search of him. Second, Pete wouldn’t have lost his foot if he had stayed inside the car like Vance wanted him to. So . . . Pete blames Vance for the fact that he lost his foot by going outside when Vance didn’t want him to go outside in the first place??? Pete’s argument makes no sense whatsoever, and the fact that his disagreement between them lasted 15 years . . . This is such a stupid, childish argument.
I hated most of these characters and there was too much religion talk in it for me, but the plot was good. That was the only thing keeping me invested in this book.
The ending was beautifully done. I loved what the author did to wrap up this book and how she explained the lights that the characters had been seeing in the water throughout the whole plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2013
1.5 stars
I was excited to get Afloat, the concept sounded so neat, but once I finished it I was really disappointed. The story starts out slow, it takes half the book to get through one day, and with the characters not being that interesting this made it kind of boring to read. Plus, the story just made no sense whatsoever! Things happened, strange things, but were never explained. What were the lights in the water? I had my thoughts from the beginning, but they were never confirmed or denied - which was very annoying to say the least.
The only parts I liked were the scenes from Vance's past, the banter between Ferti & Carver, and the idea of a floating condominium was really cool. That's it. This is the reason why I'm giving it a half star.
Also, I was surprised that the salvation message was eliminated as this is a Christian novel. People only went to Heaven or were saved if they had "love" for each other - not because they accepted Jesus as their Savior. I didn't expect a sermon in the story, but this to me was unacceptable. It makes me wary of reading any other books by this author.
I don't recommend this one.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
I was excited to get Afloat, the concept sounded so neat, but once I finished it I was really disappointed. The story starts out slow, it takes half the book to get through one day, and with the characters not being that interesting this made it kind of boring to read. Plus, the story just made no sense whatsoever! Things happened, strange things, but were never explained. What were the lights in the water? I had my thoughts from the beginning, but they were never confirmed or denied - which was very annoying to say the least.
The only parts I liked were the scenes from Vance's past, the banter between Ferti & Carver, and the idea of a floating condominium was really cool. That's it. This is the reason why I'm giving it a half star.
Also, I was surprised that the salvation message was eliminated as this is a Christian novel. People only went to Heaven or were saved if they had "love" for each other - not because they accepted Jesus as their Savior. I didn't expect a sermon in the story, but this to me was unacceptable. It makes me wary of reading any other books by this author.
I don't recommend this one.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
March 30, 2019
3.5 stars.
The core of Healy's story is original and engrossing, with a unique plot and relatable characters. However, the setting is a major part of the tale, and it is incredibly difficult to visualize the action without a diagram or some idea of what the floating buildings and surrounding landscape is supposed to look like. This detracts from the otherwise engaging story.
SUMMARY: Vance Nolan's Eagle's Talon is an architectural marvel--floating condo units on a crescent-shaped part of the river. As the crew works to finish the project, people begin to move in, including Danielle and her young son, who are helping Tony Dean sell the units. When a freak storm closes the area off to the outside world, those stuck behind must learn to trust in something beyond themselves if they want to survive the living nightmare.
The core of Healy's story is original and engrossing, with a unique plot and relatable characters. However, the setting is a major part of the tale, and it is incredibly difficult to visualize the action without a diagram or some idea of what the floating buildings and surrounding landscape is supposed to look like. This detracts from the otherwise engaging story.
SUMMARY: Vance Nolan's Eagle's Talon is an architectural marvel--floating condo units on a crescent-shaped part of the river. As the crew works to finish the project, people begin to move in, including Danielle and her young son, who are helping Tony Dean sell the units. When a freak storm closes the area off to the outside world, those stuck behind must learn to trust in something beyond themselves if they want to survive the living nightmare.
December 18, 2014
I didn't realize until I got into this novel that it was directed toward the Christian market, which definitely leaves me out. I slogged through it, however, and was grateful that the Biblical passages and Jesus stuff were far less intrusive than I was expecting. That said, this still wasn't all that great. I was never sure what was really going on. Healy isn't a bad writer, necessarily, although there's a lot of action here that is very poorly rendered (the plot seems to concern some sort apocalyptic environmental disaster that unleashes havoc on a riverside condo development). Much of it is hard to visualize or follow, and the characters are mostly one-dimensional. There are some Biblical morals about forgiveness and redemption, but none of this really made any impact on me, not even on an entertainment level.
April 26, 2013
Nestled in a sheltered cove lies a complex of unique floating apartments, providing housing for a group of eclectic residents that include single mom Danielle Clement and her son Simeon. The partially completed project is the brainchild of architect Vance Nolan, a man seeking to move beyond the tragedies of his past by bringing to life a vision of people living on the water. All is going according to plan until a sinkhole gives way. Death and destruction follow in increasing measure as torrential rains flood the cove, an unnatural darkness descends, and a man is murdered. No one knows what is real and who can be trusted.
Erin Healy has again crafted a masterpiece, a novel of suspense and supernatural wonder, where nothing is as it seems. "Afloat" reminds me a bit of "Lord of the Flies", where a people become stranded together and in that crisis moment, their true colours emerge. Like all great stories, Erin Healy's book has the hero and the villains, and yet she manages to create each character with such depth that you cannot help but feel empathy for them all in their state of lostness. I admire Vance as a person of light, a man seeking to overcome his past and faithfully follow God. But probably my favourite character is the blind-man, Zeke, a man who clearly hears from God through visions he is given and through God's voice impressed upon his heart. As such he is utterly fascinating, a character I wish I could meet in real life. Afloat can be read on many different levels, perhaps first of all as a novel that will simply entertain with its intriguing plot, scenes of suspense, and its spiritual flavour. And yet as my mind mulls over its message, I find that it is really written with depth, a reminder to us all that each of us is afloat, utterly lost, except where God intervenes and reaches out his hand and offers salvation through nail-scarred hands.
I walk away from this book with a deep appreciation for Erin Healy's skill in creating such a compelling read. 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Erin Healy has again crafted a masterpiece, a novel of suspense and supernatural wonder, where nothing is as it seems. "Afloat" reminds me a bit of "Lord of the Flies", where a people become stranded together and in that crisis moment, their true colours emerge. Like all great stories, Erin Healy's book has the hero and the villains, and yet she manages to create each character with such depth that you cannot help but feel empathy for them all in their state of lostness. I admire Vance as a person of light, a man seeking to overcome his past and faithfully follow God. But probably my favourite character is the blind-man, Zeke, a man who clearly hears from God through visions he is given and through God's voice impressed upon his heart. As such he is utterly fascinating, a character I wish I could meet in real life. Afloat can be read on many different levels, perhaps first of all as a novel that will simply entertain with its intriguing plot, scenes of suspense, and its spiritual flavour. And yet as my mind mulls over its message, I find that it is really written with depth, a reminder to us all that each of us is afloat, utterly lost, except where God intervenes and reaches out his hand and offers salvation through nail-scarred hands.
I walk away from this book with a deep appreciation for Erin Healy's skill in creating such a compelling read. 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
April 27, 2013
Erin Healey is an award-winning author. Co-writing with Frank Peretti, she’s achieved high accolades for her work. After reading ‘Afloat’, it’s obvious why!
Vance had a dream. Building elegant housing for the less fortunate was his objective. Safely fashioned, the buildings would sit atop of a river. Funding was an issue.
Tony had the money to lend but different aspirations. Reluctantly, they’d become partners. Danielle is a recently widowed, single mom. Having accepted Tony’s advances in order to secure a bright albeit loveless future, she is also caught up in the building of the Eagle’s Talon community. Add to the mix a blind man & his dog, a stay at home mom, multiple children, & an assistant with an obsession about the end of the world.
Disaster strikes. No one is getting in or out of Eagle’s Talon. All 3 plus a band of select others are stuck together indefinitely. Christians, atheists, children, murderers, scorned employees- all trying to survive. Electricity & water are non-existent plus the food supply is dwindling.
Community secrets & confessions begin to spill. Grudges are made. Vance soon realizes that the only one he can trust is God. Now he needs to convince the others of the same. When the dust all settles, will anyone survive?
Twists, decisions, and angels- this novel has it all! Completely entertaining, it’s Christ-centered, but never preachy. Each character is essential to the others & to the plot. Readers will find a piece of themselves in each individual. It is absolutely clean with no coarse language or risky scenes.
I’d love to see a sequel-soon. Fans of any genre will enjoy it. Ms. Healy has made a fan out of me. ‘Afloat’ is every bit a 5 star novel.
I received an eBook copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
October 30, 2022
Afloat is a book that I did not like. There were too many theological issues I had with the story and also I just found it boring to read.
I was confused while reading and had a difficult time following what was going on. The storyline just didn't connect with me. I liked the characters enough, but never got invested in their stories.
All in all, Afloat was not a book for me. :(
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I was confused while reading and had a difficult time following what was going on. The storyline just didn't connect with me. I liked the characters enough, but never got invested in their stories.
All in all, Afloat was not a book for me. :(
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
May 27, 2013
About the Book:
Dark waters are rising.
There’s sabotage lurking in the waters of Eagle’s Talon, an elite floating community designed by gifted architect Vance Nolan. There’s also something else in the water—a mysterious presence friendly to some and hostile to others. And when disaster strikes, not even the saboteur expects it to be the first in a series of crushing blows.
Stranded by a flood and surrounded by unnatural darkness, a limping band of residents, builders, and investors set their sights on escape. Single mom Danielle Clement will do whatever it takes to save her young son Simeon, but she doesn’t know who to follow: her charismatic lover and aspiring politician Tony Dean, who dotes on her and her boy, or the selfless Vance, who promises protection for everyone who stays with him—based on a vision and a faith she doesn’t share.
In this watery world where everyone’s secrets will eventually come to light, survival might have more to do with uncovering the truth than with getting out alive.
About the Author:
Erin Healy is the best-selling co-author of Burn and Kiss (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her novels Never Let You Go, The Baker's Wife, House of Mercy, and Afloat. She and her family live in Colorado. If you are interested in purchasing Afloat you can at this link.
My Review:
This was a unique book to read. It has very interesting plot. A subdivision of sorts built on the water, sounds fun enough, but is it? All is great until, a sinkhole threatens the virtual existence of this very unusual neighborhood.
Architect Vance Nolan builds condominiums on water. And they are not little shoddy beach either. They are what he calls "elite living spaces" for wealthy owners. Vance starts to notice that the sounds of the construction crew take over for the natural sounds that you would normally hear around a body of water. Before long it is soon realized that there is a mysterious presence found there that noone had anticipated nor can anyone explain.
Erin Healy is no stranger to this type of writing. She has well rounded characters and a plot that seems to take on a life of its own very quickly. Before long you are entrapped in the suspense and mystery of the cove and the supernatural happenings that have taken everyone by surprise. This book blends supernatural and spiritual to provide entertainment that is thought provoking to say the least.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for my honest review by Litfuse.
Dark waters are rising.
There’s sabotage lurking in the waters of Eagle’s Talon, an elite floating community designed by gifted architect Vance Nolan. There’s also something else in the water—a mysterious presence friendly to some and hostile to others. And when disaster strikes, not even the saboteur expects it to be the first in a series of crushing blows.
Stranded by a flood and surrounded by unnatural darkness, a limping band of residents, builders, and investors set their sights on escape. Single mom Danielle Clement will do whatever it takes to save her young son Simeon, but she doesn’t know who to follow: her charismatic lover and aspiring politician Tony Dean, who dotes on her and her boy, or the selfless Vance, who promises protection for everyone who stays with him—based on a vision and a faith she doesn’t share.
In this watery world where everyone’s secrets will eventually come to light, survival might have more to do with uncovering the truth than with getting out alive.
About the Author:
Erin Healy is the best-selling co-author of Burn and Kiss (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her novels Never Let You Go, The Baker's Wife, House of Mercy, and Afloat. She and her family live in Colorado. If you are interested in purchasing Afloat you can at this link.
My Review:
This was a unique book to read. It has very interesting plot. A subdivision of sorts built on the water, sounds fun enough, but is it? All is great until, a sinkhole threatens the virtual existence of this very unusual neighborhood.
Architect Vance Nolan builds condominiums on water. And they are not little shoddy beach either. They are what he calls "elite living spaces" for wealthy owners. Vance starts to notice that the sounds of the construction crew take over for the natural sounds that you would normally hear around a body of water. Before long it is soon realized that there is a mysterious presence found there that noone had anticipated nor can anyone explain.
Erin Healy is no stranger to this type of writing. She has well rounded characters and a plot that seems to take on a life of its own very quickly. Before long you are entrapped in the suspense and mystery of the cove and the supernatural happenings that have taken everyone by surprise. This book blends supernatural and spiritual to provide entertainment that is thought provoking to say the least.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for my honest review by Litfuse.
May 7, 2013
I grew up on the many books by Frank Peretti that dealt with the supernatural. I’ve always had an interest in stuff of that nature and so was hopeful that this would be another one to add to my supernatural favorites. But whereas Afloat by Erin Healy also dealt with the supernatural, this was no Peretti.
Summary of Story: in a freak accident, twelve people find themselves stranded inside of Building 12, one of the floating condo’s built by engineer Vance Nolan. As personalities collide in the wake of tragedy both natural and supernatural, along with a mystery and a murder, both Vance Nolan and single mother Danielle must come to grips with tragedies from their past as it spills out into their fight for survival.
Pro’s: The concept of the story was intriguing: people thrown together in a fight for survival inside a fully furnished three-story condo…that floats. Really? And seriously? The floating condominiums sounded amazing! Despite being an aquaphobe myself, even I think I’d have liked to live in one of those marvels of engineering.
Con’s: For me, the cons were easier to spot. One of them being that setting of the entire story was in such a complex area, the accidents themselves were so ginormous , the situations so huge – that I never felt I had a clear mental picture of what really happened. The small map at the front of the map was vastly important, but even with that aid, it was nearly impossible to really see the action, despite extensive (sometimes too extensive) descriptions.
It was hard to keep track of the who’s who and none of the characters felt fleshed out into reality. While reading, there were hints of each character having a larger story to tell, most of which went unexplained. The supernatural aspects of the story felt forced and under developed. I felt the initial “message from God” delivered to one of the main characters towards the beginning of the book felt harsh and very “un-God-like,” dealing with more condemnation and judgment, than loving guidance and kind chastisement.
Review Summary: While being a remarkable effort by the author, I felt the story was hard to understand, hard to feel a part of and larger than the imagination could adequately hold. Should I run out of room on my bookshelf in the future, this would be one of the first to go.
Complimentary copy provided by Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.
Summary of Story: in a freak accident, twelve people find themselves stranded inside of Building 12, one of the floating condo’s built by engineer Vance Nolan. As personalities collide in the wake of tragedy both natural and supernatural, along with a mystery and a murder, both Vance Nolan and single mother Danielle must come to grips with tragedies from their past as it spills out into their fight for survival.
Pro’s: The concept of the story was intriguing: people thrown together in a fight for survival inside a fully furnished three-story condo…that floats. Really? And seriously? The floating condominiums sounded amazing! Despite being an aquaphobe myself, even I think I’d have liked to live in one of those marvels of engineering.
Con’s: For me, the cons were easier to spot. One of them being that setting of the entire story was in such a complex area, the accidents themselves were so ginormous , the situations so huge – that I never felt I had a clear mental picture of what really happened. The small map at the front of the map was vastly important, but even with that aid, it was nearly impossible to really see the action, despite extensive (sometimes too extensive) descriptions.
It was hard to keep track of the who’s who and none of the characters felt fleshed out into reality. While reading, there were hints of each character having a larger story to tell, most of which went unexplained. The supernatural aspects of the story felt forced and under developed. I felt the initial “message from God” delivered to one of the main characters towards the beginning of the book felt harsh and very “un-God-like,” dealing with more condemnation and judgment, than loving guidance and kind chastisement.
Review Summary: While being a remarkable effort by the author, I felt the story was hard to understand, hard to feel a part of and larger than the imagination could adequately hold. Should I run out of room on my bookshelf in the future, this would be one of the first to go.
Complimentary copy provided by Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2013
The one thing I love most about reading books is their uncanny ability to transport us to a place we'd never imagined we would go or experience things we would never want to but still like to be an outsider looking in. Erin Healy is a master at both of these events. In her latest suspense novel, Afloat, we meet Vance Nolan who has developed a revolutionary idea of building homes that can float inside a sheltered cover, providing the experience of an water-view home in a vastly different perspective. Originally Vance created these modular, green-friendly homes to provide alternative housing for the homeless in the small town called Eagle's Talon, so defined from the unique riverfront shape of land that houses what will be 96 modular units, in 12 buoyant buildings.
The one thing lacking in all of this master build planning is the financial component and soon that appears to be solved with the backing of Tony Dean, a wealthy developer who sees these units as something larger than providing them for the homeless. He convinces Vance to build them with a higher end clientele in mind and spears heads the sales with the help of an attractive single mom, Danielle Clement and her son Simeon. Yet when a freak and unexpected storms rocks the small cove, along with a series of unexplained accidents, it seems that there is more going on that just what lies beneath the pristine waters. Darkness soon falls to those that find themselves trapped with no apparent way out.
I received Afloat by Erin Healy compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Book Tours for my honest review. I received no monetary compensations for a favorable review. This is now my third book from Erin and once again she manages to captivate me right from the beginning. I was turning pages and trying to follow along while making my own guesses on what exactly was going on. There is a supernatural twist to this one that really makes you wonder about the people who come into our lives in unexpected ways and the ending is one that has you completely on the edge of your seat. I'd rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and know that I will most certainly add Erin Healy to my Must Watch List.
The one thing lacking in all of this master build planning is the financial component and soon that appears to be solved with the backing of Tony Dean, a wealthy developer who sees these units as something larger than providing them for the homeless. He convinces Vance to build them with a higher end clientele in mind and spears heads the sales with the help of an attractive single mom, Danielle Clement and her son Simeon. Yet when a freak and unexpected storms rocks the small cove, along with a series of unexplained accidents, it seems that there is more going on that just what lies beneath the pristine waters. Darkness soon falls to those that find themselves trapped with no apparent way out.
I received Afloat by Erin Healy compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Book Tours for my honest review. I received no monetary compensations for a favorable review. This is now my third book from Erin and once again she manages to captivate me right from the beginning. I was turning pages and trying to follow along while making my own guesses on what exactly was going on. There is a supernatural twist to this one that really makes you wonder about the people who come into our lives in unexpected ways and the ending is one that has you completely on the edge of your seat. I'd rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and know that I will most certainly add Erin Healy to my Must Watch List.
June 6, 2013
Eagle’s Talon is the type of place that most people dream about living: an elite community of floating condominiums that rise forty feet above the waters of a secluded cove. Currently under construction, they are home to a few lucky residents – at least, the residents thought they were lucky until the day the waters rose.
On the day that disaster (or was that sabotage?) strikes, those trapped on the cove must band together and fight for their very survival. The problem is, everyone has competing interests and agendas all their own. Each must make choices that will impact the lives of those around them. Some will discover that past choices made by others have already profoundly altered their lives.
Who can they trust?
What should they believe?
Are there forces at work that defy human understanding?
Afloat by Erin Healy is an intriguing story about disaster and human nature. The book is full of twists and unusual turns. The story explores both the dark and redemptive sides of human nature.
Overall, the book was good. At times, however, I found myself getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of the disaster. I would not classify this as a light read.
Simultaneously, I found myself intrigued by the things that Danielle’s young son, Simeon, saw under the water and by Ziggy, Zeke’s pit bull service dog – the one with an overwhelming fear of the water.
If you like Christian suspense novels that merge the everyday with a touch of the supernatural – check out Afloat.
This review was originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
On the day that disaster (or was that sabotage?) strikes, those trapped on the cove must band together and fight for their very survival. The problem is, everyone has competing interests and agendas all their own. Each must make choices that will impact the lives of those around them. Some will discover that past choices made by others have already profoundly altered their lives.
Who can they trust?
What should they believe?
Are there forces at work that defy human understanding?
Afloat by Erin Healy is an intriguing story about disaster and human nature. The book is full of twists and unusual turns. The story explores both the dark and redemptive sides of human nature.
Overall, the book was good. At times, however, I found myself getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of the disaster. I would not classify this as a light read.
Simultaneously, I found myself intrigued by the things that Danielle’s young son, Simeon, saw under the water and by Ziggy, Zeke’s pit bull service dog – the one with an overwhelming fear of the water.
If you like Christian suspense novels that merge the everyday with a touch of the supernatural – check out Afloat.
This review was originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 11, 2013
Vance Nolan and Danielle Clement are both obligated to Tony Dean for different reasons with the same root: Tony's wealth. With Tony's investment, Vance has created an architectural wonder--floating apartments which line the cove of a peaceful river. But when the peace is shattered by a sudden disaster during construction, Vance, Danielle, and Tony, along with a handful of builders, investors, and residents, are forced together in a struggle to survive. As a single mother, Danielle's first priority is protecting her son, and she soon finds herself conflicted between the opposing plans of Tony and Vance. When Danielle's son Simeon sees glowing blue lights shimmering beneath the surface of the water, the lights become their one link to hope as a powerful storm rages, the world goes black, and a murder occurs in their midst.
Erin has once again crafted an intricate tale of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural that captured my attention from the very start and held it through many a late night when I simply couldn't put it down. She skillfully lays the foundation, giving you just enough to keep you wondering how it will all tie together. But it isn't until the last piece is in place that you realize just how beautiful and complex the completed puzzle is. And she's outdone herself creating a unique, spine-tingling environment worthy of the big screen. Her characters possess real-life flaws and struggles and will quickly capture your heart (which for me means alternating moments of smiles and tears). Ultimately, it's the hope and redemption which is at the core of each of Erin's novels that leads to a truly fulfilling conclusion. I highly recommend Afloat to anyone looking for their next great read. It is a stunning work of fiction that will hold you captivated until the very last page.
Erin has once again crafted an intricate tale of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural that captured my attention from the very start and held it through many a late night when I simply couldn't put it down. She skillfully lays the foundation, giving you just enough to keep you wondering how it will all tie together. But it isn't until the last piece is in place that you realize just how beautiful and complex the completed puzzle is. And she's outdone herself creating a unique, spine-tingling environment worthy of the big screen. Her characters possess real-life flaws and struggles and will quickly capture your heart (which for me means alternating moments of smiles and tears). Ultimately, it's the hope and redemption which is at the core of each of Erin's novels that leads to a truly fulfilling conclusion. I highly recommend Afloat to anyone looking for their next great read. It is a stunning work of fiction that will hold you captivated until the very last page.
June 11, 2013
I love a novel that stays in my mind long after finishing it. This is one of those novels.
Healy powerfully blends natural disaster, murder and the supernatural to compose a fascinating multi-layered story. Her mastery of the writing craft and ability to create intriguing multi-dimensional characters make Afloat a compelling read.
Even though the action commenced immediately, it took me a while to absorb the complexity surrounding the disaster and the introduction of many characters. I enjoyed this detail even though there were times when I found it challenging to visualize the full extent of the scene unfolding.
But once the survivors are thrown together the novel really takes off. Vance Nolan is a marvelous hero. He's flawed with a troubled past, but selflessly courageous. Zeke, the blind man of faith, and a father figure, has invested years of love and wisdom in Vance and their relationship is a beautiful illustration of the power of committed friendship.
Most of the characters are complex. We see their foibles, inhibitions, hopes and fears. Developer Tony Dean is an excellent antagonist. Greed, power, lust, we see it everyday, but perhaps not so well portrayed in a fictional character like Tony Dean.
The reason this novel still lingers in my mind and why it is so special is there is so much to take away from it. Every reader will be grabbed by something different to ponder. And that is its' magic. Whether it's redemption, bad things do happen to good people, or sometimes faith involves staying put and waiting it out, there is so much in this novel. And I haven't even mentioned the angelic intruders.
Highly recommended: 4.5 out of 5.
Healy powerfully blends natural disaster, murder and the supernatural to compose a fascinating multi-layered story. Her mastery of the writing craft and ability to create intriguing multi-dimensional characters make Afloat a compelling read.
Even though the action commenced immediately, it took me a while to absorb the complexity surrounding the disaster and the introduction of many characters. I enjoyed this detail even though there were times when I found it challenging to visualize the full extent of the scene unfolding.
But once the survivors are thrown together the novel really takes off. Vance Nolan is a marvelous hero. He's flawed with a troubled past, but selflessly courageous. Zeke, the blind man of faith, and a father figure, has invested years of love and wisdom in Vance and their relationship is a beautiful illustration of the power of committed friendship.
Most of the characters are complex. We see their foibles, inhibitions, hopes and fears. Developer Tony Dean is an excellent antagonist. Greed, power, lust, we see it everyday, but perhaps not so well portrayed in a fictional character like Tony Dean.
The reason this novel still lingers in my mind and why it is so special is there is so much to take away from it. Every reader will be grabbed by something different to ponder. And that is its' magic. Whether it's redemption, bad things do happen to good people, or sometimes faith involves staying put and waiting it out, there is so much in this novel. And I haven't even mentioned the angelic intruders.
Highly recommended: 4.5 out of 5.
April 28, 2013
This book was a little bit outside of my typical genre choice; there were floating silver lights, and unnatural floods and sun-darkening, and a man who appears and disappears at odd times. However, it was well-done, and I thought that the stories that were woven together about fear and faith and how our choices affect our lives and relationships were engaging and thought-provoking. Given the same situation, who would we trust? How could we make choices to protect ourselves and our children given such limited information? On the other hand, this sort of situation really revealed each person's inner character, and showed that you can hide your motives and true self for so long.
My favorite quote from the book was "It was a devastating kind of grace, but maybe all new beginnings were." I think that sums up the book's impact nicely - letting go of the past and reaching for a new future is never easy, but oftentimes the only thing to do.
I give this book 3 stars. Although the characters felt very true-to-life in that a lot of them weren't very likable, it made it hard to love the book. I could root for Danielle to make better choices from here out, but I couldn't applaud her choices to this point. One extra plus that the book had going for it, though, is that when I skimmed the Book Discussion questions at the end, I was impressed with their depth and the potential for meaningful conversation based upon them above and beyond the characters within the book.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson, in exchange for my honest review.
You can find my original review post here:
http://readingwithteddyg.blogspot.com...
My favorite quote from the book was "It was a devastating kind of grace, but maybe all new beginnings were." I think that sums up the book's impact nicely - letting go of the past and reaching for a new future is never easy, but oftentimes the only thing to do.
I give this book 3 stars. Although the characters felt very true-to-life in that a lot of them weren't very likable, it made it hard to love the book. I could root for Danielle to make better choices from here out, but I couldn't applaud her choices to this point. One extra plus that the book had going for it, though, is that when I skimmed the Book Discussion questions at the end, I was impressed with their depth and the potential for meaningful conversation based upon them above and beyond the characters within the book.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson, in exchange for my honest review.
You can find my original review post here:
http://readingwithteddyg.blogspot.com...
May 7, 2013
Eagle's Talon is a peninsula where there are floating apartments on the water, called Building 12, which is the pride and joy of architect, Vance Nolan and investor, Tony Dean. One day tragedy strikes, and a sinkhole gives way trapping workers and residents from the world. A series of events follow and beliefs and friendships are tested. Nothing and no one is to be trusted.
While I enjoyed Afloat, they were some issues that couldn't be overlooked. First, the story is told from multiple characters' point-of-views, which made it difficult to understand what was happening at times. The transitions from points-of-views were abrupt as well, which was extremely confusing to say the least. Another issue was that the beginning was rather slow paced, and I think this was because of the point-of-views and the confusion it created.
Some of my other major issues had to do with characters, mostly with Danielle Clement and Tony Dean. Tony was a selfish businessman who had no morals at all. He looked out only for his interests’ and committed some unforgivable crimes. Danielle was selfish as well. She was a gold-digger and her actions and choices infuriated me.
My last issue was more of a personal issue. There was a dog involved and I hate when stories, especially stories of survival, include animals. Most of the book I was worried about the dog, Ziggy, and wondering if he would make it out alive.
With all that being said, I did enjoy Afloat. It was suspenseful and yet thought provoking. It is spiritually focused so if you don’t like that, be warned. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a survival story.
While I enjoyed Afloat, they were some issues that couldn't be overlooked. First, the story is told from multiple characters' point-of-views, which made it difficult to understand what was happening at times. The transitions from points-of-views were abrupt as well, which was extremely confusing to say the least. Another issue was that the beginning was rather slow paced, and I think this was because of the point-of-views and the confusion it created.
Some of my other major issues had to do with characters, mostly with Danielle Clement and Tony Dean. Tony was a selfish businessman who had no morals at all. He looked out only for his interests’ and committed some unforgivable crimes. Danielle was selfish as well. She was a gold-digger and her actions and choices infuriated me.
My last issue was more of a personal issue. There was a dog involved and I hate when stories, especially stories of survival, include animals. Most of the book I was worried about the dog, Ziggy, and wondering if he would make it out alive.
With all that being said, I did enjoy Afloat. It was suspenseful and yet thought provoking. It is spiritually focused so if you don’t like that, be warned. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a survival story.
June 15, 2013
TITLE: AFLOAT
AUTHOR: ERIN HEALY
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7 2013
AUDIENCE: ADULT, ESPECIALLY CHRISTIAN
REVIEW:
Houses built to float,constructed to be strong in any tide, but they cannot withstand everything. Disaster strikes the equipment, and it in turn wrecks part of the buildings. Is this a sinkhole that has made the units and equipment unsteady and damaged? Or is it more sinister?
The remnants of the community are trapped now that deluging floods have taken the roads, and no boats are near.
Two leaders emerge in the chaos:
Tony Dean, the developer and money-guy with political aspirations, who wants to leave ASAP any way possible, even if not completely safe, like building a raft.
Vance Nolan, the one who had the vision for these floating homes, who wants to wait for rescue since they do not have safe ways to leave
Nolan, a Christian, has also been told of a message from God that he must not fear, must stand and those who stay with him will be safe. Vance knows he cannot tell the others this, since they do not share his faith and would not embrace staying based on this.
END: RESCUED, PROMISES OF SAFETY, ... ROOM FOR A FOLLOW-UP NOVEL
TAGS: Sabotage, Cover-up, Trapped, Major disasters, Survival, Faith, Christianity
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
PERMALINK: http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2013/...
AUTHOR: ERIN HEALY
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7 2013
AUDIENCE: ADULT, ESPECIALLY CHRISTIAN
REVIEW:
Houses built to float,constructed to be strong in any tide, but they cannot withstand everything. Disaster strikes the equipment, and it in turn wrecks part of the buildings. Is this a sinkhole that has made the units and equipment unsteady and damaged? Or is it more sinister?
The remnants of the community are trapped now that deluging floods have taken the roads, and no boats are near.
Two leaders emerge in the chaos:
Tony Dean, the developer and money-guy with political aspirations, who wants to leave ASAP any way possible, even if not completely safe, like building a raft.
Vance Nolan, the one who had the vision for these floating homes, who wants to wait for rescue since they do not have safe ways to leave
Nolan, a Christian, has also been told of a message from God that he must not fear, must stand and those who stay with him will be safe. Vance knows he cannot tell the others this, since they do not share his faith and would not embrace staying based on this.
END: RESCUED, PROMISES OF SAFETY, ... ROOM FOR A FOLLOW-UP NOVEL
TAGS: Sabotage, Cover-up, Trapped, Major disasters, Survival, Faith, Christianity
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
PERMALINK: http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2013/...
May 2, 2013
Healy's novels are known for their supernatural flavor, AFLOAT is the latest and it doesn't disappoint. Vance Nolan is an architect who has constructed apartments floating on a river. After copious amounts of rain a sinkhole opens up, the few residents along with investors find themselves floating in the middle of nowhere. Disagreements arise on how to get back to dry land with the rest of the world.
Strange things begin to happen... total darkness in the daytime... lights coming from underneath the water. After two deaths occur they are at their wit's end. I'll stop there as I don't want to give away too much of the story.
This is an awesome book, with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are so different that they actually fit well together! Well written, fast paced, eerie...you'll love it! 5 out of 5 stars!!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Strange things begin to happen... total darkness in the daytime... lights coming from underneath the water. After two deaths occur they are at their wit's end. I'll stop there as I don't want to give away too much of the story.
This is an awesome book, with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are so different that they actually fit well together! Well written, fast paced, eerie...you'll love it! 5 out of 5 stars!!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2016
I found this book confusing and seemed very scattered in what the point or theme was supposed to be. Was it a book about a disaster, or about good versus evil.? I unfortunately found no real connection with the characters. Disappointing.
December 10, 2021
Vance Nolan has designed and created something no one else had ever done. Eagle’s Talon is a floating community of apartments nestled in a cove on the Rondeau River. Still unfinished, some of the dwellings have occupants and the rest are being completed and sold to make investors lots of money. When a sinkhole gives way, upending a pump truck and ruining the supports to one of the buildings, things begin to go awry.
Bad goes to worse as torrential rains pour down and decimate the isthmus connecting the apartments to the mainland. But was it a sinkhole or something man-made that caused the catastrophe? Regardless, now Vance, developer Tony, his girlfriend Danielle, and a group of others are trapped in a dangerous situation with no way to communicate with civilization. They can’t agree whether to wait out the storm or attempt a journey toward safety. And Danielle doesn’t know who to trust. With Afloat, Erin Healy gives readers an almost claustrophobic character study of people trapped in the middle of a flood.
In all honesty, I was expecting a story with a little more suspense, and with a faster pace. Instead, I got a character study that was just as interesting and maybe more thought-provoking. If you want a look inside people’s motives and responses in a crisis, this is the book for you. I think Healy has created a character for every personal spiritual situation. Zeke, Vance’s spiritual mentor, is the godly one. He has an unwavering faith in God and isn’t afraid to share it. Vance is a believer, but sometimes doubts what God has told him, and his wavering could cost people their lives. Tony sees no need for God and Danielle needs a lot of prodding to open up to Him. Each have their secrets, which can either hurt them or help them survive. The last quarter of the book gave a satisfying punch to the plot resolution.
I love supernatural fiction—I believe spiritual entities and other unseen things are all around us in the world, and that God uses these things to change the outcomes of events in ways we will never know this side of heaven. Mr. Ranier, Zeke’s visions, and the flashing lights inside the cove’s water all gave a sense of the unseen hands that guide us.
What will we do when the flood waters rise and all that we hold dear is in danger of being lost? That is the question these characters must answer. Will love come to the surface? Or something else entirely?
Bad goes to worse as torrential rains pour down and decimate the isthmus connecting the apartments to the mainland. But was it a sinkhole or something man-made that caused the catastrophe? Regardless, now Vance, developer Tony, his girlfriend Danielle, and a group of others are trapped in a dangerous situation with no way to communicate with civilization. They can’t agree whether to wait out the storm or attempt a journey toward safety. And Danielle doesn’t know who to trust. With Afloat, Erin Healy gives readers an almost claustrophobic character study of people trapped in the middle of a flood.
In all honesty, I was expecting a story with a little more suspense, and with a faster pace. Instead, I got a character study that was just as interesting and maybe more thought-provoking. If you want a look inside people’s motives and responses in a crisis, this is the book for you. I think Healy has created a character for every personal spiritual situation. Zeke, Vance’s spiritual mentor, is the godly one. He has an unwavering faith in God and isn’t afraid to share it. Vance is a believer, but sometimes doubts what God has told him, and his wavering could cost people their lives. Tony sees no need for God and Danielle needs a lot of prodding to open up to Him. Each have their secrets, which can either hurt them or help them survive. The last quarter of the book gave a satisfying punch to the plot resolution.
I love supernatural fiction—I believe spiritual entities and other unseen things are all around us in the world, and that God uses these things to change the outcomes of events in ways we will never know this side of heaven. Mr. Ranier, Zeke’s visions, and the flashing lights inside the cove’s water all gave a sense of the unseen hands that guide us.
What will we do when the flood waters rise and all that we hold dear is in danger of being lost? That is the question these characters must answer. Will love come to the surface? Or something else entirely?
December 10, 2019
It's no secret that I love Erin Healy's work. "Afloat" is an unusual read, filled with the supernatural and the very human. There are many characters who find themselves facing a disaster of epic proportions where things keep going the opposite of what they expect.
Vance is a thoughtful, detail oriented architect who has created a series of floating homes in Eagle's Talon, a small cove. Nothing has been spared and his designs are sturdy, but not bulky, gliding on top of the waters below. But something is about to break loose, and it will take all the commitment he cam spare to make anything good come out of it.
Stephanie is a single mom to Simeon, her pride and joy. After her husband is killed in a hit and run collision, she does her best to provide for her family. Eventually she meets Tony, the developer who owns Eagle's Talon. He's not really her type, but as a single mom, Stephanie understands that sometimes sacrifice looks like being in a relationship with a man who isn't anything like her dead husband, but able to provide a nice life for her and Simeon.
Tragic events, strong supporting characters and life shattering events drive this story forward. As I read it, I found myself re reading portions to make sure I had read what I thought! Healy has an amazing way of writing about the 'thin places' between this life and the next, and "Afloat" does a great job discussing second chances, grace, forgiveness and the very basic human desires we all have--security, love and provision.
I found myself looking forward to jumping back into these characters' world, even though for much of the book they suffer sadness after sadness. Very real, relevant and cuts close to the heart. Another engrossing read from Healy!
Vance is a thoughtful, detail oriented architect who has created a series of floating homes in Eagle's Talon, a small cove. Nothing has been spared and his designs are sturdy, but not bulky, gliding on top of the waters below. But something is about to break loose, and it will take all the commitment he cam spare to make anything good come out of it.
Stephanie is a single mom to Simeon, her pride and joy. After her husband is killed in a hit and run collision, she does her best to provide for her family. Eventually she meets Tony, the developer who owns Eagle's Talon. He's not really her type, but as a single mom, Stephanie understands that sometimes sacrifice looks like being in a relationship with a man who isn't anything like her dead husband, but able to provide a nice life for her and Simeon.
Tragic events, strong supporting characters and life shattering events drive this story forward. As I read it, I found myself re reading portions to make sure I had read what I thought! Healy has an amazing way of writing about the 'thin places' between this life and the next, and "Afloat" does a great job discussing second chances, grace, forgiveness and the very basic human desires we all have--security, love and provision.
I found myself looking forward to jumping back into these characters' world, even though for much of the book they suffer sadness after sadness. Very real, relevant and cuts close to the heart. Another engrossing read from Healy!
March 22, 2020
The only thing that impressed me about this book was that the author and publisher have between them managed to completely hide the fact that it is Christian fiction - you get no hint of this from the front cover, the blurb, or even the entire first chapter, which actually built a fairly compelling premise of a disaster survival turned closed-room mystery.
So you can imagine my unbridled delight when it then devolves into an directionless drag, with a plotline as warped and wrecked as the foundations of the fancy buildings in which the story is set, and characters who seemed initially interesting quickly becoming farcical stereotypes - Vance the born-again alcoholic, Tony the self-interested rich developer, and a surrounding cast of forgettable faceless names. Danielle, the female lead, is the only one who is even semi-plausible, but her complete reliance on the men around her, and the endless cycle of self-blame about her relationship with Tony, which is essentially domestic emotional violence, soon wears thin.
Throw in a blind man with prophetic visions, and a couple of miracles to ice the cake, and we have the kind of book that would really only appeal to the kind of ultra-conservative religious types, the same people who call The Da Vinci Code blasphemy, and don't let their kids read Harry Potter.
So you can imagine my unbridled delight when it then devolves into an directionless drag, with a plotline as warped and wrecked as the foundations of the fancy buildings in which the story is set, and characters who seemed initially interesting quickly becoming farcical stereotypes - Vance the born-again alcoholic, Tony the self-interested rich developer, and a surrounding cast of forgettable faceless names. Danielle, the female lead, is the only one who is even semi-plausible, but her complete reliance on the men around her, and the endless cycle of self-blame about her relationship with Tony, which is essentially domestic emotional violence, soon wears thin.
Throw in a blind man with prophetic visions, and a couple of miracles to ice the cake, and we have the kind of book that would really only appeal to the kind of ultra-conservative religious types, the same people who call The Da Vinci Code blasphemy, and don't let their kids read Harry Potter.
March 17, 2021
A wild ride!
This was good-hard to put down. A good reminder of God watching over us and the power of love, forgiveness. Don’t worry-it wasn’t too preachy. As I found myself screaming at the characters to do this or that,thinking I may have done things better or different, I was humbly reminded that if someone were to read the book of my life-the same would happen. Why don’t we do what is right instead of hiding or pushing our gut feeling away? Idk. But the hard lessons learned make us who we are today. I think one of my favorite lines was about love, if anyone stopped to count the costs or were able to see the future, nobody would do it bc the cost is too great. I thank God for my blindness and my sight. I thank Jesus my Savior, bc He counted the cost-knew the future, and did it anyway, for me and for you. Great book and I’ll be reading more from this author! Get you a comfortable spot-you’re not going to want to put this down.
This was good-hard to put down. A good reminder of God watching over us and the power of love, forgiveness. Don’t worry-it wasn’t too preachy. As I found myself screaming at the characters to do this or that,thinking I may have done things better or different, I was humbly reminded that if someone were to read the book of my life-the same would happen. Why don’t we do what is right instead of hiding or pushing our gut feeling away? Idk. But the hard lessons learned make us who we are today. I think one of my favorite lines was about love, if anyone stopped to count the costs or were able to see the future, nobody would do it bc the cost is too great. I thank God for my blindness and my sight. I thank Jesus my Savior, bc He counted the cost-knew the future, and did it anyway, for me and for you. Great book and I’ll be reading more from this author! Get you a comfortable spot-you’re not going to want to put this down.
January 21, 2020
While fairly engaging and a really interesting concept (loved the architecture components!), this book was a little hard for me to enjoy. To echo other readers, the description of the buildings and layout of the cove was difficult to comprehend; it made the overall flow of the book hard to stay on top of. Additionally, I did not realize going into the book that it was a Christian suspense, which definitely might have impacted my decision to buy it and/or read it. It approached topics like angels, heaven, and prayer in a very non-traditional manner, which actually was rather enjoyable, but overall, not exactly what I was hoping for when I first started reading.
February 4, 2018
I liked this book although I found the constant emergency setting to be a little confusing. The author's explanations were sometimes difficult to picture. The angelic intervention seemed a bit over-the-top for my taste of great unseen spiritual dimensions of life. The ending was well done with a clarity of the story's threads coming together.
August 16, 2021
It’s a 3.5 book. About a group who get stranded on cove building site. Involves Vance who has been raised by Zeke, and he is a believer. Zeke comes to the cove because he has foreseen disaster happening. It involves,supernatural events, and a cast of good and evil characters, with their own secrets and agendas.
February 21, 2023
This book has opened a lot of new doors for me. I have struggled recently with finding meaning in certain things & this has helped me understand some of the confusion I have been having. The suspense of this book kept me continuing the read. But also the need for the information of how those find the strength in their faith. This also challenges you to question gut feelings and mindset.
January 18, 2020
I loved the way the book incorporated faith into the theme. It was 💯 in my opinion.
The only problem I would point out is that Danielles character is really annoying at times and I couldn’t relate to her for most of the first half. It did get better though.
The only problem I would point out is that Danielles character is really annoying at times and I couldn’t relate to her for most of the first half. It did get better though.
January 9, 2023
This book may have started off slow, really setting the scene for what was to come but it did not disappoint. All of the characters were well developed and I found myself skipping sentences to find out what would happen next, having to go back and re read towards the end. I recommend this book!
November 24, 2024
This was a slow read for me. Interesting concept but evolved weirdly and ultimately just got it finished because I hate to DNF. Could have used more Ferti drama or some more explanation of the mysterious happenings.
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