What do you think?
Rate this book
The Healing Year
Never breaking eye contact, she stood with her hand over the grave, releasing her clump of dirt, slowly, scornfully, a little bit at a time, until it was gone. Only then did she turn and leave the cemetery without a word.
Meet 22 year-old Abigail Gerre, fiercely outspoken, gritty and resourceful. As the narrative opens, Abigail must preside over the burial of her stepmother, Margaret, with whom she had a fractious relationship. It’s January, 1867, and an outbreak of Scarlet Fever has caused Abigail to close the town’s school. On the fringe of the circle of mourners is an unexpected, yet familiar figure from her past, Dr. David Caldwell, scion of a wealthy New England family, at one time her protector and friend. The reason for his sudden reappearance is unclear, but one thing is certain. His presence will change many lives, including her own.
“The Healing Year” is the story of two families, once close, who are now torn apart by a secret that should have gone to Margaret’s grave. But, for David, treating those afflicted by the Scarlet Fever epidemic, will show him the life path he would choose, rather than that which his family would choose for him. For Abigail, the extended stay of the Yankee doctor will be a healing balm for her loved ones, her neighbors, and, ultimately, for herself.
Meet 22 year-old Abigail Gerre, fiercely outspoken, gritty and resourceful. As the narrative opens, Abigail must preside over the burial of her stepmother, Margaret, with whom she had a fractious relationship. It’s January, 1867, and an outbreak of Scarlet Fever has caused Abigail to close the town’s school. On the fringe of the circle of mourners is an unexpected, yet familiar figure from her past, Dr. David Caldwell, scion of a wealthy New England family, at one time her protector and friend. The reason for his sudden reappearance is unclear, but one thing is certain. His presence will change many lives, including her own.
“The Healing Year” is the story of two families, once close, who are now torn apart by a secret that should have gone to Margaret’s grave. But, for David, treating those afflicted by the Scarlet Fever epidemic, will show him the life path he would choose, rather than that which his family would choose for him. For Abigail, the extended stay of the Yankee doctor will be a healing balm for her loved ones, her neighbors, and, ultimately, for herself.
232 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 8, 2022
One of my favorite historical fiction books I've ever read. Written with just poise and grace. A beautiful read written by my dear friend.
May 22, 2026
The Healing Year is a sweet and easy to read historical fiction story set after the Civil War. I really enjoyed the historical elements woven throughout the book, and the storyline had a solid plot with just enough drama to keep me interested. There is also romance, but no spice, which makes this a great option for young adult readers or anyone looking for an easy to read historical fiction with heart, drama, and a softer romantic thread. The only thing I found myself wishing for was a little more time with the ending. It felt like there was still more to explore, especially around David’s family, and I would have loved a bit more closure there. Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read with a thoughtful historical setting and an emotional, easy to follow plot. I was given a complementary physical book from the author, and I appreciated the opportunity to read her book.
November 11, 2025
Had the honor of winning The Healing Year from the author @Christine Hunt on TikTok I want to give this a 4 1/2 stars but goodreads only allows a 4 or 5 rating, so I put it as a 5
22-year-old Abigail is outspoken gritty and resourceful. After the death of her stepmother, an old family friend Dr. David Caldwell comes into town for unknown reasons. As scarlet fever takes over the town Abigail must make a big choice and close the school. You must read this book and find out why David came to town and what happens between Abigail and David.
22-year-old Abigail is outspoken gritty and resourceful. After the death of her stepmother, an old family friend Dr. David Caldwell comes into town for unknown reasons. As scarlet fever takes over the town Abigail must make a big choice and close the school. You must read this book and find out why David came to town and what happens between Abigail and David.
November 20, 2025
Engaging, inspirational, closed-door love story. I enjoyed it.
May 28, 2026
*I received this book for free in a giveaway. Thank you to the author.*
A post Civil War romance with so much packed into under 300 pages. Was most of it predictable? Perhaps, but I don't care because it is still a great story.
I LOVE a romance where the woman isn't "broken until fixed by a man." Abigail stays a strong woman while still finding life changing love, and especially for the time period it is set in it is refreshing.
If you like historical romance and strong FMC's you will enjoy this quick read.
A post Civil War romance with so much packed into under 300 pages. Was most of it predictable? Perhaps, but I don't care because it is still a great story.
I LOVE a romance where the woman isn't "broken until fixed by a man." Abigail stays a strong woman while still finding life changing love, and especially for the time period it is set in it is refreshing.
If you like historical romance and strong FMC's you will enjoy this quick read.
May 16, 2026
A good read
Very cute story, love the ending. Has a good mix of drama, and self discovery. Glad I got to read this book. Very well written.
Very cute story, love the ending. Has a good mix of drama, and self discovery. Glad I got to read this book. Very well written.
August 5, 2023
Good book
A simple little love story told in a simple way. I kind of liked it. Sometimes a simple story will do.
A simple little love story told in a simple way. I kind of liked it. Sometimes a simple story will do.
March 4, 2026
This was such a beautifully written historical romance. I have a huge love for historical romances and the way this was written and the way the characters were portrayed was so good!
We follow Abagail a teacher, on her journey into adult hood and the troubles and trials she has faced in her lifetime. Her father passed and she was left with her step mother, her sister and the nanny. But when her step mother passed, a Dr that she had known when she was little come to take her and her sister to live with him, she was adamant that they weren’t going, then they had a breakout of Scarlet Fever and his services was needed there and since school was cancelled because of the spread of the disease, she helps the Dr care for patients, but they get a visitor they weren’t expecting and things take a turn with twists and bomb shells that they weren’t expecting.
This was so good! I fell in love with the characters and the plot. Such a good read.
We follow Abagail a teacher, on her journey into adult hood and the troubles and trials she has faced in her lifetime. Her father passed and she was left with her step mother, her sister and the nanny. But when her step mother passed, a Dr that she had known when she was little come to take her and her sister to live with him, she was adamant that they weren’t going, then they had a breakout of Scarlet Fever and his services was needed there and since school was cancelled because of the spread of the disease, she helps the Dr care for patients, but they get a visitor they weren’t expecting and things take a turn with twists and bomb shells that they weren’t expecting.
This was so good! I fell in love with the characters and the plot. Such a good read.
October 4, 2022
It is such a great story that is so beautifully written. The heroine, Abigail Gerre, is someone I couldn’t help but find myself rooting for and admiring for her tenacity and resiliency. I felt as if she was a kindred spirit who evoked character traits of both Jo March of Little Women and Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice. The story harkens back in time to a post-Civil War Virginia during an outbreak of Scarlet Fever. The characters are so well written that you feel as if you know them personally. I had a hard time putting it down and honestly, it is the kind of book that you are sad when you finish because you don’t want it to end. I highly recommend it! I loved it!
October 31, 2023
Was it only a year?
A comfortable story that was a pleasure to read. The characters quickly became my friends causing my mind to not only care for them, but to worry about them and to celebrate each hurdle conquered!
I gave this novel 4 stars because I truly liked the style as well as the story. 5 stars would mean it was one of the best novels I've read, and I've read hundreds . Very good? Yes! Recommended? Yes! One of the best? Hmmmm. Read it and decide for yourself!
A comfortable story that was a pleasure to read. The characters quickly became my friends causing my mind to not only care for them, but to worry about them and to celebrate each hurdle conquered!
I gave this novel 4 stars because I truly liked the style as well as the story. 5 stars would mean it was one of the best novels I've read, and I've read hundreds . Very good? Yes! Recommended? Yes! One of the best? Hmmmm. Read it and decide for yourself!
March 3, 2024
Not what I expected from the teaser, but a thoroughly enjoyable tale of rebuilding and moving on in post Civil War Virginia. There are a few practical details that don’t add up. David is disinherited, but lacks for nothing, can afford to work without charging his patients, and retains his inheritance. I doubt even in a post war era David and Abigail could have lived unmarried under the same roof for a prolonged length of time without causing scandal, I was willing to overlook these things for the sake of the story. Sometimes we just want the magic to work.
December 30, 2025
Abigail Gerre is an outspoken, resourceful teacher in post-Civil War Virginia, and change is flooding over her like a tidal wave. Her stepmother has passed leaving her to run the farm and raise a much younger sister, Rose. Scarlet Fever is rumored to be spreading across the nation, and an old friend, now a doctor, is returning under mysterious circumstances. As the daughter of doctor who passed many years earlier, she knows the dangers of Scarlett Fever and closes her school to protect the community when the first case appears.
When Dr. David Caldwell arrives at the farm, she is overwhelmed and conflicted by her memories of him. At one time their families were close, so close that her father mentored David before he left for Harvard to pursue medicine. The age gap seemed much larger then when she used to follow in David’s footsteps, and he would call her his “Little Shadow”. She is conflicted now because David’s return is not coincidental. He brings unwelcome secrets about their families and a legal order to be Rose’s guardian.
Despite many obstacles like a quack who conspires against David, an arranged betrothal for David with a wealthy heiress, a snooty mother with overbearing expectations for her son, local bias against a north easterner, and scepticism about the efficacy of new scientific methods to combat Scarlett Fever—David and Abigail grow close, and their friendship turns to love and marriage.
This is a sweet, tender, heart-warming romance where both characters fill the missing pieces for the other. It reads a bit like a narrated fairy tale as the author weaves the story with thoughtful descriptions of characters and settings interlaced with dialog that helps drive the plot.
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did. The second book in this series titled, Christmastide, is available now.
When Dr. David Caldwell arrives at the farm, she is overwhelmed and conflicted by her memories of him. At one time their families were close, so close that her father mentored David before he left for Harvard to pursue medicine. The age gap seemed much larger then when she used to follow in David’s footsteps, and he would call her his “Little Shadow”. She is conflicted now because David’s return is not coincidental. He brings unwelcome secrets about their families and a legal order to be Rose’s guardian.
Despite many obstacles like a quack who conspires against David, an arranged betrothal for David with a wealthy heiress, a snooty mother with overbearing expectations for her son, local bias against a north easterner, and scepticism about the efficacy of new scientific methods to combat Scarlett Fever—David and Abigail grow close, and their friendship turns to love and marriage.
This is a sweet, tender, heart-warming romance where both characters fill the missing pieces for the other. It reads a bit like a narrated fairy tale as the author weaves the story with thoughtful descriptions of characters and settings interlaced with dialog that helps drive the plot.
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did. The second book in this series titled, Christmastide, is available now.
January 23, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
This book is about the romance and eventual marriage between David and Abigail. The story begins with Abigail and her younger half-sister at the burial of Abigail's stepmother. David shows up there. They were once neighbors in Rhode Island. Their fathers were friends, but there was a falling out. Abigail's father moved his family to Virginia and she and David didn't see each other for eight years.
This book takes place two years after the Civil War. Throughout the book you read about the love that blooms between the two. They end up getting married. But it's also about so much more. There is a scarlet fever epidemic that grips the town. It shows in many ways the problems and financial struggles left behind by the war and how people struggle to set things right again.
I found this book to be lovely, well written and full of characters that you wanted to see succeed and have their happily ever after. I will save this to my read again shelf and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance and/or historical fiction.
This book is about the romance and eventual marriage between David and Abigail. The story begins with Abigail and her younger half-sister at the burial of Abigail's stepmother. David shows up there. They were once neighbors in Rhode Island. Their fathers were friends, but there was a falling out. Abigail's father moved his family to Virginia and she and David didn't see each other for eight years.
This book takes place two years after the Civil War. Throughout the book you read about the love that blooms between the two. They end up getting married. But it's also about so much more. There is a scarlet fever epidemic that grips the town. It shows in many ways the problems and financial struggles left behind by the war and how people struggle to set things right again.
I found this book to be lovely, well written and full of characters that you wanted to see succeed and have their happily ever after. I will save this to my read again shelf and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance and/or historical fiction.
November 20, 2023
After the Civil War
Abigail is a spinster at 22 taking care of her 10 year old “sister” after the step mother passed away. Abigail’s dad had been a doctor and provided a good education teaching Abigail to speak her mind. In the very first paragraphs in walks the man of her dreams whom she idolized as a young girl herself.
Through a scarlet fever epidemic and a love story that endures the hardship of the man’s wealthy family they find hope, purpose, and one another.
Can’t wait for book 2!!!
Abigail is a spinster at 22 taking care of her 10 year old “sister” after the step mother passed away. Abigail’s dad had been a doctor and provided a good education teaching Abigail to speak her mind. In the very first paragraphs in walks the man of her dreams whom she idolized as a young girl herself.
Through a scarlet fever epidemic and a love story that endures the hardship of the man’s wealthy family they find hope, purpose, and one another.
Can’t wait for book 2!!!
June 24, 2023
I couldn’t stop read this…
I think my eyeballs are going bonkers trying to finish this story. It was so good. There were ups and downs, but I truly enjoyed the angst in it. The Doctors family was pure evil. But you have to read it to see what they did. Such a great ending, but there needs to be more. I want to read more about them…that’s the only thing I didn’t like about the ending. We need more! ❤️📖📖❤️
I think my eyeballs are going bonkers trying to finish this story. It was so good. There were ups and downs, but I truly enjoyed the angst in it. The Doctors family was pure evil. But you have to read it to see what they did. Such a great ending, but there needs to be more. I want to read more about them…that’s the only thing I didn’t like about the ending. We need more! ❤️📖📖❤️
October 5, 2022
Impressed by this new author
I started reading this book because I know the author, and was curious.
I finished reading this book because it was really good!
She told an interesting story that took me in.
The time, the characters, the waves of emotion, all carried me away. Thank you!
I would definitely recommend reading this book.
I started reading this book because I know the author, and was curious.
I finished reading this book because it was really good!
She told an interesting story that took me in.
The time, the characters, the waves of emotion, all carried me away. Thank you!
I would definitely recommend reading this book.
July 16, 2023
Great historical fiction. Set in Virginia right after the civil war, this fiction explores the presence of small pox, the roles of women and the strengths found in women in spite of their conditions. Great book - some resemblance to Jane Eyre.
October 4, 2023
This was a good read. It tells something of the aftermath of the civil war in a scenario of family in the north and the south. Also, I am glad we aren't threatened with scarlet fever and small pox as in those days. It's like doctors with out borders. It was a clean but realistic story.
November 6, 2023
A Gentle Read
A fine book creating word pictures of characters’ reactions, feelings, and motivations.
If I understand this to be Hunt’s first book, I’m awed. And will look for the next.
A fine book creating word pictures of characters’ reactions, feelings, and motivations.
If I understand this to be Hunt’s first book, I’m awed. And will look for the next.
December 21, 2024
A Very Good Book
This book had some good history explained. The war between north and south was very hard on people. The love story was awesome. The family values of different people were quite interesting. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
This book had some good history explained. The war between north and south was very hard on people. The love story was awesome. The family values of different people were quite interesting. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
May 29, 2025
Until the time is right
Enjoyed the storyline and easy reading. Love grew with patience and trust after her illness. Her determination to not give up, gave way to her promising future.
Enjoyed the storyline and easy reading. Love grew with patience and trust after her illness. Her determination to not give up, gave way to her promising future.
January 8, 2023
Beautifully written. Excellent book club read for those in book clubs. Historical, lovely characters, wonderful read. Enjoy!
July 4, 2023
Beautiful
Beautiful story about a doctor and the woman who has always loved him. Very engrossing and hard to put down. Great book!
Beautiful story about a doctor and the woman who has always loved him. Very engrossing and hard to put down. Great book!
August 27, 2023
lacking
It was a great book until the end. To me the story ending was too abrupt. If it had continued, I think the overall story would have been better.
It was a great book until the end. To me the story ending was too abrupt. If it had continued, I think the overall story would have been better.
September 6, 2023
Beautiful read
So enjoyed this story of true love regardless of one’s status in life. Such a good clean story and the characters are so realistic.
So enjoyed this story of true love regardless of one’s status in life. Such a good clean story and the characters are so realistic.
December 23, 2023
Sweet story
February 21, 2024
Delightful
Delightful story. I fell in love with the characters and plot. I could not put the book down until I finished it.
Delightful story. I fell in love with the characters and plot. I could not put the book down until I finished it.
March 6, 2024
A cute, simple historical fiction romance with very likeable characters. I enjoyed this book but it ended a little abruptly. Kind of hoping there will be a sequel.
April 8, 2024
A sweet predictable love story post Civil War.
August 31, 2024
I gave three stars, not because I didn’t enjoy the story, but because I couldn’t stand the automated voice that read the story on Audible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews