I received a copy of  "In The Heart Of The Dark Wood," written by Billy Coffey, from NetGalley for the purpose of generating a review. The opinions expressed here are my own. 

We form different relationships with various books. Some books beg us to take it slow. Their words offer deep theological truths and you sit down with them in small chunks of time, highlighter and pen in hand. Others are the very best beach buddies. A simple story you can enjoy amidst distraction and interruption.

Still others, and I would definitely put “In The Heart of the Dark Wood” in this final category, prompt you to lock yourself in a room by yourself and cancel all your appointments. You’re transported to another time and place. And you simply must know what’s going to happen next. You gulp them down.

That’s what happened for me as I read about the two children who went missing in the woods outside the small town of Mattingly, Virginia. 

Further, I could see this story playing out on the big screen. Cue background music, Taylor Swift’s “Out Of The Woods.” 

Are we out of the woods yet?

Are we out of the woods yet?

Are we out of the woods yet?

Are we out of the woods?

Are we in the clear yet?

Are we in the clear yet?

Are we in the clear yet?

In the clear, yet, good.

I kept envisioning my own daughter, Allie, just a few years from now. Lost for four days, 96 hours give or take, in the woods. In December. Counting on her lifelong friend, a boy, to help her survive. It’s easy to put yourself in the shoes of these characters. Although the girl only wore canvas shoes so I really didn’t want to. And feel the loss, fear and despair that they experience. 

And the way this author captured the emotions of his main characters. Allie. Zach. Emotions sometimes spoken out loud. Other times only private thoughts. Even unrealized feelings.

This was my first book by Billy Coffey. It won’t be my last.