“In this passionate tribute to Israel and to Judeo-Christian ideals, Alan Newman weaves together the life stories of three generations of a Christian and a Jewish family.

Danny Baranson (Borinski) and Bobby Langford meet in the ‘60s in Dawkins, Indiana, a small town with a tiny Jewish population. Danny’s dad has moved the family to take over a dental practice. The Langford family, evangelical Christians, have lived in Dawkins for generations. The boys form a close friendship, sharing holidays, traditions, teenage antics, and fellowship. The families also share an important bond: Danny’s grandfather escaped Vienna, but many in his family were lost in the Holocaust. Bobby’s dad, John, was among the American soldiers who liberated Dachau, and can’t forget what he saw and felt there; his wartime memories lead to the Langford family’s commitment to Israel. The engrossing plot follows these families through the major events in their lives, and their divergent paths. Yet, their destinies eventually lead them all to Israel and to the roots of Zionism.

The alternating characters’ chapters provide succinct, fast-paced plotlines. The reader is drawn into the narratives of Israelis such as Danny’s wife, Maya, who lost her father in the Yom Kippur War, and Orit, an Ethiopian whose difficult and dangerous journey and eventual resettlement is chronicled. The Americans’ stories are presented too: Arnie, the fervently involved Jew; Yoni, whose Zionist roots lead him to the IDF; and Bobby’s daughter and wife, who are involved in evangelical causes. Through these various characters’ lives, Newman captures the essence of everyday, small-town American life; Florida retirement communities; Ethiopian deserts; and World War II Europe.

Alan Newman’s involvement in many Jewish and Israeli organizations is apparent in this knowledgeable, well-researched, page-turner of a book. Though Good Heart is not subtle in its defense of Israel or Christian Zionists, readers will find a story that highlights shared hopes, good works through partnership, and the difference ordinary people can make.”

“Author Newman, an activist with a variety of U.S. Jewish organizations, has the familiarity with both the American Jewish community and with Israel that makes reading his book like having a conversation with an old friend. Additionally, he brings to his book knowledge of both the Ethiopian Jewish aliyah and the emotional underpinning of Christian Zionism. The novel may be a reverie—especially viewed in the harsh light of the growing estrangement between Israel and Diaspora communities—but if so, it’s a dream well worth experiencing.”

“Good Heart is a delightful read that introduces Jews and Christians to each other through a very natural and heart-warming tale of two families that intertwine with each other and the newborn State of Israel. While it is a walk down memory lane for some of us, the less familiar reader will learn much about Israel and the beauty of Jewish-Christian relations found in this tale of genuine friendship.”

“A terrific read, providing nostalgia to the involved, information to the interested, and context to those confused about modern-day Israel and its challenges. Remarkably well researched and intelligently presented. ”

“I could not put it down! I smiled, I cried, I identified. It blessed me at so many levels and oh, my heavens, what a gifted writer you are! I know you have a winner! It carries within it our heartfelt beliefs, and helps Jews & Evangelicals clear up misunderstandings without ‘preaching’ to them. I’m honored to read it and will heartily recommend it to anyone and everyone. ”

“Alan Newman’s engaging...page-turner...debut novel spans decades in the intertwined lives of two Indiana families, the Christian Langfords and the Jewish Baransons.”