Teresa Mathews' Review of Nancy Herriman's The Irish Healer

The Irish Healer 
by Nancy Herriman
(Worthy Publishing, 2012)

5 Stars *****

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews

Nancy Herriman takes us away to 1832 London with a story of Rachel Dunne and Doctor James Edmunds. Two people from different worlds, yet that are alike in the fact they both have a calling to heal others. In this story Nancy weaves a tale of shame, secrets and unforgiveness but by the grace that only God can give, it becomes a tale of forgiveness and love.

Rachel Dunne is from Carlow, Ireland, where she has been a healer since a very young age. When Mary Ferguson died under Rachel’s care, Mary’s father insisted Rachel had killed her. Rachel was brought to trial and found not guilty, but that didn’t stop Mary’s father from spreading his hate to others in town. To keep her family from any more undue stress, with the help of a relative, Rachel secures a temporary position with a physician in London who requires help to catalog his huge private library.

When Rachel finally arrives at Doctor Edmunds she is surprised to find him quite pleasant and especially handsome. Dr. Edmunds kindness stirs feelings in Rachel she would love to be able to act on but she knows that cannot be because if he finds out the real reason she is in London he would never forgive her. After several incidents of helping people in distress, will Dr. Edmunds realize Rachel knows more about doctoring than she is telling? When someone steals a letter from her mother, will her secret at last be revealed? Will Rachel ever be able to release the guilt she feels and receive forgiveness?

Dr. James Edmunds is a man that has given up hope in his calling to be a doctor. James has seen far too many deaths and some he takes the blame for, including his wife‘s. When Rachel Dunne shows up to help him pack up his library, James knows something is different about her. He feels drawn to her; it seems Rachel is like the breath of air he needs to revive his dead life. But James has secrets of his own and he feels it would be better for all if he just quietly moves away to the country and gives up his dreams of being a doctor. Will James be able find the grace and forgiveness that his soul needs? Will he ever be able to forgive Rachel for what he sees as her deception to him?

This was a great story, I found myself  being drawn into it and not wanting to put it down until the last page was read. Thank you Nancy for this most enjoyable read, I cannot wait to read another of your stories.

The Irish Healer is available for purchase on Amazon, as well as on Christian Book Distributors,  and on Barnes and Noble as well as in other fine book stores.

This book was requested from the publisher through NetGalley.  My opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.  

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of book format.