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O'Malley #5
The Healer
Rachel O'Malley works disasters for a living. Her specialty? Helping children through trauma. When a school shooting rips through her community, she finds herself dealing with more than just grief among the children she is trying to help. One of them saw the shooting, and the gun is still missing.
Introducing the O'Malleys, an inspirational group of seven, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, who have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Their stories are told in CBA best-selling, inspirational romantic suspense novels that rock your heart and restore strength and hope to your spirit.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
304 people are currently reading
4249 people want to read
About the author
Dee Henderson
71 books4,175 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Dee Henderson is the author of 27 non-fiction and fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. For details visit: DeeHenderson.com
Dee Henderson is the author of 27 non-fiction and fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. For details visit: DeeHenderson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews
June 8, 2020
This is my favorite of the O’Malley Chronicles books. There’s just something about Rachel’s story that speaks volumes into my heart every time I read it. I’ve lost count, really, of how many times I’ve gone through the series, and I know I’ve read this one more than any other in the collection.
I wept my way through this one again. Every time, y’all. The emotions get me every time. But those tears are worth it. From the flood to the school shooting to the first loss the O’Malleys have personally had to deal with, the emotions are raw and real and very worth experiencing. Strength of character shines through each new hit the characters take, and that gives me hope for the obstacles that crop up in my own life.
There’s no way I can sum up my thoughts on my favorite O’Malley book, so this brief review will have to suffice.
I wept my way through this one again. Every time, y’all. The emotions get me every time. But those tears are worth it. From the flood to the school shooting to the first loss the O’Malleys have personally had to deal with, the emotions are raw and real and very worth experiencing. Strength of character shines through each new hit the characters take, and that gives me hope for the obstacles that crop up in my own life.
There’s no way I can sum up my thoughts on my favorite O’Malley book, so this brief review will have to suffice.
September 4, 2018
Congratulations Henderson! You made me cry and laugh and cry. Wasn't too much of a mystery as it was focused more on the tragedy and Jennifer.
The romance was slow and sweet. The struggles Rachael faced were real and they were hard. I like the realism of the school shooting and in Jennifer's death.
The point where I started bawling like a baby was here:
The sun appeared over the hillside. "I'm tired, Tom."
It's okay to go home," he choked.
"Hold my hand?"
His arms tightened around her and his fingers interlaced with hers.
She closed her eyes against the brightness, "I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered.
Jennifer died feeling the warmth of the rising sun.
I know it is a great book when it makes me cry!
The romance was slow and sweet. The struggles Rachael faced were real and they were hard. I like the realism of the school shooting and in Jennifer's death.
The point where I started bawling like a baby was here:
The sun appeared over the hillside. "I'm tired, Tom."
It's okay to go home," he choked.
"Hold my hand?"
His arms tightened around her and his fingers interlaced with hers.
She closed her eyes against the brightness, "I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered.
Jennifer died feeling the warmth of the rising sun.
I know it is a great book when it makes me cry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2019
Another very good installment about the O’Malleys. Very sad, too, with Jennifer barely clinging to life after cancer treatments and trying to stay present with her siblings and husband while heavily dosed on pain meds—and a school shooting on top of all of that.
The mystery side of things was very much a side issue, with very little to figure out/solve for the reader. I liked how we got to see Cole and Rachel in their work settings, but Rachel’s family drama overshadowed the story so strongly that Cole ended up a trifle underdeveloped. Also, a lot of the crime stuff was told instead of shown (“so and so had been arrested last week” when it was a pretty important arrest).
Otherwise I loved it all. Have a box of Kleenex handy! And make sure you’ve read the other books in the series first.
The mystery side of things was very much a side issue, with very little to figure out/solve for the reader. I liked how we got to see Cole and Rachel in their work settings, but Rachel’s family drama overshadowed the story so strongly that Cole ended up a trifle underdeveloped. Also, a lot of the crime stuff was told instead of shown (“so and so had been arrested last week” when it was a pretty important arrest).
Otherwise I loved it all. Have a box of Kleenex handy! And make sure you’ve read the other books in the series first.
April 26, 2023
Rachel was a very interesting O'Malley to read about. Since her romance was already built through Jack's book, it was nice to have more time to just dive into her character.
I didn't really relate to her that much, because she's always trying to help everyone else, and not making time for herself. But I loved how caring she was.
So this wasn't my favorite O'Malley book, but I did enjoy it.
>> 2019
This was a tough book to read. From violence among kids, a flood, murders, and Jennifer's story, this book takes you through a roller coaster. It was so much more then I remembered, and I bawled my eyes out at the end. Honestly, Rachel is still not my favorite O'Malley, but I aprechiated it more this time.
I didn't really relate to her that much, because she's always trying to help everyone else, and not making time for herself. But I loved how caring she was.
So this wasn't my favorite O'Malley book, but I did enjoy it.
>> 2019
This was a tough book to read. From violence among kids, a flood, murders, and Jennifer's story, this book takes you through a roller coaster. It was so much more then I remembered, and I bawled my eyes out at the end. Honestly, Rachel is still not my favorite O'Malley, but I aprechiated it more this time.
May 11, 2019
This. Was. The. Saddest. Book. I. Have. Read. In. A. Long. Time.
No, I didn't cry (because I don't cry easily), but if I were a crying person, I would have bawled. I'm really glad how Henderson worked the O'Malley family story in this one because it was very realistic. I appreciate realism, even though it doesn't make for a "fairytale fictional" story.
It was really hard to read about the school shootings and its impact on the kids. It was realistic and had a good message, but really hard.
I also really liked that, finally, there was an O'Malley book where the character was saved in the beginning and her relationship wasn't prevented by the Christian/non-Christian situation (which, I agree that Christians shouldn't date non-Christians; it was just the whole "not-really-dating-but-just-as-soon-be" situations I didn't care for).
I liked how Rachel had to learn to lean on God and not people. These books really have great messages!
No, I didn't cry (because I don't cry easily), but if I were a crying person, I would have bawled. I'm really glad how Henderson worked the O'Malley family story in this one because it was very realistic. I appreciate realism, even though it doesn't make for a "fairytale fictional" story.
It was really hard to read about the school shootings and its impact on the kids. It was realistic and had a good message, but really hard.
I also really liked that, finally, there was an O'Malley book where the character was saved in the beginning and her relationship wasn't prevented by the Christian/non-Christian situation (which, I agree that Christians shouldn't date non-Christians; it was just the whole "not-really-dating-but-just-as-soon-be" situations I didn't care for).
I liked how Rachel had to learn to lean on God and not people. These books really have great messages!
August 5, 2016
I adored this book. So many emotions running through it! The O'Malley's are one of my favorite fictional families ever. I love how the siblings relate to one another, and how they all stand behind each other.
One thing I didn't quite understand...perhaps those who have read it would know. ;)
All in all a wonderful book! (But super sad at the same time. Bring the tissues if you're planning on reading it.)
One thing I didn't quite understand...perhaps those who have read it would know. ;)
All in all a wonderful book! (But super sad at the same time. Bring the tissues if you're planning on reading it.)
November 24, 2021
IM NOT OKAY.
*curls up in a ball*
*deep breath*
The O'Malley Series gets better with each book, though I don't know how the next one could possibly top this one.
I adored Rachel and her siblings. I adored Cole. I adored their relationship.
I honestly connected with Rachel in a way I didn't expect, and that made this book so much more raw and painful but also inspiring and comforting.
I loved how Rachel and Cole spurred each other in their faith, and how it was an integral part of them, not just an afterthought.
The mystery was so good, and I honestly can't even complain about the 4 or 5 different POVs. They were so well done and I just could. Not. Stop. Reading.
Mmkay, I'm off to read book 6 and get my heart shredded once again.✌
*curls up in a ball*
*deep breath*
The O'Malley Series gets better with each book, though I don't know how the next one could possibly top this one.
I adored Rachel and her siblings. I adored Cole. I adored their relationship.
I honestly connected with Rachel in a way I didn't expect, and that made this book so much more raw and painful but also inspiring and comforting.
I loved how Rachel and Cole spurred each other in their faith, and how it was an integral part of them, not just an afterthought.
The mystery was so good, and I honestly can't even complain about the 4 or 5 different POVs. They were so well done and I just could. Not. Stop. Reading.
Mmkay, I'm off to read book 6 and get my heart shredded once again.✌
Read
March 20, 2019RTC
March 7, 2020
What an amazing novel!!! Wow, this novel had so many interesting twists and turns!! This novel was a bit more deep in the fact that there were a lot of emotions involved; which is kind of necessary since Rachel is a trauma psychologist. 'The Healer' was an incredible read and a real page-turner!! It had me on the edge of my seat but it also had me crying many times. The emotional onslaught that Rachel must go through as part of her job, it's really a wonder she's not completely grey!! Her relationship with Cole was so sweet!! Cole is such an amazing character, I wish he was here with me in person and I wish I could be on the receiving end of one of his hugs!! He is absolutely perfect for Rachel!! He knows when to talk and comfort, but also when to just be there for her and let her cry. This novel was sadder than the others in the series because there was so much death, especially with the school shooting. It was beautiful to see Rachel's faith grow stronger through the trials she went through.
I also cried so much for Jennifer!! I won't tell you if they're sad tears or happy tears though. Jennifer is such a strong person, but in 'The Healer' I fell more in love with Tom!! Oh my goodness, how to start describing him? He planned their wedding knowing that they might have to plan Jennifer's funeral, but he kept on loving her. He didn't distance himself, he just gave all of himself to Jennifer, and I know that's what got Jennifer through to the end. The way that Jennifer and Tom behaved and coped under such stress and sadness was really inspirational. In the end, God used Jennifer's cancer to bring all of the O'Malleys to God!
Overall, I loved 'The Healer'!!! Great, original plot and storyline + amazing characters = INCREDIBLE STORY, a must read!!
I HIGHLY recommend this novel!! (and the whole series!!)
I also cried so much for Jennifer!! I won't tell you if they're sad tears or happy tears though. Jennifer is such a strong person, but in 'The Healer' I fell more in love with Tom!! Oh my goodness, how to start describing him? He planned their wedding knowing that they might have to plan Jennifer's funeral, but he kept on loving her. He didn't distance himself, he just gave all of himself to Jennifer, and I know that's what got Jennifer through to the end. The way that Jennifer and Tom behaved and coped under such stress and sadness was really inspirational. In the end, God used Jennifer's cancer to bring all of the O'Malleys to God!
Overall, I loved 'The Healer'!!! Great, original plot and storyline + amazing characters = INCREDIBLE STORY, a must read!!
I HIGHLY recommend this novel!! (and the whole series!!)
August 18, 2018
Characters:
Rachel O’Malley: Trauma psychologist
Cole Parker: Fire captain, Jack’s boss
Jennifer, Marcus, Lisa, Stephen, Jack, and Kate: All of Rachel’s brothers and sisters
The fifth in the O’Malley series and another good one. Parts of it were day to day stuff, like going out to dinner, visiting at each other’s homes or hospital, but when there was action, boy, was there action.
Major parts of the book were a murder at the beginning, a catastrophic flood in Chicago, a sweet budding relationship, a shooting at a high school, and facing what none of the O’Malleys felt capable of facing: their sister Jennifer’s cancer coming back with a vengeance.
I won’t go into the parts I was a bit disappointed in that would have caused a 3-star rating. The major theme of facing why God doesn’t seem to be healing Jennifer was so good that this alone brought it up a star for me. Plus the tear-jerking ending was too good to not give this at least 4 stars.
I so enjoy seeing the love this O’Malley family have for each other: how they will do anything for each other, and treat their siblings with such kindness and understanding. That, and whoever is the latest love interest is taken in by the family as if they were always a part of them. I love that Cole and Rachel both knew the Lord from the start of the book, and their relationship is so sweet, taken slowly and patiently. Cole is wonderful.
Now, all but Stephen have come to know the Lord, so the last of the series will be Stephen wrestling with what his family has been trying to help him find for months. He’s resistant, but the drawing from the Lord is irresistible. Looking into this book soon.
Rachel O’Malley: Trauma psychologist
Cole Parker: Fire captain, Jack’s boss
Jennifer, Marcus, Lisa, Stephen, Jack, and Kate: All of Rachel’s brothers and sisters
The fifth in the O’Malley series and another good one. Parts of it were day to day stuff, like going out to dinner, visiting at each other’s homes or hospital, but when there was action, boy, was there action.
Major parts of the book were a murder at the beginning, a catastrophic flood in Chicago, a sweet budding relationship, a shooting at a high school, and facing what none of the O’Malleys felt capable of facing: their sister Jennifer’s cancer coming back with a vengeance.
I won’t go into the parts I was a bit disappointed in that would have caused a 3-star rating. The major theme of facing why God doesn’t seem to be healing Jennifer was so good that this alone brought it up a star for me. Plus the tear-jerking ending was too good to not give this at least 4 stars.
I so enjoy seeing the love this O’Malley family have for each other: how they will do anything for each other, and treat their siblings with such kindness and understanding. That, and whoever is the latest love interest is taken in by the family as if they were always a part of them. I love that Cole and Rachel both knew the Lord from the start of the book, and their relationship is so sweet, taken slowly and patiently. Cole is wonderful.
Now, all but Stephen have come to know the Lord, so the last of the series will be Stephen wrestling with what his family has been trying to help him find for months. He’s resistant, but the drawing from the Lord is irresistible. Looking into this book soon.
January 25, 2014
Oh, Rachel, how I love you. Strong and together. And Cole. I haven't read this book in at least 5 year, but I still have fond memories of certain scenes. Flooded driveways. Middle names. Sorry. I'm rambling, not reviewing, now.
I loved this series as a teenager. The self-made family. And Rachel was a favorite. Rachel. Marcus. Lisa.
Stephen, Jack, and Kate were great too. And Sara. But Rachel has my heart. Now I want to go back and read her again.
Anyway, Rachel's story is a hard one. The losing never stops. It's hard to trust God in the face of so much pain. But He's the only one who can take the burdens and carry them for you.
I loved this series as a teenager. The self-made family. And Rachel was a favorite. Rachel. Marcus. Lisa.
Stephen, Jack, and Kate were great too. And Sara. But Rachel has my heart. Now I want to go back and read her again.
Anyway, Rachel's story is a hard one. The losing never stops. It's hard to trust God in the face of so much pain. But He's the only one who can take the burdens and carry them for you.
February 19, 2011
Faith as a topic was not integrated well into the story line. Relationships were not well developed and main characters were too perfect. Most dramatic event of the story was merely a side issue. Whole story line was loosely put together.
December 28, 2015
This book... Yeah, I was tearing up at the end. If I wasn't sick, I would have been crying. So good, yet it hurts so much. I am sad I only have one book left.
April 1, 2019
Definitely the most emotional O'Malley novel so far (and probably not why you'd think *wink*). I ADORED Rachel and Cole's relationship! More than like...everyone else's so far. The subject matter was pretty depressing at points, but overall I enjoyed it. *thumbs up*
June 11, 2017
This book was AMAZING! I love the O'Malley family! The Healer made me smile, laugh, and cry. I have loved every book by Dee Henderson so far.
February 6, 2024
Whew…this was the most heartbreaking of the series and also hard to put down. It’s been a while since I shed tears while reading a book.
The plot was very unique with a natural disaster, murder case, and school shooting (the back is a bit of a spoiler but I think it’s a good thing to know going into the story.) The family thread was the best part. No spoilers, but I loved the surprise the ladies planned. So sweet.
I am not a professional counselor, but I related to Rachel in many ways. I am an empathizer and a pastors wife and can imagine how hard it would be to try to help carry so many heavy loads while having your own. What a comfort it is to take those burdens to Jesus! I’m glad Rachel had gotten saved in the previous book.
Personal opinion I haven’t seen mentioned…but my only qualm was the weird relationship Rachel has with Gabe. I don’t think in real life a serious boyfriend and future husband would be ok with that. I would not be ok with that if the roles were reversed. Thankfully that wasn’t a major part of the story.
It was nice to have various POVs again in this story and see all the O’Malleys today, even when it was over something so sad. It was nice to get to know Cole better. The children in this story stole my heart. Stephen had had the least amount of page time up to this point, and I enjoyed getting to know him a bit before the final book.
Those last few chapters…get your tissues ready😭
Love the O’Malleys. It’s been a great series.
The plot was very unique with a natural disaster, murder case, and school shooting (the back is a bit of a spoiler but I think it’s a good thing to know going into the story.) The family thread was the best part. No spoilers, but I loved the surprise the ladies planned. So sweet.
I am not a professional counselor, but I related to Rachel in many ways. I am an empathizer and a pastors wife and can imagine how hard it would be to try to help carry so many heavy loads while having your own. What a comfort it is to take those burdens to Jesus! I’m glad Rachel had gotten saved in the previous book.
Personal opinion I haven’t seen mentioned…but my only qualm was the weird relationship Rachel has with Gabe. I don’t think in real life a serious boyfriend and future husband would be ok with that. I would not be ok with that if the roles were reversed. Thankfully that wasn’t a major part of the story.
It was nice to have various POVs again in this story and see all the O’Malleys today, even when it was over something so sad. It was nice to get to know Cole better. The children in this story stole my heart. Stephen had had the least amount of page time up to this point, and I enjoyed getting to know him a bit before the final book.
Those last few chapters…get your tissues ready😭
Love the O’Malleys. It’s been a great series.
January 8, 2017
The book was too busy to handle some of the very delicate subjects in the plot. In other books Rachel had been a sibling that was a globe trotter as a trauma counselor for children until this story and yet she was a counselor for a teenage girl. Why would a counselor that basically worked on call and traveled extensively be able to also work locally as a counselor? The death of Lisa was emotional for me because I lost my sister to the same cancer a few months before reading, so i was very concerned with how it was handled. Sometimes the story stood still and caused boredom and then there were so many sub-plots that everything got tangled. What exactly was the climax in the strory? There was a murder victim, a missing person tied to Rachel, a flood, a school shooting, budding romance, two weddings, and a dying sister with a subsequent funeral. Too much in too short of a book.
October 26, 2013
I think this is the best book of the O'Malley series so far! It focuses more on how Christians handle a death that comes too soon, and the dilemma of why God would allow such a thing to happen. The romance between Cole and Rachel was quiet and slow-building, and a good bit of the groundwork had been laid in the previous book. The mystery was also quite interesting and relevant to current domestic events. It was a very powerful book, one that made me cry at the end of it. Would definitely recommend this series based on this book alone!
Read
March 3, 2014This was one of my favorite books in the O'Malley series (perhaps because I identify most with Rachel's character.) It is gratifying to see the character grow, change, and develop.
April 23, 2018
Favorite book in this series so far -- love Rachel and Jennifer! (And, wonder of wonders, no missionary dating.)
March 3, 2015
I'm reading this all out of order. This was actually the first O'Malley book I picked up, and it was certainly a doozy. A school shooting, always tragic, and the resulting investigation while trying to deal with a family medical issue puts ever-more stress on Rachel. The self-built O'Malley family pulls together when needed, watching over each other professionally as well as in their private lives, but something may give if she can't.
June 27, 2019
This book was so disappointing. It took a full year 100 pages to build a backstory that was mostly extraneous. The short scene with action was well written, but the aftermath was rushed and unrealistic. The only purpose this book really served was to shame people who don’t believe in Christianity to think they are going to hell and will never be happy, which is unfortunate since that’s built on evangelical lies.
May 25, 2020
2.5 stars. Yes, this "adopted" family grows on you as it expands, but yes, this one is kind of depressing! SO many tragedies in one book to process! Some are timely and credible. A bit of a stretch that they are all so involved in so many!
June 29, 2014
absolutely awful. There are no human beings this perfect on the planet. Aren't Christians fallible human beings too? Gag me.
September 14, 2015
oh my gosh! the feels.....
June 20, 2019
This book is the saddest of the series. I love Rachel and Cole, but this book always tears at my heart.
August 6, 2021
Dee Henderson, you broke my heart with this one. But I loved every single second of it. 💛
June 16, 2025
caught me completely SOBBING for half the book
EDIT:
I literally knew everything that was going to happen and here I am BAWLING MY EYES OUT AGAIN
EDIT:
I literally knew everything that was going to happen and here I am BAWLING MY EYES OUT AGAIN
June 19, 2024
*Sobs for 24 hours first*
This was wonderfully heart wrenching. It was definitely a struggle not to cry sometimes, especially at the end. Gosh I really wish Jennifer lived. I wish it so so much, but I also appreciate the lesson the author taught through her life. The kind of peace we can find despite the trials on earth as long as Jesus is in the boat with us. I loved Jennifer.
The O’Malleys continue to be one of the most wonderful siblings I’ve read about, even though they are not blood related. I love them so much. When I started I only planned to read Jack’s book. But then I got hooked by Rachel and Cole, and now I’m definitely going to read Stephen’s book.
The plot was very intense—even though it did take a while to get there. This was an issue I had. I kept reading the blurb on Goodreads and wondering if it was the same book or if the shooting had happened before the book opened. For about 40% there wasn’t really a plot but just lots of meandering. Still I was enjoying getting to know more about Rachel and her job, and spending time with the siblings.
Rachel is a wonderful person. I can’t imagine a job like hers. She was so full of empathy and love and goodness. It was amazing.
I didn’t see as much as I hoped about Cole here. The story mostly focused on Rachel and the O’Malleys, and Cole mostly seemed to circle around that. It was just him being there for Rachel, reacting to the things happening in her life, etc. I would’ve liked a better balance. At some point, he felt two dimensional being oh so perfect and always saying exactly what Rachel needed to hear. The romance between them didn’t really intrigue or fascinate me. But I’m still happy they got their HEA.
I loved that the two sisters got married in the end. It was so lovely to see more of Kate and her emotions—I hadn’t read her book and didn’t really know much of her but I came to really like her! When the four sisters spent time together and then went into the shooting together, I realized just how amazing the four of them were. It was serious girl-power!
The main plot was crushing. Gosh, Grey was such a good kid. It was too tragic, it hurt. It even hurts to say that i understand the mirror it held up because too many times good people get caught up in bad things because we’re human and can’t always control our emotions as we would in hindsight. America and guns… hmm. I liked Adam, Nathan, and Ann, but when I found out in the end that Adam knew so much and kept it to himself, even tried to hide the gun, well I wasn’t as sympathetic with him as the characters in the book. I would’ve preferred if he got some serious therapy and was made to understand how very wrong his actions were. He’d literally hidden evidence and some families might have been left without proper closure. The main culprit might’ve also gotten away. I also was heartbroken completely about Tim, until I found out he’d also taken a gun to school. Like all of this is so ill.
I felt bad for Marissa. The loss was just too much. I felt like she needed a break after her first tragedy.
It was a hard book, but it was balanced with the steadfast love the O’Malleys had for each other. The faith aspect and Bible verses were also encouraging, even though I didn’t feel like Rachel truly believed the words she read/prayed about. It was mostly Jennifer and Cole that were truly portrayed as believing Christians.
All in all, it was a moving read that taught me a very big lesson about life-death that I pray I never forget. Remaining thoughts on reading update!
This was wonderfully heart wrenching. It was definitely a struggle not to cry sometimes, especially at the end. Gosh I really wish Jennifer lived. I wish it so so much, but I also appreciate the lesson the author taught through her life. The kind of peace we can find despite the trials on earth as long as Jesus is in the boat with us. I loved Jennifer.
The O’Malleys continue to be one of the most wonderful siblings I’ve read about, even though they are not blood related. I love them so much. When I started I only planned to read Jack’s book. But then I got hooked by Rachel and Cole, and now I’m definitely going to read Stephen’s book.
The plot was very intense—even though it did take a while to get there. This was an issue I had. I kept reading the blurb on Goodreads and wondering if it was the same book or if the shooting had happened before the book opened. For about 40% there wasn’t really a plot but just lots of meandering. Still I was enjoying getting to know more about Rachel and her job, and spending time with the siblings.
Rachel is a wonderful person. I can’t imagine a job like hers. She was so full of empathy and love and goodness. It was amazing.
I didn’t see as much as I hoped about Cole here. The story mostly focused on Rachel and the O’Malleys, and Cole mostly seemed to circle around that. It was just him being there for Rachel, reacting to the things happening in her life, etc. I would’ve liked a better balance. At some point, he felt two dimensional being oh so perfect and always saying exactly what Rachel needed to hear. The romance between them didn’t really intrigue or fascinate me. But I’m still happy they got their HEA.
I loved that the two sisters got married in the end. It was so lovely to see more of Kate and her emotions—I hadn’t read her book and didn’t really know much of her but I came to really like her! When the four sisters spent time together and then went into the shooting together, I realized just how amazing the four of them were. It was serious girl-power!
The main plot was crushing. Gosh, Grey was such a good kid. It was too tragic, it hurt. It even hurts to say that i understand the mirror it held up because too many times good people get caught up in bad things because we’re human and can’t always control our emotions as we would in hindsight. America and guns… hmm. I liked Adam, Nathan, and Ann, but when I found out in the end that Adam knew so much and kept it to himself, even tried to hide the gun, well I wasn’t as sympathetic with him as the characters in the book. I would’ve preferred if he got some serious therapy and was made to understand how very wrong his actions were. He’d literally hidden evidence and some families might have been left without proper closure. The main culprit might’ve also gotten away. I also was heartbroken completely about Tim, until I found out he’d also taken a gun to school. Like all of this is so ill.
I felt bad for Marissa. The loss was just too much. I felt like she needed a break after her first tragedy.
It was a hard book, but it was balanced with the steadfast love the O’Malleys had for each other. The faith aspect and Bible verses were also encouraging, even though I didn’t feel like Rachel truly believed the words she read/prayed about. It was mostly Jennifer and Cole that were truly portrayed as believing Christians.
All in all, it was a moving read that taught me a very big lesson about life-death that I pray I never forget. Remaining thoughts on reading update!
October 20, 2025
First, I have read this book easily a dozen times. That’s not even an exaggeration. This book was my entire personality as an early teen. I was obsessed with Rachel and Cole. I was tickled as I re-read this time remembering being so happy at how many times they kissed in this book. Oh if young-Crystal could see me now.
Secondly, I was struck by how hard this one hit me in the 2025 cultural landscape. School shootings, children dying at the hands of a gun, the brutal pain that can happen to a community at the hands of an environmental catastrophe. All things that felt very close to reality in light of the world were in. I don’t think Dee Henderson could have anticipated the weight her words would carry 20+ years later. I still cried through the story, but felt the weight of loss and death in a new way as a mom and as someone who spends a lot of time with students. so thankful for the truth included in the pages of the Lord who is on his throne but who is with us in our suffering. A five star read forever.
Secondly, I was struck by how hard this one hit me in the 2025 cultural landscape. School shootings, children dying at the hands of a gun, the brutal pain that can happen to a community at the hands of an environmental catastrophe. All things that felt very close to reality in light of the world were in. I don’t think Dee Henderson could have anticipated the weight her words would carry 20+ years later. I still cried through the story, but felt the weight of loss and death in a new way as a mom and as someone who spends a lot of time with students. so thankful for the truth included in the pages of the Lord who is on his throne but who is with us in our suffering. A five star read forever.
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