Stranger Things

This is my new favourite Erin Healy novel. It has all the hallmarks of what we’ve come to expect from Healy: gripping suspense, characters grappling with their external world but also with what’s in their heart, and an insider’s perspective of the “thin places” where the natural and supernatural intersect. However, added to this novel is an especially powerful story line drawing the reader into the dark sinister world of human trafficking.The novel starts fast and doesn’t let up. Healy’s descriptive powers make this novel a highly visual experience. We get multiple points of view which I enjoyed as it enlightened the experience in my mind.The story demonstrates how human trafficking is able to proliferate due to systematic abuse, deceit and corruption. For much of the novel we’re not exactly sure whether the heroes are actually villains and vice-versa. As the story unfolds the layers gradually peel away to reveal some very courageous people and sinister bad guys.Serena Diaz and Amber Larsen are two very gutsy women, both survivors of this heinous industry, and marvelously crafted. They are drawn together, coincidentally, by Amber’s brother, Christopher. Embedded in both ladies is his passion and energy to rescue those in need and shine light in the darkness of the industry that has played such a role in their lives since their youth.The bad guys are creepy in their arrogance, abuse of power and complete disregard for the lives of the many they destroy. Healy reveals the far-reaching tentacles of structured corruption that pervades the industry.This is an effortless read that was hard to put down and I was sad it ended.

If your looking for a book to literally grab you by both hands and refuse to let go until the last page is read - then look no further.Stranger Things starts out straight forward enough. School teacher give student a grade he doesn't like so he decides to discredit her in one of the most devastating ways possible - accusing her of sexual misconduct.Her career and life now lying on ruins around her, Serena retreats to a quiet spot near her home never dreaming that what follows will change her direction in life forever.What would you do if a total stranger steps into the path of a bullet meant for you? Dying and you never knew his name?Serena soon learns that there is far more to this than initially meets the eye. Just what's going on at this derelict house in the middle of nowhere and why does it produce the most bizarre visions of both restored house and people who aren't really there.With no one to trust and the web of deceit growing by the day, Serena must find a way out of the mess her life has become. But with mounting stakes and bodies piling up, will this be a happy ending or not?Gripping and challenging on a gritty subject of human trafficking and sex trade this is not for the feint hearted but a satisfying and mind bending read all the same.

Serena Diaz's job as a successful teacher falls apart when she is accused of molesting a male student, Brock. He's angry because the low grade she gave him means he won't get the scholarship to Cornell. Serena is ordered to stay away from the campus, and she takes her sketching pad to head for the hills. She stumbles upon a human trafficking exchange that results in the death of a man who saved her life.Serena wants to understand why the man died to protect her. She also wants to understand why Brock is accusing her of such horrible things. She digs to find the truth but only sinks deeper in lies of darkness.Stranger Things is very suspenseful. Erin points out that human trafficking has risen to third place in the world's ranking of the fastest growing illegal industries, behind drugs and weapons. If you loved the supernatural Christian suspense in Stranger Things, please check out my Immortal Memory trilogy and leave reviews. It is a Christian Supernatural Romance series available at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_20?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=immortal+memory+sylvia+frances&sprefix=immortal+memory+sylv%2Caps%2C331

I've grown to expect "more" from Erin Healy's books than what the Christian Fiction category typically offers, and _Stranger Things_ is no exception. She somehow manages to make her themes more nuanced, her writing style more lyrical, and her insights more profound--all without losing the suspense that keeps the pages turning. As a former high school teacher, I found Serena Diaz's situation in the story to be frighteningly believable. The author also, without minimizing the grave reality of human trafficking, effectively argues within her narrative that hope and healing are even "more true" than even the worst imaginable evil. A deeply illuminating read.

Strange but compelling story addressing (in a roundabout way) the important topic of human trafficking. Although Healy falls under the Christian fiction mantel, there is no overt spiritual verbiage in this novel. However, her intent is clear, and her main characters seek justice and the path of righteousness. This is a good read, if not a bit unusual.

Erin Healy always hits a Grand slam with every book she writes. I give this book an A+. She keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter to try and figure out what is going on. And it's edge of your seat excitement every page. Loved it loved it loved it

I'm so glad I stuck with this book. At first, I was struggling with the "thin places" that the author was depicting but it all came together so well in the end. A must read!

What a wonderful story, be careful things aren't always as they seem. You will not be able to put this book down, the suspense is amazing!