Ghost Heart

Agents of Mercy #1

by Lisa Harris, Lynne Gentry

A brilliant transplant surgeon. A rogue organ broker. A ghost child.
And the legend that could destroy them all.

A brutal murder convinces surgeon Mia Kendall there’s more than she imagined to the mysterious spike in heart transplant rejections. Determined to find answers before she loses another patient, Mia gets sucked into a dangerous international medical web. With time running out for her youngest transplant recipient, Mia is forced to partner with a disillusioned ex-military pilot who flies brokered organs across East Africa. But searching for the truth will prove costly for the unlikely duo racing to stop a madman before he annihilates a rare and cursed bloodline.

From best-selling author Lisa Harris and award-winning author Lynne Gentry comes a chilling, hypnotic medical thriller that will take you from the suburbs of Cincinnati to the jungles of Africa.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Mystery, Medical, Thriller, Suspense, Thriller Suspense

352 pages, ebook

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.

She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful blend of several different players (patients, families, organ donor, organ transporter, scientist, etc) and two countries (USA and Africa) in a suspense novel based upon heart transplants.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! The plot was gripping, the ending was touching, and the intensity was superb. I really enjoyed this one; thanks to the Christian Fiction Devourers group for recommending it!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

The way each of the various POV characters’ story lines came together to form a complex and fascinating plot was mesmerizing. However, I did not appreciate the profanity and expletives that kept popping up in this book marketed as Christian. I prefer a higher standard in this broad genre.

Content: expletives, profanity, alcohol, graphic violence, medical procedures

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a thrilling Medical Thriller, which was eye opening with regards to black market organ smuggling as well as other Africa specific issues. The book started with a gruesome bang, and did not really slow in the sense of the danger and what is going to happen next. Throw in a desperate mother who would do anything for her 5 year old daughter, and you have an emotional roller coaster tugging at your heartstrings and making you wonder what you would do in the same situation.

Mia's heart for her patients and what she would do to protect them made me connect with her instantly. And her history which is mentioned but detail not revealed until later, made me wonder what happened in her past which send her to Africa.

Race was a fun charming man who was a bit blinded about the truth because of the reason he was in Africa. I enjoyed his "you get what you see" attitude and how he didn't hesitate to get to the truth.

I did guess correctly at a certain twist with Dr Hastings.

There was a lot of other side characters with their own struggles and hardships which added to my enjoyment of the story. My heart broke for Jeme and Raina but the ending for them was sweet.

If you like suspense you would like this. Warning content though - there is some content which is on the gruesome side so if you are more of a sensitive reader, this would probably not be for you.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"According to legend, their kind could never die. When they grew old, they simply vanished from this world, like smoke from the cooking fire . . . but not all legends are true."

Deep within the wilds of Tanzania, brutality is masquerading as philanthropy. Major organs are being ripped from their sanctuary, particularly hearts; and if a man, woman, or child happens to be cursed with albino blood, there is little hope for survival. Caught in the middle of this terrible foray is pediatric transplant surgeon Mia Kendall, whose patients seem to be dying at a surprising rate, in spite of her meticulous techniques and use of anti-rejection medications. Suspecting that foul play is somehow involved at the highest level, Mia coaxes bush pilot Race Daniels into helping her untangle what appears to be an international web of deceit.

Miles away in Cincinnati, Ohio, a young mother is running a race against time; watching her young daughter's life seep out of her body day after day has been an agonizing journey with a very tragic ending in sight. Kelsey needs a new heart and parents with a million dollars in the bank; Catherine and Brad Taylor have neither, and their faith in each other is fading in the process. When it seems that an answer to prayer may be found in Africa, will Catherine risk everything dear to her own heart, in exchange for her daughter's life?

This medical thriller is written with an acute sense of the sanctity of life, while at the time hurling its readers through perilous darkness before bursting back into the marvelous light.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good edge of your seat suspense. I love a good romance too. Combine them both and you get this amazing story. I was hooked from the beginning. The story is set mostly in Africa and has several well developed characters at play. Be warned! You will be shocked! This story is fictional but it is based on true facts. You will be mad. You will be sad. You will be crying happy tears at the end because that ending was one I will never forget. It was oh so good and tied all the pieces together in a beautiful package. Isn't that what every reader wants? All the feels? Y'all all I can say is this author duo came up with a great book and I certainly hope they will continue blessing us readers with more stories. Plus, I kinda have a thing for Race and would love to see him again. What a charmer!!
*I was given a copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found that I had to put this one down from time to time and read something else for a bit, because I just got too ANGRY about what was going on. The very idea that some insurance companies play what amounts to Russian Roulette with patients' health care decisions is obscene, and the absolute horror that Catherine had to go through to try and save her daughter's life made my blood boil, let alone what Jeme and Zaina went through!
That said, I actually enjoyed the book. I thought it was well written and well paced. There were a lot of different sub plots going on, and sometimes with that much 'background', a story can get muddled, but I definitely do not feel like that was the case here. It became clear how all the pieces fit together in the end, and I like that, though heartbreaking, the end was at the same time hopeful.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEART-STOPPING SUSPENSE!!

There are very few books that have taken my soul to places like I have just experienced by reading Ghost Heart. From the first sentence to the last, you will be held in suspense as you travel over two continents in search of what is causing a significant number of heart transplant recipients to die while another faction survives. It's the true story of terror, prejudice, suspicion, false belief, failures, death, human organ trafficking, all wrapped up into the lives of innocent families and how it affects them. What can brilliant Dr. Mia Kendall do to bring about change in Tanzania? Will Race Daniels prove to be someone sighs can trust? In the end, this is a story that will have you experiencing all manner of emotions and coming to grips with your own thoughts about how you perceive people who are different from you.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not want to put this book down but eventually had to sleep. When I woke up, I grabbed my kindle to finish the story!

This book was so sad about the dangers for albinos in Tanzania and the black market of organ donations. Catherine's desperation for a donated organ for her daughter was palpable, and the descriptions of Kelsey's health problems were spot on. I think the authors did a great job writing together, and the whole story flowed very well. Random sidenote is it wasn't a romance novel, but I wouldn't mind seeing a follow up to Race and Mia in that sense ;)

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost hearts what an intriguing topic to write a story about!

My eyes were opened to something going on in this world that I had no prior knowledge to before reading this story. I was shocked and it has been a big topic of a lot of my conversations throughout this month.

Thank you Lisa and Lynne for opening my eyes!

Overall I really enjoyed this medical suspense. My heart broke for most of the main characters. But I ended with a smile.

This was my first book by both authors but won’t be my last!!

Recommended for Christian suspense fans :)

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced excitement in this medical thriller. Clean -- no sex, no foul language -- had a christian element.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Heart by Lisa Harris & Lynne Gentry is not for the faint of heart. Lisa Harris is one of my favorite authors and she warned me that this was more gritty that what she usually writes. The characters will draw you into their plight and I loved Catherine, Jeme, their children, Mia Kendall & Race. Catherine and Jeme share their love for their children. Both mothers are willing to do whatever is possible to save their daughters' lives. Mia is a doctor in Africa, Race flies to deliver tourists to their destinations and flies for a private hospital. His main job is to pick up and deliver organs for transplant. Catherine's daughter needs a heart transplant but the waiting list is so long that her daughter can't survive the wait. She hears about a hospital in Africa that can do the transplant at a price that they can afford. Her fears for Kelsey drives her desperation to try to save her daughter.

Jeme's daughter (Zaina) is Albino and is considered cursed. Jeme, her sister, husband and daughter are banned from their village. Jeme's sister is also Albino. Jeme's husband heart is rejecting his transplant. Dr. Mia went to check on him and needs emergency air transport for Mbui. Mia finds that Jeme's sister was killed by poachers that think her Albino skin and organs are more valuable. Race arrives about the time the doctor has been shot.

The characters lives, hearts and struggles will touch your emotions. This book includes the struggles of families trying to deal with life and death, how it can tear their families apart. There is corruption by a pharmaceutical company, doctors and others that participate in the illegal organ program. Add kidnapping, murder, solid friendships that are formed, the strong bonds of mothers coming together to save their children and a storyline that will grab your attention in the prologue and it's a page turners. I had a hard time putting it down. This book is the second in a series but can be read as a stand alone. It deals with issues that are prevalent in our world today.

I received this book as an ARC from Lisa Harris. All she asked for me to do if give an honest review. This book truly touched my heart, my emotions (yes I cried), and it truly is a page turner. It shows the strength of the characters, their flaws and their faith. There are other characters that you will love, some you will hate and others you wonder how they can call themselves human. Yes, there is romance and strong friendships that are formed between the characters. One researcher that is a nerdy hero. Also, he's a secret writer with a hero that is everything he wishes he was. He will definitely bring a smile to your face.

I gave Ghost Heart a five star review because it touched me in so many ways. I only give 5 stars to books that either touch my heart, bring tears, laughter or are page turners. This book is all of that and more. One of the best books I've read in a very long time.

[Hung Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cuốn sách đề cập đến nhiều vấn đề đang tồn tại ở Châu Phi: tình trạng săn người bạch tạng do mê tín, nạn buôn bán nội tạng, thử thuốc trái phép trên người ở các công ty dược. Tuy nhiên tác giả chỉ dừng lại ở việc mô tả bề nổi, chứ chưa đi sâu nên . Lối kể chuyện không có gì hấp dẫn, twist cũng bình thường, cái kết chóng vánh và ko ấn tượng.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel that grabs you by the throat on the very first page and doesn’t let go until the very end. There are so many excellent aspects to this novel: its fast pace, the realistic story line based on truth, the complexity of the black market organ donor market, heart transplants (don’t worry no gory details) and a cast of characters that are believable and well crafted.

There are two parallel story lines, the one based in Africa starring Dr Mia Kendall who is desperate to discover the truth behind her patients failing heart transplants. She commandeers a willing assistant, Race Daniels, who is drawn to her passion, beauty and drive. But can she trust him? Is he caught up the cover-up in some way? The more time she spends with Race in solving the puzzle the more she is attracted to him.

Meanwhile one of Mia’s transplant patients heart is failing. His teenage wife, Jeme, is desperate to keep her daughter, Zaina, safe from the poachers. She’s an albino whose body parts are highly desirable.

The second story starts in Cincinnati where we meet Catherine (Cat) and Brad Taylor whose young daughter’s heart is failing. This is causing significant stress on their marriage. Catherine is a desperate mom who will do anything to save her daughter. Even if it means flying to Africa so Kelsey can have a heart transplant where it’s significantly cheaper than in the US.

The authors crafted Mia and Catherine as strong passionate women and even though I didn’t necessarily agree with all their choices I admired them tremendously. Jeme is another and I loved her gutsiness in protecting Zaina.

There are some excellent bad guys. Men who on the surface are esteemed by society while deluding themselves they are benefiting the world with their groundbreaking endeavours. Their arrogance and thirst for power result in some catastrophic decisions that Mia and Race gradually unravel.

It all builds to a fabulous climax with some heartbreaking and joyous moments. And there is romance that simmers in the background.

This is an outstanding collaboration by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry. I loved it and I hope there are a few more novels bubbling away in their collective thoughts.

The novel also comes with an insightful Q&A between the two authors where they provide some background to how the story came about plus their writing process between Africa and Texas.

I received a complimentary copy from the authors with no obligation to write a favourable review.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Ghost Heart promised edge of the seat suspense and delivered! But this medical suspense has more than close calls and desperate escapes, it has heart and soul and passion. Authors Harris and Gentry are passionate about the underlying subject matter — the persecution and genocide of albinos in Africa. What makes this novel especially chilling is the reality it exposes. If you are looking for a page-turning suspense that will have you thinking long after the cover is closed, then Ghost Heart is for you.

Ghost Heart has a lot going for it — exotic setting, twisting, turning storylines, and complex characterization. Tanzania, with its dense, damp heat, poverty, and beauty, became real to me within this book’s pages. The seemingly separate storylines of a suburban family and a heart specialist in Africa are masterfully woven together into a credible story. But the characters are the best part. The main characters, Mia and Race, are in Africa to make a difference in the world, but also to do a kind of penance for their past mistakes. They are the focus of much of the action, but the authors have added secondary characters that readers will identify with. Catherine and Jeme are mothers fiercely dedicated to keeping their daughters alive. Nerdy medical researcher, Harry, dreams of heroics, never suspecting he will get the chance at being a true hero. All of these characters, with the edition of others, bring depth to the story.

The plight of people with albinism seems unreal to our American sensibilities. Prejudice and superstition combine for real life and death consequences. Ghost Heart opened my eyes to a world I knew nothing about. Medical ethics are also explored. In a world where enough money can buy a desired outcome, the value of human life takes on a whole new meaning. Characters struggle with believing in a God who seems remote or uninterested in their lives, but find the One who has true love and compassion. Ghost Heart got this reader thinking, making it a perfect choice for a book club.

I really loved this book and give it a highly recommended rating!

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the authors for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book that brought to light some atrocities happening in the world today.

I will forewarn you - this one had a lot of moving parts. I don't often enjoy books where I'm introduced to 20 different characters at the beginning so that I can't keep them straight. While this one doesn't have quite that many, there does seem a lot of character introductions at the beginning that seemingly don't have a lot of connection - an African woman, a mother in Cincinnati, a lab tech in Baltimore, an American doctor in Africa and an American pilot. Please be patient, though - all of their stories do come together - some in very surprising ways! And it is very much worth sticking through. I did feel I got enough back story before jumping to the next person that I didn't remain confused for very long either.

This book is suspenseful, has a touch of romance, plot twists and a lot of surprises at the end. At the same time, it brings to light the plight of albinos in Africa - who are considered cursed by their own people, but whose flesh and blood are considered lucky charms by witch doctors and voodoo priests. It also brings to light the illegal harvesting of organs in third world countries and the ultimate price that is paid for greed. While this is a work of fiction, there is much that is based in fact here. There were so many times this book brought me to tears. It had me rooting for the good guys while at the same time wondering if I really knew who all of the good guys were. This book made me question where my own morality would take me if I was desperate to save my own child and how I would respond in any of the characters' shoes. Because of all of that, I definitely highly recommend this one! Great read!

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly an edge of your seat medical thriller! From the suburbs of America to the deepest darkest Africa, you never knew what was going to happen next. Mia, a pediatric heart surgeon, left the US to work in Africa. She has performed many heart transplants but her patients are rejecting hearts almost as quickly as they have new hearts. She goes over her procedures in her mind and feels like she's done everything by the book, and is completely baffled. She joins forces with a young pilot who transports donated organs to the two area hospitals.
It was interesting to learn that negro albinos are thought to be cursed and yet their body parts are thought to be good luck when used by the witch doctors. They are called ghosts because of their white skin. They are being hunted down and murdered because of the high value of their bodies.
Back in the states a research Doctor is being pushed to finish his research on a new anti-rejection drug. He finds that two of his vials containing the experimental drug is missing from his lab. He is still six months away from having a breakthrough that will be approved by the FDA.
A young mother is pleading for help with her five year old daughter who is on her deathbed needing a new heart. Money is tight and she's contemplating traveling to Africa where she can get her a transplant at a lower cost. All against her husband's wishes.
How will all of these factors tie in together? I was totally shocked at what happened toward the end! Good job Lisa and Lynne!!
I was given an ebook copy of this book but was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a compelling story! Although fiction, the book is based on real atrocities about which most people probably know nothing. Many of us have read about albino animals but we hear very little about humans born with albinism. To think that there are places in the world where they are hunted for unimaginable purposes is hard to fathom. The authors have done an excellent job of writing a story that shines a light on this topic to help inform us. Very few would ever pick up a scholarly treatise on this subject but hopefully many will read this story and get a glimpse of the reality that human albinos face in some countries. As with any kind of discrimination or prejudice, learning the truth is a beginning. With a good balance of suspense, tension, action, romance, and faith, the story unfolds to help start us on the path of learning that we are all the same inside but many still have a long ways to go to acknowledge that and to start treating everyone with respect and dignity. I received an electronic copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started very slow as it developed characters and settings. But it turned out to be one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Real-life problems for people in Africa highlighted by the selfish need of Americans. What an amazing and heart-gripping story. *I am on the launch team for this book and received a complimentary copy*

[Christine Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freaky, suspenseful.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I really enjoyed reading a Lisa Harris book set on the continent where we both call home as missionaries. I read it with a book club from Texas and was pleased to "open their eyes" to some of the unique idiosyncrasies found in Africa. Well done, Lisa and Lynne! Looking forward to the other books in the series.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and death are but a breath away...

When I finished reading Ghost Heart I had to just sit back and let it sink in for awhile. I'll admit, sometimes it was hard to read. Knowing that these things really are happening in the world is almost more than the mind, and heart, can take. Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry did such a wonderful job on this story! They successfully took a difficult subject and told it with love and true compassion.

As I read the book I ran the gamut of emotions. From the terror of two mothers a world apart to the excitement of romance as it blossomed between two of the characters. A gritty story that is impossible to put down, Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry have seamlessly penned a story that will stay with me long after I've finished it.

Yes, Ghost Heart hit a little close to home sometimes and it was difficult to read some of the more heart-rending scenes but I am so glad I did read this book and I really think this is one that will go in my list of top books read in 2017.
Thank you both for having the courage to write this story....

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Heart by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry is an intense medical thriller. The story kept this reader on the edge of my seat with a number of twists and turns to the plot. Some of them were like, 'Wow, I did not see that coming!' It is a gripping white-knuckle story that grabs readers from the beginning of the book and sweeps them along to an exciting end. The authors have written a gritty tale of murder, medical research controversies, organ trafficking, greed, and superstitions. The main characters are strong and well-developed individuals with emotions and values that are profoundly human. Along with a subtle thread of faith and a smidge of humor, there is a little romance between a beautiful doctor and a rugged pilot dropped into the plot. Ghost Heart is a thought-provoking story that will open readers' eyes to barbarity and prejudice in a land far away and yet not so far, after all is said and done. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the authors. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.

[Sharon Paavola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Heart introduced me to a tragedy in the real world that goes beyond human organ trafficking. Mia Kendall, a heart transplant surgeon working in Africa faces obstacles and new realities that are hard to grasp after discovering a horrendous murder of an albino in a small village. She’s not one to sit back and do her job. She needs answers to her questions. A rogue, ex-military pilot might be able to assist her but can she trust him?

A distraught family in America struggles to keep their young daughter alive but their only hope is a heart transplant. What ends will they seek to obtain their solution? What would any of us do to save our child’s life?

Connections between the multiple characters do become clear as this fast paced story unfolds. I highly recommend reading Ghost Heart. The authors have written more than a spellbinding novel. They are opening the door and exposing the real-life, tragic legend about albinos and how their lives are at stake.

(Thanks to the authors for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely not for the faint hearted people, it will tug at one’s emotions, as Race an ex military pilot and Mia fly into Tanzania. The plight of organs, badly needed for the young and old, the cost is high. Others are caught up in this international web, for power and greed. A blue baby, albino skin, a curse, to a mother a blessing, time is of the essence, without help she flees.Mia is searching, not to fail another patient of hers. Something or someone is causing them to fail. Another story that will lead you to the end, hoping they have the time. The characters are portrayed very well.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this medical thriller but ended up not finishing it. I just couldn't get into it. Maybe it was the foreign setting, maybe it was the fact I just couldn't get a feel for the characters, but whatever the reason, I was disappointed. Got halfway through and put it aside.

[Iola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a love-hate relationship with medical thrillers. I love it because I love the suspense aspects. I hate it because it highlights the inequalities in medical profession both within countries like America, and globally. A million dollars for a heart transplant? The mind boggles.Yes, there is some blood and gore (gore = anything that can’t be fixed with an Elastoplast. There are some good reasons why I didn’t go into a medical profession). The worst of it is actually in the Prologue, so if you read the sample and are afraid it’s going to get worse, don’t worry. It doesn’t.

Kelsey Taylor is five years old, and needs a heart transplant stop urgently. Her mother, Catherine, is prepared to do anything to save her daughter. Even going to Africa to for a heart transplant. The only way she save her daughter is to ask her father for help—which could destroy her relationship with her husband.

Mia Kendall is a heart surgeon in the public hospital in Tanzania. She finds her heart transplant patients are dying. But the transplant patients from the nearby private hospital not. She’s suspicious. What is happening? Is there a problem with her surgical methods? Her post-operative care? Or is there a problem with the transplant organs?

Jeme is a Tanzanian wife and mother. Her husband has recently had a heart transplant, but he’s sick again. And she’s trying to protect her daughter—an albino, at risk of being kidnapped and murdered by hunters for her white skin and blue eyes. Unfortunately, this part of the story is based on fact. Albinos are considered cursed, yet at that same time, their body parts are considered good luck charms.

Ghost Heart focuses on the people who are trying to save lives. Catherine and Jeme, trying to save the lives of their daughters from two very different threats. Mia, trying to save her patients, and to make up for one mistake long ago. Organ transplant pilot Race Daniels, trying to save lives to make up for the two he couldn’t save.

It also highlights the tragedy of our modern medical system, and the way it favours the haves over the have-nots. Those who have insurance or money or who live in a country with a good public health system vs. those who don’t. The tragedy of transplants—the fact one person has to die in order for another to receive a new heart. The tragedy of greed—that where money is involved, someone will find a way to get rich at the expense of others.

The novel is suspense from start to finish, with several unexpected twists. Don’t do what I did and start it when you should be going to bed! Recommended for all medical suspense lovers.

Thanks to the authors for providing a free ebook for review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no surprise that Ghost Heart is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller. I've come to expect that from Lisa Harris. This is the first time I've read a book by Lynne Gentry. The writing was seamless; I could not tell it was co-authored. Mia Kendall is an American cardiologist and transplant surgeon who is working at a government-run hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Recently, her patients have been rejecting their hearts, and she suspects it may be due to shady organ procurement. When she learns that Tanzania's albino population is in danger from human hunters who sell albino body parts to witch doctors for use in magic charms and potions, she begins to wonder if the human hunters also steal albino organs to sell in the underground market. She enlists the help of a pilot whose job it is to pick up organ donations and deliver them to hospitals in East Africa. Can she trust a man who might be involved in illegal organ selling?

Lynne Gentry and Lisa Harris decided to write this book several years ago when they learned about the plight of the albinos in Tanzania. Tanzania has a large population of albinos who, due to a genetic mutation, are born without pigment in their skin. Called "ghost people," the albinos are considered a curse upon their villages, causing crops to fail, etc. Strangely, the body parts of these people, when used by witch doctors, are supposed to grant great wealth and success. Albinos, young and old, are attacked with machetes still today; although, the Tanzanian government is attempting to stop this terrible practice.

Harris and Gentry's book also involves the heart-wrenching stories of two desperate mothers from two continents, Jeme from Tanzania and Catherine from the United States. Jeme is the wife of a heart transplant patient who is rejecting his new heart, and she is also the mother of baby Zaina, a "ghost child." Contrasted with Jeme's plight is Catherine who is the mother of pre-school age Kelsey, a little American girl who is dying while she waits for a heart transplant.

If you like Christian suspense, do not pass on this one. It's a story that needed to be told. Lisa Harris provided an advance reader copy of Ghost Heart to me in exchange for an honest review. I'm glad I read this powerful story. If you are interested in the topic, besides reading Ghost Heart, you can search albinos in Tanzania online to find several news articles about their plight.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghostheart is intense, compassionate, gainful, haunting, touching, fascinating, humble, and tear jerking. It deals with life and death, hunting of humans, kidnapping of humans, murder of certain people, a certain type of company everyone uses is corrupted, This is about two women who have someone who needs a heart transplant and they will get that by any means possible. If your loved one was dying - would you not do the same? hmmmmmmmmmm? In all this in Africa they believe a twisted thing about a certain color of someone's skin and they do something when they see that -- and you will be so very surprised to know what color it is - it is sick and twisted - you just have to read this book because it happens to some of the characters - also this book touches your heart so very much - you find yourself crying - whether you realize you are doing it or not - The author make you so connected to the characters in this novel - yes I did say novel what else could you call it? - anywho - the authors have you attached to the characters that when things happen you feel it too - I want to take a second to thank Ms. Harris and Ms. Gentry for having the courage to write such a book - to pour yourselves into this book because you can tell you did and for writing such a wonderful yet suspenseful, mysterious story - it is so awesome - thank you so much for all those hours of enjoyment. GOD Bless you and yours. and all of you out there - get this book it is so worth the read.............I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

[Donna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start with how much I loved this book. I knew going into it, that Lisa Harris was going to give me a suspenseful, thrilling and moving story right from the start. I was unfamiliar with Lynne Gentry's work, but if this book is any indication, I'll be checking out her other offerings as well. I guess the place to start would be with the title, Ghost Heart. Because this book does have heart. At the core, is the love of a mother for her child, who will do anything and everything possible to alleviate suffering or to provide protection. Each chapter, with its date and time stamp, propels you through the action and gives you a sense of time running out. You are literally pulled through this story, or maybe I should say, wrenched through this story, because it is full of action, but it is also a harrowing experience. This book was very meaningful and sheds light on something that is happening in the world that I knew absolutely nothing about, but that should definitely be brought to the forefront of the public's attention. It is literally heartbreaking. You would do well to read this book, take it to heart, and do what you can to help bring a bit of love and healing to this hurting world. Read Ghost Heart - you won't be sorry you did.

**I received an ARC copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review**