Olivia's Touch

Abounding Love #1

by Peggy Stoks

Series premiere special price! Olivia's Touch, the first book of a series in the successful HeartQuest line, is a story about rebellion and reconciliation set in nineteenth century Colorado. Forced into partnership with an arrogant Eastern doctor, Olivia must protect her calling to heal . . . and her heart.

Genres: Christian Fiction

432 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2000

Reviews

[Lilian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would stay away from this book. There's a lot of inappropriate content (no language)- while you could call it clean, it disgusts me and I personally cannot recommend anyone this book.

[Kim Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty simplistic writing style but a good Christian based story nonetheless. A little love and a little mystery as well.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars! Peggy Stoks is a longtime favorite of mine, having read quite a few of her in the Victorian Christmas Collections. She has a writing style that is easily relatable. I loved the strong yet tender character of Olivia Plummer, the gentle but tough healer in the town of Tristan, Colorado. A gift of healing passed down from her grandmother, Olivia has used her God-given gift to heal the community.
When Dr, Ethan Gray enters the picture, he declares her unfit and tries to have her arrested. tensions flare as they compete for the town's loyalty. But when Dr, Gray injures his hand and Olivia is forced to tend the injury, things change between the two will either of them give their will to God for their life? will they be able to handle His answer?

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed many parts of this book. The old art of healing with herbs, etc. is interesting, and so was much of the interaction between Olivia and Dr. Gray. The writing style seemed a little simple somehow, and the plot was somewhat predictable. The conflict Olivia encounters when desiring to practice medicine seemed realistic.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but, I loved it!
Olivia had to work with Ethan, even though he thought her way of "healing" was quackery. I loved watching their relationship unfold as the book went on. Looking forward to reading more of this series

[Alora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christian book! It wasn't at all what I thought it would be. Several surprises; I won't give away the details.
I found it in a little library but can't even find this author at my library; wondering if her books are out of print. This is a series and I want to read the rest.

[Alysa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little irritated about the idea promoted here that any kind of rebellion is a bad thing (ahem, MLK Jr was a God-fearing rebel, working against human-created follies).

I felt the "whodunit" aspect of the story was really transparent—it seemed obviously who the bad guy was right from the start. However, I thought the plot to get the characters to that point was well done.

I appreciate that the author has weaved in the background to the next two stories into this book. I am interested in finding out how she continues this story through the following books.

*BELOW THIS LINE ARE SPOILERS!*

Most important (to me), was that the protagonist's story did not just end happily ever after when she caught her man and they got married. An important part of the story is that she is continuing the work that is HER OWN, and that defines her, and that is beyond the scope of just getting married and reproducing. I appreciate that her new husband is also supportive of her working towards these goals. (And they are moving for her "job". Girl power.)

Finally, a point at the end that I dislike: enrolling someone in school under their married name when they have not agreed to marry you is not romantic or planning ahead—it's manipulative. Yet this kind of thing keeps coming up in Christian romances. Let's stop that, right now, mmmkay? Thanks.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was not crazy about this book. Never really came to like the uppity doctor. Olivia's insistence on becoming a doctor no matter what and without seeking God's will really irritated me. Seemed like nothing but pride that she could not be content assisting her husband.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my very favorite books from my friend, Peggy. It took me only a few day's to read - very good!

[Vikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pioneer/religious story. Good.

[Lisa Rathbun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another shallow, historically-questionable romance. Not really my cup of tea.

[Olivia Ballinger]

Olivia is a healer in her town just like her grandmother was. She followed in her footsteps. The town hires a new doctor, Ethan, to come to the town. When an accident happens and the doctor's hand is injured, Olivia has to be his hands in the town. As they get closer, they realize that their differences are not worth fighting over and start to fall in love. Olivia wants to become a doctor and many obstacles face her. These obstacles get in the way of Olivia and Ethan's relationship. These obstacles don't stand too high for their relationship and Olivia becomes a doctor.