Header PromotionSINGLE DAD, NURSE BRIDE by Lynne Marshall
Reviewed by debiw781 on February 2nd, 2008, 3:38pm
Format: Print Books
Series: Harlequin Medical Romance
This is my second foray into this line.
SYNOPSIS: Nurse Rikki Johansen and Dr. Dane Hendricks are from two entirely different worlds. He's the epitome of wealth while Rikki is driving a car that doesn't always start right away. They get off on the wrong foot instantly due to a misunderstanding but then the attraction begins to sizzle despite their very different backgrounds. Will either be willing to open up their hearts to see the person underneath the labels? And will Dane's private family issues derail any hope they have at all?
MY THOUGHTS: This was a tough read for me. Don't misunderstand me... the story is well written and once again, I'm impressed by the tough issues that are tackled in this line. No, what was tough for me stemmed from two things: I have problems with anything- books, movies, anything- in which one character feels so out of place. I felt Rikki's pain deeply, too deeply I think, to fully appreciate the story. This is not a fault of the author at all but my own personal preferences in regards to stories I enjoy. My other issue is that Rikki was both a survivor of the foster care system and a foster parent herself. Too well did Lynne Marshall describe the emotional rollercoaster that both foster children and foster parents are put through. I was actually a foster care case manager for three years and Rikki's pain was too real for me. So having said all that, let me just add that Lynne Marshall did a phenomenal job at bringing up delicate and emotional issues.
Lynne Marshall
This is the fourth (I think) book that the author has written for this series and they are all loosley linked. My favourite is 'In His Angels Arms'. I could read and re-read this book. it is so well written that at times you want to laugh with the characters and others you really feel their dispair. I'm afraid I can't review the book here because I read it last year. A superb writer in my opinion.
I agree...
She is a superb writer. Maybe too good in this case as that is what made it such a tough read~ the issues the characters faced felt too real for me. I hope that makes sense.....
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That makes perfect sense .........
it is a tremendous compliment to the author, that she was able to move you so deeply
thanks for your review ... I'm glad you mentioned the serious issues this book covers .... and it's gratifying to learn that Ms. Marshall does this very well
KatherineT-eHarlequin ~ Book Challenge Host
I'm a Harlequin Addict, and I'm proud of it! ~ Quiet Canadians Blog
Rikki
I read this book right before Christmas and Rikki's character really hit home for me. Christmas...holidays, family expectations, everyone wanting something from me, trying to do everything. It was a great read for me at that time because it reminded me to step back and recenter. Within that context, Rikki gave me a nice touch of humor to laugh at myself for al lthose times that I get so busy giving that I forget to give to myself. Hard to describe but it was a fun read for me over the holidays because seeing myself too much in her character, it turned on a lightbulb...a stop-light saying enough!
Merri
Hildie's blog: http://blog.hildie.net
Glad...
Glad it made sense what I was trying to say! And I know what you mean, Merri, about how this book could have that impact on you. That was a very good point but I do struggle so hard with books when a character feels that out of place like Rikki did. Again, this is my own issue and not the author's... and combine that with the stuff about the foster care system and wow, this was just tough for me to read. Again, VERY well written and I appreciated the realistic approach to how the system works, even including the double standard that applied near the end (and that would be a spoiler to reveal so I won't mention more).
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge
I haven't seen much of the
I haven't seen much of the foster care system fortunately. It was hard reading about the child in one sense because there were no pretty bows to the situation. I guess I saw a heroine who took giving to such and extreme that she made me see how giving to others can go too far and somehow reading it over the Christmas holidays when one is supposed to be giving but when my family's dark side comes out definitely influenced my reading.
I would be interested to hear what you think of Laura Iding's Christmas romance someday from your social worker background. There is somewhat of a battle between social services and the doctor....I have a feeling that you might like that one part on one level.
Merri
Hildie's blog: http://blog.hildie.net
What line
What line/publisher etc is that one? I'll hunt it down...
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge
It's a Medical Romance
It's a Medical Romance called Baby Found at Christmas. On the steamy level, it is more of a sweet romance than a sexy one. I just have a feelingthat, as a social worker, you will feel the goodness that emanantes out of the hero and heroine in a heightened and good way beyond the average reader.
Merri
Hildie's blog: http://blog.hildie.net
Not available....
It's sold out. *sigh* I found a couple at the used bookstore but this is ridiculous that these books are so hard to find!!
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hard to find books
you and me both. I am waiting for 6 to make it over to NA.
Do you know, our grocery store just decides not to buy products. We have only a couple of big chains close to us and it drives me crazy to have regular products we buy consistently just not be there! Even when a person asks the manager, it never happens usually. It is very frustrating not to have actual products in stores.
Merri
Hildie's blog: http://blog.hildie.net
don't even get me started...
On the whole issue of products not being on the shelves! It's a pet peeve of mine!
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge
Wow
Dear Debbie, et al,
Reading your comments has nearly moved me to tears. Thank you all for taking my book so seriously. The fact that you are having a discussion about my book astonishes me. Some issues are difficult for people and I realize we like to read for escape. So I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I tried to strike a balance with Rikki being quirky and winning the hunky doctor over by her tenacious personality instead of beauty and favor. We do tend to tackle more realistic topics in the Medcial Romance line. But we always come through on the Happily Ever After!
I still think about Dane and daydream! 
thank you for reading my book
Best Wishes,
Lynne Marshall
www.lynnemarshallweb.com
Pregnant Nurse, New-Found Family 10/08 NA
Assignment: Baby, 3/09 UK
Temporary Doctor, Surprise Father, 6/09 UK
Thanks...
Thanks for stopping by, Lynne! Everyone has trigger points and I can see where the Medicals will have those more emotional moments since such tough issues are addressed. It's definitely proven to be a thought provoking read for me!
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge