Book of the Month
May 2005
Review by Marge Baretta

The Heart Reader
Originally published as an anonymous author
Reprints: Author identified as Terri Blackstock Word Publishing, A Thomas Nelson Company c.2000, soft cover, 137 pages

About The Author:
Terri Blackstock

Terri Blackstock was once a secular writer, who upon being born again, committed her giftings to the Lord and now writes only to the Glory of God. The Heart Reader is one of three in a series written by Terri

Blackstock: (1) The Heart Reader, c.2000, (2) The Heart Reader of Franklin High, c. 2000, and (3) The Gifted, c.2002. This series was originally published as an anonymous author as Terri Blackstock began her career as a Christian writer with the royalties from her anonymous books donated to the nonprofit Christian Mission Organization: Samaritans Purse. Since Terri Blackstock has radically changed her writing style, she has published more than 30 novels and is fulfilling God’s Word which states “to whom much is given, much is required.”

Book Review: The Heart Reader

Can you imagine being able to hear people’s very hearts? To hear their deepest needs spoken by the very core of their being without them even uttering a word.

Think about it. What awesome opportunity. What awesome responsibility. Now imagine taking a step in obedience to concretely meet that revealed heart need.

How incredible! This is actually my personal hearts cry, truly! Ant that’s why I enjoy this book so much.

In fact I have read all three of the books in this series when they each were originally published, and am now in the process of enjoying them again.

In “The Heart Reader”, you will follow Sam Bennet, a young church going man who has been anointed and called to step outside his protective walls and fulfill God’s will and purpose for his life, and the lives of those God has ordained for him to influence. As you read you will realize that not only does Sam Bennett have a high calling on his life but so do you. God is looking for willing, emptied, humble vessels that He can flow His anointing through to reach the lost with His great love. Read as Sam takes a bold stand with fellow Christians and rebukes their complacency with words of wisdom like seen in this one excerpt:

“… ‘There’s a harvest out there, and God needs workers’, Sam said.

‘I just believe I can influence people with my life’, Steve said… ‘At work, people know I’m different. They tell me all the time, and then I’m able to share with them that God is the difference.’

‘How many times has that happened?’ Sam asked, genuinely wondering. ‘I’m not criticizing, really, but curious. How many times has someone come up and asked you what’s different about you?’

Steve thought for a moment. ‘Well, last year, people commented on how I behaved when Joan had cancer.

Several people mentioned it.’

‘And what did you tell them?’, Sam asked.

‘I told them I relied on my faith to get me through.’

‘Did you tell them about Jesus? Did you pray with them?’

‘No, I didn’t have to.’

‘Are those people Christian today?’

Steve was getting angry. ‘What are you trying to do man, pick a fight?’

Sam sighed. ‘No, nothing like that. I’m trying to point out to you how lame it is just to hope that somebody will figure it out by the look on our faces.’… …”

Sam has been convicted by God to be serious about this Christian walk we live out. He is determined to allow God’s words to resonate truth in his life, and therefore with every step he takes Sam is taking ground for the Lord. Shouldn’t we all be doing the same?

Read this book and be changed. Boldly pray, “Lord help me to be a heart reader and then Father anoint me to walk in your steps of obedience.”

Recommended Scripture: Mark 7:35; “At this, the mans ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.”

Click Here for "Hush" at Amazon.com