Family struggles in emotional ‘Healer’

In the blink of an eye, you can lose everything.

For Addison Boehning, a cancer research biochemist, and his wife, Claire, circumstances that seem beyond their control cause their castle to come crumbling down. They lose their comfortable, palatial home in Seattle. Claire and her teenage daughter, Jory, are forced to move to their small ranch in eastern Washington, while Addison scrambles to resurrect his shattered career and reputation.

Addison continues to try and find backers to help refinance and restart the drug trials for his possible cure for cancer. Meanwhile, Claire and Jory struggle with the challenges of surviving in a way to which they are not accustomed.

With money tight, Claire attempts to restart her medical career, a life she left behind 14 years ago to stay at home with her prematurely born daughter. After being turned away from every hospital and clinic in the small town of Hallum, Claire finds a job at a public health clinic.

Claire's thankful for the job. The clinic caters to the immigrant population who work the orchards around Hallum. As she struggles to remember the skills that once came easily to her, Claire meets Miquela, an immigrant from Nicaragua on a mission to uncover a terrible secret, a secret that could once again destroy Claire’s family’s hopes and dreams.

In her novel, “Healer,” author Carol Cassella draws upon her own medical background to lend credence to the fast-paced, emotionally moving story of family relationships and sacrifices. It is easy to admire Cassella’s depiction of the strength of Claire and Miquela, both mothers trying to do their best for their daughters. It's equally easy to be disgusted by the actions and selfishness of Addison and Jory, who seem only concerned with getting their worldly possessions back.

Cassella’s creative storytelling makes “Healer” a novel that is a pleasure to enjoy.