Publishers Weekly
09/17/2018
In this tame but pleasant historical western from Eden (loosely following The Sheriffs of Savage Wells), a mail-order marriage gone wrong becomes the salvation of both parties. Life as a 19th-century doctor in Wyoming territory is stressful and lonely, so Dr. Gideon MacNamara requested that the Western Women’s Bureau supply a nurse willing to become his bride. The only problem is that Miriam Bricks, a skilled nurse, was not informed that matrimony was part of the job requirements and refuses to go through with the ceremony. Gideon, disappointed, persuades her to stay as a nurse only. Affection gradually grows between them, but Miriam has epilepsy, which she believes would prevent any man from loving her, and Gideon is hurt that she won’t explain her reluctance. When a dangerous man from Miriam’s past catches up with her, Gideon and the quirky inhabitants of Savage Wells must come together to safeguard her future. Eden weaves serious issues into the story of a plucky young woman fighting for happiness. Agent: Pam Victorio, D4EO Agency. (Feb.)
Midwest Book Review
"Eden is a true master of the genre and Healing Hearts is skillfully crafted, wonderfully entertaining. Highly recommended."
BookPage
"Gentle comedy and goodhearted character growth...[Gideon and Miriam] are refreshingly mature as they work through their awkward situation, and Gideon's defense of Miriam...is particularly charming."
Booklist
"Eden's follow-up to The Sheriffs of Savage Wells is full of period medicine, with Miriam and Gideon learning from each other. Special attention is paid to the townspeople’s mental health, including depression, dementia, PTSD, and Miriam’s own hidden epilepsy, which had been diagnosed as insanity. Rich in humor, heart, and endearing characters, Eden’s chaste romance proves that it’s the emotional stakes, not the physical contact, that deliver the heat."
Woman's World Magazine Book Club Best New Books
"A rich tale full of heart."
Foreword Reviews
"Masterful romance is a story of love, forgiveness, and friendship in which dangerous secrets prove impossible to keep. Dialogue flows naturally and with purpose. Miriam and Gideon's formalities toward each other as they tentatively begin a professional work relationship are elegant. Relationships feel authentic. Townspeople are portrayed with empathy. The story blossoms to life and enthralls us with its everyday occurrences. Healing Hearts is transporting...will surely claim many hearts."
Booklist
"Eden's follow-up to The Sheriffs of Savage Wells is full of period medicine, with Miriam and Gideon learning from each other. Special attention is paid to the townspeople’s mental health, including depression, dementia, PTSD, and Miriam’s own hidden epilepsy, which had been diagnosed as insanity. Rich in humor, heart, and endearing characters, Eden’s chaste romance proves that it’s the emotional stakes, not the physical contact, that deliver the heat."
