cover image Healing Hearts

Healing Hearts

Sarah M. Eden. Shadow Mountain, $15.99 trade paper (336p) ISBN 978-1-62972-458-4

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.)