Carol Moncado

Accused of murdering a child under her care, Irish healer Rachel Dunne flees the ensuing scandal while vowing to never sit at another sickbed. She no longer trusts in her abilities-or God’s mercy–though when a cholera epidemic sweeps through London, she feels compelled to nurse the dying daughter of the enigmatic physician she has come to love. James Edmunds, wearied by the deaths of too many patients, has his own doubts about God’s grace. Together, they will have to face their darkest fears . . . and learn what it means to have real faith.

It’s not unusual for me to read a book quickly – in fact, most books I read, I read quickly. Nancy’s The Irish Healer was no exception.

Rachel left Ireland in disgrace – both from the outside and the inside. From the moment I stepped foot on the boat beside her, I could feel her pain as well as the salty air. Herriman’s debut novel brings alive the journey from Ireland to England and then London itself in a way I could only wish to copy.

James is also running from his past. And his new assistant is Irish which certainly doesn’t endear her to his staff. But she stirs something in him, long forgotten. They fight the mutual attraction, but we all know that can’t go on forever.

Herriman pulled me in and didn’t let go. My heart broke with Rachel. It bled for James as I finally figured out what he was hiding from. And when the cholera epidemic hits, I wondered what more tragedy they would have to face – and would they be able to face it together? Or would it tear them apart?

As with all romances, there is the requisite happy ending, but knowing the destination didn’t make the journey any less pleasurable. I look forward to more from Ms. Harriman – hopefully in the near future!

Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars