Gideon MacNamara is a doctor in Salvage Wells. He is limited in the amount of women to pick for a bride so he sends for a mail order bride. He picks one that is a Nurse so she can help him in his overwhelming practice. When Miriam arrives by stagecoach not knowing she is to be a bride . When she meets Gideon and the wedding starts she runs off. This is the second time Gideon"s wedding plans do not go off. The town is upset with her but Gideon hires her to be his Nurse anyway. Miriam ran away from her last town holding a secret and is afraid that he may find out and get rid of her. This is a great book with a lot of interesting turns. This is the first book I read of this Author and I will be looking for more. Thanks NetGalley.

Well, I personally couldn’t be happier that Sarah Eden took us back to Savage Wells! ‘Sheriffs’ was a story full of spunk, fun with that added tender element concerning Paisley’s father, and dementia. It was the first time I’d been able to complete a book that touched on this subject. I lost my mum in her mid 60s, to this terrible disease, and usually I can’t bear reading about it in a novel. I appreciated so much the sensitivity in which Sarah writes. In fact if you are an avid reader of hers, you will know that she approaches these things just right.

This second time around in Savage Wells is no different. Again, she tackles the real issues of the day with an disease that Little was known about, yet treated in such horrific ways. I’ve read a few books now that centre around Asylums, and the sense of being trapped that many of those living there felt. Women sent there for all kinds of reasons and always their pleas and denials taken by the doctors as a sure sign of their madness. I cannot even abide the thought of how that must have felt to someone with depression, or another ailment that didn’t need to be treated in that manner. It seems to be society’s scapegoat for these illnesses and disabilities no one understood. Trying to keep that ‘perfect’ image.

This story is about two people, one physically running from the past and another mentally running from his past. Everything about the way this beautiful story progresses and is enriched by all the other wonderful characters was just such a joy to read. So many moments, leaving you on the edge of your seat. Feeling empathy for Miriam’s plight. Hope that she will see the good in Gideon. The concern for the town later on in the story, and the continuing tale of Andrew & Mr Bell. So much goodness in the people of this town and I love the way they all rallied together at the end. Fantastic story, that I could not put down! Please write a story for Hawk! His character is so much fun, and I loved the way he so gracefully bowed out.

I received this complimentary eARC from Netgalley & Shadow Mountain. This is my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down and I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it.

We revisit Savage Wells in “Healingn Hearts, “ following Gideon MacNamara and Miriam Bricks. Gideon sent for a mail order bride to act as a nurse for his medical practice. Miriam arrived only aware of the nurse position. They find a way to work together but it quickly becomes apparent that Miriam has secrets she isn’t telling.

I enjoyed reading this book. Sarah Eden does a great job finding interesting tidbits of history and weaving them into her stories seamlessly.

The characters came alive in this book. I would HIGHLY recommend you read the “Sheriffs of Savage Wells” before you read this book. Many of the characters from that book feature prominently in this book and it would be helpful to know their backgrounds. I will say those characters are much more caricatures in “Sheriffs.” In “Healing Hearts” they are more realisitc. I actually think this is interesting-when we initially meet someone we tend to notice one or two things about them and characterize them as such. As we come to know them better they become deeper and multi-faceted. I don’t know if this was part of Eden’s purpose or not, but I enjoyed getting to better know the depth of the characters.

I had read one of Sarah Eden’s regency collections books but never had read one of her westerns. I was not dissapointed. This book had me glued to it from start to finish and by the end I was in happy tears. This story was so moving. I knew little about doctors in the Wild West, let alone asylums or mental illness. Although the story touched some very sad issues like lack of patient rights and misdiagnosis problems, the book overall was delightful. It was full of hope, kindness, and love. Also I appreciated that this was a clean book with no swearing or sex.
This story about Gideon and Miriam is an example of mail order bride/ job placement agency error. It’s humorous how the story unfolds. There is definitely chemistry between the two and I love the dry humor they shared. After she had dashed their dear doctors hopes of marriage to her on her arrival the town did not look kindly on her. It took an epidemic for the town to embrace her. I love how the story unfolded. It was truly a delight to read. I can’t wait to read more stories about this cute town and the people who live there.

When I saw this takes place in Savage Wells I had to grab it. I really enjoyed The Sheriffs of Savage Wells and was eager to return to this charming western town. As always, Ms. Eden has created memorable characters, a fun and unique plot and a well developed story.

I thought this was well written, the pacing was good.I loved the town of Savage Wells and the people there. They were a little too hard on Miriam at first, but they definitely come around in a great way. The romance was sweet and realistic and you can't help rooting for things to work out. I stayed up waaaay to late to see how everything plays out, but I just couldn't put it down. I'm sure the lack of sleep with catch up with me later, but it was worth it.

I have to admit that I haven’t read a historical romance in years. I cant ever remember reading one set in the Midwest during the late 1800’s. I figured I needed a little change. Sarah Eden’s Healing Hearts reminded me that there were times in the United States where people didn’t know a lot about epilepsy or dementia or a number of other diseases. Instead they sadly chose to place people with certain illnesses in mental asylums. I really loved the character of Miriam. She was such a wonderful person. She had the biggest heart and I am glad that she found a family that loved her in the end. Gideon and the entire town fought for her and stood behind her when she needed it most. I definitely recommend the book. The only reason I am giving it a 4 is because I kept having to re-read sections so I could remember who’s who in the town.

Thank you net galley for the advance read copy of this novel. I love this author and series and the second book regarding Savage Wells did not disappoint. Miriam and Gideon 's relationship got off to a very rocky start but eventually turned very sweet. I appreciated this very clean romance. The historical treatment of mental health patients that this book touched on was well done. I am hoping Ms. Eden writes a third installment regarding US Marshal Hawk would definitely welcome!!!!! I will continue to read and recommend anything by this author!!!!

This is a wonderful, heartwarming story about strength and perseverance amidst injustice and cruelty. This historical romance is set at a time where medical problems like epilepsy were seen as a form of madness and the people were institutionalized. There are so many endearing characters in this book. I hope that many of them will get their own stories. It is also the story of a town coming together to stand by one of their own. I truly enjoyed this captivating story and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great storyline and wonderful characters, This book is definitely a 'must read'.

Sarah Eden knocked it out of the park with this one! I absolutely adored Gideon and Miriam's story! From the mistaken mail-order bride, to Miriam's medical issues, to Gideon's compassion. This was a well-rounded love story addressing the lack of rights women had during that time frame. Every member of the town in Savage Wells is lovely and I admire the small town coming together to protect one of their own from a horrendous villain. Beautiful, beautiful story.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an early eARC.

Books by Sarah M. Eden never disappoint! Although her Jonquil series continues to be my favorite, I really enjoyed this addition to her Savage Wells series...and I loved catching up with characters from the first book in the series! Miriam and Gideon are incredibly likable and sympathetic characters...I loved the unique angles of Miriam's illness and past experience with an asylum. Definitely a great addition to my ever-growing library of Sarah. M Eden books!

This was such a precious and tender book that I don't even know how to describe it.

Both characters were so genuine and their characters stayed true throughout the entire book so much that it was more like watching a movie than reading a book. I could imagine all the settings and the character interactions really vividly.

While I also very much loved the characters and the romance what I loved more it that it touched on a very real issue that happened quite often in these days. Women being sent to institutions because their family members consider them hysterical. I remember learning about this in school growing up about how women were essentially on guard constantly because the simplest and stupidest reason could be enough to send them to an institution. It's pretty disgusting to think that society used to be like this and I really liked that Sarah Eden wrote about it in both a way that was important to the story but also shed light into the reality some women dealt with.

This was such a good book.

This is in classic Eden style. A very sad story for our leading lady which makes the endings so much sweeter. Her Heroines really do get drug threw the 'mud', the poor things. I think this might have been the most beat up Heroine yet. Don't worry all ends happily. This was a sweet romance. I enjoyed going back to Savage Wells. I liked those characters much more as side characters. This is chaste and teens could read it. There is talk of insane asylums and abuse.

This story is so amazingly wonderful! I loved each and every word! Such a GREAT book! I highly recommend this one!

This books is the first I've read by Eden and I truly enjoyed it. These characters have depth and I began to care for these characters from the very beginning. The plot kept me interested and wondering what would happen. Both of these characters are flawed and perfect for each other. There is difficult subject matter in this book and this author addressed it very well. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Healing Hearts⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Sarah M. Eden

Dr. Gideon MacNamara decides to seek out a matchmaking service. He is looking for wife that also has nursing experience. The day his future bride steps off the train she is swept away to the alter as Miriam realizes she is suppose to marry the doctor she halts the wedding and runs from the church. When the Doctor finds her she explains she was here for the nursing job not marriage. Gideon being a forward thinking man asks her to stay on as his nurse. Of course, the town is angered by her treatment of their beloved doctor but soon realize what a wonderful nurse and person she turns out to be.

Miriam hides something from the doctor about her health. Miriam suffers from seizures which is at this time in medical science are quite the mystery. This illness is hardly a sidebar in the story and very informative of the way mental illness was treated in this time period. Parts of this books are very concerning and sad but overall I thought this story very good and enlightening.

Sarah M. Eden never disappoints. Healing Hearts is a wonderfully written romance with a unique insight into the treatment of people with misunderstood illnesses. Gideon and Miriam are wonderful characters and the premise of an mail order bride who doesn't know that's what she's been brought to town for is a lot of fun.

I really enjoyed every aspect of this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, interesting and clean romance. Enjoy!

**I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.**

Another winner from Sarah Eden. Miriam is such a strong character, I rooted for her through the whole book. It's so hard to think about the lack of rights women had in those days.

This was a cute story with a good mix of intrigue and romance. I thought it was going to be a marriage of convenience, but it was still good just more of a slow burn. I really liked how protective he became of her throughout the book and how.she was able to grow to trust him.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This second of the series still has plenty of Paisley and Cade, but the focus is now on Dr. MacNamara and new character Miriam. Miriam is fleeing west because of some serious issues in her past, which are gradually revealed as the story progresses. Gideon is tired of being alone, and plans to marry, via a mail-order bride service. He asks for a woman who is a nurse, figuring that even if it’s not a love match, at least she’ll understand the demands of his job. But Miriam wasn’t told about the marrying part. Imagine her shock when, on her arrival in town, she’s taken straight to her wedding! Of course, the townspeople are not very pleased with her when she rejects their beloved doctor.

However, Gideon still needs a nurse, and he reluctantly hires Miriam to fill that role, even though she won’t be his wife. She turns out to be very capable at her job, and eventually townspeople warm up to her.

Even when Gideon learns her secret, he respects Miriam’s strength and intelligence. But when someone from her past arrives in town, ready to bring her back, they both have to face their feelings for each other.

I think this is my favorite of the three books in this series so far. I just really appreciated Miriam’s character and her desire to be seen past her hidden disability. As in the previous book, the townspeople are an interesting cast of characters. It’s always nice in series like this to see all the characters continue to develop.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Descriptions of injuries and medical treatments. A little violence. An overbearing parent. One character has dementia, another has PTSD.

Who Might Like This Book:
Those who like books set in the West during the Westward Expansion. Those who enjoy towns with quirky characters. Fans of strong female characters who remain compassionate, even in adversity.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2023/02/romances-from-past.html