Reviews for Mending Helen’s Heart
A compelling sequel. “A fascinating story. This is a must read after Mountains of Trouble. I love how Clare brings readers into the lives of the characters in this beautiful work of historical fiction!” My second novel, Mending Helen’s Heart, was honored with a five-star review from Reader’s Favorite, a national review site that mails newsletters to libraries and bookstores throughout the country. Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford “Growing up in the country pre-World War II was difficult for Helen. With few of the amenities the young people in town enjoyed – like running water – Helen was constantly self-conscious and a target for teasing because she wasn’t as clean as the others, and her clothes were often worn out at best. During her high school years, she moved into town and lived with her grandparents, but that wasn’t easy either. When a fellow student, one of the popular boys in school, Joseph, connects with Helen, she has high hopes that perhaps she has finally found love and a chance at a happy life with a family of her own. Then World War II begins, and some of the choices Helen makes may not be for the best. Clare Bills’s romance novel, Mending Helen’s Heart, is the sequel to Mountains of Trouble. It’s a touching story about coming of age during a difficult era in world history. The plot follows Helen as she adjusts to life in town, living with a controlling grandmother and making her way in the work world. As the romance develops, Helen’s character evolves, and she actually starts to blossom, breaking free from the previous stigma of being the dirty girl from the country with greasy hair and grubby clothes. The descriptive narrative sets the stage and invites the reader into the story. The characters are well developed, and the dialogue is well constructed and believable and helps move the story along. This is an engaging read for young adults and up.” Another great story! “After reading “Mountains of Trouble”, I couldn’t wait to read the sequel. It did not disappoint. Ms. Bills has such a wonderful way of telling a story. It captivated my interest till the very end. I can’t wait to read another book by Clare Bills!” The sequel we’ve been waiting for! “Bills’ first book, Mountains of Trouble, was the prequel to Mending Helen’s Heart. A great story of pathos and the struggle so many young, single women face, it left, as all good books do, a desire to learn more about Helen’s life. Mending Helen’s Heart provides the same irresistible draw into the psyche and life-affirming endeavors of strong, resilient women.”BJD
National Review
C. Kirihara
P. Baumer