I had never heard of the tragic 1917 Halifax explosion that devastated this city in Nova Scotia, which impacted thousands of people.  People were gravely injured; over a thousand were killed in the explosion, and hundreds died from their injuries in the weeks that followed the devastating accident.  Families searched for their loved ones, not knowing if they were dead or alive. 

I had never heard of author Terrie Todd before or read any of her books.  But she did a tremendous job in telling this account of the Halifax catastrophe in her historical fiction novel The Reluctant Healer of Halifax.  

She brought the story to life by focusing on two families, the Campbells and the Hamiltons.  She told how their family, friends, and community rallied together in the face of horror to save lives, bury the dead, house the orphans, provide for the needy, and slowly rebuild their community and lives. 

Days earlier, Oliver Hamilton had been shipped home from the WWI war front where he had sustained injuries and lost an eye.  As he lay on his bed in the Veteran’s Hospital, he couldn’t imagine going on with this life as he had planned.  He was certain that it was best to break off his relationship with Pearline Campbell and let her go on with her life. 

But in Halifax, on the morning of December 6, 1917, a clear sunny day, who would imagine that the only two ships in the harbor would collide?  That the collision would set off an explosion that would destroy the city?  All members of the community would need to pull together, including those injured war veterans who had recently returned. 

I loved reading this story and learning about Canadian history.  Terrie Todd did a great job in bringing these characters to life.  She told the story of how they pulled together to meet the overwhelming needs of so many, while trying to find out about their own family and friends.  Instead of turning inwards, by God’s grace and through His strength, they moved forward one day at a time.  They showed compassion and care when their own hearts were hurting. 

It was amazing to learn about the care that poured in from outside communities and countries.  Aid came to help individuals, families, and the city rebuild their community.  Help came after the disaster and continued over many months.

My favorite part of the book was the maturity depicted in the characters and their ability to grow, adapt, and change.  Their faith sustained them.  Instead of growing bitter or turning away from God, they turned to God and depended upon Him in the hours and days of their greatest need.  I loved the prayers and the good theology included in the storyline and reflected in the characters.  When reading this book, I couldn’t help but wonder how I would have responded to a devastating tragedy like this.

The Reluctant Healer of Halifax by Terrie Todd is a wonderful historical fiction account of the horrific tragedy that brought people together to rebuild.  Rebuild their community and their lives. 

I want to thank Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Reluctant Healer by Terrie Todd.  This novel is part of the Enduring Hope series from Barbour Publishing.  I look forward to reading more of Terrie Todd’s novels and more Christian fiction from Barbour Publishing.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.