Review: The Surgeon Smiled and So Did I!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 2, 2013
Making the Surgeon Smile is another triumph for author Lynne Marshall. I was extremely happy to receive an advanced copy of this lovely little hardcover book. And what a gorgeous cover! The NYC setting was a wonderful read and caused many a smile as I ambled through familiar streets.I've always enjoyed the emotional level Ms. Marshall reaches in her medical stories.  Having worked in the hospital setting as an RN, and dated my share of doctors, I recognize the author's take on the forbidden work-related romance and the secrecy involved. There is nothing like a hospital grapevine for juicy news delivered in a flash. : )This is a story of healing. Both main characters carry pain from the past. One has chosen to move forward putting a positive spin on everything that comes her way, and the other cannot get past the pain, so he has shut down emotionally. They both have much to learn on this journey.There were times that I wanted to shake Johnny for his bad behavior, for his moodiness, for his coldness. But that's the sign of a good writer: one who can make me feel, one who can cause me to feel indignant, one who makes me stay the course because I know she will redeem the character by story end. The glimmers of the man Dr. John Griffin once was become apparent in the one area where he lets down his guard, and that is in patient care. He loves his patients.Polly, although superficially sunny and bright, has a deep pain she carries, but has chosen to always look on the brighter side of life. There is a thread of strength that runs below the surface of her cheerfulness, and she knows not to give up on Johnny. She is the perfect person to help him to unwind, to let go of the pain, to move forward and create a new life. If only he can see that!When these two finally get their HEA, it is well deserved and very satisfying. I gave the story five stars for the emotional component: for the author's ability to make me care.