Book Reviews
 THE ITALIAN DOCTOR'S BRIDE
From
Cataromance – October 2006
4½ stars
Margaret McDonagh, whose debut novel The Italian Doctor's
Bride is a
wonderfully romantic tale of getting a second chance at
love and life which
cements Ms. McDonagh's position as writer to watch out
for in the future!
 Review
The rural Scottish village of Lochanrig
is in dire need of another doctor at the village practice
as Dr Hannah Frost is finding it increasingly hard to cope
on her own, so she's absolutely delighted when she hears
that an employment agency has found her a doctor who has
not only worked all over the world, but who also comes
highly recommended. Italian doctor Dr Nicola Di Angelis
seems like the ideal candidate for the job and Hannah cannot
wait for her to start working at the practice, however,
when a gorgeous six footer with an Italian accent turns
up on her doorstep, Hannah realizes Nicola is one hundred
per cent male! Having sworn off men and devoted
herself completely to her career, Hannah is furious that
she's now got to not just share her practice with Nic,
but also her home!
The village of Lochanrig has welcomed
Nic with open arms and with his gentle and caring ways
Hannah is certainly not impervious to his charms! But an
episode from her past is always on her mind preventing
her from getting close to anyone. Is Nic willing to show
her the way forward and that her future happiness lies
with him by her side?
The Italian Doctor's Bride is absolutely wonderful! Margaret
McDonagh writes with plenty of warmth, charm and sensitivity
and she sucks you into her story from the very first page.
Set in a lovely rural village which Margaret McDonagh describes
so vividly that you'll be wishing it was a real place,
The Italian Doctor's Bride is a spellbinding romance featuring
believable characters you'll grow fond of, vivid medical
scenarios, heartfelt emotion and poignant romance.
Emotionally intense, powerfully moving and absolutely
gripping, Margaret McDonagh has written a fabulous story
which is heading straight for my keeper shelf and I can't
wait to read more books from this hugely talented writer!
Reviewed
by Julie
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society
www.pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com
October 2006
The Italian Doctor’s Bride transports
the reader to the remote Scottish village of Lochanrig,
where the fragile Dr. Hannah Frost proves to be an expert
when dealing with her patients – although a traumatic
incident in her past has left her personal life barren
and impersonal. Into Hannah’s life comes Dr. Nic
di Angelis, a gorgeous Italian doctor with his own heartbreaking
history. Margaret McDonagh’s book charts the trials
and tribulations of the two doctors as they gradually build
a relationship over a period of six months.
The strength of the story lies in the characterisation.
Readers gradually warm to the icy heroine, Hannah, as her
story progresses, and it's a delight to watch the Italian
hero as he slowly thaws her cool exterior. In Nic di Angelis,
Margaret McDonagh has created a stunning, well-rounded
romance hero whose presence on the page guarantees a good
read. Plus, he’ll doubtlessly melt the hearts of
any female reader.
The book is very fast-paced and packs plenty of incident
into the storyline. Margaret McDonagh exploits the dangers
offered by the rural location well and provides the reader
with all manner of accidents. These are balanced with the
sometimes upsetting illnesses of the various villagers.
However the medical setting of the story is rightfully
kept in the background and never impedes on the blossoming
romance between the two central characters.
The dialogue is sparky and the romantic scenes aren't
repetitive. Margaret McDonagh provides a well-crafted and
highly enjoyable read in this, her debut for Harlequin
Mills & Boon.
Hero Hotness Factor: 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor: 4 hearts
Awww Factor: 5 hearts
Stickability Factor (will they live happily ever after?):
4 hearts
Weepy Factor: 4 hearts
 A DOCTOR WORTH WAITING FOR
From Romance Reviewed
romancereviewed.blogspot.com
Gray Says: In A Doctor Worth Waiting For, a semi-sequel
to her first book, The Italian Doctor's Bride, Margaret
McDonagh reintroduces the reader to south-west Scotland
and the lives and loves of the doctors working there. A
Doctor Worth Waiting For is a standalone book and doesn't
require any prior knowledge of The Italian Doctor's Bride,
but those who have read Margaret McDonagh's previous Medical
Romance will be delighted to see the first book's hero
and heroine, Nic and Hannah, turn up here in minor supporting
roles.
I'm pleased to say that Margaret's second book is even
better than her first! When I read The Italian Doctor's
Bride, I didn't imagine that the author would ever be able
to reach the same standards, and the same level of quality,
as in her debut work. A Doctor Worth Waiting For is an
excellent read which goes far deeper than most category
romances - the reader really gets a feel for the central
characters, who now feel more 'real' than many real-life
people I know!
Everything I loved about Margaret's first book is enhanced
here, from the detailed writing to the emotions of the
leads. As the heroine, Kate is tortured and disturbed,
and the book goes into some very dark places when detailing
the horrors of her past. Conor makes for one of the warmest,
most instantly likeable fictional heroes I've encountered,
and the tender romance between the two is utterly engaging.
While the book is very easy to read, obvious care has
been taken with the quality of the writing. Paragraphs
are complex, conveying plenty of information without overwhelming
the reader; as a result, there's an almost 'literary' feel
to the writing. Some might scoff at my use of the word
'literary' to describe a category romance, but Margaret
McDonagh skilfully charts the lives of her characters in
the way a modern-day George Fielding might - and I have
to say, I much prefer this to something like Middlemarch!
Elsewhere, the medical scenes are as well-handled and
expertly researched as always, and the setting of the story
is almost a supporting character in itself - it helps that
I've personally visited some of the locations, like Bruce's
Stone, myself! Complex, believable and nuanced characters
bring this tale to life, creating scenes that are unbelievably
moving - and even heart-rending in some cases. If you're
looking for a category romance that ticks all of the boxes,
then check out A Doctor Worth Waiting For.
Pet Peeves: None
Overall Rating: 5 roses
* * * * *
From Cataromance
5 stars
In her second Mills and Boon Medical Romance, A Doctor
Worth Waiting for, talented storyteller Margaret McDonagh
has written a charming and captivating romantic tale which
will tug at your heartstrings and bring many a tear to
your eye. Moving and engrossing, this poignant romance
further cements Ms. McDonagh's position as one of Mills
and Boon's most talented new writers.
Review
 Dr. Kate Fisher came to the rural Scottish village of
Glentown-on-Firth to prove to herself that can still be
a doctor - as well as to recover from a traumatic experience
which still haunts her. Accepting a job as a locum means
that she doesn't have to form any ties or get too close
to anyone, however, Dr. Conor Anderson has got other plans.
Conor is intrigued by Kate. She's an excellent doctor,
but her terse and guarded manner still doesn't manage to
hide her inner turmoil or the evident pain in her eyes.
He is determined to get to the root of her problem and
to find out just what she is really hiding for him.
But Kate is determined to stay as far away from Conor
as she possibly can. Past experience has proved to her
that dating a colleague entails plenty of heartache and
with Conor's reputation as a ladies' man, she's not prepared
to risk getting her heart broken all over again.
However, Kate hasn't counted on Conor's affection for
her - or for the fact that he's prepared to move heaven
and earth to make her his bride!
A Doctor Worth Waiting for is absolutely terrific! In
Conor, Margaret McDonagh has created a hero who is so kind,
compassionate, generous and gorgeous that I defy any reader
not to fall in love with him and Kate's pain, vulnerability
and strength is so eloquently described that I felt every
emotion she went through and I cried, sympathized and empathized
with her.
If you haven't read Margaret McDonagh's Medical Romances
yet, then run to the bookstore and prepare to lose yourself
in a compelling tale which will involve and enthrall you!
Reviewer Julie
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society
www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
Margaret McDonagh's second Medical Romance, A Doctor Worth
Waiting for is a
wonderfully emotional tale which has got keeper written
all over it!
Dr. Kate Fisher has accepted a job as a locum in a rural
Scottish town in order to recover from a traumatic experience
as well as to prove to herself that she can still cut it
as a doctor. She doesn't want to make new friends, form
new relationships or be part of the community, but Dr.
Conor Anderson has got other ideas.
Conor is intrigued by Kate. She's a wonderful doctor and
a beautiful woman, however, Conor is puzzled by her cautious
manner. Just what is she hiding? And why is there so much
pain in her eyes?
Kate doesn't want Conor anywhere near her. She's already
had her heart broken by a former colleague so she's certainly
not going to date Conor. But Conor's heart, kindness and
charisma draw her in, but is she going to let the past
get in the way of her future?
A Doctor Worth Waiting For is a fantastic romantic story
which you will not be able to put down! Margaret McDonagh
writes with such flair, style and heart that you'll feel
every emotion which the characters go through and you'll
be so absorbed in her novel, that you'll simply devour
it in one sitting.
In A Doctor Worth Waiting For, Margaret McDonagh blends
wonderful characters, carefully conveyed medical detail,
poignant romance and intense emotional drama in an absorbing
and unforgettable romantic novel which you will remember
long after the last page is turned.
Hero Hotness Factor – 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor – 5 hearts
Awww Factor – 5 hearts
Stickability Factor – 5 hearts
Weepy Factor – 5 hearts
* * * * *
 From Coffee Time Romance
Rating: 5 Cups
Dr. Kate Fisher is running from her past. She has seen
hell and is now living with the demons. The only thing
that she believes will help her is to take a job in rural
Scotland and hope she can work through her past and hopefully
move on with her future. But is she brave enough to accept
help when she needs it the most?
Dr. Conor Anderson knows that Kate is the one for him
from the moment they meet. He does not understand why she
is keeping herself from him and senses it has to do with
the pain she is hiding inside. His only thought is to get
her to open up and trust him. Knowing that in the process
he may just push her further away.
Kate is confused, scared and lonely. But that is something
that she would never admit to anyone. Upon meeting Conor,
she immediately compares him to the man she once trusted
and loved, another doctor whom she worked with. Conor does
not understand her aversion to him and knows he must win
her trust. He takes things slowly but when she has to perform
an emergency operation at a wreck and loses it afterwards,
he realizes that he must get to the bottom of things, and
quickly. Will he be able to save her from the past and
make her whole again?
Ms. McDonagh brings us hope that all things are truly
possible, if we let ourselves trust in one another. I found
this story to be uplifting in the fact that Kate faces
her demons and finally lets go of her past. The torture
and the sadness that Kate bears with her is palpable. Conor
is the epitome of a truly caring individual who is not
afraid to let his emotions show. Ms. McDonagh is truly
a gifted writer and should feel proud of such a wonderful
book. If you love medical romances, then this is one book
that is a must read. I will certainly be looking forward
to reading more from this author.
Liadan
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
 HIS VERY SPECIAL NURSE
From Romance Reviewed
romancereviewed.blogspot.com
The third of Margaret McDonagh’s medical romances
set in southwest Scotland, His Very Special Nurse is a
delightful book that manages to improve on the first two
already-good books in her series. Fans of the author will
be pleased to hear that the heroes and heroines of The
Italian Doctor’s Bride and A Doctor Worth Waiting
For are back here as secondary characters, so the reader
gets to catch up on what’s been happening with Nic,
Conor, Hannah and Kate.
This book offers more of the same entrancing Scottish
scenery as Margaret’s other books in the series,
and more of the same medical cases for our hero and heroine
to deal with. As the heroine is a district nurse in this
book, the medical scenarios are more about illness than
emergency, so the author trades excitement in exchange
for real, human emotion. I was immediately struck by the
deepness of the characters – both central and secondary – in
the storyline. Margaret really delves into their personalities,
finding out what makes them tick, and as a result the novel
is so authentic that I struggled to remember that I wasn’t
reading a work of non-fiction!
The author’s grasp of characterisation improves
with every book and this story reaches new depths of human
consciousness – a light, fluffy chick-lit story this
isn’t! Instead it shows how two very different people
can come together, despite the many internal and external
obstacles in their way. Kyle Sinclair is the classic brooding
hero, with a touch of Mr. Rochester about him, while heroine
Alex Patterson is simply lovely... a real caring, sharing
human being, somebody it’s impossible not to fall
in love with from the first page. Margaret also deserves
kudos for creating a memorable villain in her stalker-nurse,
Poison Penny!
His Very Special Nurse is packed with emotion, intrigue
and sparkling dialogue. The plot is secondary to the story
of the central characters; indeed this is a character-focused,
character-led book. The pace picks up in the final third
of the story as things build up to a make-or-break scenario,
and I was hooked onto every page, struggling to put the
book down. The author manages the difficult trick of making
a book complex and heavy with feeling while at the same
time making her writing simple and readable in the extreme.
This is a genuinely moving read and the author’s
best yet. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Pet Peeves: None
Overall Rating: 5 roses
Reviewed by Gray
* * * * *
From Cataromance
4½ stars
Margaret McDonagh is fast becoming one
of favourite romance writers! Her novels, set in small
Scottish villages, feature independent heroines and irresistible
heroes and their captivating blend of powerful emotion,
intense drama and heart wrenching romance never fails to
keep me turning the pages late into the night!
After his marriage broke down, Dr Kyle Sinclair decided
to shut himself off from the world and to throw himself
completely into his work. He does not expect to get involved
with anyone ever again - nor does he think that he will
ever find himself attracted to anyone else. But when Nurse
Alexandra Patterson joins the practice, he is surprised
to find himself falling for the gorgeous new nurse!
But Alex senses that behind Kyle's blue eyes and taciturn
demeanor there is a broken heart and untold pain and her
instincts tell her to help him. But will Kyle accept her
help? And will Alex be able to deal with Kyle's demons?
Margaret McDonagh is simply outstanding! She draws her
readers into her stories from the very first page and brings
her characters so vividly to life that readers cannot help
but love and care for them. Emotionally satisfying, heartwarming,
wonderfully romantic and engrossing, His Very Special Nurse
is a captivating romance written by a writer who is set
to become one of Mills and Boon's brightest stars.
Reviewed by Julie
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society
www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
Review:
His Very Special Nurse is the latest moving Medical Romance
by up and coming M&B star Margaret McDonagh. Set
in a remote Scottish village, His Very Special Nurse
is a poignant story about love and loss that will have
you reaching for the tissues.
Dr Kyle Sinclair hasn’t looked at another woman – or
thought about one - ever since his marriage to his childhood
sweetheart fell apart. But the arrival of new nurse Alexandra
Patterson to the practice has caused the rekindling of
feelings he had thought long buried and despite his better
judgement, he finds himself falling head over heels in
love with the new practice nurse.
Alexandra is also finding herself attracted to the brooding
doctor despite his taciturn manner and even though she
has been warned by a colleague not to go near him, she
finds herself unable to resist him. But will Kyle let her
get close? Or will he let the shadows of the past weigh
in on his future with Alexandra?
Margaret McDonagh is an outstanding storyteller whose
Medical romances are in a class of their own. Well-written,
intensely dramatic and highly emotional, His Very Special
Nurse is a spellbinding romance that will captivate you
from the very first page. If you’ve not read Margaret
McDonagh’s Medical Romances, then rush to the bookshop
and get His Very Special Nurse. You will certainly not
regret it!
Hero Hotness Factor: 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor: 5 hearts
Awww Factor: 5 hearts
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after):
5 hearts
Weepy Factor: 5 hearts
 ONE SPECIAL NIGHT
From Romance Reviewed
romancereviewed.blogspot.com
This is Margaret McDonagh's fourth Mills & Boon Medical
set amidst an isolated Scottish fictional backdrop. One
Special Night has all the qualities readers have come to
associate with Margaret McDonagh but this story has additional
ingredients when compared with her earlier ones, namely,
the sexual chemistry and tension is sizzling!
Cameron is a gorgeous hero and I found him to be very
deserving of the lovely heroine, Ginger. Both doctors carry
with them past emotional baggage the result of which has
caused them to devote their lives to their respective patients.
Margaret McDonagh successfully tackles highly sensitive
subject matters in this emotionally intense story and her
writing is skilful and packed to the brim with genuine
empathy. This story blends medical drama with love and
romance and includes a dose of HOT sensuality from the
first page.
I can't wait to revisit Strathlochan again with Margaret
McDonagh's next release.
Overall Rating: 5 roses
* * * * *
From Cararomance
www.cataromance.com/index.php?p=180
Reviewer: Julie Bonello
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Margaret McDonagh begins a brand new series this August
set in the fictional Scottish hospital of Strathlochan
with the release of One Special Night, a poignant tale
of second chances and new beginnings that cements Ms. McDonagh's
position as one of Harlequin Mills and Boon's fastest rising
stars!
Dr Cameron Kincaid and Dr Ginger O Neill are instantly
attracted to one another when they meet on a train headed
for London. A night of passion immediately ensues, however,
the following morning the two doctors are in for a rude
awakening when they realize that they are in competition
for funding which would enable them to set up their own
clinics which would help their respective patients.
Ginger is shocked when she realizes that her lover is in
fact her greatest rival and leaves London for Strathlochan
thinking that she will never have to see Cameron ever again.
But Cameron may be out of sight, but he's certainly not
out of mind and when he turns up at Strathlochan, he is
determined to get closer to Ginger despite the fact that
he knows that a relationship with her is out of the question.
But their powerful attraction is as strong as ever and
the two embark on a passionate affair - even though the
question of who will get the money still hangs over them.
Will Cameron and Ginger let this tear them apart? Or are
they ready to fight for what is truly important for both
of them?
A new novel by Margaret McDonagh is always a major cause
for celebration and One Special Night is a captivating
romance laden with plenty of drama, passion and emotion
that will hold you spellbound from page one.
One Special Night. is the first in a new loosely linked
series set in Strathlochan hospital and I absolutely cannot
wait for the subsequent books in what looks like an engrossing
new series!
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society
http://www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com/
Margaret
McDonagh is an outstanding writer of romantic fiction whose
wonderful Medical Romances are all on my keeper shelf and
her fourth release, One Special Night…,
set in the Scottish hospital of Strathlochan, is an engrossing
tale that will have you eagerly anticipating the next release
by this talented author!
Dr Cameron Kincaid was instantly drawn to a beautiful blonde
woman he met on the train to London, but when he found
out that the woman he cannot get out of his head is none
other than his direct competition for funding which he
desperately needs for his patients, Cameron decides to
try his best to get her out of his mind.
Dr Ginger O Neill cannot believe that the first man she’s
been attracted to for a long time is the one man who could
cost her the project which means the world to her. Yet,
despite knowing that she should give Cameron a wide berth,
she finds herself unable to resist him…
Margaret McDonagh will make her readers cry with this intensely
emotional romantic tale that sparkles with richly drawn
characters, vivid medical scenarios and poignant romance
which will tug at your heartstrings!
Hero Hotness Factor – 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor – 5 hearts
Awww Factor – 5 hearts
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) – 5
hearts
Weepy Factor – 5 hearts
 THEIR
CHRISTMAS VOWS
From
Cataromance – November
2007
CHRISTMAS WEDDINGS - by Carole Mortimer, Shirley
Jump and Margaret McDonagh
ISBN: 9780263865738
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Their Christmas Vows – Margaret McDonagh
Margaret McDonagh returns to the Scottish village of Strathlochan
in her novella Their Christmas Vows.
Callie Grogan has come to Strathlochan for a fresh start.
Having endured a painful – and lonely – battle
with breast cancer and having had to suffer the indignity
of having her husband cheat on her and leave her for someone
else, Callie vows to throw herself in her new job and to
forget about the sufferings of the past.
As somebody who hasn’t had much luck with men, she
isn’t impressed to hear that her new partner, Dr.
Frazer McInnes is the local heart throb and the village
lothario. Still, not even Callie can deny the fact that
Frazer is absolutely gorgeous.
Frazer cannot fathom the reason behind Callie’s
frostiness, but he’s determined to show her that
there is more to him than meets the eye. As the job on
the air ambulance throws the two of them in close proximity,
Callie realizes that Frazer isn’t the vacuous playboy
she thought him to be.
Which is just as well as Frazer is determined to make
Callie his Christmas bride!
Their Christmas Vows is a moving romantic tale of second
chances and new beginnings featuring two richly drawn
and believable
characters that you will take straight to your heart!
Moving, engrossing and tender, Their Christmas Vows is
written with all the style and deftness of touch which
we’ve come to expect from fast-rising Medical
Romance star Margaret McDonagh!
* * * * *
Romantic Times Review
“Mortimer’s contribution to this trio of tales is pretty standard, but both Jump and McDonagh rise to the occasion with rich characterizations, conflicts and plenty of sizzle.
SUMMARY: In Mortimer’s “His Christmas Eve Proposal”, famous violinist Rosie Harrison plans to spend Christmas with her estranged father…hiding from the public revelation of her broken engagement. But Dad’s boss is movie starr Joshua “Hawk” Hawkley. Initially hostile, Hawk warms up quickly – but Rosie’s not staying.
In Jump’s “Snowbound Bride,” designer Marietta Westmore is en route to L.A. to deliver a wedding gown but gets trapped at the airport in Chicago by a blizzard. her ex, financial adviser Reed Hartstone, is stuck too, and he plans to make good use of the time to get Marietta back.
In McDonagh’s “Their Christmas Vows” paramedic Callie Grogan is partnered with Dr Frazer McInnes for a new air ambulance service. Callie attracts Frazer, but she’s given up on men after a brief, unsatisfying marriage. Changing her mind isn’t going to be easy, but Frazer’s up to the job.”
(4 Stars) - ROMANTIC TIMES - OCTOBER 2008
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society – November
2007
www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
Their Christmas Vows – Margaret McDonagh
(in Christmas Weddings anthology)
Margaret McDonagh returns to the Scottish village of Strathlochan
in Their Christmas Vows.
Callie Grogan may not have yet met her colleague Frazer
McInnes, but she’s already not impressed with his
lothario ways! Having just come out of a painful relationship,
she hopes for a fresh start and a new beginning in Strathlochan
and she certainly does not need a man to complicate her
life!
But when she meets Frazer, she realizes that there is more
to him than a shallow playboy and before she knows it she
finds herself falling for him.
But is her past preventing her from moving forward?
I love Margaret McDonagh’s stories! Tender, moving
and engrossing, she’s a writer whose storytelling
prowess increases with every book and readers looking for
a story that will touch their heart and move them to tears
will absolutely adore Their Christmas Vows!
Hero Hotness Factor  (5
hearts)
Heroine Lovability Factor (5
hearts)
Awww Facto r (5
hearts)
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) (5 hearts)
Humour Factor (5
hearts)
Weepy Factor (5
hearts)
 AN
ITALIAN AFFAIR
(in the Mills & Boon Presents ... anthology)
From
Cataromance –April 2008
4½ stars
Margaret McDonagh, whose debut novel The Italian Doctor's
Bride is a wonderfully romantic tale of getting a second
chance at love and life which cements Ms. McDonagh's
position as writer to watch out for in the future!
Review
I love Margaret McDonagh’s Medical Romances, and
readers who enjoy emotional and poignant romance set amidst
the beauty of Scotland will certainly not regret picking
up one of her enchanting books!
In An Italian Affair, Margaret McDonagh leaves Scotland
behind for the beautiful island of Elba, where she tells
the story of Gina McNaught who, alongside with her grandmother,
goes on holiday to the gorgeous Italian isle in order to
scatter her beloved grandfather’s ashes.
Having had her heart shattered by a cruel ex-boyfriend,
Gina vowed never to get involved with another man ever
again and to concentrate on her grandmother and her career.
But when she meets the handsome Sebastian Adriani, her
resolve to remain single goes out of the window!
Like Gina, Seb’s been hurt by avaricious women
who’ve used him for his looks, his money and to increase
their profile. So, when he meets Gina, he’s immediately
suspicious. But when he realizes that Gina is genuine,
he finds himself falling for the sexy Scottish girl.
So why hasn’t he been completely honest with Gina?
And what will her reaction be when she finds out the truth
about Seb?
Romance does not get any better than this! Margaret McDonagh
is a writer readers can always count on to deliver a story
that’s poignant, emotional and spellbinding and An
Italian Affair is no exception!
* * * * *
From: Pink Heart Society – April 2008
www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
Fall in love with the gorgeous Sebastiano Adriani in
Margaret McDonagh’s moving Medical romance, An Italian
Affair.
Nurse Gina McNaught vowed never to get involved with another
man ever again after her former boyfriend forced her to
choose between him and the grandparents who had brought
her up and had always been there for her. Gina is perfectly
happy with her job, her career and living with her beloved
grandmother. She doesn’t need a man – or so
she tells herself…
Like Gina, Seb has had his heart bruised by avaricious
women who’ve used him for his looks and his position.
But there’s something about the Scottish nurse that
just forces him to drop down his defences and to give his
heart to her.
But Seb hasn’t been completely honest with Gina and
he cannot help but wonder how the woman he’s fallen
passionately in love with will react when she finds out
that he’s been keeping secrets from her.
Margaret McDonagh’s fabulous Medical Romances have
made her a firm favourite with readers everywhere! If you
enjoy compelling, poignant and absorbing Medical romances,
then make sure you add Margaret McDonagh’s name to
your list
Hero Hotness Factor: (5
hearts)
Heroine Lovability Factor: (5
hearts)
Awww Factor: (5
hearts)
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after): (5
hearts)
Humour Factor: (5
hearts)
Weepy Factor: (5
hearts)
 VIRGIN
MIDWIFE, PLAYBOY DOCTOR
(Brides of Penhally Bay book 8)
July 2008
From
Cataromance – July
2008
The eighth installment in the enthralling Brides
of Penhally Bay series, Virgin Midwife, Playboy Doctor,
is a wonderfully moving, deliciously sensual and irresistibly
tender Medical romance by the always outstanding Margaret
McDonagh!
Midwife Chloe MacKinnon doesn’t think much
of the new doctor at Penhally Bay Surgery, Oliver Fawkner.
Although Oliver is an excellent doctor, who is dedicated
to his patients, kind and caring, and has an excellent
bedside manner, Chloe finds his gorgeous good looks, playboy
reputation and his obvious interest in her oddly disconcerting.
Chloe had seen enough of relationships to realize that
marriage was not on the agenda for her. But Chloe hadn’t
counted on Oliver’s stubbornness and on his determination
to get up close and personal with her.
Oliver had moved to the picturesque Cornish town of Penhally
Bay in order to put a stop in the rumours that were circulating
about him being some kind of Casanova. It was true that
Oliver was no monk and that he had a couple of notches
on his bedpost, but Oliver has come to Penhally to settle
down and to grow up, and when he claps eyes on the beautiful
Chloe MacKinnon, he realizes that he’s finally found
the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
But Chloe will not be swayed. She vowed never to get involved
with a man and has always put her work at the practice
before her social life. However, Oliver is keen to show
her that he’s not the heartless playboy she perceived
him to be, and when Oliver starts to break through her
defenses, Chloe realizes that she’s falling head
over heels in love with him.
But before Chloe can get the happy ending she deserves,
she must first face up to her demons and tell Oliver the
truth about her past. Or else risk throwing away her one
chance of happiness…
The Brides of Penhally Bay series just gets better and
better with every book! Margaret McDonagh is truly a wonderful
novelist who will capture your heart with this incredible
tale of unexpected romance, past misgivings and new starts.
Poignantly written, sensitively told and absolutely breathtaking,
Margaret McDonagh once again proves that she’s truly
a remarkable writer of romantic fiction and I’m already
counting the days until her next wonderful Medical Romance
is released.
Star Rating: 4.5
* * * * *
The Brides
of Penhally Bay series continues with Margaret McDonagh’s
wonderfully moving tale, Virgin Midwife, Playboy Doctor.
Midwife
Chloe MacKinnon is not much impressed by new doctor Oliver
Fawkner. Oliver’s medical skills are exemplary
and the patients adore him, but it’s his dashing
good looks, playboy reputation and obvious interest in
her that Chloe just cannot cope with. Having vowed never
to get involved with a man, Chloe is determined to give
Oliver a wide berth. But Chloe hadn’t counted on
Oliver’s persistence, perseverance and determination
to make Chloe his!
Oliver had come to Penhally for a fresh start; he wanted
to get away from his family’s disappointment that
he’d chosen to become a doctor instead of joining
the family firm and he’d wanted to settle down – and
he thinks that Chloe is just the woman to settle down with.
But before he can make her his, Oliver realizes that he
must break down some of her defenses and show her that
he will spend the rest of her life loving her with every
fiber of his being.
This is such a beautiful, wonderfully told and poignant
story that I truly didn’t want to end. Margaret McDonagh
is an exceptional writer of romantic fiction and with Virgin
Midwife, Playboy Doctor, she will tug at your heartstrings,
make you cry, and leave you breathless!
Hero Hotness Factor 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor 5 hearts
Awww Factor 5 hearts
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) 5
hearts
Humour Factor 3 hearts
Weepy Factor 5 hearts
* * * * *
Margaret McDonagh presents the eighth in the Brides
of Penhally Bay series. From the moment this story
begins, the reader enters the world of warmth and devotion
that Chloe Makinnon shares with her friends, colleagues
and mums-to-be. However, when Dr. Oliver Fawkner joins
the team, Chloe realises that her safe, secure world
is spinning wildly out of control.
This is another beautiful,
emotional story that readers have come to know and love
from Margaret McDonagh. The author is a natural at tackling
sensitive issues with an emotional intensity, and creating
characters to rescue the hurting party. Virgin Midwife,
Playboy Doctor encompasses
this and far more. Margaret McDonagh creates real empathy
with both the hero and heroine and it’s wonderful
to witness how Chloe and Oliver grow during the course
of the book.
Virgin Midwife, Playboy Doctor has the reader
empathising with Chloe and falling in love with the sexy,
passionate Oliver. I’m looking forward to reading
Margaret McDonagh’s November finale to the Brides
of Penhally series: Dr. Devereux’s Proposal
 DR DEVEREUX'S PROPOSAL
(Brides of Penhally Bay book 12)
November 2008
Margaret McDonagh brings the wonderful Brides of Penhally Bay series to a poignant conclusion with the twelfth and final title in the series: Dr. Devereux’s Proposal.
French doctor Gabriel Devereux couldn’t possibly spend another minute living in France. Fed up with having to put up with his mother’s constant interference in his affairs and with her rabid matchmaking attempts, Gabriel decided to pack his bags, leave France and to accept the job he’s been offered to join the practice in the Cornish seaside village of Penhally Bay for a couple of months. Gabriel hopes to lose himself in his work and to forget his troubles. Romance is certainly not on the agenda for Gabriel, but when he claps eyes on Penhally Bay’s physiotherapist, Lauren Nightingale, Gabriel immediately realizes that he shouldn’t have been so quick to write off any possibility of a romance!
Lauren is immediately intrigued by the gorgeous French doctor. Sexy, charismatic and simply breathtaking, there is an instant sparkle between the two of them and a fierce attraction which simply cannot be denied! Thrown into close proximity together, Lauren and Gabriel soon start to fall in love with one another and as their relationship heats up, Lauren begins to wonder whether she has finally found the man for her.
Gabriel is stunned by the sheer force of his feelings for Lauren. Intelligent, kind-hearted and beautiful, Gabriel is positive that he is head over heels in love with his Cornish girlfriend. But, Gabriel has noticed something about Lauren that has begun to worry him. Lauren seems prone to be clumsy, lumbering and rather inept in certain situations. She also seems reluctant to go anywhere in the dark and her night vision seems poor and almost non-existent. Gabriel cannot help but feel that Lauren might have a secret. A secret that might change both of their lives forever.
Lauren has noticed that for the last couple of years her vision has worsened, but she refuses to do anything about it. She doesn’t want to run the risk of being told that she’s losing her sight. However, when things begin to go from bad to worse, Lauren realizes that she must face up to the fact that she could lose her sight in the next couple of years. Realizing that she cannot possibly force Gabriel into staying with her and compel him to live a life spent looking after her, Lauren decides to finish with Gabriel and thus turn her back on the only man she has ever loved.
But will Gabriel be able to show Lauren that his life is not worth living if she isn’t by his side?
Fall in love with Lauren, Gabriel, Cornwall and this beautiful story of second chances, new beginnings, hope and unexpected romance! Dr. Devereux’s Proposal is a superb conclusion to a wonderful series of Medical Romances. Poignant, tender, moving and mesmerizing, Margaret McDonagh writes with such power, intensity, emotional understanding and sensitivity that readers will be swept into her story from the very first page!
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
* * * * *
The S-Factor – Sizzling
We bid a fond farewell to the doctor and nurses of Penhally Bay with the final tale in this spellbinding series: Dr Devereux’s Proposal.
French doctor Gabriel Devereux needs to get away from France – fast! He just cannot take it anymore and is sick to the back teeth of his mother’s constant interference, her avaricious ways and her persistent desire to see him married off to a suitable woman of her choosing. A temporary job in Penhally Bay, Cornwall, seems heaven sent so he packs up his things and leaves for England. Romance is definitely not on the agenda. But when he claps eyes on the gorgeous Lauren Nightingale, the Bay’s physiotherapist, sparks soon start flying…
Lauren’s not had much luck with men. Although she’s dated, she’s never yet met that special man she could share her life with - until Gabriel comes to Penhally and turns her life upside down. When a steamy kiss leads to something more, Lauren begins to think about her future with Gabriel. But as she begins to make plans for her happy ever after, Lauren realizes that she first must face up to the fact that she’s slowly losing her sight. Lauren realizes that she cannot force Gabriel to stand by her as her vision decreases. But Gabriel has other ideas…
Will Gabriel be able to show Lauren that the only thing he wants most in this world is to be by her side?
Moving, romantic and mesmerizing, Margaret McDonagh has outdone herself with Dr Devereux’s Proposal. Featuring characters so real that they leap off the pages, lots of nail-biting drama,heartwarming emotion, tender romance and steamy love scenes, you will not be able to resist devouring this spellbinding story in one fell swoop.
Hero Hotness Factor 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor 5 hearts
Awww Factor 5 hearts
Stickability Factor 5
hearts
Humour Factor 3 hearts
Weepy Factor 5 hearts
* * * * *
Margaret McDonagh draws the lovely Penhally series to a close, and gives readers a tempting dose of sexy. passionate characters to care about. And care we do. From the off, we learn that hero, Gabriel Devereux, is running away from France, searching for peace in the tranquil haven that Penhally offers.
No sooner does he make himself at home than he discovers an intruder in his midst - the delightful heroine, Lauren Nightingale. From hereon in the sexual tension and sensuality between the two is stimulated, to the degree that they both know a union between them at some point in the future is inevitable.
Dr Devereux's Proposal is a gorgeous, sexy story that also tackles deeper issues - sight loss and the effects flooding brings - which are grounded in real-life concerns. Margaret McDonagh writes with sincerity and creates a depth of empathy that is fast becoming her trademark, and makes this a heartwarming, satisfying read.
 THE EMERGENCY DOCTOR CLAIMS HIS WIFE
Medical Romance
May 2009
It had been love at first sight for Annie and Nathan. Having met at medical school, when they were both young students, they had been positive that they were each other’s soulmates. They had both thought that they would go on to spend the rest of their lives together, but when demons from Nathan’s past prevented him from committing to Annie, the two had decided to go their separate ways, despite the fact that they were still madly in love with one another.
Annie has never forgotten Nathan. Although five years had passed since they were last together, she’s never been able to get the sexy doctor out of her mind nor has she managed to find a man who could measure up to him. Throwing herself into her job at Strathlochan Hospital, the Yorkshire lass hopes to heal her broken heart by being the best doctor she can possibly be and, judging by her fast movement up the career ladder, it looks like she’s succeeding in making all of professional dreams come true. But little does Annie know that a face from her past has come to Strathlochan determined to pick up where they had last left off…
Annie is shocked to her very core when Nathan comes to work at Strathlochan Hospital. Although she is still as in love with him now as she was five years ago, she can never forgive Nathan for refusing to commit to her. As her old feelings for him return, Annie finds herself wondering whether she should give into her feelings and reclaim the love she had lost all that time ago – or else draw a line under the past and start again. But with Nathan’s face haunting her thoughts and dreams, moving on is easier said than done.
Nathan had accepted a job at Strathlochan Hospital in order to convince Annie that she belongs with him. However, Nathan and Annie must first face the ghosts of their pasts before they can grasp this second chance.
Margaret McDonagh’s tender, emotional and heartwarming Medical romances have made her a huge favourite of mine and her latest novel, The Emergency Doctor Claims His Wife, is another fantastic tale infused with her trademark warmth, charm and poignancy.
A breathtaking romance of love, loss, heartbreaking choices and starting over, The Emergency Doctor Claims His Wife is yet another fine testament to the excellent storytelling skills of the hugely talented Margaret McDonagh! I can’t wait for the next terrific romance by this outstanding writer of moving contemporary romances!
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
*****
The Emergency Doctor Claims His Wife is the heartwarming new novel from one of my favourite romance writers: Margaret McDonagh
Nathan and Annie had fallen head over heels in love from the very first moment they met, as medical students at university. They had thought that they were going to be spending the rest of their lives together, but when a ghost from Nathan’s past prevented him from moving forward, Nathan found himself having to say goodbye to the woman he loves above everything else.
But Nathan had never forgotten Annie and when he gets a job at Strathlochan Hospital, working alongside her, Nathan vows to reclaim the woman he loves. But will he be able to convince Annie that he wants to commit to her body and soul?
Five years ago, Nathan had broken Annie’s heart and she is not prepared to give him a second chance. But as the two begin to spend more and more time together, her old feelings for Nathan resurface and she soon realizes that the only place she wants to be in his arms.
But is the confining hold of the past preventing the two of them from moving forward?
A poignant and tender romance that will bring a tear to your eye, in The Emergency Doctor Claim His Wife, talented author Margaret McDonagh has truly outdone herself. Realistic, engrossing, moving and absolutely breathtaking, The Emergency Doctor Claims His Wife more that deserves its place on every romance reader’s keeper shelf!
Hero Hotness Factor (5 hearts)
Heroine Lovability Factor (5 hearts)
Awww Factor (5 hearts)
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) (5 hearts)
Humour Factor (3 hearts)
Weepy Factor (5 hearts)
*****
Margaret McDonagh takes us back to Strathlochan with another of her heart-warming stories. In The Emergency Doctor Claims His Wife the heroine Annie goes on a huge emotional journey. Nathan is a gorgeous hero who’s never given up on Annie. He’s returned to either find closure or seal his dream for the future.
It’s been wonderful to return to Strathlochan and this is another book that shows Margaret McDonagh at her best – writing from the heart.
*****
Rating: 4 Cups - “outstanding, great read”
Dr. Annie Webster works at Strathlochan Hospital. When one of the nurses mentions a new doctor in the emergency department, she does not give it much thought. Until she sees him--the man who broke her heart.
 Five years ago, Nathan Shepherd had a serious four year relationship going with Annie. He found her vivacious and carefree attitude about life refreshing. That all changed once he found out how unstable, and immature she was.
Annie realizes that she has never quite gotten over Nathan when the simple matter of looking at him is like having her heart ripped out of her chest. For some reason though, he seems to blame her for the horrendous ending to their relationship. Not ready to face the questions he has, she devises a plan that backfires in a big way. One that might not only kill their budding and renewed love, but may take one of them away permanently.
Ms. McDonagh brings the story of past love back to life with this touching tale of love lost and found. The pain and agony that both Nathan and Annie felt for each other is very realistic and heartfelt. While The Emergency Doctor Claims His Wife is part of the Strathlochan Hospital miniseries, it can be read as a standalone. My only complaint would be that Annie's way of dealing with her feelings with Nathan was still quite childish, leaving me to question how immature she may still be. Overall, this spicy romance has all the great parts of a good romance -- hot sex, gentle moments, and enough of a mysterious background to keep the reader interested.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
 THE REBEL SURGEON'S PROPOSAL
Medical Romance
June 2009
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
The Rebel Surgeon’s Proposal is the latest gripping tale set in the beautiful Scottish town of Strathlochan by the wonderful Margaret McDonagh!
Francesca Scott is aware that her colleagues at Strathlochan Hospital call her the Ice Maiden. Shy, reserved and scared of letting anyone close, loneliness has always proved to be a welcome respite for the radiographer, who had suffered years of bullying at school and at home from an ambitious mother who was determined to live through Francesca and had pushed her into doing things which Francesca would never have dreamed of. Francesca’s childhood is one which she remembers as being traumatic and miserable. The only bright spot in an otherwise gloomy memory is the friendship which she had shared with Strathlochan bad boy, Luke Devlin.
The Devlin family were from the wrong side of the tracks and notorious for their criminal exploits. Luke, the youngest member of the family, had been desperate not to follow the same rocky path as his brothers and father and had vowed to make something of himself. He had always looked out for Francesca, whose unusual beauty and shy nature made her a target for mean spirited bullies and, as teenagers, they had shared a passionate kiss which he has never managed to forget…
Many years have passed since Luke was the town rebel. Now a successful surgeon with a bright future ahead of him, he still has fond memories of Francesca, and when he hears that she’s back in Strathlochan, Luke decides to go back home and to reclaim the woman who has been on his mind and in his heart ever since he was a teenager. When he claps eyes on Francesca for the very first time, his old feelings for her immediately resurface. But convincing Francesca that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her is easier said than done…
Francesca had been head over heels in love with Luke as a teenager, but when he had left Strathlochan without saying goodbye, she had felt worthless. Although she’s still as drawn to Luke as ever, is Francesca willing to put her heart on the line for the second time? Or will she continue to spend the rest of her life alone, scared to take a chance on love and happiness?
A heart-rending and beautifully written story of second chances, friendship, romance and family, The Rebel Surgeon’s Proposal is so poignant and wonderfully told that you will be wiping away the tears as you become engrossed in Francesca and Luke’s emotional journey. Margaret McDonagh writes beautiful love stories that tug at the heart strings and enthrall the senses, and readers looking for realistic, engrossing and emotional romances will lap her books up with relish!
*****
Margaret McDonagh continues to dazzle and astound her readers with her wonderfully poignant Scottish Medical Romances!
In her latest novel for Mills and Boon Medical Romance, we meet Francesca Scott, a woman whose life has been blighted by a domineering mother and merciless bullies who’d made her childhood a misery. The only bright spot in her childhood was a passionate kiss which she had shared with bad boy Luke Devlin as a shy sixteen year old.
The Devlin family had been notorious in Strathlochan for their criminal exploits and Luke had been tarred with the same brush even though he’d always distanced himself from his brothers and father and had always vowed to make something out of his life. Now a successful surgeon, Luke finds himself returning to his home town in order to reclaim Francesca, the woman he’s never managed to forget…
Francesca is stunned when she claps eyes on Luke after all this time and her old feelings for the former bad boy soon come flooding back. But Luke had broken her heart once before when he had walked out of Strathlochan without a backward glance and she is not sure whether she will want to run the risk of getting her heart broken all over again.
However what Francesca does not realize is that Luke is determined never to let her go ever again…
Nobody writes realistic and emotional romances better than Margaret McDonagh! The Rebel Surgeon’s Proposal is a poignant, heartwarming and enthralling Medical Romance from this wonderful writer whose books just keep on getting better and better!
Hero Hotness Factor (5 hearts)
Heroine Lovability Factor (4 hearts)
Awww Factor (4 hearts)
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) (5 hearts)
Humour Factor (3 hearts)
Weepy Factor (5 hearts)
*****
Rating: 4 Cups
Being labelled the “Ice Maiden” by the hospital staff has really never bothered Francesca Scott all that much. In fact she prefers her anonymity, and has no desire to cultivate personal relationships at work.
It may have taken him ten years, but Luke Devlin is ready to reclaim the only woman, besides his mother, who has ever meant anything to him. They grew up in the same small town and under horrendous circumstances, but through it all they had an understanding and trust that could never be matched.
Francesca made a vow to herself years ago that no one would ever control her, or make her feel less about herself, like she felt under her mother’s heavy hand. When she left home it was to make her own way in the world, and to do that she became accustomed to being alone. Luke was the only man to ever stake a claim on her heart, but as teenagers they were in no position to fulfil any dreams. Ten years later, neither has forgotten the other, but as determined as Luke is to have Francesca in his life permanently, she is equally terrified of letting it happen.
The medical aspect of this story is very smartly done, and leaves no question as to the amount of research and study done to execute it. The romance is equally well matched, and the characters hold their appeal throughout the story. Francesca is rightly cautious considering her history, but with Luke, I feel that she seems to second guess every emotion. As for Luke, he is one of the most refreshing male characters I have come across; his drive, passion, and overall ability to put his heart on the line without coming across as weak or insecure makes this story a pure pleasure to read.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
 ITALIAN DOCTOR, DREAM PROPOSAL
Medical Romance
October 2009
A new Medical Romance by Margaret McDonagh is always a treat and her latest novel set in her beautiful Scottish town of Strathlochan, Italian Doctor, Dream Proposal, is another enchanting and magical tale of love, friendship and community which you just shouldn’t miss!
Ruth Baxter’s passion for learning has been the one constant in her life. Her parents had spent all of her life criticizing her and deriding her impressive achievements, her school friends had mocked her thirst for knowledge and the only boyfriend she had ever had had lost no time in telling her that although she was a genius in the classroom, she was absolutely hopeless in the real world. Yet, Ruth was not prepared to change or be someone she was not just to please others. Instead of spending her university days partying and getting up to mischief, she had used her time wisely and had managed to achieve her goal of becoming a GP.
Ruth might not be on the best of terms with some of the doctors at her practice, but she loves her patients and wants to do her best for them. When one of her patients has a problem with her immune system, which had been misdiagnosed for years, Ruth decided to learn more about this area of the medical field which she does not know much about. A quick search on the Internet points her in the direction of Dr Rico Linardi, an expert in this particular area. Ruth soon begins to enjoy a correspondence with the Italian doctor, and when he invites her to attend a conference, Ruth accepts. Having never seen a picture of Rico, Ruth is convinced that Dr. Linardi is a fusty old professor – so she is quite surprised when she claps eyes on the drop dead gorgeous Italian who looks like he’s just walked off the pages of a fashion magazine.
Rico is immediately drawn to Ruth. Not only is she beautiful and sexy, but her kind heart and generous nature make him fall head over heels in love with the shy young doctor. But Rico knows that he must tread carefully with Ruth. He cannot risk scaring her and losing the woman whom he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
But is Ruth ready to take a chance on love?
In Italian Doctor, Dream Proposal, readers will empathize with Ruth and wish that they could be swept off their feet by somebody as charming, kind-hearted and gorgeous as Rico! Margaret McDonagh never fails to pen a realistic, moving and mesmerizing Medical romance which keeps readers hooked until the very last page and Italian Doctor, Dream Proposal is no exception!
A wonderfully romantic tale rich in pathos, drama and emotion, Italian Doctor, Dream Proposal once again confirms that when it comes to writing heartwarming and poignant romantic fiction, Margaret McDonagh simply cannot be beaten!
4 Stars
*****
Margaret McDonagh sweeps us back to the beautiful Scottish town of Strathlochan with her latest mesmerizing Medical Romance: Italian Doctor, Dream Proposal.
GP Ruth Baxter has always been a shy bookworm. She's never happier than when she has her nose stuck in a book. But she's always extremely nervous whenever she has to strike up conversations! Her passion for knowledge has seen her through an awful childhood and an acrimonous relationship with a man who lost no time in telling her that despite the fact that she was an academic genius, as a girlfriend she was a complete and utter failure.
Luckily for Ruth, her busy job as a GP leaves her no time for a relationship - and she's perfectly happy about that! Recently, Ruth has been busy researching the immune system for one of her young patients. She has struck up a correspondence with the expert in the area - Dr Rico Linardi - and when he invites her over for a conference, Ruth is expecting a fusty old Professor - so she's shocked when she claps eyes on Rico for the very first time and realizes that the Italian doctor is the most gorgeous man she's ever seen!
Sparks immediately begin to fly between Rico and Ruth, however, Ruth is wary of acting upon her attraction. Men have always hurt and used her and she is not ready to go through all that pain again. But she hasn't counted upon Rico's determination to make her his...
Margaret McDonagh never fails to pen engrossing romances imbued with pathos, emotion and realism and Italian Doctor, Dream Proposal is another one of her enchanting and enthralling Medical Romances that will keep you reading all night long. Margaret McDonagh's ability to create richly drawn and believable characters and her talent for writing captivating romances make her one of category romance's most talented writers and I am already counting the days until the release of her next novel!
Hero Hotness Factor (5 hearts)
Heroine Lovability Factor (5 hearts)
Awww Factor (5 hearts)
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) (5 hearts)
Humour Factor (1 heart)
Weepy Factor (5 hearts)
*****
5 of 5 stars
Italian Doctor, Dream Proposal by Margaret McDonagh
I love Margaret McDonagh's medicals and this one is no exception. In fact, Ruth and Rico
are among my favourite characters yet (although it's a hard one to call because I've loved
them all).
Ruth begins the book as a vulnerable heroine, and her character arc is skilfully written to
show Ruth growing and becoming more confident. I loved watching this metamorphosis.
Rico is a hero to die for - so sexy, warm and understanding. But then I've yet to meet one
of Margaret McDonagh's heroes that I haven't fallen in love with!
I particularly loved being present at Seb & Gina's wedding (characters from a previous
book) and Italian Doctor, Dream Proposal really makes the reader feel like they're
amongst friends - new and old.
Loved it!
 A MOTHER FOR THE ITALIAN'S TWINS
Medical Romance
January 2010
"The current series of the Brides of Penhally Bay concludes with Margaret McDonagh’s poignant new novel, A Mother For The Italian’s Twins."
After escaping the clutches of her bullying father, Dr. Polly Carrick had vowed never to set foot in Penhally Bay ever again. Although many years had passed since she last set foot in the picturesque Cornish village, for Polly, Penhally Bay is still a place full of bad memories which have sapped her confidence and destroyed what little self-esteem she had. After graduating from medical school, Polly had hoped to start afresh in London, but when her life came crashing down around her ears, Polly found herself accepting her godmother Kate’s proposition of taking up a vacant GP post in Penhally Bay’s surgery and thus having to face up to demons from the past which she had been unable to forget.
For Italian doctor, Dr. Luca Azzaro, Penhally Bay promises a fresh start for him and for his twin daughters, Rosie and Toni. After the tragic death of his beloved wife, Elaine, Luca had found himself having to forego his passion for pediatric medicine and to retrain as a GP. The flexible hours of general practice enable him to be a full-time dad to his daughters and to dedicate as much time as possible to his girls.
Since his wife’s death, Luca has not so much looked at another woman. His feelings, his passions and his desires seem to have died and been buried alongside his wife, so when on his first day at the surgery, he meets Polly, he is shocked by the force of attraction which he feels towards the shy and introverted doctor.
Like Luca, Polly had sworn off relationships and had decide to spend the rest of her life dedicated to her profession. Yet, Luca seems to have breached the impenetrable defenses which she had built around her, and despite vowing never to let anyone get close to her ever again, Polly finds herself drawn not just to Luca, but to his two beautiful daughters.
However, Polly is not willing to lay her heart on the line again. Her father’s harsh words and his incessant taunts have never left her and she cannot help but think that a man as attractive, kind and charming as Luca could not possibly find someone like her, a girl who had been once derided Plain Polly of Penhally, attractive.
But Luca is determined to show her that in his eyes, she is the most beautiful woman in the world and the one whom he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
Will Polly have the courage to stop letting the past rule her life and to follow her heart and embrace the man who has come to mean everything to her?
Margaret McDonagh’s heart-wrenching and heartwarming romantic stories never fail to strike a chord with me and to make me cry buckets and her exceptional new novel, A Mother for the Italian’s Twins, certainly does not disappoint.
An absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, courage and hope, in A Mother For The Italian’s Twins, Margaret McDonagh’s characterization is absolutely superb and readers will not be able to help themselves from rooting for Polly and for falling in love with the gorgeous Luca who is simply perfect.
With an emotional intensity that will tug at your heartstrings, a warmth that will seduce you and a narrative that will just leave you breathless, A Mother for the Italian’s Twins is sheer perfection from beginning to end!
Sensuality Rating: Sweet
Star Rating: 5 Stars
*****
The Brides of Penhally Bay comes to a poignant close with Margaret McDonagh's fabulous contribution to the series: A Mother for the Italian's Twins!
Dr. Polly Carrick's life has not been a fairytale. Having lost her mother when she was only a child, she grew up scared, terrified and horrified by a father who lost no time in demeaning her and in chipping away at what little self-esteem she had. In the close-knit community of Penhally Bay, Polly was tired of being pitied by neighbours, so at seventeen she had left her home town behind and went to medical school in London where she vowed never to set foot in Penhally ever again. But fate has other plans for Polly...
After a personal disappointment, Polly finds herself accepting her godmother's Kate proposition of joining the Penhally practice as the new general practioner. Coming back home is not an easy decision to make, but with few options open to Polly, she realizes that she needs to face the demons from her past and to put them to bed.
Italian doctor Dr. Luca D'Azzaro has also come to Penhally to put the past to rest. After the death of his wife, Luca had foregone his passion for pediatric medicine to become a GP and thus be able to look after his twin daughters. Since Elaine's death, he hasn't so much as looked at another woman, so he is surprised when he finds himself drawn to shy Polly.
But Polly cannot allow herself to trust another man ever again. However, Luca's charm, kindness and his ability to understand soon has her opening up to the gentle Italian. Yet, like Polly, Luca has demons of his own which he must face.
Can these two flawed souls learn to stop clinging on to the past and to embrace their future?
A Mother For The Italian's Twins is absolutely fantastic! Margaret McDonagh makes you feel every emotion which her characters go through and you are sure to wipe away many a tear as you read this tender, touching and fabulously tantalizing medical romance!
With characters that are impossible not to care about, heartfelt romance, a realistic conflict and a powerful story, A Mother For The Italian's Twins is simply unmissable!
Hero Hotness Factor - 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor - 5 hearts
Awww Factor - 5 hearts
Stickability Factor - 5 hearts
Weepy Factor - 5 hearts
 ITALIAN SURGEON, FORBIDDEN BRIDE
St Piran's Book 3
Released in Paperback and Hardback 7th January 2011
The S-Factor: Sensuous
A tender, captivating and poignant book which will tug at your heartstrings and leave you breathless, the third title in the St. Piran's continuity: Italian Surgeon, Forbidden Bride is not to be missed! Touching, unputdownable and heart-wrenching, with Italian Surgeon, Forbidden Bride talented storyteller Margaret McDonagh is at her mesmerizing best!
Jess Carmichael's life had changed irrevocably when an error of judgment had compelled her to lose everything which she held dear to her. Alone, friendless and afraid, Jess had left her life in Scotland behind and come to the tiny Cornish town of St. Piran's to start afresh, the agony of the past ever present in her life. As a hospital counsellor, Jess loves her job and has even managed to make some friends, but she is adamant that she will not allow anyone to get too close to her...
Italian surgeon Gio Corezzi had also come to St. Piran's to start over. The past has left scars on Gio which can never heal and the talented Italian surgeon is hoping to rebuild his life in the picturesque Cornish town. The last thing Gio is expecting is to fall in love...yet when he claps eyes on Jess, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful Scottish counsellor with pain in her eyes. But everytime he tries and gets close to her, Jess pushes him away...
When Jess' cottage is flooded, Gio offers her and her adorable kittens his spare room. Although initally reluctant, Jess finds herself agreeing to Gio's proposition and briefly moves into his house. Thrown into close proximity together, passion soon ignites. But how can Jess possibly contemplate a future with Gio when the past continues to hold her captive?
An absolutely stunning contemporary romance that kept me glued to its pages, Italian Surgeon, Forbidden Bride is another first-rate Medical romance from an outstanding voice in romantic fiction. Margaret McDonagh is the mistress of emotional romantic fiction and her latest novel tackles tough issues with sensitivity, compassion and warmth. Uplifting and wholly gripping, this wonderfully written, highly compelling and absolutely unforgettable romance is another one for my keeper shelf!
Hero Hotness Factor - 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor - 5 hearts
Awww Factor - 5 hearts
Stickability Factor - 5 hearts
Weepy Factor - 5 hearts
*****
"The St. Piran’s continuity continues with Margaret McDonagh’s Italian Surgeon, Forbidden Bride, a poignant, heart wrenching yet wonderfully uplifting Medical Romance that’s gone straight onto my list of all-time favourite romances!"
Jessica Carmichael had fled her native Scotland and come to Cornwall after her world had crumbled. An error of judgment had caused her to lose everything which she held dear to her heart, leaving her feeling betrayed, alone and frightened. Although she is extremely good at her job as a hospital counsellor in the picturesque Cornish town of St. Piran’s, Jess can never forget the past…nor can she ever move on from the mistakes which she had made. At St. Piran’s, Jess is loved by colleagues and patients alike. She is kind-hearted, generous and conscientious, but her past makes it impossible for her to trust anyone, so she keeps herself to herself.
Italian surgeon Giovanni Corezzi had also come to St. Piran’s to heal. Having tragically lost the love of his life, Giovanni had come to St. Piran’s for a fresh start and a clean break. Gio is determined to make a good impression on his first day. He is determined to prove his mettle and show his colleagues just how good a surgeon he is, but when he claps eyes on Jess for the very first time, the only person Giovanni is keen to impress is the gorgeous hospital counsellor!
Having sworn off men, a relationship is certainly not on the agenda for Jess. The past had taught her a very cruel lesson in trust and she had vowed never to let anyone get close to her ever again. And besides, with her cottage uninhabitable because of a flood, poor Jess has got other things on her mind than making a good impression on the new surgeon. Sure, every woman under the age of eighty is batting her eyelashes at Gio, but Jess has got to find a place to live or else she – and her adorable kittens – could well find themselves living on the streets.
Gio might have been getting the cold shoulder from Jess, but he’s determined to help her out, so he offers her – and her kittens – his spare room until her cottage is made habitable again. Thrown into close proximity together, Jess begins to fall for kind, caring and gentle Gio, despite knowing that a future for the two of them is out of the question…
Will Gio and Jess get a second chance at love? Or will the shadows from the past continue to push them further and further apart?
Italian Surgeon, Forbidden Bride is one of the most moving books I’ve ever read. A powerfully told and wonderfully written tale that tugs at your heartstrings, Italian Surgeon, Forbidden Bride is written with honesty and sensitivity and it is imbued with so much warmth and heart that it is absolutely impossible not to be moved to tears.
Margaret McDonagh can always be relied upon to deliver a spellbinding story that touches the reader on every level and Italian Surgeon, Forbidden Bride is no exception. With her wonderful ability to make readers care, her outstanding storytelling prowess and her richly drawn and highly compelling characters, this talented writer of romantic fiction has written another first-rate Medical Romance you will never forget!
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Artwork by Jim
Wylie |
