Originally posted on my blog, Books Forget Me Knot.

From the very first page to the very last word, Martha Brockenbrough's Devine Intervention captured my heart. Once I closed the book I literally took a deep breath, hung my head in my hands, and cried. I let out these big, ugly sobs that I never thought I was capable of. It was just...an ending that I was not expecting what so ever. I wanted a happily ever after kind of ending and instead I was given an excellent but bittersweet ending.

*breathes*

But I'm getting a little bit ahead of myself. Let's talk about the gist of the novel:

Jerome Hancock is a guardian angel in training who is getting a second chance at heaven if he can succeed in guarding Heidi Devine. But Jerome isn't your average guardian angel trainee. He's kind of a riot. Jerome unknowingly breaks the commandments of the dead, which taint the goodness of his soul. He's also not a very good guardian angel as he makes his charge, Heidi, think she's crazy from a very early age. Jerome has spoken to Heidi ever since she could remember, singing Lynyrd Skynyrd, and offering familiar comfort when she feels alone.

By an unfortunate turn of events, Jerome has to sneak Heidi's soul into heaven through an opening at a mall. But things don't run as smoothly as they ought to. The clock is ticking and they must race against time before Heidi's soul is lost forever and Jerome's soul is sent to one of the nine circles of hell.

The particular and unique aspect I found in Devine Intervention was the layout of perspectives. It was told from Jerome's p.o.v's which is humorous and full of comic relief, and Heidi's, who is written in 3rd person. It's different and I've never seen that done before. But it WORKS. I'd have to say it's pure genius, writing the perspectives in that way.

I couldn't help myself from giggling at the things Jerome thought and said. He's a free spirit, young, and ignorant (as Heidi so bluntly put it). I also loved his censorship! He cannot swear. If he does then he suffers an excruciating amount of pain in his head. So Jerome being brilliant comes up with words to replace those swear words like holy smokes, dumbflask, and (my favorite) chevy. Hidden underneath Jerome's sarcastic demeanor there is a kind of brokeness to him. His story is one of those that crushed my heart because I will never understand how people could doubt the love of others.

I know, that's a little ambiguous, but I am sparing you from spoilers! ;)

Then there is Heidi, who has thought she was crazy since she was a little girl all thanks to Jerome. She was seen as under developed when she spoke about her imaginary friend. As the years passed she learned to keep Jerome a secret. Heidi is an artist, that's the thing she loves to do most of all, but her family pushes her to be athletic (since she's rather tall). I liked Heidi's character because she embodied insecurity and uncertainty. I love when characters are flawed. It makes them real, ordinary like you and me, but extraordinary at the same time. She's loving and caring when it concerns the people who are dearly important to her.

The novel is just full of heart and wisdom. The theology that is embedded into the story is creative and uniquely done. Brockenbrough's commandments were classic and could very well be true and right to live a good and honest life. But we aren't perfect and I like the the theme of redemption also integrated into the novel.

I know, I'm being ambiguous again! Don't shoot me.

There are plenty of twists, laughs, surprises, and tears that will captivate your heart in Devine Intervention. An author has a gift when they are able to bring forth such emotions like laughing out loud and crying your heart dry. Martha Brockenbrough is one of those authors. It's insightful and honest; about seizing the day and making life all it's worth while you have the chance. It's just beautiful. You'll just fall instantly in love with Jerome and Heidi. I did. And their story is one that will be with you for a very long time.