What Heals Us

Falls Creek, Book 2

By: Maggie Gates

Narrated by: Tor Thom, Savannah Peachwood

"Surely losing your virginity to a firefighter in a cabin getaway that was won at a fundraiser was against some fine-print bylaw in the town charter."
______________________

It all started with a list.

Ten resolutions for a new year, new me.

Or at least the me I thought I should be.

It was going all fine and dandy until I got snowed in with my friend’s brother.

Her much older brother. What happens in the cabin, stays in the cabin. Right?

Wrong.

When Austin Hale shows up on my doorstep, offering to help me with my list, I decide that I’d be crazy to say no. He’s new in town, and I’d rather not go on my journey of self-discovery alone.

We can do this as friends. Besides, he’s too old for me, and the two of us have enough baggage to fill an airplane.

Ten resolutions, and then we move on.

In my mind, the rules are clear. But my heart has plans of its own.

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Welcome back to Falls Creek, North Carolina, where gossip is a way of life and meddling is a show of affection. What Heals Us is a small-town romance packed with heat and heart. Get ready to melt over hunky firefighter Austin Hale, and sweet kindergarten teacher, Caroline Tyree. This is book two in the Falls Creek series, but can be listened to as a standalone.

©2023 Maggie Gates (P)2024 Blue Nose Publishing

Compassionate story

Audiobook Review: What Heals Us by Maggie Gates (Falls Creek #2)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What Heals Us is the second book in the Falls Creek series by Maggie Gates—and it did not disappoint! I’m absolutely loving this series. Like the first book, it’s a charming small-town romance with an age gap dynamic, and this story was just as sweet and heartfelt.

The FMC (female main character), Caroline, was such a standout. Sweet and innocent, yes—but also strong, determined, and just the right amount of sassy. She’s been through some serious medical challenges, but that didn’t stop her from pushing forward to gain her independence and become self-sufficient. Her journey, especially with an overprotective family, was truly inspiring to follow.

As for the MMC (male main character), Austin Hale—he was perfect. A total gentleman: patient, doting, protective, understanding, and so loving. Honestly, what more could you ask for in a book boyfriend?

The narration was equally impressive. Savannah Peachwood once again reminded me why I love her performances—she captured Caroline’s sweetness and spark perfectly. And Tor Thom as Austin? Swoon. His voice was strong, warm, and perfectly matched the quiet strength of his character. The two narrators had great chemistry, and their performances made the story even more immersive.

I highly recommend this series if you love small-town romance with depth, heart, and swoon-worthy characters. If the rest of the books are anything like the first two, I’m all in.
5/5 stars!

What Heals Us

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️

What Heals Us is the second book in the Falls Creek series. This is an incredibly moving and steamy age gap story. Austin is Beth’s big brother. Beth is pregnant and asked her brother to come help her through this journey. Caroline is Beth’s best friend. Caroline is twenty two years old and just starting to experience life. She has had a late start to the normal childhood milestones: road trip, first kiss…. And several more. Caroline has always crushed on Austin. Austin comes back to Falls Creek and is attractive to Caroline but thinks she is way too good for him. They have such an amazing connection. I love their love story.

Savannah Peachwood and Tor Thom did a fantastic job narrating this book.

A lovely small town romance!

I am such a sucker for small town romances and I was impressed by this story! I love the dynamic between Austin and Caroline. Age gap is one of my favorite tropes and Maggie wrote it so well.

The narration was great! I love being able to be drawn into a story, to the point where I'm possibly skirting some responsibilities to keep listening. I really enjoyed how the two narrators voices meshed together.

I will definitely being going back to read book 1 and to continue this sweet series.

AUSTIN FREAKING HALE

OK AUSTIN HALE I SEE YOU!!! When I saw the tropes age gap x v!rgin FMC I knew I was going to love this and I DEFINITELY DID!

They’re snowed in and she asks her friend’s older brother to take her V card and of course, THINGS GET HOT DESPITE THE WEATHER OUTSIDE. Austin is the man of all man’s and he has now moved his way up to one of my favorite MMCs by Maggie Gates. He was such a sweet and protective man towards Caroline and I loved all their interactions. THIS MAN RUNS A BATH FOR HER AND PUTS HER PJS IN THE DRYER TO WARM THEM UP FOR HER AFTER SHE HAS A FLARE UP - talk about SWOONY!

Book one in the series wasn’t my favorite but this book makes me SO SO EXCITED for Beth and Shane.

Small town
Age gap
Friends older brother
Forced proximity
Snowed in
V!rgin FMC
Firefighter MMC

This is hotter than your local fire department!

What happens in the cabin, stays at the cabin… riiight! Never! Especially in this small town! I love the new life this book got becoming an audio! From the dedication, to the last epilogue, this book is a winner.