Disclosure: I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher to review. This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. I receive a very small commission if you purchase something through an affiliate link.
Book Details:
Healing Hearts by Sarah M Eden
Release Date: February 5, 2019
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Page Numbers: 336
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
This book is a spin-off of The Sheriffs of Savage Wells and set shortly after that book. You do not have to read the previous book to understand this one, but there is added history from all the characters and the feel of the town. I really enjoyed the story and setting of Savage Wells, so I was excited to read this one and to experience more of Gideon, who was my favorite side character
I have a soft spot for stories set in frontier small towns (Dr. Quinn, When Calls the Heart, etc) because I love seeing the small towns come together to use all of their individual personalities and skills to face often frequent perils. It was a great setting for this sweet love story to take place.
I enjoyed watching the progression of the love story as well as the development of individual characters and their place within the town.
I was also intrigued by the interesting medical and women’s rights issues that were brought into the book. The perceptions of some physical and mental health issues have changed so much over the years and I’m very grateful!
More by Sarah Eden:
I have read several other historical romances by Sarah Eden. My personal favorite is the Longing for Home series which is also set in a frontier town. Below are some of her other novels (click image to find the description):
