Garrett Saunders’ world changed two years ago on a road in Afghanistan. Back home, he feels like a stranger. As he struggles to find his place in the world, he meets a horse destined for the slaughterhouse and a woman bent on rescuing the strays of the world, including him.
Blair Greyson moves to Masonville to look after her ailing grandfather and give her rescue horses a home. Right away she … away she butts heads with a surly former Marine. Despite a rocky start, they come to an agreement: Blair will board Garrett’s rescue horse and he’ll help with repairs around her farm.
Garrett finds purpose working with Blair—and falls in love with her. But she’s hiding a secret. Can she forgive herself and accept Garrett’s love, or will she let guilt and regret continue to rule her life?
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Garrett Saunders’ world shattered two years ago when he was serving in Afghanistan. Aimless, he finds purpose in the eyes of a horse on his way to the slaughterhouse. He hasn’t a clue how to care for the horse and when the horse runs away, Garrett runs into Blair Greyson. She gives him an earful on the mistreatment of his horse and it’s only later, she apologizes. She offers to board his horse at her grandfather’s farm in exchange for him helping with repairs on the farm. The more he’s around Blair, the more he realizes there’s more to life than bemoaning a future that isn’t a possibility anymore. Set on a new path, he sees a future with her but she’s hiding secrets of her own. Can he help her see past her guilt and regret to a future with him?
To Heal A Heart is a gut-wrenching emotional story about healing after a great loss and learning to cope with a disability. The intricate detail Jana Richards describes the emotional strain Garrett experiences after losing his leg in combat shows her immense research on the subject. From the very beginning, my heart broke for Garrett. My heart also went out to Blair as she’s dealing with her own demons. Brilliantly portrayed and added to the depth of the story. The romance was well done without it being too angsty. The plot moves at a good pace and I was a little sad when it ended. Even though it is book two in a series, it can be read as a standalone. If you’re looking for a romance between tragic souls, you’ll simply love To Heal a Heart. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
To Heal a Heart made me laugh and cry in turn.
From the opening line, you’re drawn into the nightmare our brave men and women in service to our country deal with.
Garrett Saunders has returned from war missing not only part of his leg but part of his soul. While assisting his veterinarian brother-in-law, he’s drawn to a poor abused horse that touches him somewhere deep down. For some inexplicable reason, he’s compelled to rescue the horse from an auctioneer’s sale its future—horsemeat.
Veterinarian technician Blair Greyson has returned to the family’s farm both to assisted her elderly grandfather and to maybe find peace for her heart from a long-ago loss. She brings her two rescued horses with her and finds a job at the local veterinary hospital. But peace is hard to come by when you come across a broken-down horse and an angry man. Add to that, the farm is falling into disrepair, money is tight, and grandpa’s health is precarious.
Though the attraction between Garrett and Blair sparks early in the story, they both have issues with intimacy. Garrett has body issues from the loss of his leg and PTSD. Blair has her own struggles and though attracted to him, won’t let him into her damaged heart. My own heart ached at these two characters’ struggles.
To Heal a Heart is a lovely story about how broken hearts and spirits are never a lost cause. With hard work, horses, dogs, family, and friends surrounding them, Garrett and Blair find the determination and hope to get them through. They join together to not only help each other, but they also open their arms to people and animals who are suffering.
I highly recommend this book. Just make sure you have tissues at hand.
To Heal A Heart by Jana Richards is a charming heartwarming story about two lost souls who find each other and eventually heal themselves. Garrett is a war veteran back from the horrors of Afghanistan. Slowly drinking himself into oblivion in order to forget his nightmares. A horse named Harry might just be his salvation if he could find the patience and place for old Harry. Alone comes Blair to his rescue. Blair is back in town to support her ailing grandfather and save his farm. Her job in two provided enough money to care for her grandfather the farm and her rescue horses. Blair and Garrett strike a bargain he will fix her barn and she will board both him and his horse in exchange. As time goes by they begin to trust each other and from trust comes friendship, then comes love and healing. This truly a lovely story that will warm your heart.
I was gifted this book by the author and I decided to volunteer to read and review it.
Exactly who rescued who?
Veterinary tech Blair Grayson and wounded veteran Garrett Saunders tangle over an abused horse in the middle of an isolated North Dakota road. As words and emotions fly, it is not an encounter either forgets.
Both are rescuers; both are in grave need of being saved though for different reasons. Blair needs to forgive herself for long ago mistakes; Garrett struggles on a daily basis to forget things and events better left buried. Unfortunately PTSD manages to rear its ugly head at the worst possible moments.
In the middle of their animal and human rescue endeavors, each finds redemption and love. And what a delight it is to watch it happen. With her latest novel, author Jana Richards shows, once again, her gift for snappy dialogue, multi-layered characters and gut-wrenching emotion. This is not a book to pick up, thinking you’ll read for a few minutes before turning in. No no no.
To Heal A Heart is one of those page turners you will not forget soon. Book 3 in this heart-warming series cannot come soon enough.
On a scale of 1-5, To Heal A Heart deserves a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Jana Richards’ story of two people who were meant to be together but don’t trust their own gut feelings grabbed me. The grab was a gradual deepening awareness of the depth of the story, the realization that the characters held secrets. Secrets are lethal because when we have them, we can’t open up to even the people who are most important in our lives.
One of the strengths of this author is her ability to make her minor characters come alive. That includes the grandfather, friends of the main characters, and yes, the animals. Horses and dogs are important characters too, and it was heartening to discover and follow the subplots that made the main story strong and relatable.
I have never had friends suffering from PTSD. (Not that I recall.) This book surprised me. I came to understand so much about PTSD from the skilled way the author presented these characters and the demons they battled.
Five stars for this story! First, someone gets what they deserve. (I’m using “they” because I don’t want any spoilers in this review) Second, bravo for a powerful and satisfying ending and for wrapping up all the threads. I’m sure there will be another book in the Masonville series. Looking forward.
This is an amazing story. The characters are two broken people that unexpectedly find each other. Both need each other to heal will they allow love to come into there life and except the happiness they both deserve. The flow of the storyline was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Garrett is back home in rural North Dakota, but the horrors of his time in Afghanistan are still with him. Alcohol has become his drug of choice when he needs to forget. He rescues a broken down horse from the auction, realizing later that he doesn’t have the space or patience to nurse Harry back to good health. Blair is back in Masonville to care for her elderly grandfather and his farm. Her job in town provides her with enough to care for her rescue horses. They make a trade that’s beneficial to both of them – he’ll work to help get the old barn ready for winter, and she’ll board Harry, and feed Garrett while he’s working. This story sucked me right away – from the moment I began reading, I couldn’t put it down. The book is so emotional, with ugly tears on my part, some happy, some sad. The characters are flawed, and the setting is perfect. Garrett and Blair both live with horrendous guilt feelings – for different reasons, but both are heartbreaking. And both of them have erected huge walls around their lives and hearts. Once they begin to truly trust each other, those walls start to come down, and the love they find is total and all-encompassing. They both open their hearts to others in need of a place to heal, and I love the vision that her brother has. Everett showed more loving toward Blair than her parents ever did, and she did what she could to repay him. Damon and Ben, Blair’s brothers, each have their own stories that are tough to deal with, yet the bond that these three siblings have with each other is beautiful. Their parents are self-absorbed and concerned with appearances, and what her mother forced Blair to do is unforgivable. The animals are all unique and funny, each in their own way, making a nice contribution to this story. The first book that I read from this author was a nice enough book, but this is the book that will move hearts, and stay with me for a long time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second book in The Masonville Series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Blair Greyson has buried something from her past down deep believing she will not be able to ever forgive herself for what happened. She meets Garrett Saunders a damaged Vet. can she get over the past and let herself find love? Read this book to find out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
To Heal the Heart was the perfect title for this book. I really enjoyed the story. The horse and dog rescues, veterans dealing with PTSD, growing up in a home where appearances were more important than love, and learning to come to terms with quilt, and finally moving on. The characters of Garrett and Blair drew you right into their inner feelings, strengths, and weaknesses. Blair’s grandfather, Everett was such a caring, loving man with his granddaughter and more of a parent to her than her own parents.
This book and its characters touched me so deeply it really made me cry. It was a great story of hope, being rescued, overcoming guilt, and being able to love yourself so you can fall in love. I also enjoyed the horse and dog rescues. The ending was beautiful. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
WOW this is a story that could almost break your heart You are drawn into the internal battles of these two characters almost from the first page and are hoping that they will get a HEA before you turn the last page
Garrett Saunders is a broken man he left part of his soul as well as his leg on a roadside in Afghanistan he has returned home to Masonville but is having trouble adjusting to life as a civilian in his home town, while helping his brother the local vet he finds an abused horse about to be sold as dog meat as he finally found the thing that he needs something to fight for. Meanwhile Blair Greyson has returned to help care for her aging grandfather and to try to rebuild her life after a shattering loss a job at the local vet buts her in contact with Garrett and they clash but some work out a compromise he will do work on her grandfathers property and she will allow him to board his horse at the farm where she is also caring for her two rescue horses. The attraction is there between them but can two people with so much damage and such huge walls find a way to let them down so they can have a future together
This is an emotional, touching, at times heartbreaking but also heartwarming story that will reach your heart and your soul.
It is also the first book I have read by this author, and I have become a fan.
The story centers around Garrett Saunders and Blair Greyson.
After 2 years of his return from Afghanistan with an injury that has changed his life , Garrett is still struggling with survivor’s guilt and civilian life. Drowning his guilt in liquor.
Blair , a veterinarian technician, is back in town to help her ailing grandfather. A man who always supported her and a man she would do anything for.
An abused horse brings them together, and when Blair offers Garrett a job in helping her fix the barn and the farm with the condition he not drink, Garrett takes it . Thus giving him a purpose in life.
These two carry a great deal of guilt. While Garrett has confessed his sorrows, Blair holds back, keeping a secret that doesn’t allow her to feel worthy.
The story was not only about how our past forms our present , but also about the difficulties our brave veterans encounter upon their return to civilian life. Whether suffering from PTSD, survivor’s guilt, physical injuries and/or additional psychological ones. A reminder that as a nation and individuals, we need to do more to help these individuals. Kudos to the author for that reminder.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This book was a bit of a surprise for me. I really liked the way it was written and the characters were intriguing but I was sure I could predict what was happening and I was very wrong. I’m very glad I was wrong though. The book is heartwarming but it is also moving and tackles some really difficult topics with sensitivity and care.
There is something wonderful about books where characters take a journey and learn something about themselves as that happens. The journeys in this book are difficult but very rewarding. I like that the characters don’t make changes and don’t tackle their problems because it’s expected and makes a good story. Their struggles and that have to work at change at their own pace make it more meaningful. In fact the idea that change can only happen when you’re ready but it can be wonderful if you embrace it, really resonated with me while I was reading the book.
I would recommend this book to others and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
To Heal a Heart is a story that many of us can relate to. The inner thoughts of both Blair and Garrett regarding love and relationships shows the turmoil that’s often brought on with insecurities and self inflicted confusion. This book is filled with passion, heartache, joy and commitments. I would highly recommend this read.
A beautiful emotional story full of pain, healing and second chances. I enjoyed the story and loved the healing of the characters it was touching and emotional.
this book was amazing! had me in tears at times reading it. two broken people. both have different coping devises on how to deal with the pain. you must read to find out what happens.
A story dealing with some strong issues and about learning to trust again. A well woven love story that is heartwarming and emotional. I highly reccomend this one. Very well written.
Garrett and Jessica have scars and secrets that they each feel no one else could possibly understand. Richards plies her craft expertly here as she drags them both kicking and screaming to the realization that nothing is ever insurmountable.
In To Heal a Heart we find a rich tapestry of pain, regret, and heartache. But she tempers it well with hope, and ultimately love. Richards’ characters are multifaceted and endearing, the kind of people you’d want as neighbours and friends. And in their stories, there is loss, but also healing.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of the book from the author through the 2021 Winter Games Reader Challenge, with no obligation to review. The opinions herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
This is my first read from Ms. Richards and I absolutely loved it.
To Heal the Heart was a fantastic read.
I laughed, ugly cried and really enjoyed Garrett and Blair story.
This was a emotional roller-coaster for me I really related to Blairs story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fantastic read with some emotional turns that leaves you with a feel good feeling after reading.
If I had to choose one word to summarize this story then I’d choose the word, heartwarming. This was an inspiring and uplifting book.
The hero, Garrett, and the heroine, Blair, are both tragically broken. One can only wonder how they could ever move forward and each let their past demons go. They both believed they didn’t deserve each other. I’m serious when I say this plot had the potential to be a head banger but it pleasantly wasn’t. There were other characters i.e.: family/friends that were all different kinds of messed up in their own way that the focus wasn’t entirely the leading characters repeating how they had no future he/she deserved better. There was involvement or intervention from both sides encouraging them to open their eyes and hearts; to grab the opportunity to learn from other people’s mistakes or successes. The title of the book was very appropriate for Clair and Garrett as they healed each other’s hearts.
Blair and Garrett’s love for each other was eloquently written. One could imagine and feel the struggle and couldn’t help but cheer them on. The chemistry was there between them. It took some time for them to surrender to it, which leads my sharing that the pace of the story was a bit slow for me. The first page was gripping but as the story progressed it was like riding an emotional roller-coaster.
This is book two in the Masonville series. I didn’t read the first one and didn’t feel like I needed to. Because of that, I’d say that To Heal a Heart can be read as a standalone. This story was three hundred and twenty nine pages. I think it has the making to be made into a Hallmark movie.
Blair’s grandfather is a stable character who had an impact on his family and his community. It was gut-wrenching that he didn’t get to see the ending as the reader did. To Heal a Heart was a dramatic contemporary romance that has the potential to touch many reader’s lives. For that reason I sincerely recommend this book.