Its been so long since I read the first two novels in this series that I really have forgotten them. This book is obviously suitable to be read as a standalone, purely in light of that.

The Thorn Healer is an excellent story about a female doctor who returns to her grandparents home in the closing stages of the First World War, and has to overcome her fears, hurts and prejudices to accept love and move on with her life.

She's an abuse victim, but in the end, she learns not to let that define her. Not to condemn August just because he's German and to accept him as a good man. Its about two people wrestling their demons, overcoming loss and social prejudice and moving on to make a better life together. And make things better for their community as well.

The faith messages were well presented without being preachy or cliched. Both characters basically lose their faith, and come to only accept it again when they realize they're ready or they didn't really lose it at all. They just could not see it through the pain.

Apart from a few Americanisms from the European and half-British character I didn't notice anything really inaccurate. Actually, some of the historical details, especially towards the end were very well written. I never realized the 1918 flu pandemic was so horrific that it was dubbed "the blue death".

Recommended for lovers of Historical Fiction.

Thanks to the Publisher for accepting my request for this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Pepper Basham has written a captivatingly emotional and enthralling novel in her third book in the Penned in Time Series, The Thorn Healer. Basham has an exquisite way of capturing her readers’ attention from page one and keeping them enraptured until the very end. This beautifully written WWI story will enthrall readers and draw them in with raw emotions that will touch and fill the heart. Basham has a powerful way of expressing her characters and their stories, causing readers to become attached to both, as well as teaching and expressing truths, terrors, passions, and other emotions that will stir the soul. I would recommend this fantastic novel to readers that enjoy Basham’s other Penned in Time Series novels, as well as historical romance.

Series: Penned in Time
Genre: historical, romance, WWI, Christian
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Publication date: November 6, 2016
Number of pages: 327

I wished this book would never end! A beautiful look at the way God redeems brokenness, and the power of grace and redemption. I have a feeling that I will read it multiple times.