The Healing Place

by Sharon Downing Jarvis

Elizabeth Ewell is driving alone across the desert, perhaps the longest drive of her life. She leaves behind the woman her ex-husband wanted her to be and hopes to find herself in a new, foreign place, a place to heal. Determined to isolate herself from relationships and practically the rest of the world, Liz settles in a small farming community south of Salt Lake City. She is gradually drawn into the lives of her neighbors, most of whom are LDS. She discovers wounds heal better in warmth and acceptance of friends.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Lds, Adult Fiction, Religion

361 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little feel good read. It felt a bit contrived and was 100% predictable. 👓

[Kathaleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz decides to move to rural Utah after her recent divorce. She wants peace and healing after going through a miscarriage and apparent loss of love from her over domineering ex husband.
Will moves with his children to a house he inherits from a family member. after the death of his beloved wife he wonders if he can reconnect with his children and perhaps have space in his life to love again.
Fortunately the neighbors are very welcoming with both of them.
LDS clean romance

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my ongoing effort to read some of the books on my shelf to decide if they get to stay, I re-read this book which I have had since the mid 90s. It struck me as similar to a Hallmark movie, LDS version. A lot predictable, with enjoyable characters. So many of the LDS references felt very dated to me, which was interesting.

[Jessica Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t hate this book, but I’m also not sure if I’ll read it again. That said, I did enjoy the story and found it very touching. I did think some of it felt too preachy though, but overall it was a good book.

[Ranee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story - somewhat sappy, very LDS indoctrinated - could happen type of story. Happy ending.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very formulaic but a fun sweet read.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. Very mormon-y and sentimental. I did find myself sniffling a few times throughout, but that might just be the mood I was in.
A newly divorced gal sets out to find some peace and quiet to rediscover herself and instead, finds out what it means to love others and be a part of a community, and then, of course to really fall in love.
It may be, perhaps, a bit of a dream world that she finds herself in, but not without it's problems. That's what I liked about it. No one was perfect. No one didn't have issues. But it's the way they decided to be with and for each other that seems like a goal for me.

[Rebecca Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my aunts bought this book for my mom a long time ago when it first came out and I got to read it after she did. I love how the woman in the story finds her own way to heal herself and how her friend was such a big influence in her life. I think that the title is not just refering to the main character there are a few in the story that are healing from different kinds of pain.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle book, that I have read repeatedly over the years. It has provided me encouragement and peace in difficult times. I became invested in the main character and cheered for her all the way through.

The old adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" certainly applies here. The cover is the only thing I didn't like about this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I loved the interwoven plots, the way the church doctrine was presented to non members, and the friendships that were made. I felt I was there and that I knew everyone in the book.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books--it's all about change, growth, self-discovery--with just enough romance thrown in to make it fun. Unfortunately, I've read it so many times that I can practically quote it now!

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pulled this from my book shelf, not remembering if I liked it originally. But I did enjoy it this time. It is about making a place for yourself and being open to friendships that come your way. And having a second change to love someone.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in a place where I needed to read a sappy, all ends well, easy to read story. It suited my purpose and reminded me of how wonderful life can be if we just let it be wonderful around us and be grateful for everything we have.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite stories; I've read this one several times. Every time I feel like I need a place to hide and heal I re-read this book. It's a sweet story and a must read for anyone looking for their own healing place.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of a sister recovering from divorce and finding a new love.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that a friend shared with me and that I would read again and again!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! Have read it several times!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite like the writing style this author has. I felt she kept a good story line and did it without the less that positive aspects of our society taking the spotlight.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the characterizations were very real for the LDS lifestyle. I was hooked right away and felt I found a friend. Keep nearby always, read yearly.

[Jaclyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not one for LDS fiction romance... A light discussion of healing and of second chances. Honestly, not one I would read again.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liz moves back to Utah after a bad marriage to a small town to be alone. She moves into a loving neighborhood. Falls in in love with WIll Parrish who has lost his wife. Chick Flick Book

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: B+

[Tami Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a happy/peaceful feeling after reading this book!!!! It was awesome!!!

[Kelly Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story of courage and hope and finding one's self.

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book but not very exciting and moves slow.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book with a happy ending. Thanks, Mom Nash, for the recommendation!