Healed By Love

The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, MD #1

by Melissa Foster

HEALED BY LOVE is a USA TODAY BESTSELLER

In HEALED BY LOVE...
Nate Braden has loved his best friend's younger sister Jewel for as long as he can remember, but between their age difference and his respect for Rick, he's always kept his feelings at bay. Now he's back in Peaceful Harbor, and Jewel is no longer sixteen years old--but there's an even bigger obstacle standing in his way. Nate and Rick joined the military together eight years earlier. Nate came home a hero, but Rick didn't make it out alive.
.
All Braden novels may be enjoyed as stand-alone books or enjoyed as part of the series.

THE BRADENS (Peaceful Harbor, MD)
Healed by Love (Nate)
Surrender My Love (Cole)
River of Love (Sam)
Crushing on Love (Shannon)
Whisper of Love (Tempest)
Thrill of Love (Ty)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Family

275 pages, ebook

First published June 11, 2015

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Never miss a release! Follow Melissa here on Amazon and sign up for her newsletter: https://MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter

Start FIVE of Melissa's series FREE in ebook format here: https://MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE

FREE Love in Bloom Family Trees: https://MelissaFoster.com/RG

FREE Series Reading Order Checklist: https://MelissaFoster.com/SeriesCheck...

FREE Series Order Checklist by Publication Date (recommended): https://melissafoster.com/SeriesCheck...

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com

Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.

Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge

Reviews

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoy the story, but that ending was kind of lame. What the hell was that? A cliffhanger?

There were a lot of aspects in here that I like, such as military, age gap, and brother’s best friend romance. Plus the author incorporated some decent steam. But I guess you really need to read the series on this one especially to figure out the ending. 🤷‍♀️

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nate Braden has been in love with his best friend, Rick’s, sister for years. But he never made his move because at first she was too young and then he was enlisted in the military so he didn’t want to tell her how he felt before he returned, too afraid he wouldn’t return from war. But his dream of finally telling Jewel the truth died the day Rick was killed during a routine mission he had ordered. But Nate had promised Rick that he would take care of his family and that is what Nate intends to die now that he’s finally returned from war. But telling Jewel about his feelings is not an option anymore, the guilt he lives with won’t allow it.

Losing her father and brother has taught Jewel that she would do whatever it takes to keep her remaining family safe and cared for. She doesn’t need a life outside of her family, they are all she needs. No guy has ever interested her romantically anyway, except for Nate who she hasn’t been able to stop thinking about ever since their kiss at last New Year’s Eve. But whenever they spend time together now he blows hot and cold with her and she doesn’t understand why, when she can see he wants her just as badly as she wants him.

What will happen when Nate finally tells Jewel the truth about what happened to her brother?

He wanted to tell her that he wanted to be the air she breathed, the man who made her smile, the man who made her toes curl. He wanted to be her everything.

I liked Jewel and I felt so sorry for all the losses she had experienced in her young life. At twenty-two her entire life revolved around her family and it was sad to see her cling so tight to them, too afraid of losing them too. I liked how she didn’t give up on Nate, especially when he continued to kiss her and then push her away in the beginning. I did however want to shake some sense into her when she reacted the way she did once Nate told her the truth. Luckily she came to her sense quickly.

Nate was great especially his love for Jewel. He did frustrate me at first with his hot and cold behavior although I understood how his grief and guilt over Rick made him act that way.

“I’ve done nothing but think about you for years. Every fucking fantasy I’ve ever had involved you.”

The romance was quite angst filled but also so sweet and I really enjoyed it.

I love small town romances and Melissa foster sure knows how to write sweet and sexy ones.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: Narrator - B.J. Harrison

Another amazing narration by Mr. Harrison. With the ability to pull me emotionally into the story, I was completely caught up in this book. I loved the excitement, edge of drama and wit that he gave to each and every one of the characters.

While this had a higher angst, it did not consume the story. Both Nate and Jewel had issues to deal with that related to her brother’s death so I was expecting it to be pretty heavy. It was actually pretty well balanced with the relationship drama, family issues and working through Rick’s death.





I loved that Nate had been in love with Jewel for years. Everyone pretty much knows it except for her. He was so sweet and gentle with her, but knew when to give her the little push she needed.

I consider this to be a bit o a slow burn. Although this couple do have a few physical moments, they did not consummate their relationship until very close to the end. It was all pretty much perfect, in my opinion.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h virgin - 22 yrs old; H not a manwhore - unsure of his age, but I think around 28 - nothing is ever said about him being with other women
Triggers no apparent triggers

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the one hand, this was a sweet (ok, treacly) romance with well developed characters (that you've read a thousand times before), and a conflict that drove the story (using mostly whiny inner monologues). On the other, it was an over written, under edited pastiche of the genre.

I'm being too hard on this book, but Jewel was unbearable & Nate's only flaw was misplaced guilt, so he was kind of boring. But final straw for me was that the conflict could have been solved on page 2 if everyone involved had acted liked adults & HAD AN HONEST CONVERSATION.

So, this is my first & last foray into the world of the Braden's. YMMV.

[Astraycat]

I did try to finsh it because I used to love friends-to-lovers stories. However, the repeat of their internal struggle was too much.

[Radd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Compared to some other contemporary romance books, this one had more substance. While the romance is central, the story also explores family dynamics, trust, and forgiveness, which gave it a lot of emotional depth. It’s the kind of book that balances heartfelt moments with romance without feeling like the characters exist only for a love story.

Nate Braden is a 27-year-old ex-soldier carrying guilt over the death of his best friend, Rick, who didn’t make it out of the military. His return to Peaceful Harbor brings him face-to-face with Jewel Fisher, Rick’s younger sister. Jewel, now an adult, has always been in Nate’s heart, but his feelings of guilt create a complex dynamic between them.

Both Nate and Jewel go through meaningful emotional journeys. For Nate, letting go of his guilt was a difficult process, and I really enjoyed the scenes he shared with Rick’s mom. They were tender and heartfelt, and her love and compassion helped him find peace.

Jewel’s growth was even more striking. Having lost her father when she was young and her brother at 16, she became the oldest sibling and spent years living in fear of losing anyone else. This fear made her overprotective to the point that she often acted more like a parent than a sister, and it kept her from fully living her own life. By the time she was 22, the story focuses on her recognizing how her overprotectiveness was smothering her siblings and holding her back. Through guidance and reflection, she learns to trust them, let them make their own choices, and begin living her life on her own terms. Watching Jewel confront her fears and embrace this change added good depth to her character.

Overall, Healed by Love was a strong start to the Bradens at Peaceful Harbor series. The romance was satisfying, and the family and emotional storylines gave it weight without slowing the pace. I was invested in Nate and Jewel, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series.

[Ren nerdychampagne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

I'm in love. I'm dying in love. Character development at its finest. I'm in love.

YOU CAN ALSO READ MY REVIEW (since a few days ago but well) AT NERDYCHAMPAGNE

This is my first Melissa Foster book mainly because I haven’t read the other two in my Kindle… and those have been there since, like,… forever…

I’m sorry.

Let me make this review short.

It’s short, lovely and romantic and sweet and quiet…

First off, the characters were beautifully flawed. Sometimes, when people want to do something positive and have this really big fear for something, they tend to go extremes which will show the opposite result – the negative counterpart of what one intended to. Jewel was selfless (which is admirable) but extremely overprotective. I love how her character grew towards the end. Nate, on the other hand, is really caring, in general and is the perfect match for her. Okay, there was one part he should’ve came clean earlier but really, a person who pushes you to be the best you can be is all you can ever need in life. He is a great friend and heavily-burdened because of that. In the end, he changed for the better, and I love that the most about him.

I love the family aspect of this book which was well-executed and the romance was great too. I had to soak up every word to really get the feelings but it was there.

Next, the plot went on a good pace. Nothing in particular felt rushed, hurried, or too slow. Also, this is well-written. Although short, this book managed to tell a wonderful growth between everything, mainly Jewel. She evolved from who she was in a lot of aspects – family-wise, self-wise, and romantically.

Healed by Love, in overall, is a wonderful read. I would emphasize on the character growth and family aspect. Really, you cannot decide for one person or three. Remember that no matter what you think, people change, people grow, and there would be a time that you need to back up a little. Love stays if it’s true and if anything is meant to be, it’ll happen. Things happen for a reason, whether we like it or not. Also, people leave to make space for others. Life is too big to stay with the same circle. One just has to let go of the loss and remember that there are a lot of ways you can still keep this person with you. Also, don’t be scared to change. Life changes which means you also have to. This is a beautiful read about love – love for family, friends, and romance. It’s really short so I suggest you go pick this up and read it on your free time. Especially if you’re a sucker for romance with a little history.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healed By Love is from the Love in Bloom series and is #13 of The Bradens. These books can all be read as stand alone books, so don't worry that you need to start with book 1 in any of the series which branch off from this.

Melissa Foster's books are easy read hot romances, with sexy men, strong women and HEA endings. In this book we meet Nate Braden, a 27 year old ex-soldier with a huge bucket load of guilt and a long standing secret love for his best friend's sister.

Jewel Fisher is 22. She works at Chelsea's Boutique and helps her family as much as she can, running the kids to school, cooking meals, checking on everyone else. Since her father died and then her older brother, Jewel stepped up to the plate and put her family first. She'll do anything she can to protect them.

Nate's been released from the military for a week, he's returned home to Peaceful Harbor, Maryland where he'll help run the family micro-brewery until he sorts out the rest of his life. He promised Rick he'd look after his family, so he'll just have to get over the "hots" for Jewel and act responsibly. Perhaps if he avoids Jewel that will work?

But when Jewel has an accident Nate's the first on the scene and he just can't put her out of his life. Jewel might think she likes Nate, but how will she feel when she knows he gave the order which killed Rick?

I really enjoyed the depths of emotion which these characters went through before they could let go of all of their grief, yes Melissa's men are very emotional and will eventually admit their flaws, yes this may not reflect men in real-life, but that's the fun of an escapism feel good read like this.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nate had loved Jewel for years . . .

Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 3 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
02-16-20

Nate Braden had been in love with his best friends sister. The best friends he sent out to die. The best friend that he loved like a brother. Nate Braden was doing his job. The very job that took away something/someone very precious to him and the family he left back at home.

I loved this one because Nate carried a burden. You could see it with the words he said and the actions he took or did not take. Jewel was his bright star. She was his reason to move forward each day. I could feel the passion, desire, and see the heat dancing between the two of them. The loved showed there was nothing with ages but the number assigned to them.

B.J. Harrison delivered the audio. I enjoyed it be did not feel like it was a decision maker for how the story rated with me.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healed By Love is a friends to lovers, sort of second chance story. It combines sweet small town romance and sexy heat with lots of chemistry between the main characters.
Nate Braden has always loved Jewel, his best friend Rick’s kid sister. Nate returns from his tour overseas as a hero, but Rick didn’t make it home and Nate harbors so much guilt. He tries to keep his distance while still watching out for Jewel as a promise to Rick.
Jewel has been on her own and doesn’t know if she wants the complications that Nate represents especially when she is so confused by Nate’s running hot and cold.
I listened to this story on audiobook and loved the narration. B.J. Harrison really helped bring the book to life!
-4.5 Stars!-

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate has been in love with his best friends daughter, Jewel for the longest time. Though five years younger than him, it didn’t stop him for falling. He watched her grow over the years, and never quite could get her out of his head. Out of respect for Rick, his friend Nate wasn’t about to see where things could go but that didn’t stop him from thinking about her all the time.

Grief hits the family when Rick and Jewel lose their father. Stepping up to the plate to help handle his family before Nate and Rick decided to join the military. Life seemed to go right back into place as it should. Things were all good, the family started their healing, and Nate still couldn’t get Jewel out of his head. Thinking about manning up to talk to his friend about her tragedy strikes. Rick is shot and killed, leaving the family grieving all over again. With the guilt weighting him down , feeling responsible for his death Nate stays clear of Jewel and her family. Not able to face them, or what happened he and deal with it he closes off. Until he meets up with Jewel some years later again and the feelings he’d tried to shove away come back at him. Can he walk away this time and ignore how he feels? Will he ever be able to accept what happened to Rick?

Jewel dealt with plenty of grief, the years had toughened her up after Rick had died. Needing to be the parent of her other siblings she’d taken on the role while her mother still grieves. Amazing heart, and in control it seems, she’s lacked any kind of personal time in her life trying to help her family. When Nate shows back up in town there’s no mistaking the feelings she’s had for him all those years. Could she finally let herself admit what she’s felt and go after what she wants? Will the guilt Nate carries keep a barrier between them? Wild their heated chemistry is nothing to be ignored there’s a lot between them that need to be dealt with. Question remains, could old wounds heal with love?

You’ll have to read the book to find out!

I loved this book, it was a nice read. I think Jewel was a tad compulsive about caring for the family , the mother was caring, loving and still there but I think Jewel needed an outlet for the grief and that’s how she did it. At first I was kind of annoyed about how she seemed to take over while her mother was still capable, but then I realized- she was grieving too. Everyone grieves differently and Jewel really threw herself into what she could do for the family. Nate is any girls dream, he’s loyal, and caring, respectful, he denied his chance with Jewel even though he was in love with her out of respect. It was really nice to see them start to heal together. It wasn’t easy but they were growing towards each other all along until they finally stopped denying themselves the chance. Very nice read, Foster once again delivers an amazing story!

*I received the following product(s) to review. I was not required to write a positive review no other monetary compensation was given . Any and all opinions are my own.

[Catherine (The Sassy Bookster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nate Braden has always been in love with his best friend Rick's younger sister, but he would never break the bro code, so he's kept silent about his feelings. Just when he's ready to come clean about his feelings for Jewel, tragedy strikes and he's left with a lost opportunity and a guilt that overshadows everything else. It's been two years and Nate has left the military to return to Peaceful Harbor, Maryland and help with the family business while he figures out his future and he'll be checking in on Rick's family as he promised, but he's determined to stay away from Jewel, especially as he's keeping secrets from her. Yeah well, that works for all of five seconds.

Since Jewel lost her brother Rick, all she does is work and take care of her family. For a young woman in her early twenties, her social life is non-existent but she does not miss it. Taking care of her family is enough to fill her time and besides, the guy she's been in love with since she was fourteen only sees her as a younger sister, except for the one time he kissed her and then ran. But Nate is the one who comes to her aid when she's hurt and nurses her back to health.

 Both Nate and Jewel have unresolved emotional issues to deal with and their chance at a future together lies in getting through this. Nate blames himself for what happened to Rick and dreads having to tell Jewel that his orders as Rick's commanding officer may have led to tragedy. Jewel barely survived the loss of her father and her brother and her fear manifests itself in an irrational devotion to her mother and siblings.

HEALED BY LOVE is their emotional journey to healing and forever. Nate cherishes Jewel and is protective of her and Jewel is sweet and gentle, with a core of steel, but together they are like two halves of a whole. The story as a whole isn't your usual romance, it's more about loss and dealing with the grief that follows loss.

I have read quite a few of Ms. Foster's and while I enjoyed the story, I did not love it and this is why: I liked Nate and Jewel but they also got on my last nerve with the back and forth about their feelings for each other and their less than mature responses to and handling of the secrets. In spite of these issues, HEALED BY LOVE has everything we've come to expect from Ms. Foster: family, love and lots of emotion.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This review was originally posted on The Sassy Bookster

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads

Melissa Foster has built a whole world around the families that feature in this interlinked series of 12 or 13 books so far. I have not read them all, but they stand up well to being read alone.

The story is easy to read, inevitable in its outcome, but so enjoyable in the telling. I may have needed a tissue or two, but that is nothing new for Ms Foster's stories. Her characters are well rounded, have clearly understandable traits, and bow so attractively to the call of love. Romantic, heart warming and life affirming - perfect reading for relaxation and escapis

m.

[Maddux · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ever read from Melissa Foster. I actually don't know the order I need to begin with her books, as there are a lot of them and a lot of overlap in some series.

Healed by Love drew me in with some sweet characters that I quickly became invested in. The hero and heroine have much emotional baggage to let go of, but they really do work things out with good communication.

Sweet read, and not too difficult on your lady balls.

4 stars.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this one. Although it was sweet, it was FINE. Much of it was what I've seen before and I didn't feel like this one brought anything new to the table. I just kept thinking ... why don't you just TALK to each other. It just never came together for me and will, unfortunately, likely be pretty forgettable for me. If you love the Bradens/Love in Bloom series,' this might be perfect for you but I just never connected to it.

[My_every_day_chilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading a book from this author and it was better than I expected. There were a lot o deep emotions and unresolved issues to get through. It was good. I«ll definitely be reading more from her.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet easy to read story with a predictable outcome. The main two characters have a bunch of emotional baggage that they need to let go of. You may need a tissue or two. The characters are well rounded and you just want to read more of this series.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This was a good book. Easy and quick read. The characters are believable too. This was an interesting story to read.

[Sterna Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a Melissa Foster Novel … and it’s a Braden – ‘nuff said. It’s already my favourite … until the next Braden’s story of course. Sigh.

I have had the pleasure of being a part of almost all of the Braden’s lives. (Yes, even If I’m on my couch only reading their story I am still absolutely there, don’t judge) And what a journey it has been!

Miss Foster, you have introduced us to such an amazing family and their friends, sharing their stories of heart ache, forgiveness, fear and love in such a special way that a little piece of each one always stays with you.

I have sung Melissa’s praises countless times. I love her writing style, love her story lines, appreciate the emotion and depth in each book and ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE LOVE her characters! So I have decided that for this review, in celebration of the newest addition to the award-winning Braden series, I would share with you some of the other hosts’ thoughts and praises about Nate and Jewel’s beautiful story, as well as some of my favourite one liners from Melissa’s books – did I mention she has a killer sense of humour… 


“Healed By Love pulls you in from page one with characters that are relatable and engaging.
Foster’s interpretation of Nate’s own struggles were so real, I found myself in tears (unexpectedly) for most of the book.”

- Stephanie Keys

http://www.stephaniekeyes.com/healed-...


“Nate and Jewel gave me everything I wanted: palpable emotions, likeable characters and the kind of romance that gives your butterflies.
Melissa Foster also showed some real class in the way she handled a potential minefield of a subject.”

- Charlotte Foreman form Best Chick Lit

http://bestchicklit.com/?p=8583


“Another fantastic read by Melissa.
I love the way that there is so much emotion that you can kind of feel what they characters are going through.
I was hooked from the start, definitely a book that will not leave me for a long time.”

-Echoes in an empty room

http://echoesinanemptyroom.com/2015/0...



“My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Melissa Foster’s books are easy read hot romances, with sexy men, strong women and HEA endings.
I really enjoyed the depths of emotion which these characters went through before they could let go of all of their grief…”

- Rosie Amber

https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/2015...



“What do you do when you fall for your best friend's sister? You run like hell and join the army. Healed by love explored some hard hitting issues, such as grief, loss, guilt, trying to move on, forgiveness of one’s self and others and of course love.
It was passionate, sad and hopeful all at the same time.
This book is the beginning of a great series and could most definitely be read as a standalone novels as can all of Melissa Foster's books. Highly recommended”

- Brook Cottage Books

http://brookcottagebooks.blogspot.com...




Some of my favourite one liners.

“Hand, arm, heart and soul. Forever and always.” – Dreaming of Love



“Sometimes the heart tells us things in whispers, and we miss them.” – Seaside Sunsets


“I don’t do inappropriate. Unless you want me to.”
“You’re singing. In the dark. To the cow.” Lucky Cow – Flirting with Love


“My mother warned me about men who look like you.” – Romancing my Love


“You’ll fall so hard for me you’ll be wishing you met me ten years ago…” – Seaside Dreams



As always, thank you for sharing your talent with us. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Nancy Stopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a number of Melissa Foster books - stand alone as well as many of the Snow Sisters, Bradens, and Remingtons. I have loved most of the books she's written, but honestly, this book really touched me in a way the others haven't. There is so much that is so real about this book. The fact that both Nate and Jewel have been nursing feelings for each other for so long, and these feelings are wound around their feelings of loss and grief, gives this book a depth than others I've read haven't had.

"I'm not arrogant. I'm honest. I want you Jewel. I want to be inside you. I want you in my arms. I want to fall asleep wrapped around you and wake up beside you." his nostrils flared as the heated words left his lips. "I've done nothing but think about you for years. Every f-ing fantasy I've ever had involved you."

Despite not having a previous romantic relationship with Jewel, Nate's initial declarations of love for her feel so completely genuine from the very beginning. Nate is a wonderfully strong, yet sensitive character. His sense of humor sneaks out when he, or Jewel, least expects it, and it was a fun relief from what at times is a serious story. I think Melissa Foster hit it out of the park with her depiction of a soldier home from deployment, suffering survivor's guilt, and feeling an obligation towards those he believes harmed by the decisions he was forced to make.

When reading a book, I can often tell the direction a story is headed, or the motivations and fears of the characters, early on. This story was so well written, and I was so engrossed in the "here and now" that was happening with Nate and Jewel, that I didn't see or understand that Jewel's role in her family comes from a place of fear until Nate points it out to Jewel.

"I told you she wouldn't let us." Taylor slumped into a seat in one of the canoes." It's like the bus. No boats, no buses, and if we lived in Afghanistan, it would be no trucks, too."

"They're not scared, Jewel. Please don't project your fears on them. They'll resent you, and you're too good to them to deserve that."

I think I was as surprised as Jewel was to have this pointed out to her. I really enjoyed how Jewel is able to self-analyze herself and her situations at that point, and throughout the book as we hear her dealing with her stresses with "breathe. breathe. breathe." Taking care of her family has become such a routine with her, and her mother, that neither of them are unable to step back and realize that it's helping none of them to continue this family dynamic. And I LOVE how Jewel reveals her ultimate change in her circumstances to Nate near the end of the book! It is a really cute way that the reader is able to experience this revelation WITH the characters, rather than just hearing a conversation BETWEEN the characters.

As I mentioned above, this book touched me so much more than many I have read recently. I am so pleased I was able to read and review this book, and I cannot wait to get to know Nate's siblings better in upcoming books and peel back the onion of their lives in Peaceful Harbor.

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars

Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review; full tour post with excerpt(s)/quote(s) can be found at original posting:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...

Melissa Foster is expanding those Bradens!

HEALED BY LOVE is book one in the Peaceful Harbor, Maryland Bradens, and features Nate; the Bradens of Peaceful Harbor will focus on Nate and his five siblings. While reading this book, I couldn’t help but think how in the world does Melissa keep coming up with all of these stories? One would think that at some point, someone’s story would start to sound like someone else’s but, while I haven’t read them all yet, I haven’t noticed this to be true.

Nate had been the best of friend’s with Rick Fisher; as such, he watched Rick’s sister Jewel grow up, just a few years younger than they were. He’d probably been at least half in love with the girl for most of his life… But where he couldn’t do anything about it before, being his best friend’s sister, he really can’t do anything about it now.
Between their five-year age difference and out of respect for Rick, Nate had always kept his feelings for Jewel to himself.
After the death of their father, Rick took on the role of overseer for his younger siblings. When he and Nate decided to join the military, life resumed as normal until the day a sniper killed Rick – before Nate got the courage talk to Rick about Jewel.

Allowing their mother to grieve, Jewel took on the role Rick once had and became the one her siblings looked up to, asked permission for things to, as well as the one who did all of the parent things (go to games, drop off at dance, get ready for school).

While I understand it was part of her grieving process and that her mother understood that, I became very annoyed with Jewel – it wasn’t as if her mother was gone, nor incapable of taking care of her children.

I liked Nate – here we have a man who is overcome with grief and guilt, but is managing to survive day by day. He still cares for the Fisher family, and cares deeply for Jewel, but doesn’t feel that he has the right to pursue that kind of relationship, so he stays her friend – even if a New Year’s Eve kiss replays in his (…and her) head.

This book was about the healing process for both Nate and Jewel – like the title suggests, they will heal with love. Nate has secrets that will eventually come out, and Jewel has her needs and compulsions that need to calm, but it takes two people who love one another, have always really loved the other, to get through that healing process.

Be forewarned, there are a number of tearing spots – spots where I downright bawled my eyes out, so I’m sure the average reader may get at least misty eyed.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Foster has created and built a whole world that surrounds a family and their relatives. The books are intertwined with other relative which gives you a huge reading experience. We get to live with different Bradens (and others) in different places and each of them have their own unique story. While I have not read them all, they all stand up well as being stand alones but you can also see past characters and how the relate and interact.

Nate and Jewel have such an emotional journey in this book. Jewel, herself has been through so much loss and heartache in her young life. She has lost both her father and brother so she has dedicated her life to helping her family keeping all of her emotions locked inside. She stays away from any other emotional attachments to keep her loss from becoming anymore then it already is. Nate has loved Jewel his whole life and everyone in the town knows it except Jewel. Nate keeps his feeling buried behind a wall of grief, loss, and guilt. Rick and Nate had been best friends before he died and now he has come back to town without him. For the first time they both have someone to lean on when the hard emotions finally start to hit both of them.

This story was an emotional roller coaster. There were a lot of emotions that were not being dealt with that finally came up to the surface. This story was definitely an easy read with an evitable outcome but so so enjoyable. There is something so addicting about a story that is full of love, acceptance, and real deep passion. Two characters the bow so gracefully and easily to the call of love. Even if there are not the usual twists that come with a romance story. The characters are well rounded and loveable, the writing is beautiful, and the story feels real. This was a romantic tear-jerker that needs to be read.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healed by Love by Melissa Foster is book #25 in the Love in Bloom Series, Book #13 in The Bradens Series, and Book #1 in The Bradens of Peaceful Harbor Series. Nate Braden has five siblings and they are the second cousins to The Bradens.

Now that that's out of the way, let me say what a great start to this new series! Nate Braden is ex-military and has been pining for his best friend's little sister for longer than he thinks he should have, but does she feel the same?

Jewel Fisher is Rick's little sister and she's been dealing with too much loss in her young life. She helps her mom take care of her younger siblings, but there's more to the story. Can Nate break down Jewel's walls and get inside her head and her heart? I related a lot to Jewel's character, the loss of family, the fear that is instilled in your head saying 'what if'?

Nate is the sweet, overprotective, sexy man with a soft spot for the girl he's wanted forever. Can he get past his loss and his guilt before it's too late for him and Jewel? Totally not telling you. Just know that if you are a fan of Melissa Foster, this book is for you. As with all the books in the Love in Bloom series, Healed by Love can be read as a stand-alone novel. But, I've read them all so I think you should too.

Melissa has a gift for creating the best book boyfriends that a girl could ask for. She adds just the right amount of angst, some steam, and a lot of family love to bring us these wonderful contemporary romances. Buy Healed by Love and meet The Braden cousins from Peaceful Harbor, MD. Not only that, you get to meet sexy Nate and all his siblings.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Stars

Nate as a BBF: ★ ★ ★ ★
Hotness Level: ★ ★ ★
Swoon Level: ★ ★ ★ ★

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to JB for letting me take part in this tour. I'm sure you're all aware that I'm a big fan of Melissa's books and a new bunch of Braden's had me full of excitement.

Nate Braden is, like all Braden's Nate is hot. Not your average hot oh no The Braden men are on another level. They are sweet and they are sexy and they make your whole body melt. Nate's also an honourable but tormented man. He blames himself for Rick's death and the guilt is eating him alive. He's been in love with Jewel forever but how can he ever be with her knowing that it's his fault her brother died.

Jewel Fisher is a strong woman. She loves her family and will do anything for them. She's given up having her own life to take care of her younger siblings. Now she needs live her own life but can she let go of the reins that she has to tightly wound around them. Jewel has lost more than any 22-year-old should ever have to and she's so scared she'll lose more.

As always Melissa had me in tears multiple times throughout this book but the conversation between Nate and Anita Fisher really got to me. Melissa's writing has a way of weaving the characters into your heart so that you car about them like family.

I absolutely loved meeting the new Braden gang and I can't wait to read more about them in the upcoming books.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healed By Love captured all of the elements of romance. Unrequited love, heartbreak, coming of age, second chances and loss. Jewel was just as feisty as she was naive. Nate's inner struggles of guilt, pain and the horrific things seen and experienced while within the military caused him to close himself off. Melissa Foster has created a classic love story with modern day drama. Never ceases to amaze me how she can take an emotional story and make you feel so much while on the journey. Yet always leave you with a smile knowing that her characters have overcome all obstacles and found their way. I received an ARC of Healed by Love for an honest review. A WORTHY READ THAT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.

Audio Review: Healed By Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #1; The Bradens #13; Love in Bloom #32) by Melissa Foster (author), B.J. Harrison (narrator)

Minute by minute, hour by hour, heartache by heartache, I fall deeper under the spell of Melissa Foster. From the joy of first love to the heartbreak of loss, Healed by Love bares it's pain to find redemption. Foster understands the meaning of true love and has found an ally in a smooth talking connoisseur of emotion. From Foster's heart to Harrison's voice, Kleenex will prove to be a necessity. Nate and Jewel are one heartbreak short of losing everything. Tragedy unites them. Anger divides them. Can love heal them? Love, loss and healing are a dangerous combination.

[Shelley Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healed By Love is a part of Melissa Foster's Love in Bloom series, book 25. It is a part of the More Bradens at Peaceful Harbor stories. It can be read as a stand alone or as a part of the series.

In this story, you meet Nate Braden and Jewel Fisher. For as long as Nate can remember he has been in love with his best friend's little sister, but there are multiple reasons why he can't pursue her. Whether it be age, timing or the sheer respect he has for his best friend Rick, he is doing everything he can to stay away from Jewel.

Jewel's father died unexpectedly and four years later her brother Rick was killed by a sniper while serving overseas with his best friend Nate.
Jewel does everything she can to help her mother raise her siblings. She has put her life on hold to help her mom, leaving her very little time for socializing with friends or dating for that matter. She has always felt a strong connection to Nate, her brother's best friend, especially after they shared an amazing New Years kiss two years ago. In fact, he has been the only man she has ever thought about.

Melissa Foster has written another amazing story filled with strong characters, great chemistry and intricate storylines that captivate you from the start and do not let go. The trials and tribulations Nate and Jewel overcome will rip you apart and fill your heart with love. I can't wait to read more from this series!

[Books and Spoons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Jewel's story is an emotional journey. Jewel has had so much loss and sorrow in her young life, she has lost both her father and brother. She has dedicated her life to help her family, locking emotions inside, holding control on all the fronts, to avoid any further loss in her life, as long and as much as possible. She never really took the time to mourn for her brother, and lots of pain, sorrow, and sadness is locked inside her heart.
Nate loves Jewel, and everyone in town knows it, except Jewel herself. But the feelings of guilt, remorse, liability and pain from Rick's death are weighing his mind and heart.
The trek through all the emotions is not easy or gentle. But for the first time, they truly have each other to lean on. Their feelings are deep, real, and raw, passion runs hot, for the first time for Jewel. Forgiveness, acceptance, and love get them through the most. The story is touching, even though not overridden by angst, there were several times I was in tears. It shows clearly the path of mourning that Jewel has to take, and the route of survival guilt Nate has to clear for himself to be able to love freely.
It is a beautiful story, stunning, and wistful. The support, assent, and love of the families is priceless. Ms Foster writes steamy, yet tender love scenes, that heat up the pages, and shows the true adoration between Nate and Jewel
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

[Carra · Rating 5 out of 5]

So first, confession time...this is my very first time reading a Melissa Foster book. It definitely won't be my last, not by a longshot. Since I haven't read any others, I can safely say that you don't need to have read any other Braden book to be able to enjoy Healed By Love.

Let me tell you--these characters, both main and secondary, are down to earth, very well developed, and right from the start I felt like I was coming into a family. As for the leads, it's your classic brother's best friend tale (one of my favorites)-filled with extra emotion due to the circumstances of that brother's death. Jewel is sweet, strong and overly devoted to her family-almost too devoted as she doesn't really leave herself any time for living her own life. Nate is your typical alpha male, protective, strong, and harboring his own secret-one he's loathe to share with Jewel since he believes it won't be something she can get past so they can be together.

But oh, together is EXACTLY where the two of them should be. They fit together like pieces of an intricate puzzle, one laden with chemistry that sizzles right off the pages. But both have their own issues to push past that they need to settle on their own, which provides plenty of drama and emotional turmoil to keep you engrossing from the first page to the last.

An amazing, emotional story that will be a must-read for contemporary romance lovers, Healed By Love was a 4.5-star read for me!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Melissa Foster Series with those amazingly sexy Braden's!! We get to meet the COlorado Braden's cousins in Peaceful Harbor, MD! They sound every bit as good looking & sexy!

This book is centered around Jewel and Nate. Nate grew up knowing Jewel's family, because he was best friends with Jewel's older brother, Rick. Rick and Nate entered the military together, and were overseas together. Unfortunately Rick didn't make it home.

Nate and Jewel had been hiding their feelings for one another for so long and I think that the fact that they had both lost someone they both loved, tremendously, gives this book a depth that I've not read in a book in a long time.

When reading a book, I can normally tell what's going to happen, where the relationships are heading, etc. In this one, while I was correct with my assumption from the beginning, there were parts that really made me think about it & wonder, "Wow, was I wrong?"

I like how Jewel is able to self analyze herself, make herself better, and get a better relationship with her family & Nate in the process!

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good book! It was honestly an awesome book, and I didn't want to put it down. I normally am like this with Melissa Foster books, but this one, I read in a span of 12 hours! It was a fantastic book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the Love in Bloom series. Melissa Foster has don it again with another great read. This can be read as a stand alone as it is the 1st of the Braden's of Peaceful Harbor.

All of the characters are very likeable and well written. They grow throughout the book and heal old wounds through love. Jewel is dealing with the death of her father and brother who both died years ago. She feel that now being the oldest sibling, she has to help her mom at home and in a sense put her life on hold to make sure her family is doing ok. She is also dealing with her feelings for he brothers best friend Nate that she has had for years.

Nate comes home from just getting out of the military and tries to get back to civilian life. He is dealing with the death of his best fried Rick who was in the war with him and died 2 years ago. To complicate things, Nate is dealing with feelings he has for Rick's, sister Jewel and a promise he made to Rick which was to look out for and protect his family.

I felt like the story could have gone for a few more chapters and told a little more of Nate and Jewel or had a epilogue to show them having chased their dreams and living their lives for them. Melissa Foster knocks it out of the park again. I can't wait for more of the Peaceful Harbor Braden's.