First sentence: Miriam Bricks sat in the cramped and rancid interior of a rickety stagecoach and contemplated for the hundredth time how fortunate she was to be there.

Premise/plot: The hero of Healing Hearts, Dr. Gideon MacNamara needs a wife and a nurse. Neither are easy to come by in Savage Wells, Wyoming. He's sent away--mail order--for a woman who's willing to be both. Miriam Bricks is a qualified, experienced nurse. She's more than willing to be his nurse--even to cook his meals--but she's not prepared to marry him--or anyone. Will Dr. MacNamara make the best of a bad situation? YES, yes he will. What he learns about Miriam is that she's a FANTASTIC nurse. She's just as skilled treating patients as she evading questions about her past. What is she hiding from him? from everyone? Will her past come back to threaten her?

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. It is set in Wyoming in 1876. It definitely has an Old West vibe to it--which I adored. I loved the getting-to-know-one-another aspect of their relationship. As much fun as it would be to have a marriage of convenience turn into the real deal story...this one was oh-so-satisfying. This pacing makes complete sense for Miriam. And it just felt completely right. I also enjoyed meeting the other residents of Savage Wells. And some of the visitors as well! (I know this is book two in a series, but I never once felt lost.)

I would definitely recommend this one. I was thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for this one!

3.5 stars.

Really a enjoyable Western romance - haven't run across many of those. I liked the relationship between Gideon and Mirium quite a bit - I appreciated that it was natural and that unnecessary mooning and dramatic yearnings were blissfully nonexistent. Only pet peeve was the occasional jarring pet name that just felt forced.

Plot wise it was solid. Think an episode of Dr. Quinn, but then add even more medical drama and a shadowy figure (that isnt a lecherous creep praise be - Dickenson doesn't know those kinds of villians exist), plus a burgeoning romance, and you've got it, babe.

Side characters are a treat, esp Cabe, Paisley, and Hawk.

Oh it’s been a while since I wrote a full review! I love leaving little mini reviews at the end of each month, but it’s also so fun to sit down and write a single review too – and books by Sarah M. Eden are always worth it!

If you are a fan of her historical western novels than you are going to want to read this especially fans of Savage Wells, because we get to see some of favorite characters again!

I was a bit sensitive to parts of this book once Miriam’s past was revealed, we have a strong family history of seizures, and three of my kids have suffered with them as well. I am always thankful for modern medicine that can help them – and help me! – so reading how these were viewed historically was eye opening, but made sense at the same time. Medicine was just not developed enough for people to understand what was really going on. I loved how Eden really put historical details into this book as well too – with the break out of scarlet fever in town.

The plot was compelling too! I loved the idea of a person ordering a mail order bride (because that happened so often) – and a person showing up for a job instead! It’s such a clever twist, but it really drew me into the story right away.

If you haven’t read Savage Wells, it would be great to read that first, but these books don’t have to be read in order to make sense. I would recommend you read Savage Wells anyway – because it’s a fun book that I loved as well. I hope that Eden let’s us drop in on this western frontier town again! I can’t wait to hear more about the characters again!

Easily a 5 out of 5 star book!

I am writing a completely different review from the one I started out thinking I would.

The first 42 percent of Healing Hearts made me feel like I had a split personality. One side of me liked the plot, the people, the humorous dialogue. The other side of me thoroughly disliked the author’s attempt to inject mystery and suspense into the story by constantly alluding to the heroine’s big secret. UGH. I despise when authors do that.

However...

Nurse Miriam Bricks was shocked to discover that her welcome party to the small Wyoming town of Savage Wells is actually supposed to be a wedding to the town’s doctor. When she discovers the grave miscommunication, she flees the church and makes plans to head out on the next stagecoach. But before she can do that, doc Gideon McNamara convinces her to stay and be his nurse anyway.

It’s an agreeable arrangement for the nurse, but townsfolk aren’t too keen on the woman who jilted their beloved doc at the altar. And as you can imagine, when Miriam begins to work side-by-side with the good doctor, her feelings for him begin to grow. However, Miriam has a bad past and is apparently stricken with some illness that, if the doctor finds out about, he’s sure to fire her…

Here’s the thing. Miriam’s reason for being secretive actually did make sense (for once!). But as a reader, it irritates the bejeebers out of me when an author hints at those secrets over and over and over again. Just because those issues aren’t known to the characters in the book doesn’t mean they need to be a secret to the reader. Holding back all those details doesn’t necessarily make your story suspenseful or build drama - ESPECIALLY if you keep holding it over the reader’s head and reminding them every single page. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But mentions of Miriam’s past, her medical condition, and what would result when the doc finds out, happened multiple times each chapter. It got old, and killed the good vibes I was otherwise getting from reading the story. And I was irritated.

Then the grand secret was revealed. Right on the top of that, a dire situation with the town occurs. THEN Miriam’s past shows up in town, threatening her new life and even her safety.

And it was great!!!

Healing Hearts has great characters, fantastic and witty dialogue, and a truly compelling plot. I loved meeting all the townspeople, I enjoyed watching them evolve from disliking Miriam to embracing her as one of their own. The romance part was more on the sedate side, but that is to be expected in a story that takes place in the late 1800s. Miriam and Gideon’s relationship developed naturally at a realistic pace, and in the day of abundant insta-love storylines, it was a refreshing change of pace.

So, I went from thinking I’d not like this book much at all to devouring it to find out what happened. This book is the reason why I keep reading when I’m not completely hating a book. Because on those rare occasions, things turn completely around, and it is totally worth it!

* thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Between 3 1/2 and 4.

I liked seeing the old characters from the first book and the same great setting of Savage Wells. There's a great sense of community which comes strong later in the story when the townsfolk rally around Miriam.

I also liked how Miriam and Gideon got to know each other and develop their relationship working together. They're both caring and it shows in their actions. After the awkward way they met, it warmed the heart to see them fall in love.

The social issue was hard to read and it was tackled very tastefully.

Of course, great writing as usual.

I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Healing Hearts was a great book! I really enjoy Sarah M. Eden books and this one was no different. I have not read The Sheriffs of Savage Wells yet but I had no problem catching on to the characters and their backgrounds. I also found it very interesting reading about nursing in the 1800s. I have been loving the Proper Romance books and look forward to reading more.

5 Stars for Healing Hearts by Sarah M. Eden

This novel was a pure delight! I love the cover of this novel as well. Sarah M. Eden did a wonderful job keeping my interest throughout the story.

Healing Hearts is a story about a country doctor seeking a mail-order bride who is also a nurse who can help him in his practice. It's a story about love, trust, secrets, and how healthcare was handled during that time period.

I highly recommend this novel to others who enjoy historical romance, historical fiction, stories about country doctors/nurses and westerns.

Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

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 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.

Oh wow, I loved this book! Sarah M. Eden is one of my all time favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. I loved the growth of Miriam who is the main character, as she’s able to slowly gain confidence in her new surroundings and find love and security. Loved it!!

LOVED this book! Excellent storyline with great characters, I was drawn in almost instantly! Miriam goes to a new town to be a nurse, but the Dr she is to work with is expecting her to be a mail order bride. Gideon lets her work with him anyway, but he can see that she has secrets of her own. Great story that I will absolutely read again!
Although this book is listed as a Romance, it is a very clean romance. Wonderful story!

Gideon MacNamara was a doctor from back east who was taking care of Savage Wells and the surrounding communities. He was exhausted and never got to really rest so he sent away for a nurse/bride to help him. Unfortunately, when Miriam arrived, she wasn't prepared to be a bride, only a nurse. Because of the humiliation and his desperation, Dr. MacNamara gave Miriam a job as his nurse. The townspeople were angry at her for her rejection of such a good man as the doctor. Over time, and with her dedication to her nursing, she began to win over the townspeople. And, the more time she spent with the good doctor, the more they began to see the goodness in each other.

Miriam had secrets that she was afraid to get out. She was literally running for her life and she couldn't let anyone know. When her past came to town and threatened to ruin her newfound happiness, would love and the friendships she had made in town be enough to save her? Was it worth the risk or would she have to run again?

Sarah Eden is a very talented author. I have read of her other books and love her style of writing. She captures the emotions and details of the characters and you feel as if you have stepped into another place and become a part of the story. This is a clean romance with no foul language or sexual situations, just pure love and honesty and trust.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I enthusiastically offer my review.

I could not wait to delve into this story. As a woman, a nurse, and a long-time fan of Sarah's books, I know this one would be a winner. The very beginning drew me in and had me chuckling with the unfortunate circumstances Miriam and Gideon find themselves in. Determined to make the best of an awkward situation, they forge a mutually respective friendship. They are both plagued with past hurts and bad experiences, but together, and with a little support from some unlikely characters, they learn the value of love, trust, vulnerability, family and community. I truly appreciated the respect given to women, nurses and mental health. A delightful read from an excellent author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It was wonderful to return to the setting of the isolated Western town of Savage Wells! I quickly grew to love Miriam and Gideon, and enjoyed how they worked so well together as doctor and nurse. Miriam has major trust issues because of her past rejection from her family and the doctors that took advantage of her vulnerable circumstances. It was eye-opening to learn some of the history of asylums and made me thankful for the brave individuals who sacrificed and risked to expose the abuse. Gideon has been unlucky in love, but proves himself throughout the book that he is reliable and worthy of Miram's trust and affection. There are still several obstacles for them to overcome, especially when Miriam's secret come to light and an unwelcome visitor comes to town. I loved the loyalty the town had to Miriam and they way her new friends supported her during her trials. It was fun to have Paisley, Cade, and Hawk from the first book play significant roles in this second book, and I'm looking forward to more! (Fingers crossed) :)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Healing Hearts
(Savage Wells #2)
by Sarah M. Eden

Healing Hearts is fantastic book! A quick read, that will make you think, a breathtaking story that has layers; intense and serious moments, with heart-warming events and others will rip your heart out with a touch of humor tucked in. A little bit of suspense to it or rather to say...a lot! With a villain has a terrifying ability to manipulate and twist things. A sickness strikes the town; making it even more dangerous! I loved how much character development took place during that crisis. Both characters seem to have more, to them than meets the eye; theirs is a unique story that suits them perfectly, allowing the reader to come to enjoy the love that beats within the heart of each of them.

Ms. Eden has the ability of creating remarkable characters, that have lots of depth to them and their relationships; which are very complex and well done. A lovely romance, with a balance of a romance paired with a situation that historically would have been very complicated. I found myself cheering one minute and cringing the next, at the injustice that was perpetrated. She tackles some very tough subjects with style and grace, of how mental illness was treated in the 1800’s; a horrifying subject to read, imaging what it was like in the 1800's and to have a mental health condition that was unknown and misunderstood... even to this day. My first book of Ms. Eden’s, I literally couldn't put this one down and look forward to the next book; and for that I give this author and this book 4.5-stars. The characters were excellent, and the story was engaging. These are my honest mixture of feelings on an ARC gifted book.

Absolutely loved this story, it captures your heart and takes you on a journey you won't soon forget. I knew at 22% in, that I wouldn't be able to sleep until I finished the book, and it was worth staying up until 2am!
The moment Miriam Bricks steps off the stagecoach, the mystery of her past will haunt you until you have all the answers. Gideon MacNamara has had a bad run of luck with potential brides, but he's determined not to lose Miriam as a nurse.
Miriam and Gideon are delightful characters that will have you rooting for a happily ever after, even when you don't see how it could possible happen. The townsfolk and especially the children will win you over.
I highly enjoyed this second book in the Savage Wells series and can't wait to revisit the town again!

Savage Wells, Wyoming Territory - 1876

When Mariam Bricks gratefully steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she finds herself surrounded by smiling people. She has accepted a job as a nurse to Dr. Gideon McNamara and she quickly learns that the man is very popular. She is led to a church to meet him where she finds him to be quite handsome, well-dressed, and witty. But before she knows it, a preacher starts to marry them! Not understanding, she runs. As it turns out, there was a miscommunication. The doctor was looking for a nurse and a bride. Knowing he cannot truly pay her much money, he offers Miriam a job as a nurse and she accepts.

Starting the next day, she soon learns that the townspeople are rather put out with her for not marrying the doctor. So, she knows she will have to earn their trust. Miriam is very good with the patients and they begin to warm to her. As she shows her competency as a nurse who is thorough, compassionate, and knowledgeable, she finds that she has won people’s hearts.

But Miriam is keeping a secret that she hopes won’t end in her losing her job. She has an illness that could make it difficult for people to accept her. She is also running from a past that has been a horror for her. Will she be able to find a new life in Savage Wells and put her dark past behind her?

This is a very good book and the author has described perfectly how people with this illness have been treated in the past. She also shows us how people will stop at nothing to protect those that they love.

I am a huge fan of Sarah M. Eden and have read all of her books. I eagerly await her next novel. I’m sure readers of all genres will love this story. Don’t miss it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

From the beginning to the end this book pulled me in, and had me cringing at the injustice that was perpetrated at the time.
Once you find out why Miriam is in Savage Wells and why she won’t marry Gideon you champion her cause.
Will she win this town over? Will the evil that is brought on her by the law at that time win? I know I was starting to get very angry at the system, but so many souls were lost here, and this went on way into the late 1900’s.
There are some really warmhearted events here, and others will rip your heart out, and you will worry about this town losing its children.
Wow! As you can see there is a lot going on here, and innocent telegram has the ability to destroy lives.
A quick page-tuner, that will make you think!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Shadow Mountain, and was not required to give a positive review.

Escaping to Love.
Lovely, sympathetic story set in a time when women had few rights, and could be institutionalised on the say so of a male family member. Also a time when misunderstood physical medical conditions were attributed to insanity and patients in asylums were at the mercy of doctors trying to “cure” them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In some genres I find myself becoming a bit of a snob. I know which authors I like and which ones I've read repeatedly that I didn't enjoy as much. But the historical fiction genre is one that I feel I'm just branching into. I would read it occasionally but more so in the last two years. That being said, I'm just now finding authors that I want to read more of their work within this genre and Sarah M Eden will definitely fall into this category after reading Healing Hearts.

I never enjoyed history as a subject in school, but historical fiction makes the time periods I read about come to life. It's much easier to find events interesting when I'm filtering them through the eyes of a character who is experiencing and affected by these events. In the case of Healing Hearts, women's rights was a big issue. Yet I loved how Sarah M Eden approached this. Miriam didn't rail against what was unfair about being a woman. Yet she didn't take things lying down either. One thing I specifically appreciated was that this story wasn't filtered through today's feminist movement. It wasn't tainted. It wasn't altered. Miriam struggles felt authentic and time period appropriate. Similarly, the difference in medical knowledge for the time period versus now was enough to really make me thankful for living in the now. I found this part particularly interesting and the outbreak of Scarlet Fever as well.

The romantic relationship between Gideon and Miriam was enjoyable and certainly kept my interest, but I would venture to say that it was secondary to other plot points. I was rooting for these two, I liked them as a couple, and yet at times, I felt that Sarah M Eden could have even stepped it up a notch for me. The mystery behind Miriam's past, her time at the asylum, and whether or not she would be rescued from being forced to return was probably the biggest driving factor of the story. All well done in my opinion.

Considering Caden and Paisley apparently have their own book, I wish that this book was labeled as the second in a series so that I would have known that a grouping existed. I will certainly plan to go back and check out Caden and Paisley's story (The Sheriffs of Savage Wells).

Favorite quote:
-"My mother once told me that confidence is the currency of high society. No matter what you profess to be, what you are perceived to be depends entirely on how well you wear your claim."

Healing Hearts easily gets 4 Stars. I loved the history included that was so relevant to the story in terms of medical knowledge and women's rights. A few other issues that come up in our politics today were present and I found myself enjoying the way they were presented rather than being turned off by them. The romantic relationship between Gideon and Miriam was genuine and slow growing. It did take a back seat to some other plot points, but it was present enough to keep me turning pages. Have you read Healing Hearts? What did you think? Let me know!

I really liked Dr. Gideon MacNamara in the last book, The Sheriffs of Savage Wells, and I was looking forward to his story. He is an endearing character, and I wanted to see him get his happy ending. Being such a practical person, he decides to send for a mail-order bride who is also a nurse. Things do not go smoothly.

Miriam arrives thinking that she is only there for a job. The entire town is gathered expecting to see a wedding, and Gideon is embarrassed when he is rejected in front of everyone. However, since Gideon is such a sweetheart he offers Miriam the job anyway.

While I didn't like the “quick judgment” of the town being against Miriam, I did like that they stood behind Gideon. It was nice to see him get the support that he deserves.

One of my favorite scenes was with Rupert: “Rupert’s face twisted with disgust, ‘Did your arm fall off?'” I love when children ask questions like this. His entire conversation was adorable. Rupert was such a great character.

Sarah M. Eden continues to give us realistic characters with a lot of depth and interesting story-lines that draw the reader in. I loved returning to Savage Wells.