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.
~SPOILERS~ Sophie and her son are recovering after being released from a cult. Ms. Jordan handles this well, giving story applicable details without being graphic. However, readers should read with discretion.
Summary:
- Rating: 5 out of 5
- Romance: Characters kiss
- Other: Themes mentioned above, reader discretion advised
- Would I Recommend? Absolutely