The Healer

"This is my first Courtney Dixon novel, but I've already purchased In Retribution to find out where it all started. However, I'm getting ahead of myself.<br/> <br/>Jose and Jonas immediately won my heart, and while the plot was a little predictable, it was no less adorable. Jonas has been living in the closet since a failed attempt at coming out caused him to be a social outcast with his father and brothers, rejected by his first crush, and beaten up by several of his classmates. Nothing has changed in the sixteen years since. He is more alone than any one person should be because of his quiet personality and imposing size, as well as being firmly rooted in his closet.<br/> <br/>Jose's reaction to his admission was significantly more positive. But the death of his parents at an early age (murder victims), the incarceration of his best friend, and, subsequently, the loss of his abuela continue to torment him.<br/> <br/>Their first meeting was a tense dance of collisions and garbled conversations. Because of his internalized homophobia, Jonas is unable to speak to Jose and express his affections for him; Jose has little patience for this gentle giant and lets it be known.<br/> <br/>This was an excellent story about redemption, the healing power of second chances, and self-acceptance. If you've never lived in an iron closet, you might not understand Jonas and the decisions he takes out of fear.<br/> <br/>I'm always wary of novels about people of color written by people who aren't themselves people of color, but this one passed muster. With the exception of homophobia, which is present in many sectors of life, I loved the portrayal of these characters as multidimensional individuals rather than caricatures. Jose was raised in a loving environment from his parents, before their death, and grandparents. Jonas came from a loving and successful family.<br/><br/>Overall I liked this book and will read this author’s work again.<br/><br/>I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."

"My favorite of the O’Malley series. Had me crying multiple times!!"

"Dee Henderson has very dynamic characters that intertwine together and her plots are very well thought out and written even better."