“I have just finished reading Ann Marie Bryan's "Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire" and I am at a loss for words... which is saying a LOT, because I am a writer, myself. I found this novel to be particularly meaningful, because it urged me to look at myself -- a Christian, a wife, a mother, a writer, a teacher -- in a different light. I can honestly say it caused me to enter into some deep self-examination as it relates to being judgmental of the sins of others while carrying around sin that is no more or less "sinful" than theirs. I love a book that makes me think. This novel did more than that -- it made me pray.

On to the writing: there can be no denying that Ms. Bryan has a way with words. A true wordsmith, she has the ability to transport you "smack-dab" into the middle of a scene. There were times I felt as if I was in the room watching the characters interact with each other. I could hear the emotion in their voices and feel the tension in the air. Brilliant writing.

This novel was part two of a series, and while it works well as a standalone (you don't have to read the first to follow this one), I was amazed that by simply shifting perspectives, the writer was able to get me to feel sympathetic towards a character from the first series whom I absolutely did not like. It will be interesting to see how the next book in the series will unfold. I await the third installment with bated breath!

You absolutely ROCK, Ms. Bryan! Keep up the great work!.”