A powerful debut novel, praised by The New York Times, Bustle, and Hypable, that pulses with humor and empathy as it explores the heart’s capacity for forgiveness….Zadie Anson and Emma Colley have been best friends since their early twenties, when they first began navigating serious romantic relationships amid the intensity of medical school. Now they’re happily married wives and mothers with … they’re happily married wives and mothers with successful careers–Zadie as a pediatric cardiologist and Emma as a trauma surgeon. Their lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, are chaotic but fulfilling, until the return of a former colleague unearths a secret one of them has been harboring for years.
As chief resident, Nick Xenokostas was the center of Zadie’s life–both professionally and personally–throughout a tragic chain of events during her third year of medical school that she has long since put behind her. Nick’s unexpected reappearance at a time of new professional crisis shocks both women into a deeper look at the difficult choices they made at the beginning of their careers. As it becomes evident that Emma must have known more than she revealed about circumstances that nearly derailed both their lives, Zadie starts to question everything she thought she knew about her closest friend.
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Zadie and Emma have a friendship that has stood the test of time. They went to medical school together, endured the highs and lows of dating, and are now juggling the demands of a family as neighbors in North Carolina. Their lives and careers were pretty uneventful until a colleague nicknamed, Dr. X joined their staff.
Neither Zadie or Emma are not happy with Dr. X’s arrival because each is keeping secrets from the past. Zadie had a romance with Dr. X but kept it discreet since he was the chief resident. Emma has her own misgivings because she has kept secrets from Zadie that may be unveiled. Dr. X’s presence threatens to destroy their longstanding friendship.
This is a debut novel by Kimmery Martin, who was able to draw on her experience as a doctor. I enjoyed this book which explores the relationship between two women via their life experiences. From this book, I also learned a new expression for an Ace Wrap!
A remarkable friendship that endures the test of time and the almost unforgivable. A surprise ending.
I really enjoyed this book because of the very well drawn characters. The plot was not terribly original but that didn’t really matter as the story was truly all about the journey and not so much the destination.
Suprising,I started this book half hearted but it sucked me in. Female heart doctors,family,life,death layers, good well written.
Intense, vivid and sometimes surprisingly funny, The Queen of Hearts gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of female physicians. Martin moves effortlessly between the women’s highly relatable suburban lives and the literally cutting-edge drama of their work.
In The Queen of Hearts, Kimmery Martin deftly weaves a tale of friendship and betrayal, family and lost love, the choices that define us and the secrets that keep us. Brimming with wit, intelligence, humor, and warmth, this dazzling debut teaches us about the heart’s surprising resilience. Kimmery Martin is a new voice to watch
Whip-smart and full of heart, Martin expertly weaves the threads of friendship, love and betrayal into a story that crackles with humor and compassion. A brilliant debut.
Martin’s voice is sharp and authentic in this captivating debut about two old friends and the scorching secret that nearly destroys them. Your heart will be thumping until the final page.