Love on the Mend

Full Steam Ahead #1.5

by Karen Witemeyer

After serving as a doctor during the War Between the States, Jacob Sadler wants nothing more than to establish a quiet country practice in rural Texas. But he knows he'll never find peace until he buries the pain of his past. To that end, he accepts a job in Cold Spring, Texas—the town he's avoided for seventeen years—and discovers his past is definitely still alive and kicking.

When a new doctor arrives in town and saves her brother's leg, Mollie Tate quickly puts him on a hero's pedestal. But then the new doc insults her "Uncle" Curtis. Years ago, Curtis Sadler rescued Mollie when no one else cared. How could he possibly be the villain the new doctor believes him to be?

Jacob doesn't know what to make of the young woman who assists him like a seasoned nurse one minute only to take a strip out of his hide the next. Yet the sparks that fly between them make him feel more alive than he has in a long time. As respect for his young nurse turns into something deeper, can he set aside the pain from his past to embrace this new love, or are some sins too big to be forgiven?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Novella, Westerns

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2015

About the author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline.

Karen also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I loved this fun little story about Jacob, the boy from Full Steam Ahead. It was really good to see what happened in his life.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was surprisingly deep. I don't know why I'm surprised. I've read several of Witemeyer's books before. I know how deep she goes. Yet there were certain scenes in this brief story that seriously stole my breath in an audible gasp. The beauty in those scenes cannot be described, only felt and experienced.

At times, this book felt rushed or shortchanged. To me, it didn't seem there was much of a "courtship" or time when the characters got to know each other in a romantic way before their first kiss. This was my biggest hangup about this book. With only one or two additional and tiny scenes of the characters working together or sharing lunch as they went over files or something, I would have felt more prepared for that kiss. Maybe then I would have better grasped the romanticness of that moment. And maybe a reread will give me new perspective to enjoy the romance from the beginning. Perhaps there's something in there that I missed the first time around.

However, after that kiss is when the depth really got me. The faith thread, the family drama, the romance, the plot twists... all of it combined to create this memorable story that I want to reread a hundred times right now. Too bad I don't have time for that.

I was not compensated for my honest review.

[Aerykah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! :)

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a Karen Witemeyer book I love her writing more! Part of it is not being distracted by bad writing or editing, since her writing is always clean and correct...but the characters are always so deeply colorful and easy to sympathize with. It makes it difficult to create such characters within the limited confines of a novella, but she somehow pulls it off without a hitch. I'm just hoping this comes out in print sometime so it's easier to hug and memorize favorite passages from!

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved everything Karen Witemeyer has published, and her newest release Love on the Mend was no exception! This was an excellent novella, I loved that Jacob from Full Steam Ahead got his own story! Love on the Mend possessed all the elements I have come to expect from this author, romance, humor, adventure, a spiritual journey that brings the characters closer to God, and just a touch of danger and suspense! I loved Love on the Mend and highly recommend it!

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the dynamics between Jacob and Mollie. The characters really come to life and even though the story is novella-length, it felt complete. So fun to see the boy from Full Steam Ahead all grown up!

[Ipshita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sudden ending took me by surprise and left me feeling unsatisfied. Perhaps a couple more pages or even paragraphs would have sufficed.

[ضحى الحداد · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, what can I say more that I haven't say about Karen Witemeyer's writing .. it was cute as always and I loved it :D
So.. do you remember that little adorable kid Jacob from the first book ? Well, brace yourselves ladies, he is now all grown up to be a swoon worthy man that you can gush over all you want :D .. the story was extremely short and to the point about second chances and redemption and the chance to open your heart for love and let god take care of you because he knows best .. loved this one and I can't wait to read more from Karen Witemeyer :D KEEP THESE BOOKS COMING !!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable novella! You can read it even if you haven't read Full Steam Ahead. The connection to that book is that he hero of this novel is Jacob Sadler, who appeared as a boy in the other novel.

I really liked the two main characters, Jacob and Mollie. I thought it was neat that they some things in their pasts mirrored each other. It gave them some common ground immediately. This was a quickly evolving story and Jacob had to let go of a lot of anger and grief in order to move on in his life.

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

This was a sweet novella that fills you in on what happened to Jacob Sadler. He was the little orphan boy Darius & Nicole took in in Karen Witemeyer's book Full Steam Ahead. He's all grown up now and has returned home to be the town's new doctor, face demons in his past, and hopefully make a happy future.

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet novella

The fun characters the author is so adept at creating. The sweet romance I love, and a hint of humor equals a great, quick read.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. I liked the main character.

[Abbigail B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd read-through... absolutely loved it!

[Leonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When your life has been radically changed by both a fatal accident and Christ reaching into your heart to mend all that pain, it is a long road to forgiveness for those affected. Such is the case for Uncle Curtis, his nephew Jacob, and to be honest, the whole town.

Jacob, a teenager at the time, witnessed his sister killed. Orphaned and alone, except for the uncle he hates, Jacob escapes what he can't face. Life took a decidedly different turn for him, some of it wonderful, some very hard. But now as a doctor, he's returning to the hometown of his youth, knowing he has to face what he'd hoped to leave in the past. But the beautiful and brave Mollie, trying to save a boy screaming in pain, draws Jacob into something he hasn’t felt in a very long time.

Sweet novella with such wonderful words from Uncle Curtis about how his brokenness and salvation in Christ saved his life, and now the lives of many others.

Sharing a part of his life with Mollie "Uncle Curtis continued, “‘For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.’” He shifted on the seat to face her. “That’s when I realized my life wasn’t my own to throw away. It belonged to God. Bought and paid for, despite my unworthiness. He didn’t ask me to wallow in guilt and sadness over my past misdeeds and sins. He called me to repent, to change, and to spend the rest of my days glorifying him."

About Mollie: "Uncle Curtis had saved her from that life, had given her a home, had introduced her to Jesus and a forgiveness that could take a stained life and make it whiter than snow."

And truly seeing the heart of the man Jacob had hoped was dead: "Yet in the face of his uncle’s prayer it became instantly clear that he’d been relying on his own strength without more than a cursory thought of the One who could see all."

I’m not big on novellas because they tend to leave out so much, but Ms. Witemeyer is such a good writer, that I found I could overlook its brevity.

Sweet story.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of Full Steam Ahead I was still curious what would happen to Jacob, so this novella was perfect because it answered just that. However, since I didn't read the description for this book I didn't know going into it that it would be about Jacob - a very nice surprise! I loved everything about this book, with the exception that I wished it was longer...but only because I loved it so much and selfishly didn't want it to end, because for a novella it was perfect. If you read and loved Full Steam Ahead I'm sure this is a book you'll be wanting to read.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though this is a novella it doesn't have enough character development. It relies heavily on the original book, Full Steam Ahead, but picks up part of the story quite a few years later. It had been awhile since I read the first book and it took me a while to remember who each person was. Then once the story got rolling it ended. My new least favorite Karen Witemeyer story.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I'm harping on what has become a familiar refrain for me of late..."Awwwww". Another sweet story from one of my absolute favorites, Karen Witemeyer!! Always such a rich setting, historical backdrop, well thought out characters and plot, and a lesson that makes you think.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this delightful story by Karen Witemeyer! Her books are always a joy to read, and this one was no exception.
I loved the characters and the themes explored. The plot was also great, and I enjoyed every moment of it!
I would highly recommend this lovely novella!! 5 out of 5 stars!

[Lylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It took a strong man to step out of his own pain to see a situation from another's perspective."
- Karen Witemeyer

"Love on the Mend" by Karen Witemeyer is a spin off to "Full Steam Ahead" and this book did not disappoint. This novella was so incredibly heartbreaking. It tackles the touchy subject of forgiveness with creativity and Christian truth.
Not only was it stellar with those elements but the romance was light-years above top-tier.

I adored this sweet tale and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance

From the "With All My Heart Romance Collection: Five Novellas of Living Love to the Fullest"
Love on the Mend by Karen Witemeyer
April 28, 2020
Such a tender story or love and loss, hurt and healing! When God decides to give Jacob a new life, He does it with the perfect woman!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute story about going home and forgiving. The Doctor goes home thinking that all his family will be dead and he will just have to say at his drunken uncle's grave he forgives him and then forget him altogether. Well it turns out surprise his uncle is still alive! And he has turned his life around. Jacob has to figure out how to live in town and work towards forgiveness. Along the way to help him is his new part time nurse Mollie, who was taken in by his uncle cared for in her youth.

[Megan Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short. Simple. Nothing unexpected.

Honestly, most books of this genre could be this short because it cut all the in between fluff and had the essentials.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a wonderful story of forgiveness and redemption. It's now 17 years later than the setting of Full Steam Ahead, and catches readers up with 10 year old orphan, Jacob, who was taken in by main characters Nicole and Darius in that novel. Jacob is now a doctor, and his story is well-written with emotion and passion. It was very interesting to read about medical practices and advancements of the period. I so wish this story was longer and felt the ending was rushed. However, it was a joy to read!

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karen Witemeyer always surprises me with her novellas - complete and full of depth.

I loved meeting Jacob in Full Steam Ahead and glad to have reunited with him in his own story. The message about true forgiveness was so strong and I enjoyed Mollie.

[Daniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Mollie and Jacob are the best!!

[Just Commonly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love on the Mend by Karen Witemeyer is an e-novella (short novel e-book) that continues the story of Jacob Sadler, whom we've seen in the pages of A Full Steam Ahead (full book), also by Karen Witemeyer. He's returned to his hometown as the town doctor and we see him deal with his past and the meaning of forgiveness and grace. Forgiveness is a tough topic to talk about (and it's a topic I like to read about). It's hard to understand and harder to act upon. Since this is a short novel, I didn't have too much expectations, even though I am a fan of Ms. Witemeyer's novels, since her first novel, A Tailor-Made Bride.

Both Mollie and Jacob are haunted by their past in different ways. Mollie has own up to it and believed the Lord's grace is what saved her, but she still goes around thinking she deserves whatever mistreatment others give her. Jacob on the other hand, can't forget the reason he left his hometown in the first place. With anger in his heart, and self-deprecation in hers, will the two ever learn to come together and rely on God and His love? For a short novel, Ms. Witemeyer does wonders in providing us a back story and the inner turmoil one goes through 'growing up' from it. The love story between Mollie and Jacob takes a back seat in comparison to the development of forgiveness and love. And when the end draws near, I'm disappointed that there's not more. However, one little hiccup I have with this novella is the fact that the end seam rushed. Either way, this is a sweet story that's worth your time and money (I bought it for $1.99 on Amazon) .


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Jacob Sadler has finally arrived back in Cold Spring, Texas following his years as a field surgeon in the Civil War, hoping to put old wounds to rest for good; never imagining how meeting a spunky, beautiful, young woman named Mollie would not only change his life, but revolutionize his heart. Hiring her as a nurse assistant could turn out to be the best or even the worst decision that he has ever made, depending on the the final diagnosis.

Mollie Tate thinks that Jacob Sadler is nothing short of an answer to prayer when he rescues her young friend Adam from an horrific accident. Her own shadowed past has been redeemed, thanks to the kind oversight of a man named "Uncle Curtis" and she is anxious to help others as much as she can; thus nursing seems like a wonderful opportunity. After discovering that Dr. Sadler and Uncle Curtis have a painful past; can Mollie convince Jacob to allow forgiveness to "rid his heart from the infection of bitterness" when her own heart is enwrapped with the memory of "that kiss"?

A "brings-a-smile-to-your-face" kind of story that Karen Witemeyer readers have come to love and expect!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start this review as I do so many novellas... if only it were longer! Yes, I know that's part and parcel for the format, but it's also my way of saying I wish it could have gone on just a bit more. Having just read Full Steam Ahead, it was fun to peek back into that world even if only for a short time. In Love on the Mend, little Jacob is all grown. He's left the sheltering cocoon of the Thornton household and served as a doctor during the horrors of the Civil War. Weary in spirit, he returns to his childhood home hoping to bury the demons of the past. Instead, he's brought face to face with one of them. His uncle Curtis is still alive, but miraculously changed. Jacob must struggle to live out forgiveness, but he doesn't do it alone. Charming Mollie, with her own checkered past, must do a little doctoring herself, on Jacob's wounded heart.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just a delightful little novella, catching the reader up on Jacob Sadler from the Full Steam Ahead novel of last year. Jacob Sadler was a little rapscallion taken in by the Thorntons. Now, Jacob is all grown up, a fine doctor and moving to Cold Spring to start his practice. Jacob has already served in the war and is anxious for a peaceful life. However, when he arrives, he discovers that the life of peace he yearned for is not to be. Bitterness has set into his soul and he must find a way to give this over to God.
This was very interesting and drew me in from the first. I thoroughly enjoyed it. AND there is a preview of the next full sized novel at the end!