Review: Healing the Hero - Heroes of Freedom Ridge #3

Healing the Hero book cover on blue background

It must be a good sign if I can dive into the next book in a series without hesitation, as I did with Healing the Hero by Elle E. Kay, the third book in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series.

Book Synopsis

A dream job. A dreamier boss.

Ashley Castle jumps at a chance to show off her skills as head chef when she lands the job at Liberty Grille in the Freedom Ridge Resort. Before long, she develops a full-blown crush on her boss but ignores her growing feelings. Nothing can happen as long as his nightmare ex-girlfriend remains in the picture, so she keeps her focus on work.

Restaurant Manager, Daniel Winchester hires Ashley and can’t help but be drawn to the new hire. If it weren’t for her faith in a God he stopped trusting while serving in Iraq, he could fall for her. He can’t let that happen, though.

When Ashley overhears a sinister plot, she’s torn between revealing it, which will mean risking her job if Daniel doesn’t believe her, and keeping it to herself. Daniel has a chance to overcome his demons, but will he take the risk and discover love in the process or bury the betrayal beneath his wit and charm once again?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This sweet workplace romance set amidst different perils made for a suspenseful read that kept me guessing who the culprit could be all throughout. Coupled with this mystery, this book provided a glimpse into the culinary world, whetting my appetite for intricately prepared menus and some dessert with Daniel and Ashley! It also brought attention to the dangers around cross-contamination for people suffering from allergies, so as someone in this boat, it was refreshing to specifically come across that in a story. With all the talk of food, this book left me hungry—in a good way—and hoping to read more from Elle E. Kay down the road.

I also appreciated that Healing the Hero not only examines what it is like to go through physical and emotional trauma, but spiritual trauma as well. Daniel's journey and his spiritual growth as a result was inspiring to read, and I am so grateful that the author took the time to include a full Gospel presentation as part of the book. Healing that comes from Christ is healing that lasts, which Daniel and Ashley experience in their story. The prayers that are shared are earnest and heartfelt, and it is encouraging to see the characters develop as they gain new spiritual understanding and walk in their faith.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ann J. David Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Vida Li Sik Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Amanda Deed Jenny Glazebrook Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur ...

Review: The French Kitchen

A historical fiction with dual timelines on two continents regarding the Second World War and French cooking? If The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron doesn't make you hungry for fine dining by the end, the cover will surely inspire you to don an apron. What a dreamy cover! 😍🇫🇷 Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis As Paris rebuilds in the aftermath of World War II, Kat Fontaine never expected the skills she learned in a French chateau kitchen to be the key that unlocks the secrets swirling in her new post-war life. Paris, 1952—Still haunted by the years she spent serving in the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, ex-pat Kat Fontaine, now living in Paris, finds a simple cookery class led by indomitable chef Julia Child unearths the tangle of gut-wrenching memories of war. Determined to find her brother who went missing d...

Review: Uncluttered Faith

Whenever I see a new Joshua Becker book, I read it. Make that a Christian book and I'll read it even sooner. Uncluttered Faith is perhaps the clearest and most unapologetically Christian book I've seen on the topic on minimalism and it's where the author's pastoral heart shines through the most. This book releases in February 2026 and is one that connects an intentional life to Gospel teachings in a way that is inspiring and attainable for believers. Many thanks to WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : mentions of contemplative spirituality authors, brief mention of monks and nuns Book Synopsis A transformative guide to experiencing the fullness of God's promises through the power of minimalism—from the bestselling author of The More of Less and The Minimalist Home. Consumerism competes for our attention daily—from social media influenc...