MY REVIEW:

Set in post Civil War Missouri, When the Heart Heals features Rosemary Saxon whose brother Curt played a primary role in Where Wildflowers Bloom, the first book of the Sisters at Heart series. Independent Rosemary had served as a nurse during the war and although nursing was frowned upon by society, she took a position with the new doctor in town in order to support herself. Unfortunately her tendency to offer advice  about herbal remedies to Dr. Elijah Stewart’s patients was a major source of irritation to him. Despite their differences and verbal sparring both Rosemary and Elijah found themselves thinking of the other more often than they liked. Threatening notes to Rosemary and suspicious incidents prompted them to put aside their differences.

When the Heart Heals was a page-turner with wonderful characters, interesting historical facts, a touch of suspense and action, and of course an inspiring romance. Several plot twists and surprises added to the tale. I enjoyed reading more about characters that were introduced in the first book of this series as well as meeting a few new ones.  A theme of forgiveness is strongly emphasized. This novel reminds me why I love Ann Shorey’s books and makes the wait for the next installment even more difficult.

If you haven’t read any of Ann’s books, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of When the Heart Heals. I don’t think you will be sorry if you do.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In a country healing from war, can a young woman find healing for her heart?

Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and even downright vulgar. Although she would like to put that part of her life behind her, she needs to support herself. She takes a nursing position with Dr. Elijah Stewart, but whenever they are together they always seem to do or say the wrong things. When someone threatens Rosemary, will she find the courage to stand, or will she leave town-and Elijah-forever?

With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey invites you back to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love’s tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition.

Endorsements

“With mastery and grace, Ann Shorey’s gentle prose woos us back to a simpler time with a simply beautiful love story. Truly, When the Heart Heals is sweet tonic for both the heart and the soul.”–Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series

“When the Heart Heals is sure to grab your attention. Rosemary Saxon is a memorable heroine in an intriguing story that left me glad I’d read it and looking for more Ann Shorey novels.”–Lauraine Snelling, author of The Red River series and the Wild West Wind series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom, The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.