Title: Broken Heart Syndrome
Author: Susie Tate
First published April 4, 2014
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Frankie has been nursing a crush on Thomas G. Longley since her first day at medical school.
But when he humiliates her in front of everyone, Frankie is crushed. Ten years later, Frankie has to work under Tom in the testosterone-driven environment of Cardiology before she can start her palliative care training.
But Tom is not the same person she once knew, he’s turned into a cruel, cold-hearted man. When Tom starts trampling on Frankie’s patients, she decides to stand up for herself and make Tom see that she’s not the same girl he once bullied.
As they both try to move on from their past misunderstandings, Frankie realizes that Tom might not be the ruthless alpha male she once thought he was. But Frankie’s past still haunts her, making it hard for her to trust anyone.
Will Tom be able to break through her defenses and make her see herself clearly for the first time in her life or will Frankie push him away?
About the Author
Meet Susie Tate – a General Practitioner and Author who resides in the stunning county of Dorset. When she’s not busy with work or writing her next masterpiece, she spends her time caring for her four little boys (one of whom may be grown up but still acts like a child!) or indulging in a good read with her furry companion by her side.
In addition to her medical practice, Susie also provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and those residing in a women’s refuge. She is immensely grateful to her fantastic readers and reviewers whose unwavering support has been a source of great comfort and encouragement.
Editoral Review
Broken Heart Syndrome by Susie Tate is a romantic novel that explores themes of loss, forgiveness, and healing. Tate, a British author who debuted in 2014, has an impressive background in nursing and midwifery, which lends authenticity to the medical settings and procedures in the book.
Broken Heart Syndrome falls under the contemporary romance genre and follows the lives of two protagonists who are brought together by tragedy. The book’s plot revolves around Lottie, a cardiac nurse who has lost her fianc, and Dan, a consultant cardiologist who is struggling with his own demons.
They meet when Lottie’s friend and Dan’s patient, a young girl, passes away under their care, leaving behind a journal that reveals a shocking secret. As Lottie and Dan unravel the mystery behind the journal, they connect on a deeper level, realizing they share similar emotional scars.
Tate’s writing style is engaging and heartfelt, and she creates a realistic and detailed world of healthcare professionals. The pacing of the novel is smooth, and the story progresses seamlessly, keeping the reader invested in the characters’ journeys.
The characters themselves are layered and well-developed, with unique personalities and compelling backstories. The book’s emotional depth and the portrayal of grief are some of its strongest points.
Tate doesn’t shy away from addressing the complexity of dealing with loss, and her depiction of the grieving process is raw and poignant. Furthermore, the medical aspect of the novel provides insights into the lives of healthcare workers, who are often underrepresented in literary works.
Despite its strengths, Broken Heart Syndrome has some flaws. One of which is the predictability of some plot points, and the minor characters could have been fleshed out more.
Moreover, while the book tackles issues of mental health, it sometimes lacks a nuanced perspective and could have done more to highlight the importance of seeking professional help. Overall, Broken Heart Syndrome is a poignant and heartwarming tale that’s sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings.
Tate’s writing is skilled and immersive, providing a glimpse into the world of healthcare professionals and the emotional toll it takes. It’s a great read for fans of contemporary romance and anyone looking for a touching story about finding love and healing after loss.
Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
