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American Homespun #3
Healing Sarah
The only thing colder than Summer 1816 is Sarah's heart, and Dr. Timison Dawes is determined to melt it.
Sarah Marden is perfectly happy in her role as the family spinster. Almost. But things aren’t the way they should be this summer. Emma’s health is failing, snow is falling in June, and Timmy is back. Twenty years ago, Sarah ran from his kisses because he smelled like barn cats. Now she doesn’t want to refuse him, no matter how much she should.
Dr. Timison Dawes has seen the brutal side of war. He hopes his career is destined for greater things than being a small-town doctor. He didn’t plan on staying home after his sister’s wedding, but then he didn’t expect Sarah to be single either. A temporary job offer gives him the excuse to see if there is a reason to make the North Shore his home.
How can Tim convince Sarah to give up her perpetual mourning and look for a spring when even mother nature refuses to help?
Sarah Marden is perfectly happy in her role as the family spinster. Almost. But things aren’t the way they should be this summer. Emma’s health is failing, snow is falling in June, and Timmy is back. Twenty years ago, Sarah ran from his kisses because he smelled like barn cats. Now she doesn’t want to refuse him, no matter how much she should.
Dr. Timison Dawes has seen the brutal side of war. He hopes his career is destined for greater things than being a small-town doctor. He didn’t plan on staying home after his sister’s wedding, but then he didn’t expect Sarah to be single either. A temporary job offer gives him the excuse to see if there is a reason to make the North Shore his home.
How can Tim convince Sarah to give up her perpetual mourning and look for a spring when even mother nature refuses to help?
253 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2018
About the author
Lorin Grace
37 books153 followersLorin Grace was born in Colorado and has been moving around the country ever since, living in eight states and several imaginary worlds. She holds a degree in graphic design which comes in handy with creating book covers. Currently, she lives with her husband, and a dog who is insanely jealous of her laptop.
When not writing, Lorin enjoys creating graphics, visiting historical sites, museums, painting furniture, and reading. Three of her books, her debut novel, Waking Lucy (2017), Mending Fences (2018), and Not the Bodyguard’s Baby (2020) have won Recommend Read awards in the League of Utah Writers Published book contest.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 7, 2018
I loved this new novel in the American Homespun series. If you haven't read any of the previous ones, the author does a great job of showing a family tree at the beginning of the book and giving enough details in the story that you can read this as a stand alone novel. The first book, Waking Lucy, takes place just a little more than 20 years before Healing Sarah. Sarah was just a little girl during that story, but now we see her as a grown woman. She's lost her fiancee a few years prior to the story, and has hurts and heartaches from her past. Throw into the mix many changing family dynamics, a childhood friend returned, a secret, mysterious threats, Dementia, crazy weather, proposals, weddings, births and Sarah's world is full of turmoil.
Will she find a way to navigate through all the changes and struggles? Will her sweet and loving spirit find peace and hope? Or must she turn her back on everything and start fresh, saying goodbye to all she loves and holds dear?
I loved Samuel and Lucy from the first book and I loved them just as much in this book. Especially seeing their love still alive and strong, as well as the family and life that they have created over the many years. They raised Sarah due to the death of Sarah and Lucy's parents and the fact that Sarah is much younger than Lucy. Samuel's mom and family are very much an integral part of the story as well. Emma, Samuel's mother helped raise Sarah and was a grandmother figure to her. Now that Emma is getting older and suffering from memory lapses (Dementia), Sarah has become her caregiver. Not the easiest task but one that Sarah does out of love for Emma. The reader sees many glimpses into the dynamics of these two women's relationship as well as the health struggles that Emma faces.
Dr. Timison Dawes is back in town and is another surprise for Sarah to navigate in her life. Tim has always loved her and tried for many years to steal kisses from her when they were younger. But Sarah has always been well protected and cared for by Samuel's brothers. Tim hopes to see Sarah but believes that she is not available for him to even hope for a chance at a relationship with her. But there is hope. And Tim is not going to let that hope pass him by for a chance to show Sarah how much he loves her. If she'll only give him a chance.
This was a sweet novel about love and healing. There has been a lot of sorrow and pain in Sarah's life as well as in several of her loved one's lives. Sarah must learn to navigate it all and how to save her heart before more grief can break it further. There's a little bit of a mystery written within the story as well which gave it a great added layer and dynamic. I wasn't quite sure who was behind the mystery (not gonna explain what it is, no spoilers here). I would guess one person, then another, then another. I picked the person out at one point but could never pinpoint it until the reveal near the end.
I loved Tim and Sarah. Tim was so good to her. He was gentle and gave her the space and time she needed. But not everything turned out quite how I was expecting...it was better than what I expected. Watch out though, if you're expecting this to be a happy, sweet historical love story, it's not. There is pain, sadness, sorrow, goodbyes, heartache. But there is also hope, healing, redemption and love. All great aspects that make for a compelling and wonderful read.
While reading this I kept thinking about how I want to go back and reread Samuel and Lucy's story. But I also want to read the other books in the series. Remembering Anna and Reforming Elizabeth. Hopefully in the near future while these characters are still fresh in my mind.
If you enjoy historical novels, especially Colonial/post Revolutionary War era (not a lot of talk of the war, just a few references to it), stories about healing, redemption and love, I highly recommend reading this one (and Waking Lucy).
Content: Clean. Scenes talking about Dementia. There is death and birth, a character is pregnant by rape. There are no details about the rape just that she is pregnant (not any of the main characters) and cared for by Sarah and others.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Will she find a way to navigate through all the changes and struggles? Will her sweet and loving spirit find peace and hope? Or must she turn her back on everything and start fresh, saying goodbye to all she loves and holds dear?
I loved Samuel and Lucy from the first book and I loved them just as much in this book. Especially seeing their love still alive and strong, as well as the family and life that they have created over the many years. They raised Sarah due to the death of Sarah and Lucy's parents and the fact that Sarah is much younger than Lucy. Samuel's mom and family are very much an integral part of the story as well. Emma, Samuel's mother helped raise Sarah and was a grandmother figure to her. Now that Emma is getting older and suffering from memory lapses (Dementia), Sarah has become her caregiver. Not the easiest task but one that Sarah does out of love for Emma. The reader sees many glimpses into the dynamics of these two women's relationship as well as the health struggles that Emma faces.
Dr. Timison Dawes is back in town and is another surprise for Sarah to navigate in her life. Tim has always loved her and tried for many years to steal kisses from her when they were younger. But Sarah has always been well protected and cared for by Samuel's brothers. Tim hopes to see Sarah but believes that she is not available for him to even hope for a chance at a relationship with her. But there is hope. And Tim is not going to let that hope pass him by for a chance to show Sarah how much he loves her. If she'll only give him a chance.
This was a sweet novel about love and healing. There has been a lot of sorrow and pain in Sarah's life as well as in several of her loved one's lives. Sarah must learn to navigate it all and how to save her heart before more grief can break it further. There's a little bit of a mystery written within the story as well which gave it a great added layer and dynamic. I wasn't quite sure who was behind the mystery (not gonna explain what it is, no spoilers here). I would guess one person, then another, then another. I picked the person out at one point but could never pinpoint it until the reveal near the end.
I loved Tim and Sarah. Tim was so good to her. He was gentle and gave her the space and time she needed. But not everything turned out quite how I was expecting...it was better than what I expected. Watch out though, if you're expecting this to be a happy, sweet historical love story, it's not. There is pain, sadness, sorrow, goodbyes, heartache. But there is also hope, healing, redemption and love. All great aspects that make for a compelling and wonderful read.
While reading this I kept thinking about how I want to go back and reread Samuel and Lucy's story. But I also want to read the other books in the series. Remembering Anna and Reforming Elizabeth. Hopefully in the near future while these characters are still fresh in my mind.
If you enjoy historical novels, especially Colonial/post Revolutionary War era (not a lot of talk of the war, just a few references to it), stories about healing, redemption and love, I highly recommend reading this one (and Waking Lucy).
Content: Clean. Scenes talking about Dementia. There is death and birth, a character is pregnant by rape. There are no details about the rape just that she is pregnant (not any of the main characters) and cared for by Sarah and others.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 6, 2018
In the aftermath of war and the financial difficulties facing the community due to the harsh winter, Sarah feels safe just coasting along teaching and taking care of Emma who is deteriorating by the day. With so many people trying to decide for her how she should live her life, Sarah is hard pressed to keep her patience. When Timmy Dawes arrives back in town for his sister’s wedding, he is one more aggravation she has to deal with, especially as she realises that the secret attraction she has been harbouring for him, has not diminished one bit. As Tim tries to break through Sarah’s reserve, there are others who would like to see her suffer and be destroyed. I felt the despondency that hung over the community, and Sarah in particular, which is typical of a country coming to grips with the devastation left by war. Added to that was the prevailing religious standpoint, where very often kindness and forgiveness gave way to sanctimonious and judgmental attitudes. Tim has to search his own heart and he realises that Sarah has had to deal with so much on her own, that he takes it upon himself to give her the backup and security that she needs. This book was sad but comes to a triumphant ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 15, 2018
I was itching to know the secrets alluded to in the very first chapter of Healing Sarah. Sarah had a secret from her past that someone was using to try to blackmail her into staying away from Tim. It wasn’t until almost the end of the book that we really knew what that secret was. Author Lorin Grace did a great job of drawing it out and giving hints and glimpses of what it might be without giving it away.
The historical aspect of the book was very interesting as well as the story itself. Learning about the strange weather phenomenon in 1816 that caused 6 inches of snow in the summer and so much cold that heavy coats were needed on The Fourth of July was very interesting, as were the tidbits shared about the “Second War of Independence” and the prejudices that prevented single women from being midwives.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Lorin Grace for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
The historical aspect of the book was very interesting as well as the story itself. Learning about the strange weather phenomenon in 1816 that caused 6 inches of snow in the summer and so much cold that heavy coats were needed on The Fourth of July was very interesting, as were the tidbits shared about the “Second War of Independence” and the prejudices that prevented single women from being midwives.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Lorin Grace for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
March 10, 2018
I enjoyed this story. I received an advance reader copy. The story is great and held my attention throughout. I didn't realize until the end that it was part of a series. It can be read by itself. That being said I will be reading more books in this series. Sarah needs to do d healing but will she allow Dr Tim into her life. She is in mourning and she is being bullied. Great writing!
July 3, 2018
Healing Sarah is the fourth installment from Lorin Grace's American Homespun series. I enjoyed this story and was completely fascinated with the author's note at the end. I recommend this clean read.
April 29, 2019
This is the first book I've read in the American Homespun series. It is written as a standalone, but there were times when I wish I had read the others books so I could understand the family dynamics a little better, but it didn't deter from the story. Sarah is a strong wonderfully caring woman. She has a lot on her plate, but she continues to love and help others. Tim also has a big heart and is always there when needed. They are great together. This book touches on a lot of issues and is not a light read, but it is an enjoyable one.
March 6, 2018
A lovely story set in a fascinating historical period. You can tell that the author has done a lot of research, not only into clothing and way of life but also speech and so on. The depth of attention in that regard wowed me. I did feel that the story moved a little slowly in some places, but overall thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful historical romance. The writing style is easy to read and the story flowed nicely.
March 14, 2018
Sarah has so much healing to do. This book hurt my heart but in a good way. Loved how Tim didn't give up even though Sarah tried so very hard to push him away. A book about forgiving ourselves and turning to the Lord for love and forgiveness. A romance but also about family and how we let our past shape our present and future. Great series. Reading them in order isn't a must but I recommend.
March 7, 2018
New start
This story is about new starts for many in the country, not only Tim and Sarah. The characters in the story come to life and you feel like you are there in the room with them as decisions need to be made and you are cheering them along.
May 11, 2018
Healing Sarah
Sarah and Dr. Tim Dawes had the most unusual courtship and a very long one. I guess you could say it started when they were young children. Love has a very happy ending . Absolutely loved this book.
Sarah and Dr. Tim Dawes had the most unusual courtship and a very long one. I guess you could say it started when they were young children. Love has a very happy ending . Absolutely loved this book.
January 16, 2019
Love This Series!!!
Not only do you learn tons of history, but it is about a family's love through the decades! This story can be read as a standalone, but I love the backstory. I read the second book in the series, then had to read them in order starting with Waking Lucy!
Not only do you learn tons of history, but it is about a family's love through the decades! This story can be read as a standalone, but I love the backstory. I read the second book in the series, then had to read them in order starting with Waking Lucy!
March 6, 2018
I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 30, 2018
Sarah is healed
This is a wonderful story of a young woman whom finds love. Even when someone tried to ruin it for her.
This is a wonderful story of a young woman whom finds love. Even when someone tried to ruin it for her.
June 24, 2018
In love with Healing Sarah!
What a great story that helps us to remember that sometimes we need to forgive ourselves to move into all God has for us!
What a great story that helps us to remember that sometimes we need to forgive ourselves to move into all God has for us!
April 8, 2021
The Life of a Spinster School Teacher
This is the first book I have read in the Homespun Series by Lorin Grace. I enjoyed the book even though I did not start at the beginning of the series. We are first introduced to Sarah in the classroom. It is the end of the school year and Sarah is trying to clean her classroom for the summer break. We meet some of her students who are anxious to begin their summer activities. The back story is told in a series of flashbacks. I looked forward to these flashbacks.
Timison Dawes is now the town doctor but we also meet him as a young boy who attended school with Sarah when they were both children. Read this book to learn about the changing relationship of Sarah and Timmy through the years. They parted company during the war but both ended back in their hometown. Such a sweet story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This is the first book I have read in the Homespun Series by Lorin Grace. I enjoyed the book even though I did not start at the beginning of the series. We are first introduced to Sarah in the classroom. It is the end of the school year and Sarah is trying to clean her classroom for the summer break. We meet some of her students who are anxious to begin their summer activities. The back story is told in a series of flashbacks. I looked forward to these flashbacks.
Timison Dawes is now the town doctor but we also meet him as a young boy who attended school with Sarah when they were both children. Read this book to learn about the changing relationship of Sarah and Timmy through the years. They parted company during the war but both ended back in their hometown. Such a sweet story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
January 25, 2024
Clean romance.
Sarah is a spinster schoolteacher with a secret if the community knew about she would get fired. but someone knows, they are leaving threatening notes.
Dr. Tim Dawes is a doctor, recently returned from war. He is trying to figure out why his school grade crush is avoiding him. as one of the few eligible bachelors many women from the boarding house are attempting to court him, but he has eyes only for the one person avoiding him.
Sarah is a spinster schoolteacher with a secret if the community knew about she would get fired. but someone knows, they are leaving threatening notes.
Dr. Tim Dawes is a doctor, recently returned from war. He is trying to figure out why his school grade crush is avoiding him. as one of the few eligible bachelors many women from the boarding house are attempting to court him, but he has eyes only for the one person avoiding him.
July 5, 2021
Sweet Romance
I enjoyed this romance that started when both were children, but was interrupted by education, another love, and war. The author kept up the suspense as known and unknown people tried to keep them apart. Good characters and plot. A great read.
I enjoyed this romance that started when both were children, but was interrupted by education, another love, and war. The author kept up the suspense as known and unknown people tried to keep them apart. Good characters and plot. A great read.
November 18, 2021
Delightful!
Quite possibly the best was saved for last! I enjoyed all of the American Homespun books, all of the characters, the storylines, but Healing Sarah especially spoke to my heart♥️ It’s a truly delightful book!
Quite possibly the best was saved for last! I enjoyed all of the American Homespun books, all of the characters, the storylines, but Healing Sarah especially spoke to my heart♥️ It’s a truly delightful book!
January 19, 2021
A good story with a surprising twist. I love the author's writing style and this book reconfirmed that. I highly recommend Healing Sarah.
July 19, 2023
A love worth waiting for.
Her past comes before her and decisions must be made for her future. Can she commit to love and find a future for baby Rose?
Her past comes before her and decisions must be made for her future. Can she commit to love and find a future for baby Rose?
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews