Although their home had been converted, the sisters worked hard to help the war effort in any possible way. The nurses assigned with the doctors at Twelve Pines became close like family. Sister Valerie Lewis became Audrey’s confidant and seemed more like a sister. The new doctor to join the staff was Captain Jake Harding whose sensual looks immediately grabbed Audrey’s attention. The hope that her interest would be reciprocated was short lived.

Ms. Whitfield has taken a plot with horrible situations and deplorable conditions and made a beautifully intricate story which will grab the heart of her readers. Audrey’s character is strong, but vulnerable. Jake is a man who has shut down his emotional functions. The supporting characters keep the story lively. They also help the emotionally-struggling doctor to face his own personal problems. Jake is a strong, caring doctor who totally rejects facing his own past horrors. Audrey not only projects her own strength, she is an encourager and, regardless of setbacks, refuses to give up on anyone or anything.

Broken Hero is a wonderfully poignant story of a man who just happened to be a doctor in World War II, who had to decide how to deal with his patients without neglecting his own needs. I highly recommend this story to anyone who is interested in WWII and the scenery around this part of England. Ms. Whitfield has graciously gone into detail so that I, who have never traveled, felt as if I had been in the midst of the storyline.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
March 14, 2008