#BookRevew: HEALING HAZEL by Jennifer Moore

Isn’t the cover beautiful? I have seen the other books in the series in bookstagram and I am glad I decided to read Hazel’s story. I think this can be read as a standalone. I loved the friendship of the ladies in the Blue Orchid Society. They really cared for each other. Their gifts were well thought of. The brooch sounds lovely based on the description.

I was interested in following Hazel’s adventure to celebrate Christmas with her father. Unforeseen events happened that caused Hazel and her companions to end up at the International Red Cross hospital in Spain. She had her own fears but I loved how Hazel stepped up to her role with renewed strength and determination. She cared for the injured people with her loving touch.

The ongoing war, sufferings and death were so sad to witness.I learned a good bit about the Spanish war in this book. I also learned some Spanish words together with Hazel. The pace was slow after the bombing but it picked up later on with some serious events.

The romance between Hazel and Jim was unexpected during those turbulent times. They were unsure of their feelings at first. It was sweet but it wasn’t the main focus. They were imperfect people but they cared for others. The side characters were good and added depth to the story.

This book touched my heart as Hazel, Jim and their team showed their dedication to help others. I want to read the first two books and I look forward to the next one in this series.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Series: The Blue Orchid Society Book #3
Pub date: 08 Sep 2022

Thank you Covenant Communications and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh my goodness. About halfway through, this book absolutely had me crying. Something about how the author wrote the scenes brought on tears. This is a lovely coming-of-age story about Hazel overcoming her past and discovering her own strength.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Every time I pick up a book in Jennifer Moore’s Blue Orchid Society series, I know I’m in for a wonderful read. And the latest addition to the series, Healing Hazel, just confirmed that observation even more. This book is a bit heavier than the first two books in the series as it deals with medical issues surrounding a civil war in Spain; however, this setting provided the perfect location for illustrating character strength and growth. I adored Hazel! She’s the right combination of sweet and strong to make for an excellent female protagonist. I loved how she grew in her confidence and didn’t allow her weaknesses to hold her back. Dr. Jim Jackson, the male lead, came across as a bit prickly at first, but he quickly grew on me. Add in a mix of wonderful side characters and story conflicts that made for excellent tension and pacing, and you have a book that is not to be missed.

*Thank you to Jennifer Moore and Covenant Communications for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Blue Orchid Society's third book is out and I couldn't be happier! I loved the previous books in the series, and "Healing Hazel "was no exception.

I enjoy romances taking place in the Victorian era, but in this particular book, there's a little twist: our heroine Hazel is in Spain, where she is supposed to go meet her father for the holidays. This allowed us to discover a different context, in the Spanish countryside, and to learn about the historical context as well with the Carlist Wars happening, in which Hazel is caught in spite of herself.

I enjoyed watching Hazel grow. She was already an interesting character in the previous books, and I was looking forward to see how she would evolve, go past her panic attacks and realise her dream of becoming a nurse. Her relationship with Dr Jim Jackson is also funny to see: first, he dislikes her, but then he comes to admire Hazel and her grit, as both of them fall in love. However, they face many obstacles that will make it challenging for them to face a future together.
The side love story of Hazel's companion was also a nice addition.

Overall, a book (and a series) that I would highly recommend!

*I received a free e-ARC and this is my honest opinion*

This is my favorite so far and I really liked the other two. I love how Hazel is able to fight through her struggles and reach out and help others. She is such a great character you can’t help cheer her on. Dr Jackson starts out cranky but even from the beginning he has a soft spot for Hazel. Overall a great book!

With every book, I love the Blue Orchid Society series even more! I adored Healing Hazel! From the first, I was captivated by the unique setting, amazing characters, heartfelt romance, and the experience of war from the Red Cross’ perspective. Though I’d never heard of the Carlist Wars before, the author did a fantastic job making this time in history come to life.

The wonderful characters are really at the heart of not only this book, but the entire series. The women who make up the Blue Orchid Society are unique, supportive, thoughtful, and truly best friends. Their caring interactions shine through even when they aren’t all physically present.

While traveling in Spain, Hazel Thornton and her companions are thrown into danger and chaos when their train is derailed by an explosion. With some nursing training, Hazel tries to care for the wounded surrounding her. When a handsome American doctor arrives on the scene, she wants to prove to him she’s capable of really helping. Traveling with her injured companions to the makeshift hospital in the middle of a war zone, she embarks on a journey she never expected when leaving her friends in London.

Hazel is genuinely good and empathetic. Her caring nature comes from both her mother whom she lost at a young age and the horrors she witnessed while her father was stationed in India. Perceived at first as soft, she quickly proves she’s strong and capable while fighting the crippling effects of a panic disorder. As one who’s witnessed panic attacks, the author’s descriptions were spot on. She truly captured the very real feelings of terror and helplessness. Hazel more than proves she’s an excellent nurse in the most trying circumstances and confronts her fears with dignity and courage.

I loved Dr. Jim Jackson! He’s the perfectly attractive yet gruff hero; a little prickly on the outside, but sweet on the inside. His career has been shaped by the one patient he couldn’t save. While dedicated to saving life, he often seems a bit strict. When he meets Hazel, he thinks she’s a soft, English debutant, but she surprises him with her capable, quiet strength, and true compassion. Their relationship grows gradually with mutual respect and through shared experiences in caring for the wounded of the Carlist Wars.

This book was honestly so hard to put down. I loved the slow-burn romance between Hazel and Jim. I also loved the fast-paced setting where real circumstances of war are expertly rendered in a compelling yet non-graphic way. The relationships between all the characters were endearing and I especially loved the side characters of Nella, Dr. Laurent, and Camila.

I was sad to see this story end and can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend this and the entire series, especially to historical romance fans! It can be read as a standalone, though it’s even more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous books. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Quite simply, this was stunning. It’s not your typical London setting, and I loved it all the more for it. Not that I don’t also love London, but a change of scenery is nice. Spain provided the perfect backdrop for this book.

I loved the characters even more than the setting. I love how the friends are so supportive of each other instead of competing. So many times, even the best of friends are at odds at some point in a historical novel. Not here. This series presents a group of women who support each other throughout. I love that!

Of course, I loved the swoony aspect here too. Dr. Jim Jackson is dreamy, if a little gruff. Actually, I like him more for that. His and Hazel’s relationship is lovely and natural.

This book is definitely a new favorite! I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the review copy. All opinions are my own.*

I really enjoyed reading this book. I really enjoyed learning more about this time period and the medicine of the time. I definitely plan on reading the other books in this series

A beautiful Victorian romance set mostly in war torn Spain within a makeshift hospital. Hazel has the opportunity to help at the hospital and fulfill her dream and natural gift of nursing. Dr. Jackson is a character that seems gruff but his heart is more tender than initially believed. An intriguing story that has stuck with me since shutting the book.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Hazel Thornton wanted to be a nurse more than anything, but her concern of having panic attacks leaves her with such doubt that she isn’t sure she is capable. While on her way to see her father, she and her companions are involved in a terrible train wreck and must recuperate at a Red Cross Hospital in war-torn Spain.

Hazel was my favorite character because not only was she compassionate, competent and caring for the patients in more than just their physical needs at the hospital, but she was courageous as she faced her fears instead of quitting. I enjoyed seeing her gain confidence in her nursing abilities and helping patients.

At first Dr. Jim Jackson was not a man I particularly cared for since he seemed abrupt and suspicious of Hazel. He wasn’t sure what to think of her at first. Was she qualified to help or was she going to be a hindrance? But as time went on, I grew to like and respect him. He was such a great match for Hazel as he gave her “a chance to become what she’d dreamed of. He’d encouraged her, taught her.”

I recommend this third book in the Blue Orchid Society series. It can be read as a standalone, but the other two stories are excellent and ones you don’t want to miss.

I received a copy of the book through NetGalley as well as the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

Healing Hazel by Jennifer Moore, is the third installment in the Blue Orchid Society. I enjoyed the first two books in the series, but this one is unique because it takes place in the Spanish countryside, in the middle of a Civil War. Hazel is traveling to Spain to visit her father for Christmas, when her train is bombed, severely wounding some passengers, including Hazel’s traveling companions. Hazel has always wanted to finish her nursing training, but was unable to because of her panic attacks. When she is plunged into a situation where her skills are desperately needed, Hazel does her best to put her anxieties aside and focus on the patients.

Dr. Jim Jackson, a Red Cross doctor serving in Spain, isn’t so sure about her abilities, and doesn’t make anything easy for Hazel. She works hard to be of use, to prove to Dr. Jackson and herself that she can be the nurse she always wanted to be, and their newfound friendship may have the potential to blossom into more. They are in the middle of a battle zone, however, and trying to treat the soldiers and patients becomes more dangerous than anyone ever thought. If she survives, Hazel must choose a path that could hurt those she loves most. A battle rages all around her, and there’s one inside her heart as well.

Ms. Moore expertly takes the reader on a journey through Spain to a time when the Red Cross was fairly new and doctors were doing all they could to gain the trust of those they served. Dr. Jim Jackson had a rich backstory that we are given hints of as we see him struggle with his feelings for Hazel. He has suffered in his profession, wanting to save everyone and feeling defeated, at times, by his limitations. But that also means he has compassion and we see more and more of that as the romance progresses. Hazel has also suffered in her life and because of that, she doesn’t trust herself and her abilities. But Hazel rises to the occasion when she has to, and readers will admire her spirit. No matter what is thrown at her, she does her best to make the situation better—even though it doesn’t always turn out like she thought it would. The author has included an extraordinary secondary cast of characters and, combined with the detailed setting descriptions, you will feel as if you are in Spain with civilians, soldiers, and medical personnel whose lives are upended by a war that seems never-ending. This romance has a compelling action-adventure thread that will keep readers up late at night to see how it all turns out. I will definitely be reading this one again.

Watching Hazel grow and heal from her traumas is beautiful. See ING that she can overcome to fulfill her dreams is so inspiring. Watching Hazel and Jim fall in love through an intense time in there lives was exciting.

Oh wow. Jennifer Moore does it again! The ladies of the Blue Orchid Society are so fun to read. I love their unique personalities and all that they offer each other. In their time, a woman who speaks her mind or wants to use it for more than just attending balls and dinner parties is looked down upon. These ladies-bluestockings by their societal measures-are my soul sisters. I definitely would have been considered a bluestocking if I had lived in their times.

This story follows Hazel. She desires more than anything to be a nurse and to help people, but she suffers from panic attacks and has to discontinue her education. Her trip to visit her father over Christmas comes to a sudden and unexpected stop and she is forced to put her anxiety and troubles aside to aid those around her. This ill-fated trip turns into an amazing growth opportunity for Hazel as she overcomes her troubles, injuries, and insecurities to help victims of the Spanish Civil War.

I loved following Hazel's journey and her growth into her best self. The characters that support her on this journey were fantastic. The setting amazing and inspiring.

This is the third book in the Moore's Blue Orchid Society books. While you don't have to read the books in order to understand the plot of this one, I highly recommend reading the other books in the series too. They are all fantastic.

This is the first book that I've read in the Blue Orchid Society series and I am now dying to go pick up the previous books in this series and read them all. I didn't feel like I was lost at all while reading this one out of order and can confidently say it can be read as a stand alone...but I'm definitely going back to go pick up the others because I loved this author's writing style!

The pacing was incredible and I couldn't put this book down. The twists and turns kept me riveted from the first page to the last. The characters were dynamic and I loved seeing both of the main characters progress as the story went on. I thought the author did a great job with the main character's backstories and how the characters overcame previous challenges through the scenarios they faced in this book. The descriptions were rich and I felt like I was right in the middle of all of the action. It was such a unique time period and setting that I was completely drawn in. The romance was darling and so sweet!

As with any story with doctors and nurses you can expect wounds, blood, and talk of medical treatment. I thought the writing was really well done and it kept me interested and not squeamish at all.

Highly recommend this book and can't wait to go back and read more from this series and author.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Jim & Hazel's story is such an exciting adventure to follow. If you're drawn to the medical side of things, you will love this book. I wish there would have been a little more leading into their relationship. I also wish she had had one more panic episode. I know that sounds weird, but for most of the book it seemed like a lot of talk about what she struggled with, but she mostly kept a handle on it. For example the description of her room at the hospital seem very confining. Jim could easily have seen her trying to cope through going back in for the night. BUT, everything from their capture on in the book was such an unexpected, thrilling tale that I finally believed in what she was experiencing and loved how Jim cared for Hazel. All in all I couldn't put it down and I loved this new story.

3.5 stars. This was a good story but it’s not my favorite from the series. I didn’t really understand why Hazel wanted to be a nurse. The story surprised me though. I had no idea most of the book would be right in the middle of a war and Hazel is thrown into it. There were some thrilling moments and the romance was sweet. I feel like it needed to be longer to dive deeper into some things.

Ah... what to say. I enjoy Jennifer Moore's stories. They are clean, fun, quick, easy reads and this one is no exception. I've enjoyed this series a lot and I was glad to read Hazel's story. From the other books, I'll admit I was very curious to have her panic attacks explained. Jim was a bit of a grump and took out his frustrations on Hazel. Both characters are struggling with their pasts yet once Jim realizes that Hazel can be an asset they really do well together. I do feel like their relationship was a little rushed, but such is common with this type of book. One of my favorite parts of this story and even though she worked and moved forward with her life, she still experienced her attacks, that they didn't just magically disappear. I appreciate stories where not everything is fixed in a nice tidy little package.

The setting was interesting to me, because I had never heard of that particular war. Even with the heaviness of a war in the background, and the train crash this was a a really lovely story. Honestly I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would, the first one has always been my favorite, but this is a very close second. I highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to the 4th book.!

I received a copy from the Publisher, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

I loved the theme of the Blue Orchid Society of strong friendships encouraging each other to reach their goals, and therefore, enjoyed reading about the sweet heroine of this story, Hazel. She was a relatable character in that she was flawed (like all of us) but she pushed through her obstacles with bravery and determination, thereby enabling her to reach her goal through her growth. Her hero is equally flawed, but together they complement each other and encourage the best in each other. I do not like war stories except for when they focus on the humanity involved and the goodness of people determined to be their best and help those around them, and this story did not disappoint me in that regard. Both Hazel and Jim exemplified this attribute in their caring of their patients no matter which side of the war they were on. I loved the HEA, but wished there was an epilogue to know how they continued in their work together.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communication I received a free ARC copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

Healing Hazel is the third book in the Blue Orchid Society series. While it is part of a series it could easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.

I really loved Hazel as the heroine in this story. She is sweet and compassionate. She truly cares about others and would do anything to help someone. Jim is the perfect match for Hazel. They balance each other out. Jim is a little grumpy at times and is a stickler for keeping on a schedule and following rules. Hazel comes in and disrupts his life but teaches him that sometimes a patient needs more than just physical healing.

Jim and Hazels story is a sweet, clean, romance that shows the importance of helping each other through their challenges. This is a book I highly recommend reading. I really enjoyed it.

There has been adventure in every book I have read by Jennifer Moore. The Blue Orchid Society books are no different. Healing Hazel, however, takes that to a whole other world. War time medicine in an unfamiliar land sounds pretty intense to me. But the grace that Jennifer put into this beautifully done story, let's one see that humanity has to be seen and heard in this world, even in war.

The challenges that Hazel specifically faces with her panic attacks, make it seem like this would bury her. These trials set on her could have easily defeated her. But one has hope and support, the ability to grow beyond what their individual struggles are. I loved the support her friends in the Blue Orchid Society give her as the book starts and finishes. I loved how Hazel also uses their love for her and care for her, to in turn care for the patients in her care through them.

Hazel isn't taken out of her struggles and I liked that comparison for us. We will always have burdens placed upon us and some we cannot control or get away from. We can't write them off. But we can learn to cope and move forward. That is how we heal, and that is why I love the title so much! Hazel wasn't miraculously healed from her ails, but as the book goes on, she finds a strength from those around her as they all care for one another, and those that are injured.

What a wonderful book this was! Definitely one to pick up!