In the Heart of Paradise is the third installment of The Rainier Series by Jamie McGillen. Set in the late 19th century, it follows two women who battle their inner insecurities and a prejudiced patriarchal society to live their own lives. After her boyfriend leaves her for another woman, eighteen-year-old Elizabeth suffers from self-doubt and shaky nerves that hamper her from pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Meanwhile, Anna, an avid mountaineer, is plagued by nightmares of an old nemesis pushing her off a mountain. Pregnant with bouts of nausea that threaten to overwhelm her, Anna is determined to prove herself equal to any man, much to the chagrin of her old-fashioned doctors. When it's time for her to give birth, Anna seeks the help of Elizabeth. Can Elizabeth rise to the occasion?

Full of heart and a strong sense of sisterhood, In the Heart of Paradise is guaranteed to please readers who love women-centric stories featuring strong and independent women. Author Jamie McGillen touches upon mental health issues such as anxiety and depression and gives an accurate portrayal of how those issues were handled in the 19th century. Anna and Elizabeth are both well-realized characters, and their relationships with their friends and family form the bedrock of the narrative. Elizabeth's evolution from a timid teenager struggling with her nerves to a self-assured young woman who isn't afraid to deliver another woman's child makes for a captivating character arc. If you enjoy slice-of-life stories focused on strong women, In the Heart of Paradise is the book for you.

Set in the mid to late eighteen hundreds, In the Heart of Paradise by Jamie McGillen showcases the lives of two women. Elizabeth modeled herself after Florence Nightingale and wanted to be a nurse. But she battled Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and a phobia, making her seem strange. The doctors didn't have a name for these issues, and she feared institutionalization. Anna loved the outdoors, from hiking to hunting and adventure. She enjoyed these activities with her husband. However, she fell pregnant at the "wrong time" because of the associated confinement. The odds were against her, as everyone tried to push Anna out of the committees that she belonged to. It felt like her pregnancy was a disease. Will Anna rise above the projected limitations? Will Elizabeth fulfill her dreams of becoming a nurse?

In the Heart of Paradise by Jamie McGillen is the third installment in The Rainer Series. It was a beautiful book that will appeal to every woman told that she couldn't do it. I loved the brilliant plot, unique storyline, and remarkable character development. Anna's situation was realistic because female limitations remain a valid topic. I see it in the cooperate world, sporting industry, showbiz, and everywhere else. Once a woman gets pregnant, she's believed to be out of the game. Also, I appreciate Jamie's insight on OCD and Liz's sudden phobia. There are many people out there who go through the same thing. But all it takes is determination and courage to achieve anything. Jamie told an interesting story filled with memorable protagonists and supporting characters. Please, write more!