The Surgeon's Lady (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

Carla Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Series: Harlequin Historical | Publication Date: June 1, 2009

As a surgeon in the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Philemon Brittle has proved his bravery countless times. But he's never known the thrill that comes with falling in love. Until he meets the beautiful Lady Laura Taunton, who has turned to nursing the wounded as solace from her unhappy past.

Philemon will need to draw upon every bit of his strength and determination to convince the marriage-shy Laura that establishing a life together is the truest path to love and happiness....

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373295499
• ISBN-13: 978-0373295494
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like Christmas in May--it was worth the wait!, May 19, 2009

By 

Cilla (upstate NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Surgeon's Lady (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Just when I think that I've met the best Carla Kelly hero ever, I lose my heart to the next one that comes along! After reading "Marrying the Captain," I was impatient for the next book in the trilogy, and "The Surgeon's Lady" did not disappoint me. I have to admit that I have a soft place in my heart for Naval officers, particularly medical corps ones, because I was a Navy doctor myself and am married to a Navy doctor who served as a Battalion Aide Station Surgeon in Iraq with the Marines. I fell in love with Lt. Philemon Brittle right away(don't tell my husband). He is my favorite type of romance hero--smart, brave, compassionate, and with a great sense of humor. His counterpart, Lady Laura Taunton, shares the sames qualities. She says, "Know this--I intend to fight Boney in my own way, too." Laura is the long-lost sister of Nana, from "Marrying the Captain," and although I liked Nana, Laura is more spirited because she had to struggle even more than Nana when her father essentially sold her in marriage to an aging lord. Even though this book is part of a trilogy, it could stand alone, but it is great to be able to meet some of the same characters from the first book again. The book starts when Nana and Laura(now widowed) who have met previously, are reunited, this time with the knowledge that they are sisters. The background of the Napoleonic War provides some gritty drama, some of which is definitely not for the squeamish. As is Carla Kelly's way, the romance between the two main characters develops realistically and is based on liking, as well as loving, with a healthy dose of sexual attraction, tastefully handled. Even though this is a regency-era book, the settings are in the homes of common people and in a veterans hospital. The depictions of the wounded veterans are particularly touching and realistic, which gives the book a timeless feel. I didn't want the book to end, so I'm thrilled to know that there is one more volume in the trilogy. Long-time fans of Carla will be glad to have another Carla Kelly for their "keeper" shelf, and new readers will be excited to find their new "favorite" author.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adding my voice to the Carla Kelly fan club, May 25, 2009

By 

Kathy Kaiser - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Surgeon's Lady (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Carla Kelly is one of the best romance writers in the industry. When Signet stopped publishing "Regencies", Kelly was without a publisher and stopped writing altogether for several years. I was heart-broken. But, she's back with a vengeance. I loved "Marrying the Captain" and hoped that this second book would maintain as high a level of excellence as that first one. Kelly has not only achieved that, but has actually written a BETTER book with "The Surgeon's Lady." Philemon and Laura are wonderful characters. Philemon is warm, funny, caring, and strong. Laura is traumatized by men, but has an inner core of steel. While she is aiding Philemon in his endeavors as a surgeon and learning the art of healing the body, she also allows Philemon's love to "heal" her damaged heart and soul. Kelly never preaches or has to spell out the symbolism or themes in her books. She respects the reader's intelligence, and thereby writes the kind of book I absolutely love and have a hard time finding these days. She also knows her historical facts. The various injuries the men suffer in the British Navy as they fight in the Napoleonic Wars and the medical practices and kinds of surgery performed during that time are threaded throughout the novel in such a subtle way that the reader doesn't realize she's learning these things while reading a love story. Most writers place little bits of historical information here and there while actually writing a contemporary romance with modern language, and then call it "historical romance." Kelly, on the other hand, effortlessly places the reader right smack dab in the middle of the time period and action. However, the romance always supercedes everything else in a Kelly book. Philemon and Laura's story is ultimately thoroughly satisfying and not to be missed. I eagerly look forward to the next sister's tale.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another start in her crown..., May 29, 2009

By 

Liz Flaherty "Liz Flaherty" (Macy, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Surgeon's Lady (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

...because Carla Kelly's surely the queen of Regency-era stories. This book is almost painful to read, because the ravages of war aren't glossed over, but it would be more painful NOT to read, just because it's so good. If Phil and Laura don't climb inside your skin, you don't have a pulse.