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pixieauthoress's review
5.0
Edit on 14th March 2011: On second thoughts, I'm bumping this from 8/10 to 9/10. Thinking about this book, I did truly enjoy it and can only really recall a couple of tiny, minor faults about it.
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Heading home to Texas for her sister's wedding, Beth is less than pleased to be sharing her stagecoach with a drunken vagrant. But when they come across another stagecoach that's been involved in an accident, trainee-nurse Beth knows that she needs all the help that she can get. Yet no one is more surprised than she when Alex reveals that he's actually an ex-army doctor. Finally arriving at her hometown, her relatives and neighbours welcome her with open arms, especially when they learn that she's brought a doctor with her. Despite her aspirations to treat the town's residents herself, Beth knows that a female doctor will never be allowed. But Alex is still mentally scarred from the horrors that he's experienced on the battlefield, and insists that Beth help him treat his patients. Her parents are unhappy with this arrangement, until Alex suggests something that even Beth thinks she can agree to - a marriage of convenience. Beth will work alongside Alex, helping to alleviate his fears, and giving her the chance to use her medical skills. Will their marriage remain purely practical, or can it develop into something more? And will Alex's mysterious past ever catch up with him, revealing why he's still having nightmares about the war?
As you may have noticed, I'm on a historical romance kick right now, especially with novels set in late 1800s USA. Prairie life, homesteading and stagecoaches galore! And Mary Connealy appears to be Queen of these books! I've never read anything by her before but I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more of her books.
I made the mistake of starting this while studying for my English exam and had to keep tearing myself away. The start of this novel, where Beth is on the stagecoach and comes across the accident, is incredibly fast-paced and sucks you right into the story. Beth's a spunky heroine and takes control of the situation, ordering Alex and the driver around so that she can take care of everyone. Her heart is obviously in the right place, even if she has to beat Alex over the head with his own hat to make him obey her orders!
The chemistry between Alex and Beth is brilliant. While Beth initially finds Alex irritating, they work well together, both as doctor and nurse and as husband and wife. It was lovely to see their relationship developing and I loved Connealy's portrayal of marriage. Not only did this couple have a wonderful equal partnership where they relied on each other, but Connealy made it clear that sex is something to be celebrated between husband and wife. Some books ignore the subject of sex in marriage, or make it seem like a duty, so I'm very grateful to this author for showing that it is something to be both cherished and celebrated! That said, there was nothing graphic or descriptive on the topic of sexuality, just a few sentences here and there hinting that a happily married couple enjoyed spending time together in their bedroom.
While reading the novel I discovered that some of the characters had previously featured in other books - which is excellent as I'd love to read more about Beth's parents! However, I'm more interested in Mandy, the sister whose wedding Beth was heading home for. I really enjoyed the subplot about her in this book, and I'm happy to see that she's the focus of #3 in the Sophie's Daughters series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I didn't completely love it. While I was initially drawn in by Beth's spunkiness and the quirky and humorous narrative, this petered out after a while. The final conflict was fun to read, but I felt like the focus shifted from Beth to Alex. Of course, I enjoyed reading about Alex too but I found that I preferred the sections of the novel that were from Beth's perspective. I'll definitely be reading more books in this series as I enjoy reading about the McClellan family, but this isn't my absolute favourite historical romance.
If you like your romances to have a quirky narrative and a spunky heroine, this is definitely one to look out for. All three of the books in the Sophie's Daughters series are already on the shelves, so you won't even have to wait to find out what happens next to the McClellan sisters! 9/10
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Heading home to Texas for her sister's wedding, Beth is less than pleased to be sharing her stagecoach with a drunken vagrant. But when they come across another stagecoach that's been involved in an accident, trainee-nurse Beth knows that she needs all the help that she can get. Yet no one is more surprised than she when Alex reveals that he's actually an ex-army doctor. Finally arriving at her hometown, her relatives and neighbours welcome her with open arms, especially when they learn that she's brought a doctor with her. Despite her aspirations to treat the town's residents herself, Beth knows that a female doctor will never be allowed. But Alex is still mentally scarred from the horrors that he's experienced on the battlefield, and insists that Beth help him treat his patients. Her parents are unhappy with this arrangement, until Alex suggests something that even Beth thinks she can agree to - a marriage of convenience. Beth will work alongside Alex, helping to alleviate his fears, and giving her the chance to use her medical skills. Will their marriage remain purely practical, or can it develop into something more? And will Alex's mysterious past ever catch up with him, revealing why he's still having nightmares about the war?
As you may have noticed, I'm on a historical romance kick right now, especially with novels set in late 1800s USA. Prairie life, homesteading and stagecoaches galore! And Mary Connealy appears to be Queen of these books! I've never read anything by her before but I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more of her books.
I made the mistake of starting this while studying for my English exam and had to keep tearing myself away. The start of this novel, where Beth is on the stagecoach and comes across the accident, is incredibly fast-paced and sucks you right into the story. Beth's a spunky heroine and takes control of the situation, ordering Alex and the driver around so that she can take care of everyone. Her heart is obviously in the right place, even if she has to beat Alex over the head with his own hat to make him obey her orders!
The chemistry between Alex and Beth is brilliant. While Beth initially finds Alex irritating, they work well together, both as doctor and nurse and as husband and wife. It was lovely to see their relationship developing and I loved Connealy's portrayal of marriage. Not only did this couple have a wonderful equal partnership where they relied on each other, but Connealy made it clear that sex is something to be celebrated between husband and wife. Some books ignore the subject of sex in marriage, or make it seem like a duty, so I'm very grateful to this author for showing that it is something to be both cherished and celebrated! That said, there was nothing graphic or descriptive on the topic of sexuality, just a few sentences here and there hinting that a happily married couple enjoyed spending time together in their bedroom.
While reading the novel I discovered that some of the characters had previously featured in other books - which is excellent as I'd love to read more about Beth's parents! However, I'm more interested in Mandy, the sister whose wedding Beth was heading home for. I really enjoyed the subplot about her in this book, and I'm happy to see that she's the focus of #3 in the Sophie's Daughters series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I didn't completely love it. While I was initially drawn in by Beth's spunkiness and the quirky and humorous narrative, this petered out after a while. The final conflict was fun to read, but I felt like the focus shifted from Beth to Alex. Of course, I enjoyed reading about Alex too but I found that I preferred the sections of the novel that were from Beth's perspective. I'll definitely be reading more books in this series as I enjoy reading about the McClellan family, but this isn't my absolute favourite historical romance.
If you like your romances to have a quirky narrative and a spunky heroine, this is definitely one to look out for. All three of the books in the Sophie's Daughters series are already on the shelves, so you won't even have to wait to find out what happens next to the McClellan sisters! 9/10
holtfan's review
1.0
Excuse me while I go GOUGE MY EYEBALLS OUT.
Let's hear it for the logic of this book:
* Doctor * I have PTSD and severe emotional trauma.
* Beth * I want to be a doctor! Also, this man is so annoying!
* Random people * Help us doctor!
* Doctor * No can do without Beth.
* Beth's parents * We've both got a big day tomorrow - can't chaperone. Sorry, no Beth.
* Random Pastor * Why don't we just get the two of you hitched, then no chaperone issue!
* Doctor * Great plan.
* Beth * Why not?
What could go wrong.
This book tries to handle mental issues but just results in some seriously creepy and forced romance that made me want to gag. Severe emotional trauma does not go away, even momentarily, because a hot girl looks you in the eye. And even if it did, don't go dragging Jesus into this.
Also, side-plot about sister and her lying, abusive husband left me pissed off and not at all inclined to find the sequel. Gosh, imagine putting yourself through another book like this. No can do.
Why was this book on my to-read list in the first place?
Let's hear it for the logic of this book:
* Doctor * I have PTSD and severe emotional trauma.
* Beth * I want to be a doctor! Also, this man is so annoying!
* Random people * Help us doctor!
* Doctor * No can do without Beth.
* Beth's parents * We've both got a big day tomorrow - can't chaperone. Sorry, no Beth.
* Random Pastor * Why don't we just get the two of you hitched, then no chaperone issue!
* Doctor * Great plan.
* Beth * Why not?
What could go wrong.
This book tries to handle mental issues but just results in some seriously creepy and forced romance that made me want to gag. Severe emotional trauma does not go away, even momentarily, because a hot girl looks you in the eye. And even if it did, don't go dragging Jesus into this.
Also, side-plot about sister and her lying, abusive husband left me pissed off and not at all inclined to find the sequel. Gosh, imagine putting yourself through another book like this. No can do.
Why was this book on my to-read list in the first place?
amb0517's review
2.0
Really, really a struggle to get through. The characters were all kind of jerks. It was very unbelievable with not one but two couples getting married almost instantly after meeting. It wasn't until about the 60% mark that I finally got interested in the story a bit. Unfortunately my interest was in some secondary characters. In order to read their story, I'd have to buy the third book. That can only be done (for e-book) by buying a copy which includes all three books. I'm really not interested in having to buy a second copy of a book I've already read.
blackngoldgirlsbookspot's review
5.0
Mary Connealy's books are always a riot and Doctor in Petticoats is no exception. As a fan of the slightly unbelievable, cowboys and feisty heroines, for me, Ms. Connealy's books are must reads. I really loved this book!
If you know anything at all about Mary's previous series, Lassoed in Texas you know that Beth McClellan the main character in Doctor in Petticoats comes by her sassiness and strength honestly. Beth and her brand new, virtual stranger to her husband, Alex make a terrific team. I love how they work together. However even though this is their story, my favorite parts were the glimpses that we got of Beth's sister, Mandy and what seems to be the makings of a very interesting story. I'm a bit sad that we have to wait till Book 3, Sharpshooter in Petticoats for the full story but on the bright side we only have to wait until October to find out what happens to Beth's other sister, Sally in Book 2, Wrangler in Petticoats!
Doctor in Petticoats is definitely making my Top Books of 2010 list and has earned its spot on my keeper shelf along side the Lassoed In Texas series and Montana Marriages series. If you're looking for a quick pick me up read most any of Mary's books will do the trick. She's one author whose sense of humor really shines through in her work.
*I received my book through a contest at Petticoats and Pistols, I was not obligated to provide a review.*
If you know anything at all about Mary's previous series, Lassoed in Texas you know that Beth McClellan the main character in Doctor in Petticoats comes by her sassiness and strength honestly. Beth and her brand new, virtual stranger to her husband, Alex make a terrific team. I love how they work together. However even though this is their story, my favorite parts were the glimpses that we got of Beth's sister, Mandy and what seems to be the makings of a very interesting story. I'm a bit sad that we have to wait till Book 3, Sharpshooter in Petticoats for the full story but on the bright side we only have to wait until October to find out what happens to Beth's other sister, Sally in Book 2, Wrangler in Petticoats!
Doctor in Petticoats is definitely making my Top Books of 2010 list and has earned its spot on my keeper shelf along side the Lassoed In Texas series and Montana Marriages series. If you're looking for a quick pick me up read most any of Mary's books will do the trick. She's one author whose sense of humor really shines through in her work.
*I received my book through a contest at Petticoats and Pistols, I was not obligated to provide a review.*
rachelm31f6b's review
4.0
I really like all of Mary Connealy's books. The characters are believable not everything is happy, just like in real life. But the situations that the characters get into are hilarious and I always hope for the best. So glad that she continued the story of Sophie's family. Although I had a moment at the beginning of the book where I had to think about which series the characters were from and what the situations they get into.
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