Book Review: Prescription for a Frozen Heart

Reviewed by Tomi Alo

A heartfelt reminder that even the iciest hearts melt in the warmth of true love

Dr. Charlie Kriel has spent years guarding her heart, burying herself in work, and avoiding any emotional entanglements, especially when it comes to children. But her carefully built walls start to crack when she meets curious eleven-year-old Emilia and her irresistible yet emotionally distant father, Dr. Thomas Ribeiro. A skilled anesthetist with a reputation for being as cold as the operating room he works in, Thomas has his own reasons for keeping love at bay.

Set against a rich, engaging medical drama backdrop, Prescription for a Frozen Heart follows Charlie and Thomas, two emotionally scarred hearts, as they navigate their fears, past wounds, and undeniable attraction. As their relationship deepens, Charlie is forced to confront her longing for a family, while Thomas must decide if he’s willing to open his heart and be honest with the people who matter most.

Trust is the foundation of every new relationship, but are these two different yet similar souls ready to lay themselves bare? Or will fear keep them from embracing the love that fate has placed in their path? 

Prescription for a Frozen Heart is a sweet, heartwarming romance about healing, survival, and second chances. The novel is light, fun, and includes so much of what romance readers look for: chemistry, love, tenderness, found family, and a happily ever after.

Duffett creates a world where vulnerability and strength coexist. Charlie and Thomas’s story isn’t just about falling in love but also about finding the courage to move on and let go of the past. I love that Duffett gives both characters the space to grow, heal, and embrace the happiness they deserve. She also lightly touches on  the challenges women struggling with infertility face in the workplace and society in general, which adds more depth to the story. 

Another thing Duffett does well is seamlessly integrating the setting of the novel with the story, allowing readers to watch these brilliant medical professionals in action as they go through their daily, demanding work routines and interact with the patients they save along the way. 

The novel’s pacing does tend to drag a little, especially halfway through the book, with repetitive scenes from the past. The back and forth, coupled with Thomas’s indecisiveness, can become somewhat tiring too, as it feels out of character for someone in their mid-40s. I guess I hoped for more decisiveness and not to slow down the story too much.

Prescription for a Frozen Heart is ultimately a beautifully written story that embodies resilience and showcases love’s ability to mend old wounds. It’s a touching, feel-good romance that reminds us that even the coldest hearts can thaw with the right person.

---

Thank you for reading Tomi Alo’s book review of Prescription for a Frozen Heart by Jo-Anne Duffett! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.