Alison Roberts
The Surgeon's Child (2003)
Author: Alison Roberts
Genre: Romance, Medical
Plot Summary:
When Russell and Karen Weaver searched for their adoptive daughter Bonnie's biological father, they were surprised to find him right at the hospital where Bonnie, only two, was being treated for leukemia. Matt Saunders was surprised to find that he had a child. His lover had left without telling him she was pregnant and then later died of a drug overdose. For the next few years he became friends with Karen and Russell and "Uncle Matt" to little Bonnie. They kept the secret of his real relationship to themselves. Polly Martin was a nurse at Queen Mary Hospital in the pediatric unit. Through Bonnie, Polly met Matt and was strongly attracted to him. When Matt took Bonnie on a trip to a theme park to give her parents a rest, he asked Polly to go along and nurse Bonnie. After that, their love affair progressed with lightening speed. When Bonnie died, Matt realized how much he loved her and was as devastated as her adoptive parents by the loss. He swore that he never wanted to feel
that kind of pain again and decided that he would never have a family and would break it off with Polly. Loving only meant loss and pain to him. Polly was stunned by his dismissal. She could not tell him that she was pregnant because she didn't want him to be with her for that reason. As time passed however, the pregnancy began to show and Matt finally figured out that she was pregnant. He was willing to do the right thing, marry her and provide a home for her and the baby, but he buried his love for Polly and denied its existance. Polly agreed to move in with Matt and let him provide the kind of home for their son that was beyond her means. However, she refused to marry Matt until he acknowledged his love for her, until he allowed himself to feel love for his son. Matt immersed himself in his work, denying his love for Polly and trying not to get attached to his newborn son. If he didn't love Polly and baby Sam, he believed, he couldn't be hurt if anything were to happen t
o them, if he lost them like he lost Bonnie. Finally, however, events showed him how much he loved Polly and Sam and how much he wanted them to be an integrel and intimate part of his life. Matt realized that there were no guarantees in love but that the rewards were well worth the risks. Matt, Polly and Sam became a family at last.
Geographical Setting: Christchurch, New Zealand; Brisbane and Dreamword theme park, Australia
Time Period: Present day
Series: One of Harlequin's Medical Romance Series
Appeal Characteristics:
Background is hospital and the main characters are medical professionals. The story deals with issues of loss and grief, parenthood, love and marriage. The story is frequently told from the viewpoint of the male protagonist. Imperfect characters who make mistakes but are good at heart and try to do the right thing. No overt sex acts; focus is on feelings. Internal dialog of characters as they struggle with their problems. Story moves quickly through conversation and characters' activities. Character takes precedence over slim plot. Ability for reader to empathize with both male and female protagonist. No bad guys here; all characters are likeable. Reader keeps hoping for a happy ending for these people and gets it.
Read-alikes: Other current books in the Harlequin Medical Romance Series are Her Celebrity Surgeon by Kate Hardy, The Life Saver by Lillian Darcy, The Noble Doctor by Gil Sanderson and A Perfect Father by Laura Iding. These all have medical settings and main characters are medical professionals. Although The Night Before Baby takes place in a business rather than a medical setting, the plot is similar to The Surgeon's Child.
Red Flags: Two children die. Illness and medical procedures described.
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