When The Heart Heals (Sisters at Heart Book #2) by Ann Shorey

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartrending Novel!

Book Description
Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and downright vulgar. Although she would like to put her experiences as a nurse behind her, she must support herself. She takes a position with Dr. Elijah Stewart and a mutual attraction begins to develop. But when a sophisticated woman arrives in town claiming to be Elijah's fiancée, a heartbroken Rosemary decides to leave Noble Springs and start fresh. Can Elijah convince her of the mystery woman's deception before he loses her forever?

With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey invites readers back to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love's tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition. Readers will find in Rosemary a sympathetic but strong woman determined to thrive in a world that doesn't always understand.

Biography
Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom, The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.










My Review ~

Merciful to wounded Civil War soldiers, Rosemary Saxon became a nurse. Considered a filthy and disgusting job, unfit for a woman, Rosemary was ousted from her home. Her compassion compelled her to help others in need, in spite of her own limited resources. After the war she had moved to Noble Springs, Missouri where she eventually sought employment with Dr. Elijah Stewart who had set up practice in the small town after the Civil War. Refusing to join his father's medical practice in Chicago, Dr. Stewart's aim was to distance himself from his father's demands. Elijah's medical standards were scrupulous and honorable, contrary to his father's unethical standards. 

Threatened by a local menace for preparing herbal remedies only substantiated Rosemary's stubborn and independent nature, but potential suitors repeatedly came to her aid. Attracted to Dr. Stewart, Rosemary had to quell a relationship developing with another local gentleman. Her hopes for love and family appear to be just a dream, but is there hope for happiness in her future?

Family dynamics play a key role throughout this novel. Broken relationships and misunderstandings between family members are broached with inventive and creative skill. The characters throughout this novel are colorful, realistic, down-to-earth humans who struggle with emotional conflicts and physical assaults that are common to all of us. Faith is a strong motivator throughout this novel, and enhances the story very effectively. The physical details are picturesque and beautifully depicted with vivid imagery. Ann Shorey has written a very touching, absorbing and remarkable story. This is a very entertaining, heartrending and eloquently scripted novel!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to Fred St. Laurent and Revell Books for their participation in the For Readers Only program through BookFun.org.