“Doohyun and Jiyeon’s extraordinary love story shows us that bravery and heart can triumph, even during the most unfathomable of hardships. It is an illuminating, gut-wrenching and hopeful glimpse into life in North Korea.”

“An impossible story of a daring escape with miracle after miracle that will keep you turning page after page.”

“A Necessary Lie is a story about the life-shattering, mind-numbing coercion, control, surveillance, exploitation, abuse, punishment, and oppression suffocating the people of North Korea. It is also a story of overcoming seemingly insurmountable adversity through hope, resilience, redemption, and unshakeable faith. And, above all, it is a captivating love story between two beautiful young people determined to follow the perilous path to freedom.”

“I just finished the book. I started last night about 9:30. Stayed up late, woke up to read a little more, fixed breakfast and just finished. I could not put this book down. What a talented author Heidi is. How blessed we are to live in this country. I can’t stop crying right now.

I just finished your new book. It is your best book yet. I couldn’t put it down.

I just finished your book!! It is incredible! I was reading at night before bed and it was so hard to put down. I was so intrigued. It made me so grateful for our country and God! Thank you for sharing your gift so we could know this amazing adventure/love story.

I have now finished the book. It is so good. Had me in tears at times and then happy that another hurdle was over and the couple were eventually together. Now I am even more grateful for the freedom of choice we have and so grateful for the gospel in my life.

This is the most overwhelming story with so much detail!! You did an incredible job. Thank you so much for giving us the truth and showing us the horrors of life in North Korea! But most of all, thanks for sharing the joy of this sweet family in overcoming and finding happiness together. Bless you and thank you for all you have given to write this book!

Just want you to know that this story is the most nail biting experience I have had!!

I got your book and can’t put it down! Amazing details and information! Now, back to the book!!

This story captured me. Completely! I found myself cutting meetings short at work so I could get home and keep reading. The shear brutality you were able to detail and the unknowing North Korean people experiencing it while battling the dissonance in their own minds about “the greatest nation on earth” perpetrating it, might have been the biggest eye opener for me.

Just finished A Necessary Lie and yes, I cried. They were tears of joy as I felt the wordless love between Doohyun and Jiyeon when they were finally reunited. Thank you and thanks to them for sharing their story. We are truly blessed.”