THE DOCTOR'S BRIDE by Celia Dowdy

THE DOCTOR’S BRIDE is book 2 of the 3 in the romance bride series by Celia Dowdy. It is a “historical clean and wholesome inspirational Christian romance novella” (approximately 101 pages), which makes it a quick read. As with the first novella I was attracted to the book because it is historical fiction, the reason why I am going to read book 3 is because it portrays Black people in America in roles other than slaves. Slavery ended in 1865 this book takes place in 1870 in the state of Pennsylvania and though, as in the previous book, it does not ignore the prejudice that existed that is not the focal point. The story is about an educated woman who wants to go to college against her mother’s desires. She is a school teacher, an acceptable profession for unmarried women who do not work on the farm during that time period. She is also a woman who is interested in plants used for medicinal purposes which is why she wants to go to college. After the death of her twin sister her brother-in-law returns his home town where he grew up with Deborah and his late wife, to get the assistance in raising his daughter. And that, dear reader is all of the plot I am going to share with you, it’s a novella! The beauty of this book is that it is non-sexual, non-violent and captivating. Based on the title you know there will be a bride but when you first start reading the book, at least for me,I was , focused on Deborah getting that degree! What a challenge. It was a time in which women were not encouraged to think let alone go to college and an educated Black woman was not an expectation. Most men did not marry educated women. Spoiler alert! I loved the ending but it was like going to a restaurant and eating a desert that was out of this world good, once it is gone it is gone. The ending was fabulous but, it was so good and there was no more. :( I am so glad I have book 3, THE BLACKSMITH’S BRIDE, ready to read. Go ahead and buy all three books at the same time, and then you can join me crying, over a cup a tea, realizing that there is no book 4! Written by Marsha L Floyd ALL RIGHTS RESERVED