Books like The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin

In her debut novel, Kimmery Martin explores the complexities of female friendship, love, and professional ambition. Zadie Anson, a pediatric cardiologist, and Emma Colley, a trauma surgeon, have been inseparable since medical school, where they navigated intense relationships and life‑changing events. Now, as happily married mothers, their lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, are full of both chaos and satisfaction. The unexpected return of a former colleague, Nick Xenokostas, brings to light a long‑held secret involving Zadie’s past. Nick’s presence forces the women to revisit the difficult decisions made early in their careers, casting doubt on the foundations of their friendship. As buried truths surface, Zadie and Emma must confront the painful consequences of their past, testing the limits of trust, forgiveness, and loyalty. Martin’s witty, empathetic prose paints a vivid picture of hospital rounds, life‑or‑death decisions, and the daily grind of medical life, while delving into the emotional undercurrents that shape the lives of two women who share a deep, enduring bond.

First publish date: 2018