4 Stars! ~~~ Though published in 1988, this one marvelously hold up to the changing times.
Country of the Heart by Robyn Donald
Harlequin Presents # 1040 ~ January 1988
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Since she was five years old, Finley MacMillan knew she was going to be a doctor and as she got older she’d decided on pediatrics. She’s completed her first stages and is now embarking on her specialist training and residencies. Working grueling hours, she contracts a serious bout of pneumonia that forces her to put her training and career on hold for a month’s medical leave on an island off the coast of New Zealand. Blake Caird owns the island that is made up of the hotel resort and his homestead, cattle ranch. The island is his haven, his deepest love, and he’s vowed never to get involved with anyone who can’t accept the isolation of his home. Thanks to an abandoned spaniel, Finley and Blake are brought together. Blake makes it clear from the start that he desires Finley and wouldn’t mind an affair during her stay on the island. Finley responds that she’s not the affair type; that because of her vocation to medicine she can’t afford the distractions and risks of an affair. But as the two spend more time together, their attraction only burns hotter and their love deeper. It’s no good though; neither can expect the other to give up their dreams; Blake’s of his island home and Finley’s of becoming a pediatrician.
I recently picked this one up at a local thrift shop, and when I read a review by Janet85 I decided this one should be read next. This one was just the book to follow the intensely emotional Medical I just finished. Robyn Donald is a wonderful author. Even though we rarely get the hero’s POV, Ms. Donald is a master of showing us through actions, dialogue and tone the hearts of her heroes. Blake’s feelings for Finley are never in doubt, and nor are Findley’s to Blake. Here is the classic conflict of lives meeting but set on different paths that can only lead to separate journeys. There are some truly wonderful scenes where the couple realizes it can never work and their hearts are breaking. Theirs is a hard won HEA, and a very satisfying one.
Excellence: Very Good ~ Steaminess: Yummy
My Totals = 51 ~ Harlequin Imprint = 51 ~ Other Publisher = 0
April Mini-Challenge ~~ “It’s Raining Men” ~ #6
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Blake Caird – A giant of a man, standing taller than 6’ 4” and broad in the shoulders … he’s purposeful and knows his own mind … once his mind is set that is the path he follows … though incredibly sexy he’s not handsome, rather rugged; sandy coloured hair, golden eyes … this is an older Presents, so the cover models are drawn … this cover is very well done … Blake is well presented, though I would have preferred Finley to be more petite as she is described in the book … as to casting an actor as Blake … none of today’s actor’s come to mind, perhaps Jude Law though he’s not quite large enough … a young Tom Selleck type would suit
~~ KatherineT ~~ I'm a Harlequin Addict, and I'm proud of it!
~~ Quiet Canadians ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
