In the prelude of The Intercessors, we meet a group calling themselves intercessors, reflecting on the good deeds they’ve done. If you’re like me and unsure what an intercessor is, it’s a person (or a being) who intercedes when things get tough and sets you on the right path. DL Norris’ book The Intercessors is an anthology of short stories of people whose lives have been changed by the kindness of a stranger or someone they know. The anthology features 25 stories of loss, despair, heartache, depression, and lack of self-worth, which then become stories of compassion, kindness, wisdom, acceptance, and revelation.

What I appreciated about the anthology was that the characters are people that you might meet in everyday life: school teachers, bus drivers, building maintenance workers. There’s even one story where the woman believes she was stalked by Ted Bundy. It would be hard to pick my favorite story. Story 10, He Always Knew eerily repeats a conversation almost word for word that I had with my parents at the same age James Chrisman did. Story 17, No Job Too Small, made my heart swell as did story 25, Never Too Old. I firmly believe every reader will see themselves or someone close to them in at least one of these tales. My recommendation isn’t to binge-read them all over two days as I did, but read them one at a time, then spend time reflecting on what you’ve just experienced. If you’re looking for an anthology that will make you walk away feeling all warm and fuzzy, The Intercessors: They Walk Among Us by DL Norris may just be the book for you.

The Intercessors: They Walk Among Us by D. L. Norris is a collection of stories about unexpected interventions that resulted in transformation, healing, and redemption. From a man who has suffered losses and finds his creative spark again to family members who find healing and hope, and a zookeeper who witnesses a miracle, all these characters encounter a mysterious individual who shows them kindness and love that alter the trajectory of their lives. The intercessors keep watch, guiding a retiring teacher through flames to a legacy that outlives her, helping a child with Down syndrome show others what social inclusion really means, and helping a grieving mother find peace after losing one of her twins. Experience these stories of connection, resilience, and compassion, and see how hope can inspire us to overcome challenges and create a brighter future.

The Intercessors is a touching anthology that shows the power of timely intervention, which can come in the form of a kind word, a stranger’s help, or a short note that could change a life. The characters feel real and relatable—people going through despair, who are remorseful about their mistakes, or feeling hopeless about their situations. The book is about the intercessors' interventions, but it also encourages readers to be intercessors in other people’s lives. Characters like Anna Dahlin and Niko Barnes are great examples of people who turned their struggles into healing for others. The messages in these stories are vital today because they remind us of the importance of unity, understanding, and connection in overcoming divisions and preventing isolation from others. There are also elements of spirituality outside of religion and a focus on the unseen forces of compassion and grace at work in the world. These stories cover real-life themes, showing that even when things turn bad, there is always a way to start over. So, if you are a fan of tales of kindness, second chances, or miracles that lead to major change, then you will want to check out this collection by D. L. Norris.