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[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]

Tom, Myra, and William are preparing to go out on a camping expedition when his ex-wife, Ruth shows up with a thin as a stick and mouth-watered girl, Sarah. She is their grandchild. Tom wanted to go camping to make sure Bob-Bob’s (his grandfather) grave is safe before Buckhorn could commence their work. He had bided Myra and William to accompany him. They are forced to take Sarah along with them. Tom believes that is a lousy idea.

William works for a shipping company. He is Tom’s distant cousin. Myra, William’s daughter, possesses a fastidious spirit. She tends to see the worst in other people. It is early May when they set out on the mission. The camping site experiences perennial storms and deluge rainfall. In the midst of an innuendo, Sarah feels abased by Tom. She walks away from the syndicate only to vanish away for over a week. Sarah shows up famished and lethargic having lost the atlatl which is priceless to them. No one seems to believe what she underwent over a week (the period she went missing) as she narrates her ordeal. They then break camp. Sergei, an archaeologist unionizes the crew when they return on the mission (for the second time) to retrieve the thrower. The latter is a gem as it would help preserve the entire region where Bob-Bob was buried. Buckhorn has one of its crew members eavesdropping at Tom’s camp. Buckhorn has a variant idea about the region.

I was engraved by Charlie Sheldon’s ability to develop a story inside a story. This was evident when Sarah narrates the aftermath of her disappearance. This was a neatly worked up plot. The characterization and naming of characters in Sarah’s ‘world’ are exhilarating. The reader meets: Fat Hair, Thin Hair, Anger, Thrower, Pretty Face, Strong Heart, Weeps a lot, Woman Too Soon, and Long Braid. All these names mirror the traits of the characters. I particularly adored Sarah’s fortitude and gallantry. Strong Heart portrays the acts of valor that deliver Tom’s syndicate from Buckhorn at gunpoint. Sarah salvaged the crew when faced by impending danger on the mission, contrary to their expectations.

There was nothing I did not like about this book. As much as it debilitates me that the atlatl did not get to its desired destination, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. What I liked most about this book was how Sarah, a disdained child, eventually became the light. Indeed, the stone that was rejected by the builders ended up being the headstone of the corner. I was also oriented into fossil dating. Carbon dating to be precise. The author’s ability to develop such an enthralling and adventurous book is impeccable.

The book was subjected to professional editing as I never flagged down any obvious typos or other grammatical errors. I strongly recommended this book to anyone who enjoys adventure. There are no exceptions in terms of its audience. There were no profane words or sexual content that I noticed. Surely, this book deserves a 4 out of 4 stars rating as I found it flawless.

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Strong Heart
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I've read two books by Charlie Sheldon. I like the writing styles and the captivating storylines. I'll look for this one too. Nice review

I read this book some days back, and I found it to be so amazing. The Sarah's unbelievable story, which could only make sense toward it's end, really made me love this author's Writing style. Thanks for your sincere review.

The story within a story aspect was quite fascinating. I'll admit that my first encounter with it was a bit confusing, but the more it became clear to me the more I appreciated it. Thanks for your honest review.

I read this book, too. Sarah becomes their guide as well as in the sequel, Adrift.