Book Review: Healing Jacob 's Heart by Karen Nappa

The Quinn Quartet Book 0.5

A small-town doctor left behind with three young boys. A compassionate woman who can help them heal. But is their town ready for an interracial relationship – and is he ready for her?

Peaceful, Ohio, is a small village in the Appalachian hills. Amidst the scenery of stunning nature, the villagers don’t have much more entertainment than gossip. Local doctor Jacob is a respected member of the community. Coming from a line of farmers and miners, he got himself through college on a scholarship. When he returned to take over old Doctor Johnson’s practice, the town welcomed him like a hero – even when he brought home a city girl as his wife.

When his wife abandons him and their three young sons, all the ladies smell blood. Circling him like vultures, Jacob tries to ignore them as best he can. He buries himself in his work because Jacob has had enough of women for the rest of his life.

Hester thought teaching young children would be her greatest challenge when she arrived in Peaceful. She isn't expecting to deal with a hostile community and a burned man.

Only when he buries the past, can they have a future.

Author’s note: Healing Jacob’s Heart is a short (historical) prequel to a brand-new series by Karen Nappa: The Quinn Quartet. It contains spanking, explicit language, and a guaranteed HEA.

---

My Review:

This prequel has definitely left me interested in seeing where the rest of the series is going to take us. In the midst of the current social upheaval, I’m in complete awe at the authors’ bravery to tackle a story like this. They don’t shy away from the ugliness of the time, but it’s done in such a thoughtful, matter-of-fact way that it feels well-integrated in the story. I loved everything about Hester. She’s a fierce lioness defending the cubs at a time when people were more likely to cluck their tongues and looks the other way. I adored her fighting spirit and brave heart. In so many ways, this a woman I aspire to be. I liked Jacob, but I had some difficulties connecting with him. I found him to be a little high-handed and forward in his treatment of Hester and extremely reluctant to apologize when he was the one to make a mistake. This sets the stage for a series I’m looking forward to reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.