Who has succeeded in their matchmaking schemes?
Joshua Gibbs
Doctor Joshua Gibbs is the only doctor in the town. He considered a doctor due to his time of service during the war. He didn't imagine his life going this way after he finished serving his country. Joshua's life wasn't that good. Even though he was a doctor from a wealthy family, things weren't always great. He had done a lot for the citizens of his small-town and even more trying to help Mrs. Blum when she needed it. These two formed an unlikely friendship, and I like seeing them bicker from the pages of the book. Even more with Freida trying to find Josh, a wife.
What I like about Joshua is that he is trying to make a livelihood for himself. He is also trying to put what he had been through in the past. Josh is a good person that doesn't think that he is worthy of love. Finally, he realizes that he can be loved if he lets the right person in.
Clara Brook
Clara Brook was a nurse in the Civil War, and she came back to civilized life by doing it her way. She is trying to live a life without her family around. As she didn't want to burden them with expectations that she can't do anymore. Clara had a lesson to learn after a bit of time and something happening to both of them. I like Dr. Gibbs with Clara, especially the few times that they talked in town. She is a great person that does well around Gibbs.
What I like about Clara is that she is different than other women in their town. It is a great contrast to some of the town's women. Clara and Joshua's chemistry is very subtle in the beginning and wasn't something that either of them excepted to happen.
Freida Blum
Freida Blum is a widower that moved from New York to Cowbird Creek, Nebraska, because she needed a fresh start. She never excepted to have such an active lifestyle in Cowbird Creek as she has since moving there. Making a deal with the handsome young doctor is something that she never excepted to happen. Not only that, but maybe finding someone to live with for the rest of her life. This is something that you would have seen back in those days.
Freida Blum is a great character. She is the mother figure for Joshua that he never knew that he needed. I love the unlikely friendship that has grown between these two and how much Joshua cares for her.
Three Stars
What Heals the Heart by Karen A. Wyle is a book that I thought was a bit complicated for some of the things that were happening. Small-town life even back then was hard to deal with. I liked reading about the medical profession and thinking about how it has evolved a lot since that time. Both characters had their share of unknown complications throughout their life, especially when the Civil War started.
I am giving this book three stars and recommending it to anyone that likes historical romances.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of What Heals the Heart by Karen A. Wyle.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove