Sunday, February 24, 2013

When the Heart Heals by Ann Shorey ~ Review and Sweepstakes Info

February 15, 2013 Sisters at Heart (Book 2)
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.

My take on this book:
I love books that take place around the time of the Civil War so "When the Heart Heals" was a much anticipated read for me. This book takes place during 1867 in Noble Springs, Missouri. Rosemary Saxon was a nurse during the civil war, but with the war over she has to support herself somehow so she decides to work for Dr. Elijah Stewart the doctor in town.Rosemary believes in using herbal remedies  and often gives out advice against which is something the doctor doesn't care for, which often causes them to butt heads on occasion. As they work together an attraction grows, but someone comes along that has Rosemary thinking she needs to leave town. Rosemary also finds herself having problems because of some advice that she has given to someone about herbs. How will things work out for Rosemary? Will she be accepted for who she is, and does she and Elijah work things out?

While I felt like I ultimately knew how things would work out for the main characters it was such a wonderful story that gets me to that conclusion. I am such a fan of sweet romance,as well as strong women that don't often conform to what society thinks that they should be.The plot moves along at a good pace, and the author sprinkles a bit of suspense to make it more interesting. I love when we get a pet woven into a story and with this one we have Rosemary's dog Bodie. Overall, while I knew where this story was headed I certainly enjoyed the telling that gets us there. Fans of historical fiction who also enjoy a good clean read will certainly love this one. While this book is the second in the Sisters at Heart series it can easily be read as a stand alone work. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.


Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.


                                              Enter the TEA WITH ROSEMARY Giveaway!
In When the Heart Heals, Book 2 in author Ann Shorey’s Sisters at Heart series, Civil War nurse Rosemary Saxon wants to use her skills as a healer in the town of Noble Springs. But the townsfolk, and the town's new doctor, aren't sure what to make of her unconventional ways!
To celebrate the story, Ann and Revell Books are proud to announce the TEA WITH ROSEMARY giveaway, featuring three incredible prizes.

Tea with Rosemary - Grand PrizeGRAND PRIZE:
6 MONTH ARTISAN BREAD CLUB MEMBERSHIP 
Rosemary's artisan breads are a town favorite. Our grand prize winner will enjoy fresh-made artisan breads just like Rosemary's, delivered right to their door with a Zingerman's 6 month Bread of the Month Club membership.

Tea with Rosemary - Second PrizeSECOND PRIZE:
GROW YOUR OWN GARDEN STARTER KIT
Rosemary's garden is a source of healing for many in the town of Noble Springs. Our second prize winner can grow their very own herb garden, from the comfort of their kitchen.

Tea with Rosemary - Third PrizeTHIRD PRIZE:
ROSEMARY'S KITCHEN PRIZE PACK
Rosemary's hand-blended teas and soaps are sold at the town mercantile and grocery, and are a favorite of several of the town's eligible bachelors. Our third prize winner will have the chance to create their own special tea blends, and enjoy soap just like Rosemary's. 

ENTRY RULES:
Entrants must be US residents, and 18 years or older. 

 READY TO ENTER?
Entering is as easy! Simply head over to Ann Shorey's website by clicking here. But hurry.  This giveaway starts February 15, 2013 and ends March 7, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST) Winners will be selected Friday, March 8, so head on over to Ms. Shorey's website by clicking here for a chance to win some great prizes.


2 comments:

  1. Brenda,
    Thank you SO much for posting about the book and the giveaway!! I really appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brenda, Thank you for the great review, and for sharing the news about the contest.

    I'm so pleased that you enjoyed Rosemary's story. I really had fun creating her character.

    ReplyDelete

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