I requested this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my free and honest review.
“After we transferred over to patient care, I took one last look at Matthew. ‘Its hard to be so involved and then to suddenly have to let go.‘”
I have a son that wants to be a fireman and a daughter that would like to go into the medical field. When this book was offered as one for review, even though its not my typical read, I thought it would be interesting to get a paramedic’s point of view with the stories and rescues they have come into contact with. I am not sure if it was my idea of being encouraged or prepared.
The true stories in this book are actually fascinating and some of the encounters were extreme circumstances, like pulling a child to safety after it was buried alive on the beach. The author, Andrea Jo Rodgers wanted to portray God’s goodness and answered prayers during these trauma times, and as a Christian, I do see God’s hand in these circumstances. However, in regards to faith content, you have a bible verse at the beginning of the chapter, and I really enjoyed how she chose the verses before going into the story, and outside of a “praise the Lord” sentence, there really wasn’t a whole lot more in her books. This book isn’t written as a theology, it was written more to show her experiences in the difficult moments, and God’s quiet hand in it.
Again, I was surprised, I really enjoyed this book more than I expected. While God does not call us to live in a bubble, I am more aware of how fragile life is, and how much of a gift every day life is.
At Heaven’s Edge Kick-Off Package
About the Book
Book: At Heaven’s Edge
Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers
Genre: Christian Nonfiction
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Veteran EMT Andrea Rodgers has helped hundreds of people in their most vulnerable moments.
Some of the victims faced their mortality head-on and cried out to God for help. Many experienced fleeting but life-changing connections with their first responders. Often these crises became unexpected sources of inspiration.
Now Rodgers shares brief, real-life stories of heroic courage in the face of fear. In times of intense suffering, she has repeatedly witnessed signs of God’s quiet intervention and healing presence.
- A man is resuscitated after Rodgers was able to repair a defibrillator–with her teeth!
- Several bystanders help rescue a young girl who is accidentally buried alive in sand.
- Rodgers also experienced some lighthearted moments, including the time she arrived at the scene of a crime only to find herself in the middle of a mystery dinner theater.
Experience the miracles, the life-and-death drama as you look at life from heaven’s edge.
Featured on the Catholic Corner Television Show, Telecare TV, Domestic Church Media, and Shalom World.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Andrea Jo Rodgers is the author of award-winning Christian middle grade fiction as well as inspirational adult nonfiction novels. She holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and specializes in women’s health, orthopedics, and lymphedema. She has served her community as a volunteer emergency medical technician for over thirty years, responding to more than 8,200 first aid and fire calls. She lives on the east coast with her husband, two children, and their two fur babies.
More from Andrea
I’ve always loved writing. In fact, I wrote my first “book” when I was in the first grade. It was about how my mother and brother rescued an injured baby duckling from our town’s lake, so I suppose writing about rescues has been in my blood from a young age.
Several years back, my son and I were in a terrifying elevator accident that event made me step back and take a close look at my life. I thought about my relationships with God, my family, and my friends. I also thought about my goals and my dreams. The accident inspired me to start writing.
I decided to write about my experiences as a volunteer with my town’s first aid squad. I hoped that people might be inspired or comforted by my stories. When I was finished the first draft, I thought that it needed something to pull it all together. That’s when I decided to explain the source of my inspiration for writing the book by including my own 911 call.
When I first joined the first aid squad, I was seventeen and was just starting my senior year of high school. I’ve been a volunteer EMT ever since. Over the years, I have served in many offices, including Captain and President. Currently, I’m the Lieutenant, a trustee, and treasurer of our foundation.
During my time with the squad, I have been fortunate to witness some utterly amazing things. At Heaven’s Edge: True Stories of Faith and Rescue describes inspirational and memorable first aid calls from my early years with the rescue squad, from my school years when I spent summers working as a beach cop through my first years as a physical therapist. Some of the stories in the book are what I would consider to be miracles, some are sad, but faith-filled, and a few humorous. I invite you to join me in experiencing what it is like to serve as a first responder.
Blog Stops
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 3
Texas Book-aholic, October 4
For Him and My Family, October 5
Stories By Gina, October 6 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, October 6
Inklings and notions, October 7
Sodbusterliving, October 8
For the Love of Literature, October 9
Simple Harvest Reads, October 10 (Author Interview)
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12
Beauty in the Binding, October 13 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, October 13 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 14
Sara Jane Jacobs, October 15
Spoken from the Heart, October 16
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of signed copies of At Heaven’s Edge: True Stories of Faith and Rescue and On Heaven’s Doorstep: God’s Help in Times of Crisis-True Stories from a First Responder as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10198/at-heaven-s-edge-celebration-tour-giveaway
Wonderful review! Sounds like a must read. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the review! Sounds inspiring!
This sounds like one I’d enjoy. I am very thankful for those who work on the ambulance crews, especially since being transported to hospital a couple of times myself.
What a fascinating subject!
Thanks for sharing your great book and for the giveaway too.