by: Danielle Thorne
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance/Christmas Romance
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Home for the holidays…
Or home for good?
Once upon a time, Ben Cooper left his hometown to follow his dreams of becoming a big-city doctor. Now he’s back to run his father’s clinic and spend Christmas with his daughter, not to fall for McKenzie Price, the woman who broke his heart. But when McKenzie steps in to help Ben reconnect with his little girl, and old sparks begin to ignite, will Ben give up city life for a second chance at love?
Love Inspired — Heartfelt stories that show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives.
Ben Cooper has returned to his hometown of Kudzu Creek, Georgia to fill in for his father who is recovering from a medical emergency. While there, Ben hopes to spend time with and connect with his six-year-old daughter Megan, who his parents are raising while he focuses on his career of being a doctor and ultimately his dream of becoming a surgeon. Once upon a time, McKenzie Price had big dreams. She wanted to be a wife, mother, and her own boss as an owner of a bookstore. Over time, her dreams have changed. She has put the titles of wife and mother into the far recesses of her mind, focusing on being there for her sister and helping to raise her six-year-old niece, Bailey.
McKenzie and Ben knew they would run into each other at some point. They just didn’t expect to have the feelings they thought they buried to resurface. Ben only plans on staying in town until the new year. Then he’s back to Chicago or wherever he’s offered a surgical fellowship. McKenzie refuses to be vulnerable and trust anyone with her heart after her parents abandoned the family. Leaving Kudzu Creek, her home and safe haven isn’t an option, while Ben refuses to stay in a town where he was bullied as a teen and couldn’t wait to leave and prove his own worth. To have the future they want, Ben and McKenzie are going to have to let go of the past and look within themselves.
The Doctor’s Christmas Dilemma was an enjoyable read. Initially, I thought McKenzie had a holier-than-thou attitude towards Ben. But I liked the way she was able to look at things from his viewpoint. Ben was relatable. I loved when he had his moment of self-reflection. Megan added heart to the story that only a little child could. I am disappointed that there wasn’t a Christmas Day scene in the story. Since The Doctor’s Christmas Dilemma seems to be part of an unofficial series, I’m hoping there’s a story coming soon featuring McKenzie’s sister, Jill.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Fantasies are just dreams we convince ourselves are impossible.”
“Pride makes us esteem ourselves; vanity makes us desire the esteem of others.”
“Nothing in life is ever a sure thing.”
“Big decisions are hard. Sometimes we have to take a step into the darkness.”
“Sometimes all you need is a best friend.”
“Love can surprise you.”
“If I don’t hurt, I won’t know whether I’m alive or not.”
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Rating: 4
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✍️ You can read my The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma interview with Danielle here. Plus enter to win an autographed copy of the book. ✍️
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