Sunday, May 31, 2015

The Surgeon and the Cowgirl - Heidi Hormel

The Surgeon and the Cowgirl
Heidi Hormel
Harlequin American, Jun 1 2015, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373755738

Rationalizing that his feelings are out of concern for his very young patients especially Alex, pediatric surgeon Dr. Payson MacCormack is angry at the child’s mother Karin for placing her son in the Hope’s Ride equestrian therapeutic program.  He insists to himself that his apprehensions are for the child and not due to his ex-wife and retired rodeo performer Jessie Leigh running the program on her ranch.  His fears almost happen when Alex wanders towards an upset horse until Jessie rescues him at the cost of further injuring her bad knee.

Jessie needs Payson’s certification to run her Hope’s Ride therapy in order to save her ranch.  He wants to delay their meeting, but knows the inevitable is coming.  Payson soon invests his heart, soul and career in Jessie’s program; while both dream of reconciliation built on trust.

The once high school sweethearts disagree with WC Fields’ comment: "Never work with animals or children" as each protagonist insist they give you more than you give them even as Alex and Molly steal the show from Jessie and Payson.  Heidi Hormel provides a pleasant second chance contemporary filled with plenty of heart.


Harriet Klausner

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