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Healing Hearts
Reeling from loss and heartbreak, Stella King is desperate to escape painful memories. The position of nanny on an isolated ranch in British Columbia's rugged Chilcotin Plateau seems the answer to her prayers. Cattle rancher, Dawson Wheeler, has worked hard to overcome grief and build a predictable world for his young daughter. The last thing he needs is the all-too-attractive Stella disrupting the smooth running of his ranch, especially now that disturbing incidents are happening on his property. Defending his land against those who want to gut it will be a challenge, but the biggest threat of all may be to his heart.
- GenresContemporary Romance
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2020
56 people want to read
About the author
C.B. Clark
8 books105 followersAward-winning author, C.B. Clark has written nine romantic suspense novels published by The Wild Rose Press. C.B. has always loved reading, especially romances, but it wasn’t until she lost her voice for a year that she considered writing her own romantic suspense stories. She grew up in Canada’s Northwest Territories and Yukon. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology, she has worked as an archaeologist and an educator. She enjoys hiking, canoeing, and snowshoeing with her husband and dog near her home in the wilderness of central British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 25, 2020
Set in a beautiful backdrop,
Healing Hearts
by C.B. Clark depicts the struggles of a couple damaged by life and love. Rancher Dawson Wheeler is an emotionally broken single dad hiding in his work and booze to chase away the memory of his long-dead wife. Dawson's character is well thought out, and the reader can clearly get a feel for this character's raw emotions. This character has that hurt and unapproachable thing in spades. Dawson's counterpart, lawyer, turned nanny, Stella King, is also lugging some hefty issues of loss and betrayal.
Though this is a story about healing old hurts and finding new routes to love and to trust again, the author adds in a bit of suspense to keep readers interested. The suspenseful moments are enough to break up the bouts of self-blame that both leads languish in and the moments where these characters fight their mutual attraction. The secondary characters round out this tale, and this is especially true for Dawson's daughter. This little dynamo lights up the pages and serves as the perfect catalyst for bringing Dawson and Stella together. Though this a good, easy, and quick read, the ending was a bit rushed. There was definitely more story to tell, but this is a thoroughly satisfying read.
Thank you to the author and the Wild Rose Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For other reviews check us out at Self-Professed Book Hoarders or follow us on Twitter.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Though this is a story about healing old hurts and finding new routes to love and to trust again, the author adds in a bit of suspense to keep readers interested. The suspenseful moments are enough to break up the bouts of self-blame that both leads languish in and the moments where these characters fight their mutual attraction. The secondary characters round out this tale, and this is especially true for Dawson's daughter. This little dynamo lights up the pages and serves as the perfect catalyst for bringing Dawson and Stella together. Though this a good, easy, and quick read, the ending was a bit rushed. There was definitely more story to tell, but this is a thoroughly satisfying read.
Thank you to the author and the Wild Rose Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For other reviews check us out at Self-Professed Book Hoarders or follow us on Twitter.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
May 3, 2020
From the opening line to the last word, it's hard not to invest in the characters. The two main characters both suffer devastating life events. Stella and Dawson both try to work through broken hearts in different ways. Stella, by moving to a cattle ranch and thus escape her life. Dawson lives in denial and sometimes the bottom of a bottle. When they meet, there is an instant physical attraction that they both fight to deny.
Knowing what they are going through, made me sympathize with their sometimes-abrasive behavior, especially Dawson toward those around him.
Healing hearts immersed me into the vast and stunning scenery of a British Columbia cattle ranch. The imagery this author created through her words drew me in and has me wanting to see it with my own eyes.
A blend of romance, mystery, suspense, and a satisfying ending will have me reading more by Ms. Clark. The satisfying ending makes me want to read more from this author.
Knowing what they are going through, made me sympathize with their sometimes-abrasive behavior, especially Dawson toward those around him.
Healing hearts immersed me into the vast and stunning scenery of a British Columbia cattle ranch. The imagery this author created through her words drew me in and has me wanting to see it with my own eyes.
A blend of romance, mystery, suspense, and a satisfying ending will have me reading more by Ms. Clark. The satisfying ending makes me want to read more from this author.
March 23, 2020
I received this ARC for a fair review.
C. B. Clark’s Healing Hearts is a satisfying love story for hopeless romantics. Stella King and Dawson Wheeler battle their own guilt from past losses and are afraid to risk loving again. Despite their internal struggles, Dawson’s young daughter tugs at Stella’s heart and keeps Stella from leaving, even as Dawson’s secluded British Columbia ranch is riddled with danger and death. Healing Hearts is full of mystery and romance. C.B. Clark makes the reader feel like they are actually there on the ranch. The well-developed characters are genuine, and the beautiful descriptions make this another great novel by C. B. Clark.
C. B. Clark’s Healing Hearts is a satisfying love story for hopeless romantics. Stella King and Dawson Wheeler battle their own guilt from past losses and are afraid to risk loving again. Despite their internal struggles, Dawson’s young daughter tugs at Stella’s heart and keeps Stella from leaving, even as Dawson’s secluded British Columbia ranch is riddled with danger and death. Healing Hearts is full of mystery and romance. C.B. Clark makes the reader feel like they are actually there on the ranch. The well-developed characters are genuine, and the beautiful descriptions make this another great novel by C. B. Clark.
March 24, 2020
Healing Hearts: It had fantastic writing. Wonderful story with lots of emotions. I loved all the characters. I like how Dawson was portrayed as the gruff widow cowboy and a parent. I loved how Deirdre is so full of energy. I love that Dawson is so dedicated to his ranch and he loves his daughter so much but he is also a lost soul. I love that Stella was not what he was expecting but she is the right person for both of them. She is caring and has her own loss. I love that it takes place in Canada. It was such a wonderful story I could not put it down. I love CB Clark's style of writing. All her books are wonderful.
March 24, 2020
C.B. Clark adds contemporary romance to her list of great reads with Healing Hearts. But don’t worry, she still brings a touch suspense to this story set in the western wilds of the Canadian Rockies. No spoilers here, but if you’re a reader who is looking for a great romance and touch of suspense, then spending some time with Stella, Dawson, and the cutest little Deirdre in Healing Hearts is the book for you.
March 6, 2020
Review to come.
January 8, 2021
I love this story trope, “single dad falls in love with child care provider” because there’s something about it that always pulls at my heartstrings. Perhaps it’s because I’m a nanny myself and can visualize being the leading character.
First, I’ll talk about Stella, the heroine. Her kind of loss and heartbreak is not the type that anyone wants to endure. I can’t imagine going through what she went through, so to say “she cries a lot” isn’t fair because I imagine I’d be a hot mess if I were in her shoes. There were a few times I thought “not again”… but then had to remind myself that I’d probably cry too. If a reader is a “pull up your big girl pants” kind of person then this book wouldn’t be for you. If a reader is a sympathetic and empathetic person, then this book is should work for you.
The hero, Dawson, is also going to require a sensitive type reader to fall in love with his character because he too experienced loss and heartbreak that was life changing. Dawson’s sweet little girl, Deirdre, the one Stella is nannying for, is like your average five-year-old. As cute as she was, there is one scene she was in that was a stretch of reality, but I went with it.
As if the reader isn’t dealing enough with the complex narrative of the characters dealing with learning about, and connecting with, one another, the author slides in another plot twist. Now more characters are introduced and have to intermingle with everyone else. This addition leads to the set-up of the suspense/mystery thread. Dawson’s land is being threatened and the path of the plot twist leads back to … I’m not telling. All I will say is that it’s very intriguing, to say the least. I was surprised and impressed with the flow of sequences.
The story was well written and entertaining. My one personal gripe was the back and forth see-saw of “I’m going home!” to “No, I’m not going home” and back again. It was just a little headache inducing. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the story. This was my first C.B. Clark book and I’d certainly consider reading another story by this author.
If you are looking for a little sensual romance with a few “sit on the edge of your seat” moments then this book qualifies. I think if readers enjoy dramas with high emotion, then I’d recommend picking up this story. Dawson and Stella couldn’t be better matched to heal each other’s hearts!
First, I’ll talk about Stella, the heroine. Her kind of loss and heartbreak is not the type that anyone wants to endure. I can’t imagine going through what she went through, so to say “she cries a lot” isn’t fair because I imagine I’d be a hot mess if I were in her shoes. There were a few times I thought “not again”… but then had to remind myself that I’d probably cry too. If a reader is a “pull up your big girl pants” kind of person then this book wouldn’t be for you. If a reader is a sympathetic and empathetic person, then this book is should work for you.
The hero, Dawson, is also going to require a sensitive type reader to fall in love with his character because he too experienced loss and heartbreak that was life changing. Dawson’s sweet little girl, Deirdre, the one Stella is nannying for, is like your average five-year-old. As cute as she was, there is one scene she was in that was a stretch of reality, but I went with it.
As if the reader isn’t dealing enough with the complex narrative of the characters dealing with learning about, and connecting with, one another, the author slides in another plot twist. Now more characters are introduced and have to intermingle with everyone else. This addition leads to the set-up of the suspense/mystery thread. Dawson’s land is being threatened and the path of the plot twist leads back to … I’m not telling. All I will say is that it’s very intriguing, to say the least. I was surprised and impressed with the flow of sequences.
The story was well written and entertaining. My one personal gripe was the back and forth see-saw of “I’m going home!” to “No, I’m not going home” and back again. It was just a little headache inducing. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the story. This was my first C.B. Clark book and I’d certainly consider reading another story by this author.
If you are looking for a little sensual romance with a few “sit on the edge of your seat” moments then this book qualifies. I think if readers enjoy dramas with high emotion, then I’d recommend picking up this story. Dawson and Stella couldn’t be better matched to heal each other’s hearts!
March 24, 2020
Stella King is leaving behind the bustling city of Vancouver to work as a nanny at a cattle ranch. Though she and her ruggedly handsome new boss are often at odds, she can’t help but feel drawn to him since she, too, is battling pain and demons from her past.
Grieving widower Dawson Wheeler doesn’t want the attractive new nanny on the Circle 5. His men are smitten with her, which is disrupting the business. Then there’s the mining company that’s trespassing on his land, and someone is killing his cattle. Needless to say, he’s stressed and angry, and Stella is the perfect target for him to release that anger. Unfortunately for him, the stubborn woman can give as well as she gets.
I really enjoyed this story. Stella and Dawson are broken people and at times bonded over shared loss, but they dealt with their pain in different ways.
I liked Stella. She was strong, desperate for a new beginning, and open enough to love again. I couldn’t connect with Dawson. He was extremely bitter and closed-off for the majority of the book. They argued a lot, but given their pain and experiences, it was understandable.
The secondary characters were a hoot, especially Alf, Dawson’s mentor and cook. The old man was the glue holding Stella and Dawson together. Deirdre, Dawson’s daughter, was probably the sweetest, most adorable, and realistic kid I’ve read about in a book.
The story flows well. There’s more suspense than romance, in my opinion, but the sexual tension between the H/h nearly set my computer on fire! There’s only one short sex scene, so readers who prefer their books to be light on the sex, this one is for you.
I’ve read a few other books from Ms. Clark and this one certainly won’t be the last.
5 Stars
Grieving widower Dawson Wheeler doesn’t want the attractive new nanny on the Circle 5. His men are smitten with her, which is disrupting the business. Then there’s the mining company that’s trespassing on his land, and someone is killing his cattle. Needless to say, he’s stressed and angry, and Stella is the perfect target for him to release that anger. Unfortunately for him, the stubborn woman can give as well as she gets.
I really enjoyed this story. Stella and Dawson are broken people and at times bonded over shared loss, but they dealt with their pain in different ways.
I liked Stella. She was strong, desperate for a new beginning, and open enough to love again. I couldn’t connect with Dawson. He was extremely bitter and closed-off for the majority of the book. They argued a lot, but given their pain and experiences, it was understandable.
The secondary characters were a hoot, especially Alf, Dawson’s mentor and cook. The old man was the glue holding Stella and Dawson together. Deirdre, Dawson’s daughter, was probably the sweetest, most adorable, and realistic kid I’ve read about in a book.
The story flows well. There’s more suspense than romance, in my opinion, but the sexual tension between the H/h nearly set my computer on fire! There’s only one short sex scene, so readers who prefer their books to be light on the sex, this one is for you.
I’ve read a few other books from Ms. Clark and this one certainly won’t be the last.
5 Stars
March 25, 2020
In her latest romantic suspense C.B. Clark tells the story of Dawson Wheeler, rural rancher, and Stella King, urban lawyer, who strike sparks off each other the minute they meet. And yet, they have much in common. Both are grieving over the death of a loved one, carrying a heavy burden of guilt, and hiding from their pain. Drawn together by an old man and a young girl, they learn you can’t escape, while you focus on the past. Only by looking ahead and choosing joy over guilt can you build something new and strong. The search for copper and corporate greed sabotage and murder to the ranch, reminding Dawson and Stella of the precious nature of life. In trusting each other they can prove Stella is innocent of subterfuge and Dawson of murder. Clark writes ‘put you in the place’ scenes, using sensory stimuli well. Her love for the grandeur and beauty of central B.C. is apparent. Her compassion for her flawed characters and understanding of human vulnerabilities makes this a book you will want to read.
July 18, 2022
After suffering a tragic loss, Stella King uprooted her life to move to a secluded and work as a nanny. Dawson Wheeler was in need of a nanny for his daughter while he worked his cattle ranch.
Along with a new employee Stella, Dawson also had a trespasser on his land and he was not at all happy about it. As more criminal acts were happening Dawson was trying to figure out who was trespassing on his land and also figure out how the very attractive Stella would fit into his and his daughters life.
I have been enjoying the works of C.B. Clark because I enjoy a little mystery wrapped into my romance books. The characters are so well written and I find while I read I am absorbing so much detail that when I stop for a break I feel like I paused a movie. I find it amazing that the pages of the book seem to come to life with every word. I feel this book is great for a person that enjoys romance or mystery and I would definitely give this author a try. I think you will also enjoy the read!
Along with a new employee Stella, Dawson also had a trespasser on his land and he was not at all happy about it. As more criminal acts were happening Dawson was trying to figure out who was trespassing on his land and also figure out how the very attractive Stella would fit into his and his daughters life.
I have been enjoying the works of C.B. Clark because I enjoy a little mystery wrapped into my romance books. The characters are so well written and I find while I read I am absorbing so much detail that when I stop for a break I feel like I paused a movie. I find it amazing that the pages of the book seem to come to life with every word. I feel this book is great for a person that enjoys romance or mystery and I would definitely give this author a try. I think you will also enjoy the read!
April 13, 2020
Healing Hearts was a masterpiece in the pacing of sexual tension and suspense - surprises but with all of it subtly foreshadowed. As one issue resolves, another is introduced. This book held my interest from the first page to the last. The frisson between Stella and Dawson is both titillating and potent. I highly recommend Healing Heart and look forward to reading more books by this talented author.
March 23, 2020
* I received this book as an ARC for a fair review. *
One thing I can say about C.B. Clark’s books – The action and suspense is exciting all the way through and the romance is never easy. Healing Hearts is another fabulous read that will have you laughing, crying, and biting your nails.
The main characters, Dawson and Stella, are complicated people, aka, multilayered and interesting. They’ll stick with you long after you finish the book. However, the secondary characters are all stars as well. I loved the five-year-old daughter, Deirdre, a child who’s desperate for a mother figure in her life. Her high energy was described perfectly. The man who cooked for the ranch, Alf, was the loyal friend we’d all like to have. The group of ranch hands personalities were each individual and quickly recognizable. Most impressive – the horses Stella and Dawson preferred to ride had personalities that were unique as well. By the time you’re halfway through the story, you feel like you’ve lived on the Circle 5 ranch for weeks.
I don’t know what experience the author has with ranching or the problems they faced on the Circle 5, but her knowledge and passion for their plight seemed genuine. No part of this book disappointed me. I can’t wait to find out what C.B. Clark comes up with next.
One thing I can say about C.B. Clark’s books – The action and suspense is exciting all the way through and the romance is never easy. Healing Hearts is another fabulous read that will have you laughing, crying, and biting your nails.
The main characters, Dawson and Stella, are complicated people, aka, multilayered and interesting. They’ll stick with you long after you finish the book. However, the secondary characters are all stars as well. I loved the five-year-old daughter, Deirdre, a child who’s desperate for a mother figure in her life. Her high energy was described perfectly. The man who cooked for the ranch, Alf, was the loyal friend we’d all like to have. The group of ranch hands personalities were each individual and quickly recognizable. Most impressive – the horses Stella and Dawson preferred to ride had personalities that were unique as well. By the time you’re halfway through the story, you feel like you’ve lived on the Circle 5 ranch for weeks.
I don’t know what experience the author has with ranching or the problems they faced on the Circle 5, but her knowledge and passion for their plight seemed genuine. No part of this book disappointed me. I can’t wait to find out what C.B. Clark comes up with next.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews