I have never read such a personal, tearjerker in the back of a book before. Tamera talks about the experience of her mother dying from gallbladder cancer while she was writing "Within My Heart." She took a hiatus from writing the book to be with her mom while they traveled the road of loss, courage and blessings. Tamera says "Many of the conversations between the characters in this story had their seeds in conversations she and I shared during those final days." Knowing this before reading the book, made it feel like I was sitting in on private conversations. It made the book real and moving in a way no other book could.
When Ben was talking with Dr. Rand Brookston about wanting to die at home and said "I don't mean any disrespect by this, but...it only seems right that the person dyin' should get to choose" I felt like I was listening in on a private conversation. Knowing that Tamera did have this conversation with her mother only made it more emotional for me. She says in the notes "When 'hope for healing' gives way to 'good-bye for now' the person making the journey home should get to make the final choices." Beautiful words and beautiful book!
Of course, the romance in "Within My Heart" is wonderful too! Rachel Boyd doesn't want to have feelings for any man other than her late husband. She especially doesn't want to develop feelings for a doctor who is exactly like her father! Or is he? Plus, Rand's got a secret of his one.
There is a good amount of tension between Rachel and Rand. I happen to have a thing for men in dusters and Stetsons so I knew Rand was one hot tamale! Pg. 191 "Rand strode toward her in that weathered duster of his, Stetson in hand, looking more like a gunfighter than a physician, and she wondered...was he as good with a rifle as he was with a scalpel?...She smiled, aware of the way his eyes lit when she did. She looked away, trying to remember exactly when he's lost his annoying, arrogant edge. She could still recall it, though, and pledged to remind herself of it each time she entertained the thought she was entertaining right now - of how handsome a man he really was." Oh, sounds like some good chemistry to me!
This book is a winner on many different levels. The Prologue alone will hook you AND I learned that this practice was true! I loved this book and was carried away with not only the romance but the story of Ben and Lyda and their journey. I cried and laughed and loved. I thought about the characters and the book for days after reading it. I liked it better than the first book in this series which is saying a lot!
Christianity: This book is strong in the Christian faith but particularly on the subject of death, loss of family and learning to trust again.
Recommendation: Read it after you read Book 2 - This book is the third in a three part series. Rachel and her late husband, Daniel, are in Book 2 as well. However, you could read this book out of order and follow along just fine.
Hotness Factor: 7 Stewing - Well balanced, robust flavor, great finish.
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