This book is written in a clear Southern voice, from both the first-person perspective of young Abe Teal as an imaginative boy living in Alvin, Alabama and a third-person perspective of his mother, Detective Leah Teal - a style I found very interesting.

Abe's voice is so clear in its innocence and earnestness - he was delightful, and the kind of kid you hope yours would befriend.

It's beautifully written, and evokes a strong picture of place and the characters, and the theme of forgiveness is felt strongly throughout. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for Hiebert's debut novel, Dream with Little Angels, as it also features Abe and Leah.

Comparisons have been made to Hiebert's stories to Harper Lee's "to Kill a Mockingbird", and as that is a favorite of mine, I thought it was a pretty serious claim - but I have found it holds up. Definitely worth a read. Enjoy!

My full review can be found on my website, Momma on the Rocks http://wp.me/p16nhR-1dV

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
All comments are mine only. ( )

A special thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

CLOSE TO THE BROKEN HEARTED by Michael Hiebert was captivating, hooking me from the first page to the end. A suspense page-tuner, you will not be able to put down, keeping you guessing until the end.

These well-developed rich characters will pull you into their troubled world, dark past, and mysteries of this small southern town of Alvin, Alabama, extending to Columbus, Georgia.

However, more importantly than the mystery---the family dynamics, and lovable characters, for a heartwarming and poignant story. I was definitely intrigued by the front cover, drawing you into the mystery behind the house, and the doors to the downstairs cellar.

Sylvia Carson (age 22) suffers from a traumatic past, as she witnessed the tragedy of her three year old baby brother, shot and killed in the family kitchen at home, by Preacher Eli, over a land dispute with her father--when she was only five years old. The novel flashes from past to present with a full background into the characters.

Shortly thereafter, her mom was found dead in their barn, and her father, Tom Carson, commits suicide, on the land as well. Why were three people in this family, killed on this southern farm—an ongoing mystery? (not great for re-sale value). The only remaining family member is Sylvia, and she is hanging by a thread with PTSD. She becomes orphaned, and later marries the high school football star, Orwin; until he is hurt and has no college football future-- He leaves Sylvia with raising of her baby, which is still nameless. This poor girl cannot get a break!

Next, meet the Teal family --Leah, a widow, single mother of two (Abe 12, and Carry 15) a detective in this small Alabama town of Alvin. Leah’s dad, now deceased happened to be the police officer working the Carson case (Sylvia’s family), years ago and the motivating force behind Leah’s joining the police force, to support her family.

Shortly after the book opens, the news of Preacher Eli’s release from prison, leaving Sylvia fearful of her life as well as her baby daughter. Now, strange things begin happening in and around Sylvia’ house in the woods, and she is constantly calling the police station, regarding these happenings. The local police do not take her claims seriously; however, Leah takes them quite seriously, and begins taking Sylvia under her wing, to offer protection as she begins to dig for answers.

Preacher Eli has done his time in prison and has moved back to Alvin. Why, and what is he after? Perhaps, unfinished land business? Is Sylvie a target and is she safe? Who is tormenting her, and trying to drive her out of her mind? There are secrets, and lies as tension and suspense builds, will Leah be able to get to Sylvia in time to save her. Will Sylvia be able to save her baby, when she was unable to save her little brother?

Leah sets off on an investigation of her own. However, one mistake- she takes her son Abe on a visit in the woods to Preacher Eli, to offer a warning. Abe was one of the most endearing characters---loved him! An inquisitive twelve-year- old boy (much smarter and older than his years), desperately wanting to know more about his father. His mom Leah, put his death aside and never talked about him, guarding her own heart. In doing so, Abe is always searching for answers about his father and family, keeping his dad’s photo close, as he was so young when he died.

When a mysterious woman follows Abe and his best friend, Dewey on their bikes, she informs him she is his dad’s sister and he has grandparents. He is delighted; however, the news was disturbing to his mom, as she never knew her husband had any family.

Abe thinks Eli is not to be trusted, and between this and his relentless curiosity about the dad he hardly knew, Abe's imagination is running in all directions. While Leah struggles with how much of the past to reveal to Abe, she's also concerned about Sylvie's mounting panic. Something in her gut tells her the girl might be a target after all.

Abe and his friend Dewey are always thinking of things to do in this small town. Readers will fall in love with them ----Abe is the smart one, yet untrusting of others. Dewey, his friend sees himself as an inventor—adventurous, these two remind you of classic boys in the south fighting desperately to escape and see the world. I enjoyed how Heibert cared about Abe, making the reader care about the simple and humorous life of a twelve year old in a southern town.

Between Leah’s job as detective, and her son’s Abe investigative tactics, there is much drama in this town-- Especially when taking on Sylvia and her issues. Since her husband’s death, Leah has kept her life and her husband a closed off topic and has never been able to discuss or share her grief with her family.

The relationship between Leah and her children, especially Abe was an integral part of the novel, more so with Abe than her teenage daughter, Carry. She and Abe have a special bond, as is with mothers and sons. (I have sons as well, so can relate). She is a hard working mother, involved all hours in police business, taking time away from her children, yet she is a good mother, with a big heart, yet independent –at work and home, earning the respect of others.

There are many broken hearts in the novel---A broken heart can happen when we lose a loved one such as a spouse or a child or even a beloved pet. Metaphorically, it is that emotional aching in your chest that happens when you are deeply disappointed or grieved over a life circumstance. I enjoyed the relation to religion, church, and spirituality. The Bible has many other verses that can encourage the brokenhearted as well. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalms 34:18). We can be healed and delivered from a broken heart.

CLOSE TO THE BROKEN HEARTED, a thought-provoking novel, which will capture your heart--one of loss and love, the power to forgive, and start anew. Michael Hiebert is quite the storyteller, and enjoyed his inspiration for his coming-of-age mystery, DREAM OF LITTLE ANGELS, the first book in the series)--Can’t wait to read!!

http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/893571/-close-to-the-brokenhearted
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Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the broken hearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit

Leah Teal is the only police detective in the tiny town of Alvin, Alabama and the only one willing to take the constant calls from Sylvie Carson seriously. Sylvie, who lives just outside of town with her new baby has lived a life of constant sorrow: first the killing of her baby brother when she was five by preacher Eli Brown who was aiming for her father over a land dispute; then the murder of her mother by a follower of Brown; then by her father’s suicide; and finally the abuse by and then desertion of her baby’s father. Now Eli has been released and just as he returns home, strange and sinister things are happening at Sylvie’s place. Leah may believe her but Eli denies it all and since, according to the law, he has paid his dues, there is nothing she can do without proof and whoever is terrorizing Sylvie, if it’s not all in her head, never leaves any traces.

Beside Leah’s story, which is told in the third person is that of her son, 12-year-old Abe who speaks in the first person. Abe was only two when his father died and Leah’s refusal to talk of it leaves Abe feeling like part of his life and his past is missing. When he learns about relatives he didn’t know he had, he is thrilled but Leah is less so. When Leah takes Abe with her to call on the preacher, he is convinced that Brown is evil even as Leah begins to have doubts about the preacher’s guilt. Abe and his best friend are determined that, if Leah can’t prove Eli’s guilt, they will do it for her.

Close to the Brokenhearted by author Michael Hiebert is the second in a series set in Alabama in the 1980s. It is both a compelling mystery and a coming-of-age tale. It provides a taut tight mystery but the antics of Abe and his inventor friend, Dewey provide a nice touch of humour to the novel. Perhaps not surprising, religion plays a big role in the story both good and bad. It is about the solace that religion can give to those broken in spirit but it also shows how destructive religion can be when accompanied by pride. Fortunately, it never becomes over-preachy and, to be honest, despite my own lack of religion, I get the healing power of gospel music. Mainly though, this is a story about the power of forgiveness and second chances, the ability of the human spirit to survive and heal, about the need to grieve and the importance of memory and family. ( )

The books opens up with a bang. Literally. A little boy is killed right in front of his parents and young sister, Sylvie. This traumatic event shapes Sylvie's life, along with the murder of her mother and death of her father. Leah Teal, the first female detective in the small town is Sylvie's only ally. Leah is also suffering from the death of her husband and raising two children on her own. Everyone thinks Sylvie is crazy, she calls the police station nonstop. Then the Preacher who killed Sylvie's brother is released from prison and it looks like he's behind all the craziness happening to Sylvie. Leah's son Abe and his friend Dewey add comedic relief to the book and they seem to come with some crazy schemes. I enjoyed the camouflaging with fir tree branches part. Painting his sister's toes was another great moment. I never guessed the ending and was glad that Sylvie finally named her baby. I really liked reading about the characters and learning about their back story. There are many plots and stories in the book and a mystery that needed to be solved. I can't wait to rad more about Alvin, Alabama. ( )