About the Book

Book: A Doctor in the House

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 15, 2020

This story was previously part of The Hope of Christmas collection.

They’re supposed to be allies, but mutual distrust puts this pair on opposite sides.

Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

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About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader:

As a long-time Human Resources professional, I’m fascinated by the history of women in the workforce, especially during the World War II era when many filled jobs previously held by men. A Doctor in the House came about when two bits of information collided with me on the same day.

I’m an avid fan of the BBC mystery show “Foyle’s War” about a detective chief superintendent located in Hastings, England. He’d rather be “doing his bit” for the war effort, but he continues to be assigned to regular police work. One of the episodes takes place in a huge country home that was requisitioned by the British government for use as a hospital.

Research turned up the fact that the British government took over people’s homes (whether or not the inhabitants were willing to give up the house). Later that day I was creating “this day in history” posts for my social media account and one of the events was Dr. Margaret Craighill becoming the first commissioned officer in the US Army Medical Corps. Previously, women were not afforded this opportunity.

I dug into Dr. Craighill’s story, and there were several references to difficulties she encountered by people who didn’t think women belonged in the military or in officer positions within the military. I thought the combination of a man who isn’t happy to have lost the use of his home with an American female doctor in charge of the hospital had the makings of a fun story. I hope you agree!

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

MY REVIEW

This is a quick and easy book to read. I enjoyed learning about what went on during the war and how women were able to play an important part in caring for the injured men. Most people don’t expect to see a woman as a doctor, but Dr. Emma O’Sullivan is good at her job. You can tell she has a little issue of being pointed out that she is a woman and shouldn’t be a doctor. It was nice to see how the author illustrated Emma’s devotion to being a doctor and how educated she is in her trade. Her compassion for her patients are encouraging and her faith helped her through the trying days she had treating the wounded.

Archie Heron is a Duke but not like people think of one. His family has come on hard times and he is barely able to keep the estate running. He is invaded by American soldiers and none other than Dr. Emma O’Sullivan. With the British government commissioning him to open his home to the doctor he has no choice but to cooperate.

The story shows a struggle of pride between both Archie and Emma and this makes for an interesting read. I love how this is an enemy to relationship story where both of the main characters find themselves fighting their feelings for each other. After a disagreement, Archie shows Emma that he does care about the soldiers and provides for them. It is a nice story of how two people through faith are able to work together to help others. Along the way, they find themselves maybe wanting to think of a future together. Will they end up being together? Grab a copy of the book and find out.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.