"Delightful Canadian historical romance"

In 1889 Calgary, Dr. John Calloway serves as chief surgeon for the North West Mounted Police. After a long day of what seems like assembly line surgery since someone murdered his best friend fellow surgeon Wesley Quinn, John needs rest. However, the weary John finds Sarah O'Neill in his room going through his closet. John has no idea who Sarah is or why she is here in his room.

As a joke on their commander, John's unit advertised for a bride for him, ultimately selected Sarah as his wife, and sent her a ticket to come to Calgary. After the initial shock passes and John learns the truth that she is his mail order bride, he sanctimoniously informs Sarah that no real woman would accept that type of proposal unless she was desperate or running away. John plans to send her home, but Sarah blithely shakes him further by courageously rejecting his offer. She intends to find work as a gunsmith and remain in town. As John feels responsible for her, she rejects his protection. Still, they fall in love, but will he realize this his first impression about Sarah was off the mark and that they can share a lifetime of love if he heeds his heart and if she trusts him with hers.

Based on a real 1880s incident, THE SURGEON is a delightful Canadian historical romance that provides a bridge into a bygone era. The story line is character driven led by a strong lead couple, interfering and smirking support cast, and Calgary, which takes on a dimension of its own. Kate Bridges vividly conveys living and loving in late nineteenth century in the province of Alberta.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 11, 2003