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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
What Wakes the Heart by Karen A. Wyle continues the Cowbird Creek series and is also a historical romance set in Nebraska during the years following the Civil War. Readers are introduced to a young teacher, Susannah, who’s carrying the weight of her past, and Karol, often called Carl by the townspeople, a hardworking immigrant determined to build a life on his own terms. As their paths cross in this small frontier town, they become more and more intrigued with each other. Their relationship doesn’t come easily. They must navigate questions of belonging, trust, and most importantly, the hope of love. Prairie life during the 19th century is also detailed in the descriptions of farm work, living in boarding houses, and the struggles of starting over in a new land. At its core, it’s a story about learning to heal, being resilient, and finding the courage to open one’s heart again, even when scars of the past still linger.
After reading What Heals the Heart, I knew I had to read What Wakes the Heart by Karen A. Wyle. I was once again intrigued by the cover and wanted to know more about the two people displayed there. This story describes aspects of life as a young, single teacher during that time, and what it’s like for her living in a boarding house, which was common for women in her position. The descriptions of her struggles with students who didn’t listen were quite relatable (since I’ve been there and done that). The growing connection between Susannah and Carl is tenderly written, with the kind of slow-build romance that feels both believable and rewarding. Watching their interactions develop added depth and heart to the story, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. Altogether, the mix of historical detail, relatable classroom moments, and a heartfelt romance made this a story that is both genuine and deeply engaging.
