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The Irish Healer
1830s London is rich with promise. And fraught with peril. Rachel Dunne and James Edmunds are about to discover that love is too. Rachel Dunne has always been a healer... until she’s accused of causing the death of a child under her care. Acquitted but shunned, she flees Ireland in search of a new life, convinced that she’ll be fine so long as no one in London learns of her disgrace—or forces her to ever sit at another sickbed. Physician James Edmunds has endured the loss of too many patients—the death of his wife the greatest blow of all. Deep in his grief, and no longer certain that God can be trusted, he decides the time has come to abandon his practice and run his family’s small farm. Alone. Though when he’s drawn to the intriguing Irish woman who has recently joined his household, he begins to reconsider his well-laid plans. Then cholera sweeps through London, and the life of James’s young daughter hangs in the balance. Can Rachel and James overcome their innermost fears and regain their faith? Or is it too late for trust and love to heal their hearts?
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
43 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Herriman
15 books190 followersNancy Herriman retired from a career as an engineer to chase around two small children and take up the pen. She hasn’t looked back. When she is not writing, or gabbing over lattes about writing, she is either watching history shows on cable TV or performing with various choral groups. She lives in Ohio with her husband and sons, and wishes there were more hours in the day.
Book 1 in her series 'A Mystery of Old San Francisco' to be released August 2015. 'No Comfort for the Lost' (NAL/Penguin)
Book 1 in her series 'A Mystery of Old San Francisco' to be released August 2015. 'No Comfort for the Lost' (NAL/Penguin)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 21, 2022
I can't believe it's been a decade since I've read anything by this author! And I see that she has two historical mystery series out now which is totally my jam. And my library has them. Yay me! Loved this second read through as much as the first time.
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If you love books by Laurie Alice Eakes and Julie Klassen, you are going to love The Irish Healer! This stunning debut novel is seeped in that kind of Austenish style. It was such a thrill to read that I raced right through but then tried to put the brakes on towards the end because I wasn't ready for it to be over! Does anyone else do that when they are reading a good book?
Herriman immersed me in the gritty reality of 19th century London and she didn't gloss over the seamier aspects. The contempt in which the Irish were treated really got my ire up, seeing as I hale from that fair isle. And the inequality between men and women -- oy, don't get me started. While I love to romanticize that era just like everyone else, I was grateful that Herriman didn't. It brought such depth to her story and upped my blood pressure a good bit as well! :-)
Both Rachel and James have so much more in common then they realize, but neither is bent on sharing their past which adds an air of mystery to their romance. The attraction is there, never mind that they are from different classes, but as the reader, I could see why they would be good for each other and it about drove me crazy waiting for one of them to reveal the reason for the their mixed emotions regarding healing. But when one finally did, I wanted to throttle the other! LOL. Herriman kept me on my toes right to the very last page.
James is an admirable tortured hero with so many rough edges that it was impossible to smooth them all out. In fact, he possessed one significantly un-hero-like quality that should have repelled me but the author created such depth to his character that she managed to engage my sympathy instead. Not an easy task, given his failing. Now doesn't that intrigue you? I hope so because this is one book you do not want to miss!
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If you love books by Laurie Alice Eakes and Julie Klassen, you are going to love The Irish Healer! This stunning debut novel is seeped in that kind of Austenish style. It was such a thrill to read that I raced right through but then tried to put the brakes on towards the end because I wasn't ready for it to be over! Does anyone else do that when they are reading a good book?
Herriman immersed me in the gritty reality of 19th century London and she didn't gloss over the seamier aspects. The contempt in which the Irish were treated really got my ire up, seeing as I hale from that fair isle. And the inequality between men and women -- oy, don't get me started. While I love to romanticize that era just like everyone else, I was grateful that Herriman didn't. It brought such depth to her story and upped my blood pressure a good bit as well! :-)
Both Rachel and James have so much more in common then they realize, but neither is bent on sharing their past which adds an air of mystery to their romance. The attraction is there, never mind that they are from different classes, but as the reader, I could see why they would be good for each other and it about drove me crazy waiting for one of them to reveal the reason for the their mixed emotions regarding healing. But when one finally did, I wanted to throttle the other! LOL. Herriman kept me on my toes right to the very last page.
James is an admirable tortured hero with so many rough edges that it was impossible to smooth them all out. In fact, he possessed one significantly un-hero-like quality that should have repelled me but the author created such depth to his character that she managed to engage my sympathy instead. Not an easy task, given his failing. Now doesn't that intrigue you? I hope so because this is one book you do not want to miss!
June 24, 2013
This is the first time I listened to an audio book and the first time I've heard of Nancy Herriman. Score on both accounts! Loved the audio and the author!
The Irish Healer brings you back to 1830's England, during the time of a Cholera outbreak. Dickenesque in style, author Nancy Herriman captured the feel of a crowded, dirty London, leastwise in the poorest section of St. Giles.
At times I wished the heroine and hero weren't so snippy to each other, but as all good romances should, they ended up together. My favorite character, however, was the cook, Mrs. Mainprice (not sure on the spelling since I only heard it voiced and didn't read it myself). She's a no-nonsense, wise and compassionate woman who I liked to fancy as their fairy Godmother.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and I will definitely look for more of Nancy Herriman's upcoming releases.
The Irish Healer brings you back to 1830's England, during the time of a Cholera outbreak. Dickenesque in style, author Nancy Herriman captured the feel of a crowded, dirty London, leastwise in the poorest section of St. Giles.
At times I wished the heroine and hero weren't so snippy to each other, but as all good romances should, they ended up together. My favorite character, however, was the cook, Mrs. Mainprice (not sure on the spelling since I only heard it voiced and didn't read it myself). She's a no-nonsense, wise and compassionate woman who I liked to fancy as their fairy Godmother.
Overall, this is a fantastic read and I will definitely look for more of Nancy Herriman's upcoming releases.
May 8, 2013
This book was disappointing. Very disappointing. I was really looking forward to it and I felt like I was reading a harlequin romance... I'm glad I only paid 1.99 for it
August 9, 2022
The Irish Healer was a very good read and one that I'm glad to have finally read. The characters were nice and I enjoyed the setting. The romance was slower and I appreciated that.
I recommend not reading the blurb prior to starting this as a certain event mentioned doesn't occur until near the end.
All in all, I really liked The Irish Healer and recommend it to fans of historical romance.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I recommend not reading the blurb prior to starting this as a certain event mentioned doesn't occur until near the end.
All in all, I really liked The Irish Healer and recommend it to fans of historical romance.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
October 23, 2016
Touching at times, heartbreaking at others, this one was a great read.
August 21, 2022
The opening scene of this book had me intrigued and wanting to read more. I felt so badly for Rachel, being accused of murdering a patient and then the fear she had of ever being near a sick bed again.
I'm certainly glad I hadn't read or remembered the description for this book, because a couple things mentioned weren't revealed or didn't happen until close to the end of the book.
I found this to be a good read and would like to read more by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
I'm certainly glad I hadn't read or remembered the description for this book, because a couple things mentioned weren't revealed or didn't happen until close to the end of the book.
I found this to be a good read and would like to read more by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
June 25, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Hurry before all the copies of The Irish Healer are sold!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Debut Historical Fiction Author: Nancy Herriman! The Irish Healer, c2012.
This is the book for me!
p 21
"James, what is this?" Sophia's attention perked like a hound on a scent.
"The worst," he replied. "It seems the woman I've hired to assist in packing the library and office has gotten lost."
"You've brought a woman from Ireland to help with your collections?" she asked, her voice rising, latching onto the piece of information that troubled her most. The possibility Miss Dunne had drowned in the Irish Sea or been accosted off the boat didn't concern her.
"I have tried to bring a woman from Ireland to help, yes."
Sophia swept her arms to point at the bookshelves. "But these books are valuable. They're to pass to Amelia, and I've been told some have been in your family for generations. How do you know this Irish creature won't steal some and sell them for profit?"
*On the way with you! Get back to that dock and pick up our protagonist. How tired she must be waiting by that wharf with the smells and tainted occupants! Hmmf.*
pp 23-49
Oh, my. Miss Dunne is half-Irish too, and is to log the extensive library! We already have a bit in common! I am inventorying the books at our local library. I hope she likes laughter, because I do! And adventure...
This story is beautifully written, with similes potent as a parable with their everyday reference.
p 192
He attempted to gather his thoughts, but they kept slipping away from him, like he was trying to cup grains of wheat in his hands only to have them trickle through his fingers.
Rachel Dunne, leaves her Emerald Isle after being accused of murdering a patient she is tending. Innocent by trial, local gossip conjures up stories. The position secured for her in the London home of Dr. James Edmunds, is assisting the move to his inherited boyhood home. Disillusioned by the death of his wife and others under his care, he has decided to become a gentleman farmer.
p 205
...She could not keep tending to people. Why does this continue to happen to me?
As hard as she tries to hide it, Miss Dunne keeps getting called upon to assist with her medicinal knowledge. She automatically renders service to those in need. The Asiatic cholera epidemic spreads to London in 1832. The characters will be forced to choose their part.
I liked this story very much. Miss Dunne is very caring and attentive to others. The doctor shows growth and determination as his foibles are revealed. It is very well written. The story does not lag but is very fluid. I especially like historical fiction and found this story to be interesting with the word pictures of sights and smells vivid.
I received this novel from Worthy Publishing to read and review in my own words.
Hurry before all the copies of The Irish Healer are sold!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Debut Historical Fiction Author: Nancy Herriman! The Irish Healer, c2012.
This is the book for me!
p 21
"James, what is this?" Sophia's attention perked like a hound on a scent.
"The worst," he replied. "It seems the woman I've hired to assist in packing the library and office has gotten lost."
"You've brought a woman from Ireland to help with your collections?" she asked, her voice rising, latching onto the piece of information that troubled her most. The possibility Miss Dunne had drowned in the Irish Sea or been accosted off the boat didn't concern her.
"I have tried to bring a woman from Ireland to help, yes."
Sophia swept her arms to point at the bookshelves. "But these books are valuable. They're to pass to Amelia, and I've been told some have been in your family for generations. How do you know this Irish creature won't steal some and sell them for profit?"
*On the way with you! Get back to that dock and pick up our protagonist. How tired she must be waiting by that wharf with the smells and tainted occupants! Hmmf.*
pp 23-49
Oh, my. Miss Dunne is half-Irish too, and is to log the extensive library! We already have a bit in common! I am inventorying the books at our local library. I hope she likes laughter, because I do! And adventure...
This story is beautifully written, with similes potent as a parable with their everyday reference.
p 192
He attempted to gather his thoughts, but they kept slipping away from him, like he was trying to cup grains of wheat in his hands only to have them trickle through his fingers.
Rachel Dunne, leaves her Emerald Isle after being accused of murdering a patient she is tending. Innocent by trial, local gossip conjures up stories. The position secured for her in the London home of Dr. James Edmunds, is assisting the move to his inherited boyhood home. Disillusioned by the death of his wife and others under his care, he has decided to become a gentleman farmer.
p 205
...She could not keep tending to people. Why does this continue to happen to me?
As hard as she tries to hide it, Miss Dunne keeps getting called upon to assist with her medicinal knowledge. She automatically renders service to those in need. The Asiatic cholera epidemic spreads to London in 1832. The characters will be forced to choose their part.
I liked this story very much. Miss Dunne is very caring and attentive to others. The doctor shows growth and determination as his foibles are revealed. It is very well written. The story does not lag but is very fluid. I especially like historical fiction and found this story to be interesting with the word pictures of sights and smells vivid.
I received this novel from Worthy Publishing to read and review in my own words.
April 15, 2012
I love historical romances, rich in perfect period detail, well researched, and lushly written. The Irish Healer, Nancy Herriman’s debut novel, is all of that and more.
I will be honest and say I would normally have bypassed this one since it’s billed as “inspirational/Christian” romance. That is way outside my reading comfort zone as a non-Christian. And that would have been a tragedy. I would have missed a tender, beautiful, glorious romance that made my heart sing and left me with happy tears at the end.
Rachel Dunne—the Irish healer of the title—is running away. Although acquitted of murdering a child under her care, she’s come to London to escape the scandal of her past, vowing to give up her gift of healing, believing it’s really a curse. She finds work with Dr. James Edmunds, a man with tragedies of his own in his past, a physician who is also in the process of giving up his medical practice. Rachel vows only to work as a sort of secretary for him. She will not help him in medical matters, will not sit at the bedside of patients, will not trust or use her own special gifts.
James and Rachel have each in their own way given up on God, as they believe God has abandoned them. This love story is about healing—not only the bodies of those they comfort and serve, but their own hearts and faith and each other.
Inspirational references are woven in subtly, without browbeating the reader with it, which was what I had feared from an inspirational romance. Again, I could not have been more wrong. This is a book about the universal themes of loss and forgiveness, about finding redemption, and most powerfully, about finding love. It transcends a specific, single belief system. It’s about learning to forgive yourself, and love yourself; about accepting love and forgiveness from others.
And make no mistake, this is first and foremost, a romance, as sweet and delicious and yummy as you could want. There is no overt sex in this book; there’s barely a single kiss. But oh, the yearning! The longing! Ms. Herriman beautifully, powerfully builds the tension, page by page, a glance, a touch, a sigh at a time, until the reader is as wound up as Rachel and James, an ember about to burst into a conflagration. This is a truly romantic romance.
The power of faith is the backbone of this feast of a novel, but love—God’s and man’s—is the heart and soul of it. I’ve never been happier to have been wrong about something. Missing out on this wonderful book would have been a tragedy indeed.
I will be honest and say I would normally have bypassed this one since it’s billed as “inspirational/Christian” romance. That is way outside my reading comfort zone as a non-Christian. And that would have been a tragedy. I would have missed a tender, beautiful, glorious romance that made my heart sing and left me with happy tears at the end.
Rachel Dunne—the Irish healer of the title—is running away. Although acquitted of murdering a child under her care, she’s come to London to escape the scandal of her past, vowing to give up her gift of healing, believing it’s really a curse. She finds work with Dr. James Edmunds, a man with tragedies of his own in his past, a physician who is also in the process of giving up his medical practice. Rachel vows only to work as a sort of secretary for him. She will not help him in medical matters, will not sit at the bedside of patients, will not trust or use her own special gifts.
James and Rachel have each in their own way given up on God, as they believe God has abandoned them. This love story is about healing—not only the bodies of those they comfort and serve, but their own hearts and faith and each other.
Inspirational references are woven in subtly, without browbeating the reader with it, which was what I had feared from an inspirational romance. Again, I could not have been more wrong. This is a book about the universal themes of loss and forgiveness, about finding redemption, and most powerfully, about finding love. It transcends a specific, single belief system. It’s about learning to forgive yourself, and love yourself; about accepting love and forgiveness from others.
And make no mistake, this is first and foremost, a romance, as sweet and delicious and yummy as you could want. There is no overt sex in this book; there’s barely a single kiss. But oh, the yearning! The longing! Ms. Herriman beautifully, powerfully builds the tension, page by page, a glance, a touch, a sigh at a time, until the reader is as wound up as Rachel and James, an ember about to burst into a conflagration. This is a truly romantic romance.
The power of faith is the backbone of this feast of a novel, but love—God’s and man’s—is the heart and soul of it. I’ve never been happier to have been wrong about something. Missing out on this wonderful book would have been a tragedy indeed.
March 19, 2016
[My 2013 review is for the paperback version of the Irish Healer]
Amazingly, The Irish Healer is Nancy Herriman’s debut novel, published 2012. USA Today accurately calls it “...a lovely period tale of personal transformation and abiding love.” Definitely tantalizing along with its cover; runner-up in ACFW Genesis contest’s historical fiction 2009. A former engineer, Ms Herriman is a past winner of Romance Writers of America’s Daphne du Maurier Award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense along with finalist placings in other contests.
• Don't miss - Video book trailer available on youtube -
1830. We’re introduced to Irish healer, Rachel Dunne, aboard a steamer escaping her homeland, arriving in search of London’s promise of new beginnings. A new beginning that will call for all the fortitude she possesses to rise up and conquer the inherent perils concealed along the journey...
I found Rachel a likeable protagonist, authentic to her age and abilities; believable in her actions and reactions to new relationships and experiences. Other character descriptions authentically engaged my own positive / negative reactions. Well paced thought and action kept the story moving. Both my interest and emotions were engaged to its satisfying conclusion.
Enough twists to frustrate my expectations whilst concealing pleasing resolutions. Historical details were excellent additions without being obtrusive or documentary. Occasional Gaelic expressions added authenticity. There is only one story detail that I would love to have resolved... perhaps a note to Ms Herriman will satisfy my curiosity!
MY St Patrick's choice read for this month of March!
I Luv'd this book. Amanda McKnight a delight as narrator with authentic accents that add to the value of the novel. Characterization and descriptions a definite benefit.
I decided to save it as my treat for a St Patrick's read & so glad I did!
Thank you for sharing your writing gift with us, Nancy! Thank you, Amanda, for bringing the story to life...
And to Oasis Audio for recognizing the value of recording this story.
Amazingly, The Irish Healer is Nancy Herriman’s debut novel, published 2012. USA Today accurately calls it “...a lovely period tale of personal transformation and abiding love.” Definitely tantalizing along with its cover; runner-up in ACFW Genesis contest’s historical fiction 2009. A former engineer, Ms Herriman is a past winner of Romance Writers of America’s Daphne du Maurier Award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense along with finalist placings in other contests.
• Don't miss - Video book trailer available on youtube -
1830. We’re introduced to Irish healer, Rachel Dunne, aboard a steamer escaping her homeland, arriving in search of London’s promise of new beginnings. A new beginning that will call for all the fortitude she possesses to rise up and conquer the inherent perils concealed along the journey...
I found Rachel a likeable protagonist, authentic to her age and abilities; believable in her actions and reactions to new relationships and experiences. Other character descriptions authentically engaged my own positive / negative reactions. Well paced thought and action kept the story moving. Both my interest and emotions were engaged to its satisfying conclusion.
Enough twists to frustrate my expectations whilst concealing pleasing resolutions. Historical details were excellent additions without being obtrusive or documentary. Occasional Gaelic expressions added authenticity. There is only one story detail that I would love to have resolved... perhaps a note to Ms Herriman will satisfy my curiosity!
MY St Patrick's choice read for this month of March!
I Luv'd this book. Amanda McKnight a delight as narrator with authentic accents that add to the value of the novel. Characterization and descriptions a definite benefit.
I decided to save it as my treat for a St Patrick's read & so glad I did!
Thank you for sharing your writing gift with us, Nancy! Thank you, Amanda, for bringing the story to life...
And to Oasis Audio for recognizing the value of recording this story.
January 13, 2012
Loved it! The Irish Healer provides an emotionally satisfying love story and an inspirational journey of faith. The story is set in nineteenth century London where an Irish woman on her own would face class snobbery and discrimination. The healer herself, Rachel Dunne, leaves her home to seek work after a tragic accident takes the life of one of her patients. She finds work in the home of a physician struggling to face his own demons. They quickly become aware of their attraction, nicely presented by the author, but secrets and sorrows put stumbling blocks in their way. Nancy Herriman leads each of the through their individual journey of growth and brings them at last to one another. The ending is as satisfying as it is believable.
Read
October 15, 2012The verdict in Rachel's trial is innocent, but the community declares her guilty. So Rachel stops working as a healer and leaves Ireland for London. Her cousin finds her a job cataloguing a private library. Her employer turns out to be a physician who has also decided to give up healing.
Great job with the historic details of life in 1832 London, medical treatment, and the prejudice against the Irish. Every story needs a wise woman and Mrs. Mainprice is a gem.
Great job with the historic details of life in 1832 London, medical treatment, and the prejudice against the Irish. Every story needs a wise woman and Mrs. Mainprice is a gem.
November 20, 2016
Pretty good Christian read love redemption faith and trust good read
February 12, 2020
I always feel bad for a book that I read after an amazing one! Unfortunately, this one happens to be such a book. I don't think it would have gotten much more than a 3 star either way. A girl who thinks she's guilty of murder when she clearly isn't...a man who falls in love with her and then believes the murder thing when a spiteful person brings it to light... just an over used plot really, nothing profound, no history. Probably won't try another of this author.
March 20, 2017
Holy cow. Can I go back and read that beautiful story all over again real quick? Nancy Herriman just put herself on the charts for best read 2017. The plotline was so captivating, I could not stop reading. I also loved the author's prose, her similes, metaphors, etc. The writing was literally the greatest! She managed to deal with modern issues, such as abortion, in a Christian way, but it was still very interesting and relevant to the story.
I literally loved every single character in this story. Even if they were only in a snippet of the whole plot, the character development was so great that I felt like knew their entire life story and everything about them- the quirks, strengths, weakness, etc. It was such a great feeling! I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to read a great period love story. Fair warning- the main characters are a healer and a physician, so there were some pretty intense medical scenes. I personally think this made the story better, but just know yourself and if you can stomach this type of writing. 5 STARS FOR SURE!!
I literally loved every single character in this story. Even if they were only in a snippet of the whole plot, the character development was so great that I felt like knew their entire life story and everything about them- the quirks, strengths, weakness, etc. It was such a great feeling! I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to read a great period love story. Fair warning- the main characters are a healer and a physician, so there were some pretty intense medical scenes. I personally think this made the story better, but just know yourself and if you can stomach this type of writing. 5 STARS FOR SURE!!
December 9, 2017
Stupid. Kept interest until end when a series of "miracles" happens in a few pages that solves ALL the problems. It read like even the author got tired of the story and decided to wrap it up ASAP.
September 4, 2025
Rachel Dunne is an Irish Healer who was falsely accused of murdering a small child's father in Ireland and acquitted. With the community turning against her and her family she ends up in Ireland with help from a cousin. Rachel has been a 'healer' since she was ten years old, often working with her mother. Her father is dead and she has 3 younger siblings. She ends up working as an assistant to Dr. James Edmunds in the late 1800's in London. He is a widow but guilt partly from the death of his wife, has him in the process of giving up his practice and retiring to the country estate he inherited from his father as a gentleman farmer.
Rachel had vowed never to sit with another patient again but it isn't long before she is given the task by James. She's skittish but then events occur that has her forgetting her vow before very long. Still, she has lost faith in herself as a healer and has not disclosed what happened in Ireland. The cook/housekeeper and young lad working for James befriend her. The two maids do not. James is confused by his feelings for Rachel.
Then cases of cholera appear and London starts closing in on itself. Some people are dropping like flies. Then the illness hits closer to home. Only a few indications of how they treated the disease at that time and no hint that they knew how it spread.
The book certainly brought out the fact that the Irish were considered inferior to the English. Hard to mistake the Irish with their strong accent. It wasn't just their beliefs they were inferior, the English had much harsher opinions of them; they were thieves, liars etc.
I specifically chose this book because I wanted to read books on different diseases and how it affected the population. I am preparing a presentation on using Historical novels to help enrich our genealogy research. This book only gave me a bit of a clue on what might have occurred during the 1800's. I enjoyed the story and plan on reading more by this author.
Rachel had vowed never to sit with another patient again but it isn't long before she is given the task by James. She's skittish but then events occur that has her forgetting her vow before very long. Still, she has lost faith in herself as a healer and has not disclosed what happened in Ireland. The cook/housekeeper and young lad working for James befriend her. The two maids do not. James is confused by his feelings for Rachel.
Then cases of cholera appear and London starts closing in on itself. Some people are dropping like flies. Then the illness hits closer to home. Only a few indications of how they treated the disease at that time and no hint that they knew how it spread.
The book certainly brought out the fact that the Irish were considered inferior to the English. Hard to mistake the Irish with their strong accent. It wasn't just their beliefs they were inferior, the English had much harsher opinions of them; they were thieves, liars etc.
I specifically chose this book because I wanted to read books on different diseases and how it affected the population. I am preparing a presentation on using Historical novels to help enrich our genealogy research. This book only gave me a bit of a clue on what might have occurred during the 1800's. I enjoyed the story and plan on reading more by this author.
March 30, 2022
A heartwarming story was set in 1832 during the cholera outbreak in London. I didn't know what to expect when I picked this stand-alone book off the library's shelf by Nancy Herriman. I am currently reading her Old SF Mystery series, which seems to have a similar theme about women healers. The storyline packs a punch, so be sure to have a few tissues nearby. I immediately related to one of the main characters, who is a healer. Rachel's family sent her away from her home in Ireland to work for a doctor living in London, England. He is in the process of closing his practice & moving to the country. Dr. Edmunds needed an assistant to categorize & pack his massive library of books along with his medical practice. Both of these main characters have flaws in their lives by trying to hide from the past, and yet God has put them together so they can heal. Great read, which is why I gave it 5☆s.
November 14, 2021
While I did find this story predictable, I did enjoy the story, and was page turning for answers.
Can't imagine leaving home under the circumstances Rachel Dunne leaves Ireland and ends up in London. Working no less for a doctor, but in the end she is right where she should be!
This story has a bit of everything, London is being hit with a cholera epidemic, we also have jealous help, and a bit of sweet romance. The author did a great job of melding all of the above into a enjoyable read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Worthy Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
Can't imagine leaving home under the circumstances Rachel Dunne leaves Ireland and ends up in London. Working no less for a doctor, but in the end she is right where she should be!
This story has a bit of everything, London is being hit with a cholera epidemic, we also have jealous help, and a bit of sweet romance. The author did a great job of melding all of the above into a enjoyable read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Worthy Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 16, 2019
The Irish Healer by Nancy Herriman is Christian Historical Romance with a lot of secrets. The setting is England in the 1830‘s with all the wealthy, the poor and the diseases that affect them all. The main story revolves around a medical doctor and a healer from Ireland. Every character is realistic and has their own tale to tell. I especially enjoyed the historical medical details and the characters journey in their Christian life. I would have liked to read more about Rachel‘s family but perhaps they will be in a new book. 4.5 Stars
April 2, 2025
“He attempted to gather his thoughts, but they kept slipping away from him, like he was trying to cup grains of wheat in his hands only to have them trickle through his fingers.”
Dual POV historical romances are my weakness. I loved this one because of the sweet characters who are feeling so inadequate and hopeless. When they find someone to love in each other, they also find understanding and comfort.
It was short and sweet, and I loved the Irish accent of the audiobook reader! I would definitely recommend!
Dual POV historical romances are my weakness. I loved this one because of the sweet characters who are feeling so inadequate and hopeless. When they find someone to love in each other, they also find understanding and comfort.
It was short and sweet, and I loved the Irish accent of the audiobook reader! I would definitely recommend!
June 20, 2017
This was a great read with interesting characters and plot line. While much of it falls under the "typical" umbrella of inspirational romance, it didn't feel cliche and I didn't find myself rolling my eyes at ridiculous statements or forced faith-inspiring situations. The plot line kept me interested throughout, and I appreciated that there was substance which gave weight the characters and story in general.
September 19, 2022
Rachel is an Irish immigrant to London after a situation goes wrong back home. Her cousin gets her a situation with James a man who is retiring from being a doctor soon to raise his daughter in the English country side. James and Rachel have instant chemistry but their secrets are holding them back from one another. This was a sweet romance story, but I failed to see the mystery in it. I enjoyed it for the quick read it was.
January 14, 2018
I enjoyed reading the Irish Healer. It was a well written historical novel set in the time of cholera epidemics. The story was about the people, however.
Everyone seemed to have secrets that only the reader was aware of. People were hurt as the secrets were revealed.
Some had dreadful consequences but an overall happy ending. I intend to look for more books by Nancy Herriman .
Everyone seemed to have secrets that only the reader was aware of. People were hurt as the secrets were revealed.
Some had dreadful consequences but an overall happy ending. I intend to look for more books by Nancy Herriman .
May 21, 2020
Enjoyed the read
When I was a young woman I loved books by Victoria Holt. The Irish Healer was very similar to those wonderful books. I very much enjoyed reading this book. It's feel good like a Hallmark movie. I especially appreciated the lack of foul language and sexual situations. The characters were likable and believable.
When I was a young woman I loved books by Victoria Holt. The Irish Healer was very similar to those wonderful books. I very much enjoyed reading this book. It's feel good like a Hallmark movie. I especially appreciated the lack of foul language and sexual situations. The characters were likable and believable.
May 16, 2021
Rachel is shipped off to England from her home in Ireland after a scandal has rocked her family’s world. As a physician’s assistant, she much overcome her fear of death and of healing others again. Her employers has his own demons, fears and secrets he has to overcome before they can see the blessings in front of them.
August 9, 2017
Evidently, this is the author's first book she had written and the first book of hers I have read. I will definitely read whatever she has written since. She writes so well and her story iris great, too. I really enjoyed this clean romance.
June 26, 2019
The book started off well and I thought I had found a really good read. As it went along, I felt like I had skipped pages. Things were happening and I couldn’t see how we got there.
It also got too religious for my taste
It also got too religious for my taste
February 28, 2024
Enjoyable read.
I loved hearing about all the nursing, doctoring.
This book did have a lot of sad (but realistic) moments.
I listened to this one on audio and thought the narrator was great.
I will be reading more by this author.
I loved hearing about all the nursing, doctoring.
This book did have a lot of sad (but realistic) moments.
I listened to this one on audio and thought the narrator was great.
I will be reading more by this author.
February 28, 2026
Decent romantic storyline, but heavy Christian theme. By the end everything implies that belief & faith in god is the only way to live a good life. Would’ve been slightly more believable if it centered around a priest or someone of the cloth.
Overall though, it was well written.
Overall though, it was well written.
March 9, 2017
I enjoyed this book and the struggle the characters went through as they reclaimed their lives. Clean.
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