Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Stephen Millory is trying to figure out how to move forward after losing his wife in What Mends the Heart by Karen A. Wyle. It’s 1886, and the widowed tailor has been struggling since Mary’s death. When another tailor must leave Cowbird Creek temporarily, he agrees to take over his shop. The change gives him a chance to leave behind the home filled with memories of the life he once shared with her. After discovering that the space above the shop isn’t suited to his tall frame, he takes a room at Rebecca Wheeler’s boarding house. She’s used to taking care of people, whether that means preparing meals, managing her curious boarders, or simply noticing when someone needs a little extra kindness. Stephen soon settles into his job and his new surroundings. He also finds himself spending more time with the attractive landlady who reminds him of a bright-eyed bird. What begins as a simple arrangement gradually becomes a friendship neither expected. He may have come to Cowbird Creek to escape his past, but deciding where he belongs next becomes more complicated than he imagined. Could Rebecca give Stephen a reason to stay?

I really enjoyed What Mends the Heart by Karen A. Wyle. Rebecca and Stephen were both easy characters to like, and the slow buildup between them worked well. He was attracted to her, she was attracted to him, and yet neither seemed quite sure what to do about it. I kept waiting to see who would finally admit how they felt. Stephen’s grief also gave the romance more depth. Caring for Rebecca didn’t erase his love for Mary, and I appreciated that. It made his struggle with moving forward feel more believable. Rebecca had such a nurturing personality, but she also had a life and responsibilities of her own, which kept her from feeling like she was simply there to help Stephen heal. Getting both their points of view made their growing connection even more fun to read. Wyle worked the period details into the story naturally, so I learned a little about tailoring, and I enjoyed Stephen’s enthusiasm for the sewing machine. The nosier residents of the boarding house provided some funny moments, too. Anyone looking for a historical romance with friendship, second chances, and a relationship that takes its time to develop should give this book a try. It’s a nice reminder that opening your heart to someone new doesn’t mean forgetting the person you loved before.