Grounded Hearts set in Ballyhaven, County Clare, Ireland 1941 is an interesting story of a fallen Canadian pilot and the Irish midwife who nurses him back to health.
Nan carries guilt not only over her husband’s suicide, a sin according to her Catholic upbringing, but also because she allowed the entire community including her priest; to believe the death was an accident. As a nurse, she struggles with her inability to “save” him.
A single woman, Nan is independent, resourceful and well loved in the community. The kinship amongst the people, particularly the women of the small town, is to be admired. The Irish brogue used by the characters adds a layer of authenticity to the story.
But, proceed with caution. The three-star rating is due to what I considered a highly sexual theme, one unexpected in a Christian fiction. While it certainly is no Harlequin or Silhouette novel, I kept visualizing the shock of both my mother and grandmother were they to read it.
If you are not easily offended by sexually charged themes and references, then I definitely recommend the book for the story sake.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided in exchange for this review.