Helping those less fortunate than him shouldn’t have come at such a high cost. Ryker Bennet thought he had the world by the tail. A beautiful fiancée. A successful career as a pediatric surgeon. Plenty of money. Everything was perfect and on track for the life he’d planned for himself.
But then, while volunteering as part of a medical mission in the Middle East, he was caught up in a horrific attack that left its indelible mark on him. Memories of that time have plagued him, invading his dreams and making it impossible to continue in his relationship and his career.
Life is different now, but he’s fine…most of the time.
Wanting a quiet, peaceful life shouldn’t have been too much to ask.
It has taken far longer than it should have, but Sophia Haldorson has finally managed to escape a place that was supposed to have been happy and safe. Being back in New Hope Falls is a relief, if a bit uncertain for her and her young son. But if she can find a place to live and a way to earn some money, it will be a good start.
After tragedy and heartache, is life to simply be endured?
When they both step in to help someone out, their paths cross. But will that be all it is? Or will the twists and turns their lives have already taken, take a couple more that might bring them to a place of healing and love? But trust is a hard thing to come by for people who’ve become wary of the world around them.
Kimberly Rae Jordan writes new books that feel like old-fashioned love stories. Yes, they are “just” downloadable e-books, but they stand apart from the “Christianized” sensual romances that dominate women’s fiction right now. Healing Hearts, Ms. Jordan’s newest release (February 2021) is no different.
Pediatrician Ryker Bennet finds his life unexpectedly and completely changed after a medical mission trip to the Middle East. Now he is working for a landscape company and avoiding children at all costs. Until his new boss breaks his leg and needs Ryker to pickup his infant niece from the babysitter, who turns out to be a single mother and her young son. As Ryker continues to pickup the baby each day, he finds that some things just do not seem to add up with this mysterious pair.
One of the things that I most enjoyed about this story was that the love storyline woven through the story was based on character. Ryker falls for Sophie because of the strong mother and woman that she is, and Sophie is drawn to the gentlemanly, fatherly protecting that Ryker demonstrates for her and her son. As I said above, Healing Hearts reads like an old-fashioned love story = less on the “love,” more on the story, but making the true love even sweeter.
It also has a beautiful family theme. Ryker woos Sophie’s young son, Bryson, almost as much as he courts Bryson’s mother. And as Ryker steps into the protective role and cares for this little family, he becomes a great role model for Bryson. Additionally, Sophie is a dedicated mother who is remarkably strong without being obnoxious.
Ms. Jordan does write Christian fiction. A key theme in the book is the returning to Christ that Ryker does as he heals, and also the comfort Sophie finds in the church as she recovers. In a longer book, I would appreciate a stronger emphasis on the Church and the Gospel. However, for the length of this particular story, I think Ms. Jordan spent all the time she could.
I absolutely love Kimberly 's books. Healing Hearts is just another score for her. The characters, the story line are both incredible. A different plot for sure. I really don't want to go into detail as I don't want to give it away Sophia and Ryker are dealing with incredible past issues Ryker is from the last book but Sophia is a new character. Why I loved this book: the story line is a new to.me plot. The characters issues are a given (you know sometimes a character is given an issue and you are like "what???" ). Not so with this one. I love Bryson. I can just imagine a sweet little boy who has fears and uncertainty. I love Rykers family (except Callie). What gives me pause is all the grammatical errors. Once he is named Gavin. Plus missing words along the way. However even in this review I'm sure I have some ;). Overall I love this book. It is a sweet clean Christian book. Hymns recited,, praying, church, scripture quoted. I do recommend this book. While this book is part of a series it is a stand alone book.
This is a good book and definitely a 5 star book though why I gave it 4 stars is because in the synopsis of this book it was mentioned that it happens concurrently to the events of the previous book and it will be from Ryker and Sophia's perspectives. But as i finished this book I came to know that this book happens at the same time as of the previous book but it is not the same events told from a different perspective and I can surely understand that to a certain extent that Ryker and Sophia should have their own stories not Michael's story in a different point of view. But for me, things could have gone slightly differently in both these books especially since we knew these two will be interconnected. Like some parts of the story explained in this book where it was just a paragraph in the previous one. Things like this would have definitely made this one pretty awesome.
Another beautiful love story. One of the things I love most about Kimberly’s books is that she writes stories with imperfect characters. We all make mistakes and carry all sorts of heartache with us. I love that all of her stories feature imperfect people striving and growing and coming to trust themselves, others, and the One who never fails us, Jesus.
While I was SOOOO disappointed that this wasn’t Leah’s story yet, I’m so glad it was Ryker’s. I’m a sucker for a brooding, maybe broken, male love interest.
Thanks Kimberly for tugging at my heartstrings without completely crushing my soul. You strike that absolutely PERFECT balance of heartbreak and hope in my opinion.
Definitely grab the tissues, because this is a HEART book.Healing Hearts - the characters and their story - touched my heart in such a beautiful way. “You’ve helped me see that there is hope beyond the hurt.” Both Ryker and Sophia have been through traumatic, life-changing events. Watching them grow in faith and fall in love, in spite of not only their issues, but Sophia’s son Bryson’s issues (plan on falling in love-Bryson is PRECIOUS!), was incredibly beautiful.
I truly enjoyed this book. When I first started reading it, I had trouble getting into the book because so many characters were introduced so quickly from Sophia’s family. Once the story began to unfold, I was hooked. I especially loved the way Jordan wove this story together with another one in the series. I had forgotten that character’s name, so the connection was a fun surprise. I would recommend reading the other books in this series first or at least book 5, but this book would be enjoyable as a stand alone as well.
Healing Hearts was a great read about two characters with baggage from their pasts who needed healing. Former pediatrician Ryker has PTSD and is hesitant around children due to an experience in the Middle East. Single mom Sophia is raising her young son who has fears and is guarded about her life. Sophia is doing her best to raise Bryson, and Ryker does his best to alleviate Bryson's fears. I enjoyed the bond that developed between Ryker and Bryson and how Bryson's character arc grew by the end of this story.
I am excited to see Kimberly Rae Jordan's name on a new novel. Her characters are distinctive, and the plot takes the reader into challenging areas of human hurts and sometimes evil of others. God is in control, but often it takes a long period of time to see it. Two unlikely people meet in a crisis involving a banana/peanut butter loving four year old.
I love Kimberly Rae Jordan's books. I was so excited to read this one! She didn't disappoint. The characters are relatable and believable. The plot was easy to follow. This is a great book. The female lead reminded me that strength is something that should be defined by God. It's not always defined by muscles. In fact true strength is found on the inside. Please read this book. You won't be disappointed.
Another beautiful story in New Hope Falls. These two were exactly what each other needed. I’m very glad that the author didn’t try to make Sophia fit into today’s standard of what a women should be or do with her life. Sophia has this quiet strength about her that I admired very much. Ryker what a beautiful strong man. I think it takes courage to admit and actually want to do the work of healing that these two committed to. I’d def recommend for sure.
If you haven't read book #5 (When I'm With You), and you want to know more of the backstory of Ryker and Sophia, you might want to read it before this one (but it's not necessary). I thought Jordan did a really good job with this book. There are some difficult subjects, but she treats them sensitively and with good insights. The characters are very well done, and feel like friends.
Healing Hearts is another great book in this series! I read it straight through in a couple hours. The characters are so well developed and they are true to life. The experiences that they went through weren’t easy to read about, but the way they work through them is a blessing. You won’t want to put it down once you start it!
This is a very interesting and informative story. It is hard to read about the things Sophia and Bryson were faced with . So many issues to overcome. Then Ryker comes along and has issues of his own that are heartbreaking.This story helps you to understand how do deal with these issues. Great book!
The title is so you know who I’m writing about. I have loved every book I have read of Kimberly’s, and I think I’ve read most of them. This was the best! I don’t cry easily but I did in this book. Tough situations for all three of the main characters. Thank you!
Interesting read , great story of new beginnings after some compilations in life.
I enjoyed this book which have information on cults. It was clear to see how innocent people were drawn in then could not get away. It helped me understand a bit more on the subject. Great story to show if you depend on God you can survive most tragedies in life.
Three hearts broken from different traumas. He has nightmare. She can't forgive herself for a mistake. Her son has trust issues. A chance meeting. A cry for help. A bond so strong it can't help but start the road to recovery. Highly recommended for all readers.
The author portrayed the vulnerability and strength of the characters. My heart went out to each of them as I read. The story showed how caring, patience and the love of God and people heals brokenness. Very touching story.
Healing Hearts is another winner in the New Hope Falls series. I enjoyed getting to know both Sophia & Ryker. I have all of Kimberly Rae Jordan’ books and was not disappointed with this new one. I am now looking forward to the next book!
This isn't what you expect but you will love it. Tyler has a secret that he holds onto. He helps out Michael and his daughter and learns about Sophia and her son Bryson. Can he make it pass the boys distrust of him? Can he go back to what he was supposed to be?
It was so heart warming. I love the people in New Hope Fall. Can’t wait to read her next book. I love the way she writes her stories. When she writes about God it helps to remember how good he has been to me and my family.
Really enjoyed this story. Life isn’t always straightforward and often we keep things hidden from others so that we all appear okay to the outside. Kimberley Rae’s style of writing is so good. She draws you into each of the characters.
This is a really difficult story told in a really sensitive manner. Yes, I admit Sophia irked me at times; mainly as she always referred to her son as "baby". Apart from that, a good story told in a believable manner with a great ending. Well done!
This was such a great story. I loved how the plot unfolded. Nothing felt forced. All see,Ed to unfold organically. I also loved the interweaving of Michael and Lani’s story. A bestseller for me.
Tears. I had tears in the end when things finally came together. They both had such struggles and hardship in their lives. You know it was hard to trust themselves and others. They worked on things together which just makes it perfect.
The storyline showed heart to real life issues that many people deal with but don’t talk about. I felt strength coming off the pages when Sophia talked about her son. I loved it.
A lovely sweet clean romance that seems impossible at first because of the difficulties each has to overcome. They do overcome and come together and excellent book you don't want to miss.
This may be my favorite of the series.......I am a sucker for stories with little kids, and Bryson was so loveable with his issues. Ryker made an awesome hero with his secret he kept from everyone. Totally loved this book
I enjoyed reading this book. I think it is important for mothers to stay home with their children. Children need to know that their parents love them, and that they are important to them.
What a true love story! The trials and tribulations these two individuals went through were very hard and difficult. They made it and learned to love again! Great story!!