Psyched out

Romantic_L_eads Recommendations and reviews of romantic fiction

Psyched out

THESE selections seem to contain characters who are trying to deal with some pretty serious psychological scars. Maybe after a summer of light-hearted romances, readers are looking for more serious imaginary tales for their Fall reading pleasure.

The Doctor’s Wife

By Cheryl St. John (Harlequin Historical - 1999, $5.99)

Web surfers who have first come across well-known author Cheryl St. John on the Internet know her quick wit and acerbic sense of humour. But in her books, St. John chooses to cast aside her humorous side and uses the heartbreaking wretch theme to perfection.

In The Doctor’s Wife, Dr. Caleb Chaney has landed himself in a twisted wreck of a marriage. First he hires Ellie _ a strong yet desperate and sad woman who touched his heart _ to take care of his child, but he soon realizes that situation won’t work.

Desperate to find a mother for his infant son, Caleb proposes to Ellie. They first strike this bargain to help both of their families, but pity, fear and gratitude make a poor foundation for a relationship.

Ellie is carrying plenty of emotional scars from past experiences and it takes time and patience on the part of the good-hearted Dr. Chaney to win her trust. St. John will make you cheer for Caleb and Ellie as they struggle to understand and respect each other.

This touching story will give you a lump in your throat.

Strathmere’s Bride

By Jacqueline Navin (Harlequin Historical – 1999, $5.99)

Jacqueline Navin is a psychologist and it shows in her character’s sensitive inner dialogue.

Chloe Pesserat is an understanding and joyful governess to the Duke of Strathmere’s recently orphaned nieces. Unfortunately, the new Duke and his mother don’t appreciate Chloe’s carefree style.

Jareth Hunt never expected to become Duke of Strathmere, but he was thrust into the role after his brother and sister-in-law were killed, leaving him with the title and two nieces to take care of.

He is still uncomfortable coming to terms with his domineering mother’s orchestration of his life as The Duke. Jareth’s main problem is that he doesn't believe he is Duke material, and he realizes just how tough his brother had it.

Although Jareth is attracted to Chloe, his insistent mother is pushing into what she considers a proper marriage. Jareth seems to be convinced by his mother that the Duke of Strathmere he must accept the proper, stuffy, subservient bride his mother has chosen.

Chloe is not very happy either. A cousin of the children’s mother, she stays on in Northumberland, England because of her dedication to the children and because a doctor suggests her departure would hinder their recovery from the shock of their parents’ death

Although the story of a man torn between duty and desire is an old one, Navin’s treatment of this psychological battle proves that a good writer can make even the most familiar themes an interesting read.

Janine Taylor is a Halifax writer. She can be reached at romanticleads@hotmail.com or http://welcome.to/romanticleads

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