The Queen of Hearts - Softcover

Kimmery Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0399585893 ISBN 13: 9780399585890

Publisher: Berkley Books, 2019

Synopsis

A powerful debut novel, praised by The New York Times, Bustle, Southern Living, and Hypable, that pulses with humor and empathy as it explores the heart's capacity for forgiveness...

Zadie Anson and Emma Colley have been best friends since their early twenties, when they first began navigating serious romantic relationships amid the intensity of medical school. Now they're happily married wives and mothers with successful careers--Zadie as a pediatric cardiologist and Emma as a trauma surgeon. Their lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, are chaotic but fulfilling, until the return of a former colleague unearths a secret one of them has been harboring for years.

As chief resident, Nick Xenokostas was the center of Zadie's life--both professionally and personally--throughout a tragic chain of events during her third year of medical school that she has long since put behind her. Nick's unexpected reappearance at a time of new professional crisis shocks both women into a deeper look at the difficult choices they made at the beginning of their careers. As it becomes evident that Emma must have known more than she revealed about circumstances that nearly derailed both their lives, Zadie starts to question everything she thought she knew about her closest friend.

About this title

Review

Praise for The Queen of Hearts

"Martin leverages her own background as a doctor to great effect throughout...[she] is equally insightful about many aspects of long-term female friendships, especially the blind spots that they often contain by necessity."--The New York Times

"A gripping and emotional novel perfect for fans of Meredith and Christina's iconic friendship, The Queen of Hearts is the perfect book for fall."--Bustle

"Martin's extraordinary sensitivity and empathy shines through during moments of crisis, which draw out the subtle, complex shades of her characters...the beautifully rendered characters and compelling, rhythmic storyline make The Queen of Hearts a thrilling read, and a fascinating look into the medical world. It's an impressive debut, full of warmth and excitement."--The Harvard Crimson

"Fans of Grey's Anatomy are sure to enjoy this new release, a novel about friendship, success, and secrets set amid the day-to-day drama of a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina."--Southern Living

"Kimmery Martin's excellent debut novel serves up an irresistible mix of romance, ER drama, friendship and betrayal. Martin, a physician herself, writes in a clear and lively way.... In her hands, dramatic hospital scenes and routine kitchen conversations are equally compelling." - BookPage

"A secret from two doctors' pasts may put what they cherish most under the knife: their friendship. A book about female friendships that unapologetically wears its heart on its sleeve."--Kirkus

"Martin's debut novel, about pediatric cardiologist Zadie Anson and trauma surgeon Emma Colley, is a medical drama executed with just the right balance of intensity, plot twists, tragedy, and humor...A remarkably absorbing read."--Booklist

"Whip-smart and full of heart, Martin expertly weaves the threads of friendship, love and betrayal into a story that crackles with humor and compassion. A brilliant debut."--Lisa Duffy, author of The Salt House

"In The Queen of Hearts, debut author Kimmery Martin brings humor and insight into this exploration of friendships and secrets set in the fascinating world of practicing doctors. She effortlessly weaves the past and the present to bring you all sides of this nuanced story. Part mystery and part exploration of the human heart, Martin has a cure for what ails both her characters and their relatable problems. Sure to be a hit with fans of JoJo Moyes and Liane Moriarty."--Catherine McKenzie, bestselling author of Hidden and The Good Liar

"In The Queen of Hearts, Kimmery Martin deftly weaves a tale of friendship and betrayal, family and lost love, the choices that define us and the secrets that keep us. Brimming with wit, intelligence, humor, and warmth, this dazzling debut teaches us about the heart's surprising resilience. Kimmery Martin is a new voice to watch."--Sarah Domet, author of The Guineveres

"Full of wit, subtext, and (of course) heart. Martin's writing is smart, compassionate, and just plain entertaining. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!"--Jessica Strawser, author of Almost Missed You

"Martin's voice is sharp and authentic in this captivating debut about two old friends and the scorching secret that nearly destroys them. Your heart will be thumping until the final page." --Emily Liebert, author of Some Women

About the Author

Kimmery Martin is an emergency medicine doctor, born and raised in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. A lifelong literary nerd, she reviews books, interviews authors, and works extensively with the library foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she resides with her husband and three young children. The Queen of Hearts is her first novel.

About this edition

• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 0399585893
• ISBN 13: 9780399585890
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368