Rating: 
Summary: By Far My Favorite in her Series!
Review: I've read the entire O'Malley Series and Rachel is my favorite character in the "Family." I didn't find the storyline about the school shooting any less (or more, for that matter) plausible than the storylines in the previous five books. Dee designed these family members to be magnets for trouble. The read is much smoother if it's an accepted truth in the beginning rather than trying to hash it out as you go.I found the situation with Rachel's sister, Jennifer, was very well handled. My mother was dying from cancer when I originally read this and I bawled, but in a good way, during her moments in the book. I'm now reading it again, especially Jennifer's parts, to gain insight into how my mother may have been feeling before her death. I also appreciated the fact that Rachel was already a Christian at the onset of this story, having to deal with a new faith during such trying times rather than explain why the character didn't believe through most of the read as happened in the other books. A refreshing change in my opinion. Finally, I absolutely loved Rachel and Cole's relationship. Their first kiss had my hair standing on end. Very well written. In all, this was a fantastic book. One I'm reading again, and will be passing on to friends.
Rating:
Summary: HENDERSON CONSISTENTLY EXCELS!!!
Review: If you haven't read the other books, you will need to read them first in order to fully appreciate this book. Rachel is the one you turn to when life deals you a hard blow. She is the go-to girl in a crisis, capable of sharing your pain and lightening your load. Just two questions, how much can she absorb before reaching her limit? And, who does the go-to girl turn to? Once again, I find myself falling in love with each member of the O'Malley family and the friends that they have made along the way. Mrs. Henderson continues to show more and more of their past while painting such wonderful pictures of their future. I thoroughly enjoyed the men in Rachel's life. I can't wait for Stephen's story! Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: The Healer
Review: In a time when it is so hard to find quality, clean fiction, this book shines like a beacon for a good read. The fifth in the series (there is a prequel, but not counted) the previous books do lead to this novel. The story is heartbreaking and I found myself needing to keep tissues handy while reading this book. I found myself ranging in emotions from laughter, tears, anger, and comfort. This book had it all. It is a little darker than Ms. Henderson's previous titles, but well worth the melancholy. It packs a spiritual punch that left me reflecting on my own faith. The book is entirely clean - meaning no language, no sexual situations, no filth. I am a romance reader and this was a refreshing and welcome addition to my library. It's a keeper (maybe I'll pass it on, after reading it three or four more times - but then again . . .) Highly recommended!!!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful...
Review: In my lifetime I have read thousands of books. I always look for books to scare me, inspire me, make me dream, and make me cry. I have never found a book that makes me do all of those things at one time until... The Healer. I have read all of the other O'Malley books, including the prequal. This has been my favorite addition to the series. The books are written as a series and should be read like one. Each storyline builds off of the other books. In order to get the full effect and emotion of THE HEALER, you need to read them all. Ms. Henderson writes with passion and faith. The powerful messages this book has to offer are infinite and grand! The romance between Rachel and Cole are what dreams are made of. The warmth and support they show each other during rough times is touching and real. Henderson makes the O'Malleys feel like real people. When they are hurting or happy, it is easy for the reader to feel the same emotion while turning the pages through tears of joy and pain. THE HEALER is great! Read it...You won't be sorry.
Rating: 
Summary: So realistic!
Review: Not all the reviews I have seen of this book compliment it- Publishers Weekly saying it is hard to follow and unrealistic - I disagree!
As someone who works in the trauma field I'd say it's very realistic- things don't happen neatly and Henderson portrays this well. There are lots of characters but they all work well within the book and the romance is sensitively handled.
As someone who has recently left christianity, the emphasis on it can be a little jarring but Henderson's portrayal of a loving and protective god still connects - the concept is not original to christinity! I can't wait for Stephen's story!
Rating:
Summary: Powerful & Moving. Spiritually profound as well as Healing
Review: Rachel O'Malley is part of a self-proclaimed "family" of orphans that can teach all families how to love. Each of the O'Malley family members is a daily hero, i.e. firefighter, negotiator, doctor, etc. Rachel is the one who helps heal the souls bruised and torn by trauma. Working for the Red Cross, Rachel assists victims in the grieving and healing process.
Rachel and Cole's love story begins in book 4 of this series, The Protector, and continues here. This book more than any of the others ties all the O'Malley family members together. While this book could stand alone, it is more interesting if you already have connections with the other family members.
Jennifer's story line is precious in The Healer. She teaches us how to love and how to heal as a natural result of her relationship with God and those she loves.
Dee Henderson is a master of dialogue. You will be pleased you spent the time with the O'Malley family once more.
Rating:
Summary: One of Dee's Best! Very emotionally stirring!
Review: The Healer by Dee Henderson is the story of Rachel O'Malley. If you have read the previous book in the O'Malley series, you will already be familiar with Rachel. She is a trauma psychologist who works disasters for the Red Cross. This book begins with flood relief, moves to a school shooting, and ends with the first O'Malley family funeral. While the story does present the reader with a couple of unlikely situations, Henderson gives the reader one of her best stories. The whole O'Malley family is back together in this book. Despite the burnout and emotional drain that several of the O'Malley's are facing, the joy of family loyalty and love comes through in parts of the book. Despite the fact that Jennifer O'Malley loses her battle with cancer, the reader sees a portrayal of how a Christian faces such an end. Emotions run deep in this book and Henderson has written them well. I think this book reveals a great deal of maturity in Henderson's development as a writer. If you have read the other O'Malley books, you'll enjoy this one. If you haven't read the previous books in this series, this book is probably not the best entry point. It would be worth your while to go back to the beginning and get to know this great family. The O'Malley family is brilliantly conceived. Enjoy getting to know them!
Rating:
Summary: One of Dee's Best! Very emotionally stirring!
Review: The Healer by Dee Henderson is the story of Rachel O'Malley. If you have read the previous book in the O'Malley series, you will already be familiar with Rachel. She is a trauma psychologist who works disasters for the Red Cross. This book begins with flood relief, moves to a school shooting, and ends with the first O'Malley family funeral. While the story does present the reader with a couple of unlikely situations, Henderson gives the reader one of her best stories. The whole O'Malley family is back together in this book. Despite the burnout and emotional drain that several of the O'Malley's are facing, the joy of family loyalty and love comes through in parts of the book. Despite the fact that Jennifer O'Malley loses her battle with cancer, the reader sees a portrayal of how a Christian faces such an end. Emotions run deep in this book and Henderson has written them well. I think this book reveals a great deal of maturity in Henderson's development as a writer. If you have read the other O'Malley books, you'll enjoy this one. If you haven't read the previous books in this series, this book is probably not the best entry point. It would be worth your while to go back to the beginning and get to know this great family. The O'Malley family is brilliantly conceived. Enjoy getting to know them!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Yet!!
Review: The O'Malley's are a great example of how a family should be. They stick together through everything. "An O'Malley calls, an O'Malley comes". This motto is everywhere in this story. The series is written in order and should be read in order and don't miss the prequel, "Danger in the Shadows". You will fall in love with this family as well as their friends. If you haven't read any of the others this is not the one you should start with. The character and spiritual growth of the characters builds with each novel so it's best to start at the beginning! I love the entire series but this is the best of them all! I haven't cried over a book since I was in high school but this one had me reaching for tissue over and over. I can hardly wait for Stephen's story!
Rating:
Summary: five handkerchief reading experience
Review: They met when they were children at Trevor House, an orphanage located in the greater Chicago area. They looked out for one another and supported each other emotionally. When they grew up, they moved into an apartment together and changed their surname to O'Malley. Though not bound by blood, they were a family in every sense of the word. Even when they went their own ways, they still visited with each other and communicated via the telephone. Rachel O'Malley works for the Red Cross as a trauma psychologist, helping people cope with tragedy. Her latest assignment is in Chicago, helping flood victims deal with the aftermath of losing most of their possessions. When she needs somebody to lean on, fire fighter captain Cole Parker is there for her. Cole, who wants to marry Rachel, also supports her during her sister's illness and when she is involved in a school shooting that is linked to a homicide case her sister is working hard to solve. THE HEALER is a poignant love story, a five handkerchief reading experience that readers will never be able to forget because it is so beautiful. The heroine of this novel is a very special woman who gives of herself no matter the cost while Cole is her caring anchor. Dee Henderson is a brilliant storyteller who constantly writes tales that the audience wants to read. Harriet Klausner
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