Halos

by Kristen Heitzmann

It was the halo that caught her heart between beats and made her pause to take notice. When Alessi Moore drives her red Mustang convertible into town, she wonders if this could be the place she was meant to find, a place to settle down. But when her convertible and all she owns is stolen, she is filled with doubt.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Suspense

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Kristen Heitzmann is the award winning author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical series. An artist and musician, she'll also be found hiking the Rocky Mountain trails.

Reviews

[Katherine Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I only started this book because my husband had read it first and knew I would like it. So to please him, I read it. And I read the whole thing in about 4 hours straight without moving. I've never cared enough to write a review for a book but this one touched me. I cried almost the whole way through it. Mostly because it was like reading my own life right on the pages. I grew up in Palm Beach and was disowned by my family at 18 because I married my own "pool boy" type guy. He didn't have money and all he could give me was his love and that was enough for me. The man I married reminded me a lot of Steve. Mostly because at first, my now husband was very secretive and very hurt from his past that he didn't want to love either. And I was like Alessi - young and naive, always trying to look at the better parts of life. It's also funny that my husband loves to play chess like Steve and we're 10 years apart instead of the 9 from Alessi and Steve. And how my husband and I finally came together and got married? I got physically hurt, badly and the morning after my now husband took me and married me. So just like Steve, it took almost loosing me to realize how much he loved me.

I think it was the little things in this book that made me cry too, like Alessi asking her mom why no one wanted them and her mother answering her by "They don't know what they're missing." I know what that feels like too. And how her aunt called her mother a slut and how she would be one too. I'd been called that too when I fell in love with my husband. And I also know what it's like to wander without a home of my own, just living in other peoples.

I think that's what made me cry the most, but just to see what my life was like and how far I've came. Now I have a family - my husband and our 5 year old daughter. And now I know what to tell my daughter when she asks why she doesn't have grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or anyone else but us. "They don't know what they're missing."

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halos by Kristen Heitzmann is a beautiful story about a girl named Alessi. A girl looking to start life over in a new place. She stumbles upon the little town of Charity and immediately feels the quaint charm and home-like atmosphere. That charm quickly disappears when she steps out of the gas station to find her car gone and all of her belongings. She had a rough life growing up and all she ever owned and loved was in that car. Now she is stranded in a small town in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of strangers and snow falling all around her.
Alessi tries to win over these strangers and get them to believe her story, but finds herself heartbroken, lost, and confused while the Christmas season comes upon her.
Halos is a beautiful story of truth, faithfulness, forgiveness, and the warmth of Christmas.
When I first started this book I wasn’t too sure about the storyline, but it was beautifully written! Definitely a great read to start off the holidays!

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A review from my old blog...

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't help flipping pages away from the end to see how certain things would turn out. I know that technically one is not supposed to do that but I can't help it. With good books I always sneak a peek to the end to see how things will turn out in the end. :D

Alessi is such a believable character. I fell in love with her and with Steve as well.

I can't come up with a decent review because I love the book so much!

**Update**

I really have no idea why I loved this book so much the first time around. So much of this book exceeded reasonable suspension of disbelief, especially the Pact. The narrative could best be described as soup. Most of it mixes together with occasional large chunks that break up the narrative like rocks in a river. Yes, I used a mixed metaphor but that seems appropriate for this narrative.

This book did not survive round two of the "purge."

[Hannah Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Just . . . amazing.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author, new favorite. Fantastic! Blew my socks off.

Most books play nice, but this one had real people, real problems, real solutions. I wondered from the very beginning where we were going with the halos, and I loved every second. I could picture different people and places with halos. I really loved the different perspectives and different challenges.

Evil really exists and the consequences of sin, Carl's family's lifelong sin problems. God was in this book, but not in the yea right way, in the real believable way!

I could imagine being Alessi, but I can imagine being Steve too. Who really knew if Alessi was serious about what happened, or it was truly as she was saying.

Can you imagine being Alessi, thinking you saw the Halos and stopped in this quaint little town, Charity, loving seeing snow fall for the FIRST time, and someone STEALS your car. Then NO ONE believes you?

Excellent story, one that I have never heard. I loved every minute of it.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: Author Kristen Heitzmann has another winner with this one! An involving plot, a likable heroine, and lots of small town charm. Fans of Christian fiction or romantic suspense will definitely enjoy this one.

Content Concerns:
• Sex: A brief reference to promiscuity; kissing. 4/5
• Nudity: Talk of wearing bikinis. 4/5
• Language: No actual profanity, but a woman is called a "slut". 4/5
• Violence: An animal's skull is found in a woman's sweater; a woman suffers a debilitating injury and nearly dies; another woman is said to have been murdered; an angry man's violent revenge and rampages are discussed. 3/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Sequences: Along with what was mentioned under "Violence," some emotional intensity is present. 2/5

Score: 4/5

[Lauren Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I read this a while ago, I still remember how awestruck I was. This is one of the best Christian fiction books I have ever read. If you are someone who God speaks to through symbols and visions this is for you. It is an amazing story of love and loss and passion and believing. It's truly inspiring.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. Some things were a bit far-fetched, but the struggles the characters had to face and work through was very real and emotional.

Steve needs to learn to trust women, after being hurt by his mother and fiance, he is very suspicious of Alessi and her motives and if her mustang is truly lost and if it is even hers.

Alessi longs to belong. After being pushed away and forgotten by her family, she thinks she finds the place to settle in Charity, Vermont. But her Mustang gets stolen and soon she is the victim of some crazy jokes...

Then there is the secret that Charity, the town, is hiding. Six years ago something happened, a pack has been signed and now no-one want to help the beautiful stranger in need.

The relationship between Steve and Alessi was quite interesting with both of them mistrusting each other but also drawn to each other. The Love story was not over the top and in your face. My heart broke for all Alessi lost in her life.

An interesting book set over Christmas with a beautiful Christmas miracle.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's official: I've now read every one of Kristen Heitzmann's novels. Does this make me an official fan? Maybe after writing her an email of thanks will I consider myself as such.

***

If you need to be reminded to be thankful for the little things, to forgive past hurts or to humble yourself and pray for a miracle, you might like Halos, a story of one girl who teaches a town the true meaning of Christmas.

Don't be mistaken--Halos is not some pulp fiction holiday piece full of peppermint and pine. It's a realistic tale of how self-righteousness and supposed self-preservation can do the worst to the least of us.

That said, put Halos on your Christmas reading list or your Christmas in July reading queue. You'll be both challenged and entertained.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure exactly where my feelings lie regarding this story. In general, it was a "feel-good" story, although it was definitely over the top in the way it tried to make you believe that this could happen in real life. I was pleased when there was a small twist about 3/4th of the way through the book that changed things. The Christian themes in the book were inspiring, and I felt myself wanting to be a more positive person because of this. Fairly good book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christian love story with a mystery all rolled into one book. A good friend loaned me the book and I LOVED it. Thanks, Norma. It was a fast read that kept me reading and spare chance I got. Just wish I had more spare time.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first books I read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have read many of her books since then.

[Brittnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, hard to put down. Forgot how intense this book was.

[Skylar BB · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it would have been nice if the book was not tainted by (any) religion. It was like ooh! we believe in Santa clause so if we do good, he gives us presents. Every single time the readers, such as myself, had to read about Characters' faith, bible, pastor's speech and the religious ideology embedded into the theme.
I didn't know this was a book integrated with religion. I was looking for a book like To Take a Dare or Mel.
The female lead saw what? lights? halos? OK! When you start to see halos, you need to go to a doctor ASAP, there is definitely something wrong with you eyes. There's a great chance that you might have severe astigmatism, cataracts, photopsia or even glaucoma. The author turned that into something romantic which is not.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should have stopped reading as soon as the story mentioned the grumpy (but good looking, single)man’s tousled hair. But no, I continued on to the part where he really didn’t mean to kiss her. You know, because he still hasn’t gotten over the betrayal of his last girlfriend. Oh, are you afraid that last bit was a spoiler? How could it be when it’s in every romance ever written?
I finished the book because I couldn’t help wondering if I figured out the mystery of this weirdo town’s secret and the identity of the thief.
I ended up liking the story despite it being about the poor, damaged humans that will fall in love in a snowy town at Christmas time.
I know. It must be the sentimental season.
The writing was well done so if you like romance you will probably enjoy the whole book. I just came for the miscreants and mayhem.
If you were tricked into reading it because no one mentioned it’s a romance in the reviews you read (like me) then you are now warned.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so conflicting to me. I did not like the main male character for like 90% of the book. But, I was feeling the storyline for the most part. However, every time Steve would come in and mess things up or hurt the MFC, it would seriously tick me off! She deserved so much better. He did get a couple more brownie points from me in the last couple chapters, but I still wasn't impressed overall.

Also, this small town was like a cult and it was disturbing. And this is coming from someone who likes to read about cults ok. I realize it was supposed to be that way, but I just didn't like that part very much.

Anyways, Kristen Heitzmann is 0/2 for me so far. I wonder if I'll find a book of hers that I will like?

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Alessi Moore's life has been difficult. Her parents, estranged from their extended families, both died when Alessi was fairly young. Alessi was sent to live with a wealthy aunt and uncle until she turned 18. On her eighteenth birthday, after being presented with a new Mustang convertible, she's shown the door. She lives life on the road, moving from place to place where she can find work. Three years later, Alessi is still on the move, when she stops for gas in the small town of Charity during a snowstorm.

Alessi looks up into the sky, and sees a halo reflected in light and snow. All of her life, halos have meant something good and hopeful, so she thinks maybe Charity is the place she is meant to stay. But while she is in paying for her gas, her car, loaded with everything she owns, is stolen. The two men who run the establishment, Ben and Dave, invite her to stay in their spare room until the police can locate the car, but the town sheriff doesn't seem hopeful that he can find the Mustang, and advises her to be on her way.

Stuck without money, possessions, or a car, Alessi tries to remain positive. She meets Ben and Dave's third roommate, Steve, who seems skeptical of her story. He thinks Alessi is just there to con the men, and the town, out of money. Against his better judgment, he gives her a job in his bookstore and grudgingly helps her look for her car, which he doesn't even believe exists. The people of the town are guarded and don't want to help. Is something terribly wrong in Charity?

Kristen Heitzmann has been a hit-or-miss author with me. Some of her books I love - last October's The Still of Night is fabulous, with a great plot and a beautiful faith message. Halos, on the other hand, is one of my misses. While the storyline is initially intriguing, the plot doesn't have enough meat for over 300 pages. The beginning and the end are rich in action, but the middle is the same thing over and over. Alessi is looking for her car. The people of the town don't believe her and won't help her for some reason. Repeat story again and again. And when the reason is finally revealed, it's not all that astonishing.

Unlike some of the author's other novels, the faith message in Halos is subtle, speaking mostly of God's grace in intervening to provide miracles and hope. There is some romance, but even that felt forced to me - for Steve to move from utter disdain and thinking Alessi a con artist, to a marriage proposal in a three week period strained credibility. However, though not at the level of the author's better offerings, Halos will probably satisfy readers who enjoy gentle romantic suspense.

[Sarah Cnossen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping story! I had to finish it, couldn't put it down. =]

Heitzmann does a wonderful job of capturing the scenes and drawing you in, making you feel like you could be standing there in the snow, trying to catch the delicate flakes on your tongue along with Alessi herself. The characters are nice and complex. Flawed to perfection! (I type this with a smile on my face, because I've struggled with adding flaws to my all too perfect characters in my own writings. If a person is too perfect, with no serious struggles and challenges in their personality, the story is just plain boring.)

The main character, Alessi Moore is likable from the start, in my opinion. She tries her best to see the best in those around her, even though they seem to shun her at first. Thrown into a situation that she thought might help her find what she was looking for -- a place to settle at last, and actually belong -- Alessi suffers the loss of her beloved Mustang and is left with nothing but the clothes on her back. [WARNING: SLIGHT SPOILER] Without going into detail, she eventually discovers she does belong, and the town of Charity is forever changed. Come to think of it, her arriving in the small town was just the sort of awakening the people needed.

A good bit of romance thrown in there, but I did expect it. Violence. Theft. I would recommend for ages 16+.

[Alanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alessi Moore has been on her own most of her life, until she ends up in the town of Charity. Her car is stolen unfortunately, and she is forced to live with strangers and being sabotaged by the car thief. Here, we see the theme of the book, which is to accept the good in people instead of trying to fix them. Alessi has to learn this the hard way in her complicated relationship with a local boy.

The author Kristen Heitzmann does a fairly good job with detail in her novel. She doesn't create a cliche love story between her characters, but a complex one. I also enjoyed the author's voice throughout the novel. The voice used through the protagonist was consistent and clear the entire time. I was able to track with the character, and see what she was really like instead of just who she was to other people.

I would most recommend this novel to young adults who are tired of the normal love stories they hear. This is definitely original, and incorporates more than just the mushy love side of it. There's also other conflicts Alessi faces, but I don't want to spoil too much of the novel.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, and I loved the main character, Alessi. She was such a sweetheart. Despite the tough times and circumstances she faced in her life she kept her face to the sun and put her trust in God, humanity, and love. She swept into a small town, (re)named Charity, and gave the town a miracle with her generosity and kind heart.

The story seemed a tad longer at times than necessary and a few parts seemed a tad too far fetched. It wasn't really a mystery, although there was a bit of a mystery woven throughout. It wasn't really a love story, although there was a bit of that too. All in all, a good book, but not mind-blowing in any way. The ending was nice, but left me wanting more. I was a little disappointed.

I'd say it's worth the read, but not until after a few of the greats are exhausted first. I will try one more Heitzmann book before making a final determination on her work.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed some light reading. I've had a horrible cold and bronchitis for a week. Had this book on my shelf waiting to be read. It was GREAT!!. Alessa (our lead character) is a young 21 year old woman with a positive almost naive outlook on life. Raised by her mom in her younger years after her father left she has had growing up experiences most of us don't have. Her mom was wonderful. Now suddenly she's in a totally different corner, geographically, chronologically and socially. The book is very faith based and shows how we all have weak spots in our faith. The romance is sort of realistic, like any romance story, without the eroticism so often placed for sales purposes. This made it an even better story. For Alessa and her new friends, the ending is happy.
I've still got my cold, my cough and the headache that even my medications aren't fixing, but I had a good escape reading this book in the last 24 hours.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again this author has amazed me with her originality,and writing skill.

This is my third book by her,after Edge of Recall and Freefall. Each one was a top-rated read for me,and it's impossible for me to choose a favorite!

This book was another page-turner,as were the other two.

The main character Alessi More is a very sweet naive young woman with a heartbreaking past. Her sweet nature touches many hearts in the small town of Charity where she becomes stranded.

There is a very misguided Pastor in this town and a horrible pact the residents have adhered to.

The author does her usual fabulous job of developing the characters so that we readers develop strong feelings of camaraderie with some,and very strong distaste for others.Plus her descriptions of the surroundings,had me imagining the scent of the evergreens,and feeling the cold!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read this book for the second time. I was older and I think I got more out of the story. The first time through I absolutely loved the story, and was horrified in a couple scenes that it described. This time around, I understood more and also found the "horrifying" scenes of yesteryear more subdued. Still had some disturbing parts, but on the whole I feel inspired by the characters in this story. It's almost like a fairytale gone wrong but with a happy ending. Confusing, I know. But I'm really not sure how I can articulate this novel. I recommend this book except I think you have to be able to take some heart ache and complete and utter confusing despair/hopefulness from the main character.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok, a bit predictable but then I kind of expect Christian romances to be like that (predictably predictable!). It's kind of comforting. Alessa was a bit pollyanna-ish and Our Hero (whose name escapes me for the moment) was a bit pointlessly brooding and "my past bad experiences with women mean I instantly loathe and distrust you!" but meh! I still liked reading about them. What I liked best about this book, I think, was that I was supposed to be writing a horrible and enormous research project about Louisa May Alcott at the time so it felt like such a sneaky, relaxing treat to read something like this which put no strain on my brain.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book. I felt it was not Biblical! It glorified visions of halos and angels, not The One True God - The God who created all. There are multiple things in the book that do not line up with TRUTH and made me shake my head and mutter "Strange!".

On a different level, what is with these characters that kiss after 2 days?! And the description of the ICU doctor's breath?..."medicinal halitosis"?!

I enjoyed the author's "Diamond of the Rockies" series...that was good reading with a good message & plot.

I probably will read any "western theme" by this author but not any more of this style. I don't like writing bad reviews.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the blurb interesting & thought it might be a bit of a supernatural thriller/romance. The story started ok & remained interesting mostly but the religious theme became thicker & thicker until, by the end it seemed to overwhelm the storyline, which actually took away from the story, as it felt like the author wasn't sure how to end the book (the situation had become too hopeless & drawn-out)... so a miracle was inserted :/
(I didn't have a problem with Chritianity being a theme, it's just that it became so overwhelmingly unbelievable for me)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this author while browsing in the public library and I fell in love with her. Her books show very subtle hints of her strong Christian beliefs. Her stories all tend to be mystery/romances and are fun and clean. One of the best romance authors I have run across.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story, and thought the author did a very nice job of combining the religious part into everything. The plot and characters were well developed, and I enjoyed the suspense and the romance.

[Connie Dickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just discovered this author by accident, a christian writer, but such fun reading. She is awesome!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite Kristen Heitzmann book so far. Definitely hard to put down. Enjoyed the story.