About the Book A Doctor in the House

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?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts on A Doctor in the House

I have to be honest with you.  This is an author that I love.  Primarily I love her because she does such amazing research for her stories.  Everything seems to be just as it would have been and to me, that is the best part!  I want to experience what it truly would have been like through the reading of a novel.  And with the works of Linda Shenton Matchett that is exactly what I get. 

This book follows a female doctor who comes to serve in England during the war.  She is stationed at a country estate. I loved this visit to the English countryside.  My grandma lived in England during WWII and that’s how she met my grandfather who was stationed there.  So, this book made me think of them as they’ve both been gone for a while. 

The owner of the estate has lost all of his family.  He’s the last living member with his older brothers perishing at Dunkirk and his parents to the Blitz.  I can’t even imagine what that must feel like.  But it was a sad reality for a lot of people.  He does not trust the doctor and thinks she’s incompetent.  Sparks fly between them but they’re sparks of anger and adversity.

Can they overcome the fight between them or must they always be at odds?

This was a wonderful quick read and I’m sure you’re going to love it as well as all the rest of the WWII female lead character books that this author has written. 

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author of A Doctor in the House

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. Now, I hope you agree!

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

Blog Stops for A Doctor in the House

Giveaway for A Doctor in the House

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!