The Healer (O'Malley, #5) by Dee Henderson

The Healer (O'Malley, #5) Reviews

• 
  Natalie Vellacott

  More of the same, I can't explain why I feel compelled to keep reading this series other than that I received it free!
  
  At least this novel didn't focus on a believer becoming romantically involved with a non-Christian. The couple involved this time were both Christians. Hooray....
  
  The storyline was more interesting than some of the other books. A shooting at a school and the aftermath. However, it's also more likely to upset some readers...
  
  As I progress through this series, there's a recurring thought: these aren't really Christian books or Christian characters. They live their lives in exactly the same way as non-believers: their focus is on their jobs, their relationships, their future plans etc. They rarely mention any type of devotional life or church involvement. They don't seem to be seeking to reach others with the Gospel, apart from those they are interested in forming relationships with! They only mention God when a crisis strikes and then it's almost as an afterthought or as a non-believer might pray just in case it makes a difference. There's just not really a sense that God is front and centre. I noticed it more in this book than in the others...
  
  I lost interest in the last few chapters of this due to the multiple weddings being planned...but up until that point it was worth reading.
• 
  Victoria

  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!
• 
  Andrea Cox

  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.
  
• 
  Hannah

  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.
• 
  Amanda Tero

  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!
• 
  Mikayla

  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.
• 
  Jesseca Wheaton

  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. ;) Was the shooting from the beginning of the book ever solved? And the school shooting? I read through it twice, yet I couldn't figure it out.
  All in all a wonderful book! (But super sad at the same time. Bring the tissues if you're planning on reading it.)
• 
  Kaitlyn Krispense

  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.✌
• 
  Abigail Harris

  RTC
• 
  Maria

  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!!)
• 
  Joleen

  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.
• 
  Sarah

  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.
• 
  Micaiah

  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*
• 
  Rebecca Carter

  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.
• 
  ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm

  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!
• 
  Kelsie Zarko

  This 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.
• 
  Minxy Melissa

  This story was action packed! The romance was sweet but very slow.
• 
  Victoria

  Favorite book in this series so far -- love Rachel and Jennifer! (And, wonder of wonders, no missionary dating.)
• 
  Hilary

  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.
• 
  Amanda

  oh my gosh! the feels.....
• 
  Sarah

  This book is the saddest of the series. I love Rachel and Cole, but this book always tears at my heart.
• 
  Betty

  Each one I read of this series I think is better than the last one!! Absolutely loved this one. One to go- just can't imagine they can get better or even as good but Dee Henderson always pulls it out!!
• 
  Manda Arnold

  It’s been a long time since I read a book that made me cry.
• 
  Aderonke Soyebi

  The Healer is a very emotional book that shows you how mindful God is of you no matter the situation
• 
  Lugene Hammond

  I love of all of O'Malley Series books and enjoy reading them again every few years. Muddy floods would not be my favorite subject to write a book around, but I learned a lot about floods and the effects they have on everything they touch. I can't say more, because I don't want to spoil anyone's read, but it was a terrific book!
• 
  The-vault

  By:Dee Henderson The O’Malley Series #5 Grade: A+
  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.
  Dee Henderson is a great writer. She knows how to write for the people who love suspense but are somewhat romantics. This series is a story about 7 people who were orphans and when they were kids they all were placed in an orphanage called the Trevor House. When they were leagally able they became a family by choice and changed all of their names to O’Malley. There’s a U.S. Marshall in the mix, a firefighter, and a trauma counselor among other professions. And this series goes through a mystery in their respective professions as well as leading them to the love of their life.
  The Healer was a little different from the other O’Malley series. It dealt partly with the possiblility of one of the O’Malley sisters dying of cancer. Rachel is really torn up about this and it makes you want to cry. This book definitely showed more of Henderson’s tender side in writing.
  The mystery itself was also a tear-jerker because the shooting affected so many of the other characters in this book. When something like this happens in real life it is like time slows down and stops moving forward and I think Henderson did a good job of producing that effect in this story. When I think back to the book even now, I feel that it took the characters a while to recover from this and move on. But they did eventually move on.
  The love part of this story was instrumental in keeping Rachel on her feet through both the shooting and her sister’s sickness. It was great to see writing that tied together all of these elements and actually show us how the character got through it. It wasn’t some one liner like, ‘she pulled herself together and got through the day.’ It showed Rachel’s thought process of leaning on God, her family and her work to make it through.
  If you are looking for a tear-jerker read this book. But also if you want something that shows a realistic senario of coming to grips with pain and death, pick this up. There was no carriage sweeping Rachel away from her pain. She had to face it. And while books are probably sometimes picked up for their fairy tale factor this book is a great alternative.
  
  
  Originally reviewed at :
  www.the-vault.co.cc