Review: Tragedy and Hope
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 2, 2014
I am a big fan of Liz Crowe’s stories, especially her Stewart Realty series.  Healing Hearts is a standalone novella which made for a quick read, but it is definitely a heartbreaker.  Jay Longmire, who had success in business, a loving wife, daughter, and son, was dealt an enormous physical, emotional and psychological blow.  Liz capably portrays his heartache, depression, guilt, and that he was incapable of dealing with the world for many months.  He retreats to another city and spends part of his time in a coffee shop, lost in his thoughts, and where he meets Abigail Powers.  She also attends community college, takes care of her mother, and is anxiously awaiting a response for admissions to a nursing program.  Abigail has also dealt with several emotional issues but doesn’t hesitate to help Jay.Jay and Abigail both have various issues to deal with as they try to figure out whether they can be friends or more.  Liz is a compelling storyteller and able to make you feel a part of the character’s lives and feelings.  In most novella’s you sometimes feel that you don’t get enough of the story to understand the characters, but not so in this story.  With tears in my eyes, I definitely felt the pain that both Jay and Abigail dealt with and wonder how I would fare in a similar situation.The book title accurately fits the story, with two hearts broken by various events, and the potential for healing each other.  I have read at least a dozen of Ms. Crowe’s books, and, once again, she has written an amazing story.  I highly recommend this story, along with her numerous other books.  Her books are more about real life and sometimes the HEA isn’t exactly what you think it should be, but becomes one that you never forget.