Book Review: Healing Hearts

The Sheriffs of Savage Wells is one of my favorite books, so when I heard that Sarah Eden was doing a sequel set in the town of Savage Wells, Healing Hearts, I was so excited! And the book is about a character I really loved from the first book, Dr. Gideon MacNamara.

Gideon has sent for a mail-order bride and the townspeople are so excited for him to find his happily-ever-after. But when Miriam steps off the stagecoach, she doesn't seem to know anything about being a bride---she thought she was going to be a nurse. Gideon is embarrassed by the misunderstanding, but when Miriam is stranded in town, Gideon offers her a job at his medical practice and they start to get to know each other in a professional sense. They build a friendship and Miriam can see there's more to Gideon than she first thought, but she's scared to trust him because she's hiding some pretty big secrets of her own. Can they learn to trust each other enough when all the secrets are revealed?

I loved this book from beginning to end and nearly read it all in one sitting. It's a romance, but there are so many layers that make it so much more. It's so compelling! I loved seeing all the townspeople again, especially the "sheriffs" Cade and Paisley, and how their lives are turning out. But, of course the highlight is the journey to love for Gideon and Miriam with all the twists and turns. The author delves into some sensitive subjects regarding prejudices and awful medical treatments for women of the time period that provide a perspective I hadn't previously thought of and I'm so grateful to live in this day and age. I also really enjoy the dialogue and banter of Ms. Eden's books, and that there is always emotional depth that keeps me glued to the page. In this one, Gideon has such a big heart and Miriam matches him in wanting to help others, but they have to overcome some pretty big trials if they're going to make it work. I was totally rooting for them through the entire book! This one is definitely going on my keeper shelf.

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

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 to protect Miriam 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.