Review by Annie_Pea -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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Review by Annie_Pea -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

4 out of 4 stars
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Strong Heart written by Charlie Sheldon, while in Bellingham, Seattle, and deep in the Olympic Peninsula. This story comes of age and is about a teenager, dropped at the door of her grandparents. Yet, discovering her existence for the first time Ruth and Tom provided for her. Coupled with, her drinking, her attitude and in addition to, she meets someone her own age. Purposely, Ruth took her to Tom even though, Ruth knew he would wonder where she's been all this time. Besides, he never knew Becky had a child, but welcome her anyway. Subsequently, this presented a dilemma for Tom contemplated putting Sarah in school, but unaware that school concluded several weeks ago. Without hesitation, William's idea to take her along caused Tom to utter, that would be a mistake. William and Myra consequently, believed that it would be good for both of them. Nevertheless, Sarah would get to know him and where her great grandfather is resting. Unfortunately for Sarah, Tom knew nothing else to do, but bring Sarah along. The plan is to leave right away, although waiting until Summer would be better. Working through their difficult scheduling, the timing was perfect for all three.
Hence, the twist and turns in this story, I seriously doubted I was reading the same story. The moment Sarah disappeared, everything fell apart. While Sarah's disappearance seemed unusual Tom couldn't bring himself to accept it. Suddenly, she shows up 8 days later torn, with scratches, and covered in mud reeling from a head injury. Sarah's explanation of her whereabouts was beyond anyone's imagination, except for Sheldon. Sarah told of an adventure she had and in that place, Sarah wasn't a force to reckoned with. For the most part, she was capable of holding her own. Equipped with a fighter's instinct proving herself time and time again. Feeling uneasy, from the lack of understanding of grownup's Sarah acted out. Thinking, this is punishment for something she could not control. Tom and Sarah both had a lot to learn on this journey evidently, they learned it together. Working as a team, they fled the dangers lurking in these woods. Tom knew that Sarah had a glimpse of legends and experienced the magic that Myra had spoken about. Recognizing they were not taking Sarah on a journey Tom knew she was taking them. More than anything, Sarah wants her grandfather to believe her stories, especially the one about the bear.
The writing is extraordinary at some point of my reading it was apparent Sarah was telling her story. Applauding Sheldon for how he plays with the mind and transitioning one story into "Strong Heart's story. An excellent piece and I took notice of how well the writing is. Amazingly, at one point rereading parts of Sarah's story was not an option it was a must. The experiences Sarah revealed to be full of imagination causing her to ponder her own credibility. The story Sarah tells is just so unbelievable which made it also impossible and the characters were entirely unusual. Absolutely one of the best books I have read.
For anyone looking for some outdoor fun, whether it is fishing, camping, or canoeing, in addition to that if you are interested in just an old fashioned picnic. Bringing to the forefront Native American heritage, coupled with talks of ancient artifacts used to explore and research detailed knowledge Sheldon shares with his readers. All of which played out in the plot of the story, for instance, Sergi, a scientist and Myra an archeologist both knowledgeable of human origins. I honestly couldn't break away.
In this story, dreams do come true. If you are looking for adventure, excitement, suspense, or just a bit of history, it is all here in the story. With the uttermost care, editing with minimal errors, giving it 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Strong Heart
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