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Healer #1
Healer
Hovering just below the surface of Shilo Giannelli’s average existence lays an amazing spiritual power. Late one night, her world erupts with the revelation that, like her great-grandmother, she has The Gift. But the power to heal isn’t something she can share with the soccer team, her genius little sister, or her boyfriend, Kenji. Definitely not Kenji.
Deep beneath Misty Morning’s tough façade is a lifetime of abandonment, foster homes and broken dreams. When her two-year-old son is abused by her boyfriend, her fragile world shatters…until Shilo prays for Tyler, and he is healed, leaving Misty grateful but incredibly curious.
Shilo can’t give Misty the answers she needs; she only knows she has a God-given destiny, and despite facing strained relationships, impossible decisions, and the threat of being hounded day and night for her abilities, she will fulfill it.
The journey Misty and Shilo take together unites them as friends but invites danger into their lives. And it will take a miracle for these unlikely friends to elude a gang bent on revenge, keep The Gift a secret, trust God in extraordinary circumstances, and hold on to the people they love.
Deep beneath Misty Morning’s tough façade is a lifetime of abandonment, foster homes and broken dreams. When her two-year-old son is abused by her boyfriend, her fragile world shatters…until Shilo prays for Tyler, and he is healed, leaving Misty grateful but incredibly curious.
Shilo can’t give Misty the answers she needs; she only knows she has a God-given destiny, and despite facing strained relationships, impossible decisions, and the threat of being hounded day and night for her abilities, she will fulfill it.
The journey Misty and Shilo take together unites them as friends but invites danger into their lives. And it will take a miracle for these unlikely friends to elude a gang bent on revenge, keep The Gift a secret, trust God in extraordinary circumstances, and hold on to the people they love.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 13, 2018
This Christian YA novel is the story of Shilo Gianelli who has been granted an unusual gift from God – the ability to heal.
Shilo is your average teen, a high school soccer player with a cute boyfriend, an annoying sister, and a best friend who seems too busy for her. But an unusual encounter with a teen mom and her injured son suddenly sends her life spiraling out of control.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Miura and thoroughly enjoyed her writing – especially the voice of Shilo. Miura captured the sass and sarcasm of a teen girl perfectly. While some of Shilo’s actions were frustrating, they totally made sense for a teen girl’s emotional mind.
I really thought this was a fascinating idea and concept. I loved the fact that Shilo must learn that this power is a gift from God. She is the vessel for His healing power and cannot pick and choose who to heal. I appreciated the message that God has a plan and we don’t always know the reason that some prayers are answered, and others are not. Healer is an enjoyable book with wonderful characters, exciting scenes, and a thought provoking message.
Shilo is your average teen, a high school soccer player with a cute boyfriend, an annoying sister, and a best friend who seems too busy for her. But an unusual encounter with a teen mom and her injured son suddenly sends her life spiraling out of control.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Miura and thoroughly enjoyed her writing – especially the voice of Shilo. Miura captured the sass and sarcasm of a teen girl perfectly. While some of Shilo’s actions were frustrating, they totally made sense for a teen girl’s emotional mind.
I really thought this was a fascinating idea and concept. I loved the fact that Shilo must learn that this power is a gift from God. She is the vessel for His healing power and cannot pick and choose who to heal. I appreciated the message that God has a plan and we don’t always know the reason that some prayers are answered, and others are not. Healer is an enjoyable book with wonderful characters, exciting scenes, and a thought provoking message.
November 2, 2019
I was hooked from the first chapter, and couldn't put it down!
Discovering that you are a faith healer out of the blue would be somewhat traumatic. Amazing, yes, but life-changing for sure! Especially trying to keep it secret!
Learning to trust God with choosing who he wants to heal through you, and not growing angry or conceited or proud? Hard stuff!
To do all of that at 17, without the ability to talk it over with your best friend? Man!!
I've read everything from Harry Potter and Twilight to Anne of Green Gables, Dragons in our Midst, and the River of Time series. This is one of the best stories out there, on so many levels!!
Our Healer, Shilo, has all the angst and some of the foolishness of a teen in this situation. But she also shows courage, faith, and wisdom. Her character grows, and I'm adding her to my list of book friends I want to meet!
To grasp what I mean, listen to a couple of my favorite quotes:
'I didn't choose this gift, but I'm definitely choosing to Honor the Giver.'
'And there goes my new diet plan. Maybe we could have giant slabs of whale blubber on the side.' (her mom's a gourmet chef)
I received a copy of the book from the author and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
Discovering that you are a faith healer out of the blue would be somewhat traumatic. Amazing, yes, but life-changing for sure! Especially trying to keep it secret!
Learning to trust God with choosing who he wants to heal through you, and not growing angry or conceited or proud? Hard stuff!
To do all of that at 17, without the ability to talk it over with your best friend? Man!!
I've read everything from Harry Potter and Twilight to Anne of Green Gables, Dragons in our Midst, and the River of Time series. This is one of the best stories out there, on so many levels!!
Our Healer, Shilo, has all the angst and some of the foolishness of a teen in this situation. But she also shows courage, faith, and wisdom. Her character grows, and I'm adding her to my list of book friends I want to meet!
To grasp what I mean, listen to a couple of my favorite quotes:
'I didn't choose this gift, but I'm definitely choosing to Honor the Giver.'
'And there goes my new diet plan. Maybe we could have giant slabs of whale blubber on the side.' (her mom's a gourmet chef)
I received a copy of the book from the author and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
February 19, 2018
The novel is about a teenage woman who discovers she has a supernatural ability to heal people’s medical infirmities. She cannot summon the healing power at will; it manifests itself occasionally. Exercising the healing power complicates her relationships with her family, friends, and boyfriend. It also entwines her into the life of another woman and puts them both in harm’s way.
Even though the cover says the novel is a “young adult tale”, and my young adulthood is a fading memory, I enjoyed the novel and always looked forward to my next opportunity to read more of it. The characters were easy to identify with, and the situations in which they became engaged were believable. In fact I occasionally found myself unwilling to put the book down until I found out how some crisis was going to be resolved.
The story is written from a mature Christian perspective. By “mature”, I mean a couple of things: 1) The interactions among the characters make it clear that people are flawed, and that people have the capacity for both good and evil. (The bad guys in this novel are genuinely scary.) 2) Compassion, especially for people in lower economic and social strata is very evident in the way the characters are developed.
Even though the cover says the novel is a “young adult tale”, and my young adulthood is a fading memory, I enjoyed the novel and always looked forward to my next opportunity to read more of it. The characters were easy to identify with, and the situations in which they became engaged were believable. In fact I occasionally found myself unwilling to put the book down until I found out how some crisis was going to be resolved.
The story is written from a mature Christian perspective. By “mature”, I mean a couple of things: 1) The interactions among the characters make it clear that people are flawed, and that people have the capacity for both good and evil. (The bad guys in this novel are genuinely scary.) 2) Compassion, especially for people in lower economic and social strata is very evident in the way the characters are developed.
June 26, 2018
**Disclaimer: We received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Daughter's Review: Filled with religion, and magic, Healer is a good book. The author is Susan Miura, so please show her some love by reading her books.
Shilo, an Italian Christian, has the Lord's healing power. This means that she can heal anyone, so long as God wills it. The gift runs in the family, but it has to remain a secret. If anyone knows about the gift, oh boy, reporters, sick people, injured people seeking out help, etc., will not leave her or her family alone.
Susan Miura’s Healer is a true fantasy with magic and a bit of drama. Even though it's religious, I'm okay with that because I try not to judge people on what they write and what they like. Honestly, I can't find any dislikes about this book, so that's that.
Daughter's Review: Filled with religion, and magic, Healer is a good book. The author is Susan Miura, so please show her some love by reading her books.
Shilo, an Italian Christian, has the Lord's healing power. This means that she can heal anyone, so long as God wills it. The gift runs in the family, but it has to remain a secret. If anyone knows about the gift, oh boy, reporters, sick people, injured people seeking out help, etc., will not leave her or her family alone.
Susan Miura’s Healer is a true fantasy with magic and a bit of drama. Even though it's religious, I'm okay with that because I try not to judge people on what they write and what they like. Honestly, I can't find any dislikes about this book, so that's that.
January 27, 2018
Susan Muira’s new novel “Healer” is the story of Shilo, a teenage girl who discovers she has a rare gift for healing that turns out to be both a blessing and a curse. As Shilo grapples with her gift, her relationships with her parents, her sister, her friends and her boyfriend are thrown into turmoil.
Healing is one of the spiritual gifts named in the Bible, yet it is also one of the most elusive and, given the number of so-called faith healers claiming to have it, the most misunderstood. Shilo has to learn where her gift ends and God’s will begins. She can’t heal everyone, only those whom God chooses. It’s a weighty burden for one so young, who would rather be hanging out with her friends than contemplating the consequences of this difficult gift.
Susan Miura writes with eloquence and humor about an ordinary girl thrust into an extraordinary situation. Shilo’s struggle is believable, especially when her own feelings are in conflict with those she loves. She slowly learns that not all gifts from God are easy, but they are always good.
Healing is one of the spiritual gifts named in the Bible, yet it is also one of the most elusive and, given the number of so-called faith healers claiming to have it, the most misunderstood. Shilo has to learn where her gift ends and God’s will begins. She can’t heal everyone, only those whom God chooses. It’s a weighty burden for one so young, who would rather be hanging out with her friends than contemplating the consequences of this difficult gift.
Susan Miura writes with eloquence and humor about an ordinary girl thrust into an extraordinary situation. Shilo’s struggle is believable, especially when her own feelings are in conflict with those she loves. She slowly learns that not all gifts from God are easy, but they are always good.
January 29, 2018
Miura's own gift of writing well-crafted young adult suspense shines in this page turning story. Shilo's struggle to learn what her gift means for herself and those around her parallels questions many have about their identity and purpose. This diverse, sympathetic cast deals with weighty situations in between soccer practice and normal life in a seamless, enjoyable story.
I buy anything this author writes, and have purchased several as gifts. As a librarian and as a professional reviewer, I can say that her books appeal to a wide variety of ages and audiences.
I buy anything this author writes, and have purchased several as gifts. As a librarian and as a professional reviewer, I can say that her books appeal to a wide variety of ages and audiences.
January 28, 2018
From the very first page, Healer grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go! Susan Miura creates characters that are so real I’d like to join them for dinner and tension so thick I practically held my breath as I read. Shiloh and Kenji summon all the angst of teenage love and all the misunderstandings and drama of youth. Miura also handles a sensitive and possibly controversial topic – faith healing – biblically and respectfully. Though the novel is fiction, the healing power of God is not. I hated to see the story end and look forward to a sequel as Shiloh continues to learn about the gift God has given her.
March 25, 2019
Reading has always been a source of comfort for me. I enjoy diving into fantastical worlds populated by heroes and magic, and while Healer is grounded in the world of the everyday, it is filled with miracles-both ordinary and extraordinary-that make the world a better and brighter place. Acts of kindness and acts of biblical wonder are together elevated to transform the lives of those in suffering. As someone passionate about service, this book continued to touch my heart from start to finish. ✨
Healer follows Shiloh, a teenager living a normal life. Her days consist of soccer, spending time with her swoon-worthy boyfriend (he’s seriously in my top ten best literary boyfriends!!!) and her hilariously relatable family, and dreaming of a summer full of service, sports, and friends. These dreams change, however, when Shiloh meets Misty and her son Tyler. Trapped in an abusive relationship after being abandoned by her foster family, Misty is alone in the world and scared for her son’s life. But when Shiloh prays for a miracle of healing and it comes to pass before her eyes, everything in her life changes. Shiloh must grapple under the weight of being a vessel of God’s power. Can she save the ones that she loves and keep herself safe from the prying eyes of the world? Or will she suffer the fate of her grandmother? Will Misty escape her boyfriend’s influence and protect her son? ✨
Healer is filled with heart and emotion and is perfectly balanced by the anxieties and angst of the teenage experience. While Shiloh is extraordinary, she is still a realistic teenager, and her journey of service is refreshingly littered with obstacles and triumphs in equal number. If you’re looking for a story that will inspire you and brighten your day, I can not recommend Healer enough. Besides Shiloh’s too sweet for this world boyfriend, Kenji, Misty was my favorite character. Her journey beautifully and painfully portrayed the lengths a mother will go to to protect her family and the wonder that is produced by simple acts of charity. Her love and strength shone throughout the novel, and I felt so invested in her success.
Healer follows Shiloh, a teenager living a normal life. Her days consist of soccer, spending time with her swoon-worthy boyfriend (he’s seriously in my top ten best literary boyfriends!!!) and her hilariously relatable family, and dreaming of a summer full of service, sports, and friends. These dreams change, however, when Shiloh meets Misty and her son Tyler. Trapped in an abusive relationship after being abandoned by her foster family, Misty is alone in the world and scared for her son’s life. But when Shiloh prays for a miracle of healing and it comes to pass before her eyes, everything in her life changes. Shiloh must grapple under the weight of being a vessel of God’s power. Can she save the ones that she loves and keep herself safe from the prying eyes of the world? Or will she suffer the fate of her grandmother? Will Misty escape her boyfriend’s influence and protect her son? ✨
Healer is filled with heart and emotion and is perfectly balanced by the anxieties and angst of the teenage experience. While Shiloh is extraordinary, she is still a realistic teenager, and her journey of service is refreshingly littered with obstacles and triumphs in equal number. If you’re looking for a story that will inspire you and brighten your day, I can not recommend Healer enough. Besides Shiloh’s too sweet for this world boyfriend, Kenji, Misty was my favorite character. Her journey beautifully and painfully portrayed the lengths a mother will go to to protect her family and the wonder that is produced by simple acts of charity. Her love and strength shone throughout the novel, and I felt so invested in her success.
January 28, 2018
A young lady on the verge of adulthood is thrust into a lifestyle of secrets at a vulnerable time. Just when she can see an inviting future filled with college, music, faith, and especially a wonderful, almost too-good-to-be-true boyfriend, Kenji, Shilo learns of a fearsome and awe-inspiring family secret that’s been passed down through the generations. Under dire warning from her mother, Shilo must never, ever tell anyone. But it’s a secret Shilo can’t hide.
Sixteen, ready for the best summer of her life, Shilo experiences her second use of a God-given Gift when she accidentally heals a child. She learns early on, though, that the Gift cannot be taken lightly or for granted. Despite her mother’s warnings of becoming a media frenzy or even delusional with power, Shilo is put in an uncompromising position when her boyfriend’s life is at stake. Under the influence of enormous family stress, Shilo has pushed Kenji away, something that’s tearing her apart. Their reunion and subsequent revelations may not result in all that she or her family wish, but the words and actions cannot be undone.
Miura’s story is a nicely shaped and paced young adult story that’s well defined. The real angst of teenagers and tweens is lovingly created with a cast of characters that will leave a mark on the reader. Told through multiple first-person viewpoints, Shilo’s appeal as a young lady in love, mature, yet vulnerable, is a great story to share with young people. This is a lengthy book for young adult, so although I recommend for seventh grade and up, younger readers should be good readers. Younger readers should have parental supervision regarding some mature situations (teenage pregnancy, abuse, drug running, some violence, and serious injury).
The theme of obedience running through the story, speaking to trust, conscience, responsibility, obedience to authority figures such as teachers and pastor, parents, and especially to faith in God and acting on that faith, is wonderfully illustrated.
Sixteen, ready for the best summer of her life, Shilo experiences her second use of a God-given Gift when she accidentally heals a child. She learns early on, though, that the Gift cannot be taken lightly or for granted. Despite her mother’s warnings of becoming a media frenzy or even delusional with power, Shilo is put in an uncompromising position when her boyfriend’s life is at stake. Under the influence of enormous family stress, Shilo has pushed Kenji away, something that’s tearing her apart. Their reunion and subsequent revelations may not result in all that she or her family wish, but the words and actions cannot be undone.
Miura’s story is a nicely shaped and paced young adult story that’s well defined. The real angst of teenagers and tweens is lovingly created with a cast of characters that will leave a mark on the reader. Told through multiple first-person viewpoints, Shilo’s appeal as a young lady in love, mature, yet vulnerable, is a great story to share with young people. This is a lengthy book for young adult, so although I recommend for seventh grade and up, younger readers should be good readers. Younger readers should have parental supervision regarding some mature situations (teenage pregnancy, abuse, drug running, some violence, and serious injury).
The theme of obedience running through the story, speaking to trust, conscience, responsibility, obedience to authority figures such as teachers and pastor, parents, and especially to faith in God and acting on that faith, is wonderfully illustrated.
August 16, 2018
In this Christian YA fantasy novel, 17 year old Shilo learns that she has inherited the ability to be a healer from her grandmother. Her parents are worried and don't want her to use her power from God to heal others because of the attention that would bring to her and because the gift caused her grandmother to become self-centered. However, Shilo wants to help people and after inadvertently healing 18 year old Misty's son, Tyler, she has to hide her ability and learn how to deal with it. Shilo deals with boyfriend problems and as her family helps Misty to escape her abusive boyfriend, they deal with other issues as well. There are gang problems, a mission trip, romance and supernatural healing in this Christian YA fantasy novel.
November 6, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I can identify with the desire to be a healer. Having experienced praying for others and seeing God heal them. I can attest to the feeling of awe that comes with seeing God's healing in action. Now we need a sequel, to find out what Shilo learns from Nonna.
May 7, 2019
I am so glad I read Healer by Susan Miura. This is such a great story! And, it’s clean! I’m seriously doing a happy dance because of that! Clean good YA are really hard to find! I am definitely giving this to my daughter to read. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I really liked everything about Healer. The storyline (Shilo discovers she has the power to heal) was so different and so good. I loved all of the characters - Shilo, Kenji, and Nick (Shiloh’s dad) are my favorites. I absolutely loved the banter between Kenji and Shiloh. I loved Shiloh’s gift and I’m happy that it was used the way it was used. The message is really good and one we should all keep in mind - use the gift(s) that God has given you, use them wisely, and never forget it’s not you, but God. I can’t wait to read more of this author!!! Book 2, Shards of Light, comes out August 29th!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
I really liked everything about Healer. The storyline (Shilo discovers she has the power to heal) was so different and so good. I loved all of the characters - Shilo, Kenji, and Nick (Shiloh’s dad) are my favorites. I absolutely loved the banter between Kenji and Shiloh. I loved Shiloh’s gift and I’m happy that it was used the way it was used. The message is really good and one we should all keep in mind - use the gift(s) that God has given you, use them wisely, and never forget it’s not you, but God. I can’t wait to read more of this author!!! Book 2, Shards of Light, comes out August 29th!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
April 18, 2019
For this Young Adult book, I thought the story line handled many issues very well. It was engaging and a page turner and it left me wanting to know more of the ongoing story; so since it says Book 1, readers can find out what happens next. Can't wait to see if Shilo's Gift is revealed and how she handles it.
June 4, 2019
Couldn't put it down! Story flowed seamlessly. Lovable and believable characters stay with you long after the last page.
Wish I could have diner at the Giannelli's, receive a hug from Anneaconda, examine Julia's rocks and hear all about Shilo.
Appeals to all ages. Can't wait until the second book is out in August 2019.
Wish I could have diner at the Giannelli's, receive a hug from Anneaconda, examine Julia's rocks and hear all about Shilo.
Appeals to all ages. Can't wait until the second book is out in August 2019.
January 3, 2021
I was encouraged by reading this book. The story has and uplifting theme that is recommendable for young adults. The characters are interesting and the plot touches on relevant themes, especially for teens.
June 10, 2019
Great to have culturally diverse characters and a lively story line. High school is so full of drama, but our main characters generally make excellent choices.
July 29, 2019
Great read
Really exciting read about a healer. Shilo does all her healing through Christian prayer and God's healing power. The God who created the universe can do all things.
Really exciting read about a healer. Shilo does all her healing through Christian prayer and God's healing power. The God who created the universe can do all things.
May 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I felt the characters had depth to them and I loved how the author brought the characters together showing how God may work in peoples’ lives and relationships. Several times she had me laughing or shedding tears and always anxious to get to the next page to see what would happen next.
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