Heart of Diamonds by Dave Donelson

Written By: Dave Donelson
ISBN: 978-1-6014-157-1
© 2008

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Congo is a very dangerous place for television journalist Valerie Grey in this tragic, fast-paced tale of avarice and betrayal. Amid the bloody violence of the country's endless civil war, Grey uncovers a deadly diamond-smuggling scheme that reaches the White House by way of a famous American televangelist. Grey is pursued by the soldiers of the country's dictator, the mercenaries of the diamond mine's owner, and the rebels seeking to take control of the mine. Aided by an altruistic doctor who struggles to bring medical care to Congo's poor, she must canoe down crocodile-infested rivers, dodge attacking helicopters, and race over teeth-rattling roads to bring their stunning story—one of government corruption, church greed, and brutality among warring factions—to the outside world.

MAMA BEAR'S OPINIONATED REVIEW:
Donelson takes you on a wild journey in this book. His characters are developed and approachable for the reader that it is easy to fall into the flow of a very active and thought provoking novel. I think he opens your eyes both through his literary talent at telling a story but also through the fact that this is based loosely on factual material. The compelling tale of the diamond mine, TV Evangelist, reporter, and missionary doctor is a fabrication, but he weaves well the true horror that exists for those who call the Congo their home. The plot was outstanding and one cannot help but get emotionally attached to the characters as they face the day to day struggles that chase them wherever they go. I personally hope that we see more of the Valerie Grey character in future books from Donelson.