Historical
Doctor McBride
By Chrissy Dionne
Jun 4, 2009 - 7:10:13 PM

Emma Binns has had her sights set on Doctor Jake McBride since she was only fourteen years of age and he’d kissed her good-bye before heading off to some fancy college in Kansas.  It’s been ten years since that fateful day and aside from a kiss when he returned home he’s kept his distance.  Emma’s tired of waiting so she’s moved into town and planted herself right under his nose. 

Jake McBride is having a very difficult time resisting Emma.  He’s known exactly how he’s felt about her ever since they shared their second kiss.  Unfortunately her father and brothers witnessed that kiss and made him promise to keep his distance – and he’s kept his word.  The trouble is Emma’s presence so near is wearing on him and he’s not quite sure how to handle the whole situation.

Emma’s become frustrated with Jake’s lack of interest.  Even when he examined her ankle after she injured it he seemed to want to get away from her as soon as possible.  To add heartache to the equation, Abigail Christianson has also set her cap on marrying Jake and she’s far more obvious in her pursuit.  Emma’s afraid Jake will never see her as anything more than a friend but when she gets flustered and genuinely hurts herself it brings them together in a way they both dreamed of and assumed would never happen.  Jake’s aware there’s no turning back now, he wants Emma for his wife – no other will do.  All he has to do inform her father of his intentions and pray he lives to actually propose to Emma.

Lauri Robinson’s DOCTOR MCBRIDE is a wonderful addition to her MCBRIDE series.  This lighthearted tale allows readers to take a step back in time and immerse themselves in a simpler way of life.  Emma and Jake’s romance is sweet but it’s coupled with drama, another woman, and a huge drunken misunderstanding that is downright humorous.  I have to admit I get a real kick out of Abigail’s pursuit of Jake.  It’s apparent that she’s got her sights set on marriage to one of the McBride brothers so I’m anxious to find out how the next brother discourages her attentions – or if he actually returns her affection.