A breathtaking novel of romantic obsession, longing and one woman's choice between motherhood and her operatic callingIt is 1903. Dr. Ravell is a young Harvard-educated obstetrician with a growing reputation for helping couples conceive. He has treated women from all walks of Boston society, but when Ravell meets Erika-an opera singer whose beauty is surpassed only by her spellbinding voice-he knows their doctor-patient relationship will be like none he has ever had.After struggling for years to become pregnant, Erika believes there is no hope. Her mind is made up: she will leave her prominent Bostonian husband to pursue her career in Italy, a plan both unconventional and risky. But becoming Ravell's patient will change her life in ways she never could have imagined.Lush and stunningly realized, The Doctor and the Diva moves from snowy Boston to the jungles of Trinidad to the gilded balconies of Florence. This magnificent debut is a tale of passionate love affairs, dangerous decisions, and a woman's irreconcilable desires as she is forced to choose between the child she has always longed for and the opera career she cannot live without. Inspired by the author's family history, the novel is sensual, sexy, and heart-stopping in its bittersweet beauty.
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"LOVED IT! This was my first book purchase after the Twilight series including The Host. When I say first, it was the first book with the Twilight books that I have purchased in over 25 years. It was amazing and so well written and one of those books you just can't put down. I just loved it. "
— Juanita (5 out of 5 stars)
" This book is brilliantly written. The prose is fluid; the characters are believable and human. I felt like I traveled all over the world with these characters, and my heart fell up and down as theirs did. I'm sad it's over! "
— Melissa, 2/20/2014" Ehhh! Hard to stick with. "
— Susan, 2/5/2014" I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the multiple locales featured in the book. The historical representation of early obstetric beliefs and interventions was interesting and the characters were well-developed. At times it felt like the author tried to fit a little too much into a single novel, which is why I didn't give it four stars, but given that this was Adrienne McDonnell's first novel it was an excellent freshman effort. "
— Eden, 2/3/2014" Did not finish. So slow and the storyline was not of my liking. "
— Marci, 2/3/2014" I liked how this book traveled to 3 different countries and different life styles. You had the opera enthusiasts in Italy, (I'm a sucker for anything Italy related) the Doctors in Boston and the plantations of Trinidad.The 3 main characters were memorable and at times frustrating. I could never imagine leaving my child to peruse my unfulfilled dreams, especially after the lengths she went through to get pregnant in the first place! Again I find myself wishing I could give it another half star... 3 1/2 stars!! Another Costco choice I was happy with :) I love shopping for books at Costco. I also like the Costco book reviews in their magazine...hmm?? Is there a Costco book-club I can join? lol "
— Teniya, 1/24/2014" It was a good vacation book. Not too deep, but interesting nonetheless. "
— Randi, 1/20/2014" about opera singer who cant fall pregnant and the fertility doctor who falls in love with her. very overdramatic and i found the characters a bit annoying but wanted to see what happened in the end. "
— Jodie, 1/20/2014" LOVED this book! I would give it 10 stars if I could. Beautifully written, multi-layered story. This is one of the best books I've read this year (right up there with The Kitchen House)! It just transported me back to another place in time. This book is why I love to read! "
— Cathy, 1/19/2014" Great characters, great storyline. Loved it "
— Denise, 1/8/2014" Didn't really like this book. Thought it was slow and not much really happened. "
— Karen, 12/29/2013" Interesting romance. "
— Renee, 12/20/2013" This book starts off really good. I was really into it and thoughts this is going to be good! However, suddenly it went straight down hill. When it went down hill, it was hard to get through. I think this story could have been so much better then it was. "
— BecksBookPicks, 12/17/2013" Trashy, somewhat painful, but also compelling and well-written. Isn't that the definition of good chick-lit? "
— Bethany, 12/4/2013" The book opened well and it was interesting to learn that fertility treatments were somewhat available at the turn of the century. Ironically, the part of the book set in Italy did not work for me. "
— Krysia, 9/10/2013" Interesting first novel. Quick and interesting read. "
— Laura, 2/16/2013" I really liked this. 1900s, explores one obstetrician's experience with newer fertility treatments and his unorthodox / unethical approach to help one couple. The main female character has to choose between having a child/being a mother and attempting an operatic career in Italy. Very readable. "
— Karyn, 1/3/2013" I enjoyed this very much, although I definitely couldn't identify with the main character who chose to leave behind her small son to pursue her career. "
— Lisa, 12/25/2012" I read this in one sitting...easy-reading. It was ok. "
— Laurie, 10/26/2012" Good enough to finish, well written, and some interesting points to ponder but that's about it. "
— Wendy, 3/8/2012" I really enjoyed reading this book. It showed the main character as an independent women in a time when they were expected to just stay at home and be mothers.Although predictable at times, there were also some unexpected moments in it. "
— Judy, 9/5/2011" An entertaining read, particularly the scenes in Italy involving her singing. Lush, romantic settings and characters that you aren't sure whether to dislike or cheer on. "
— Juli-Ann, 8/27/2011" Good book. Historical story about infertility and travel. "
— Ngchang, 7/6/2011" Over-written and unbelievable story line. Disappointing. "
— Lynn, 6/21/2011" There was nothing about this book to recommend it. In a word is was boring -- utterly boring. This book was so dull and poorly written I didn't even bother to finish it. "
— Anna, 5/27/2011" Fascinating subject--who would think that fertility procedures were going on more than a century ago. Great writer and great plot. The ethics of the main character is worth discussing. "
— Lorraine, 4/13/2011" Interesting about obgyn issues for this time period. Many of the women were quite racy and daring. Nothing new here but a decent read and I learned about italy and the opera. "
— Kelly, 2/5/2011" Interesting story of an obstetrician in the early 1900s, who gets too attached to one of his patients, and how his actions affect the rest of their lives. Interesting premise that takes the story from Boston to Trinidad to Italy and back. Well written and engaging story. "
— Debbie, 1/29/2011" It was pretty good but at points it got wordy and seemed longer than necessary. "
— Sarahlweber, 1/26/2011" I thought the main character, Erica, was too selfish for me to like. The book started off good, but I lost interest when she left for Italy and left her son behind. "
— Vikki, 1/18/2011" Interesting tale of a couple and their doctor, and the issues of longing: for a child, for a career in music, for lost love. The descriptions of music and a trip to the tropics are particularly lush, and overall it is an enjoyable read. "
— M, 1/16/2011" Fascinating on several levels, but especially in regard to the medical field. "
— Connie, 12/28/2010" A great love story, and what people will do for those they love. Wonderfully written, descriptive without being overly done. Made my imagination run. "
— Christina, 12/19/2010Orlagh Cassidy, an American actress of stage, television, and film, is an audiobook narrator who has twice won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration, as well as many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She is a graduate of SUNY at Purchase and a recipient of the Princess Grace Foundation Scholarship. She has been seen on and off Broadway and in films, including Definitely Maybe and Calling It Quits. Her television credits include roles in Law & Order and Sex and the City and as Doris Wolfe on Guiding Light.