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Book Review

Publisher's Note:

Wyoming Territory, 1876 As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience. When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara's message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople. But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.…

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Healing Hearts

by Sarah M. Eden

Reviewer: Rachel
Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended Age: 18+

Overall Book Review:

Travel back in time with Sarah M. Eden’s latest novel, Healing Hearts. This delightful story takes place in the quaint town of Savage Wells, known more broadly as nineteenth-century Wyoming Territory. Chapters in Healing Hearts are narrated by one of two main characters: the charming and thoughtful Dr. Gideon MacNamara or the tenderhearted and talented Miriam Bricks. Miriam is instantly likeable and meets her match in Gideon. Eden continues to shine with her character development, and the young couple is multi-dimensional, realistic, and easy to root for. Healing Hearts is entertaining, with bits of mystery, humor, and excellent pacing. Perhaps most importantly, the novel’s powerful storyline deals with physical and mental health and is not typically found in a romance. Eden tackles the complex subject with honesty, grace and bravery. This book will be adored by fans of romance and historical fiction. 

Review of an Advance Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Shadow Mountain


Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  A character makes a joke about murder; a gun is pointed at someone while they are threatened, a character threatens to put another into an aslym. 

Sex/Nudity:  Several incidents of kissing. 

Mature Subject Matter:

Mental health, seizures, malpractice and doctor neglect, overmedication, PTSD, dementia and mention of ‘moonshine’. 

Alcohol / Drug Use:

‘Moonshine’ is mentioned; a doctor is reported to overmedicate his patients. 

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
0
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
1
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
1
10

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About the Reviewer

Rachel
My mother was the one who sparked my love of books. Long before school instruction, she sat me down and taught me to read. My childhood was filled with trips to the library and bookmobile to find great books. My first loves were The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lingren. Now as a mom and speech pathologist, I am constantly looking for good, clean books to use at home and in therapy. I enjoy reading many different genres, but my favorites are usually historical fiction. I married my best friend, the “boy next door”, and we have a beautiful little girl who we often find sprawled out on the floor, flipping through picture books. Together our family likes to swim, run and play tennis. Besides reading, I also love to bake, garden and travel.

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