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Aussie Outback Medical #4
The Baby Doctor
The new medical rural romance from bestselling author and midwife Fiona McArthur
‘The right people turn up in your life at the right time if you let them.’
Sienna Wilson is living her dream in the city – a rewarding obstetrics job in a leading hospital, an apartment with a view, and handsome Sergeant McCabe on call whenever she needs him. The last thing she wants is a posting to investigate a medical mystery in a remote outback town.
But on arrival in Spinifex, Sienna is brought to life in new and exciting ways. In a community riddled with secrets, she meets troubled young barmaid Maddy, and tough publican Alma, both with their secrets to hide.
As they draw strength from each other, new friendships, new loves and new babies are born, proving that when strong women join forces, they can overcome even the greatest odds.
‘The right people turn up in your life at the right time if you let them.’
Sienna Wilson is living her dream in the city – a rewarding obstetrics job in a leading hospital, an apartment with a view, and handsome Sergeant McCabe on call whenever she needs him. The last thing she wants is a posting to investigate a medical mystery in a remote outback town.
But on arrival in Spinifex, Sienna is brought to life in new and exciting ways. In a community riddled with secrets, she meets troubled young barmaid Maddy, and tough publican Alma, both with their secrets to hide.
As they draw strength from each other, new friendships, new loves and new babies are born, proving that when strong women join forces, they can overcome even the greatest odds.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2017
About the author
Fiona McArthur
303 books214 followersFiona McArthur has worked as a midwife for thirty years. She is the clinical midwifery educator inner rural maternity unit and teaches emergency obstetric strategies while working with midwives and doctors from remote and isolated areas.
Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.
Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 28, 2017
Dr Sienna Wilson, Director of Obstetrics in one of the largest Sydney hospitals was once again proud of her role in the delivery of this latest set of triplets – three healthy babies to the ecstatic, though tired, parents. But when she received a telephone call from Sergeant Douglas McCabe telling her of a medical issue they were having in the little outback town of Spinifex in far north Queensland, Sienna was determined not to head to the bush once again. She’d had enough of the red dust and isolation on her visit to Red Sand a few months earlier – she didn’t do the outback!
But the persuasion of both Douglas and Blanche, matriarch and all-round benefactor of the area saw Sienna heading north in her fancy car, the long, two-day drive not something she was looking forward to. The Desert Rose Hotel with the indomitable Alma at its helm, young Maddy the waitress and of course, Douglas had Sienna more relaxed in the searing heat than she’d thought possible. Plus her sister, midwife Eve, wasn’t too far away either. She could handle the next week or two – couldn’t she? And her research and interviews into the medical issues surrounding the area’s pregnant mothers would keep her busy.
As Sienna questioned and searched for elusive answers, she found herself being drawn to both Maddy and Alma. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but was sure there were secrets there. Her intuition was usually pretty spot on, but her brain felt addled in the heat, from more sources that the sun…
The Baby Doctor is another spectacular medical rural romance by Aussie author Fiona McArthur; an author who is definitely at the top of her game! It was great to read Sienna’s story, and catch up once again with Eve from Red Sand Sunrise. Intrigue, mystery, friendships and love along with a strength of character that is impressive, The Baby Doctor is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read and review.
But the persuasion of both Douglas and Blanche, matriarch and all-round benefactor of the area saw Sienna heading north in her fancy car, the long, two-day drive not something she was looking forward to. The Desert Rose Hotel with the indomitable Alma at its helm, young Maddy the waitress and of course, Douglas had Sienna more relaxed in the searing heat than she’d thought possible. Plus her sister, midwife Eve, wasn’t too far away either. She could handle the next week or two – couldn’t she? And her research and interviews into the medical issues surrounding the area’s pregnant mothers would keep her busy.
As Sienna questioned and searched for elusive answers, she found herself being drawn to both Maddy and Alma. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but was sure there were secrets there. Her intuition was usually pretty spot on, but her brain felt addled in the heat, from more sources that the sun…
The Baby Doctor is another spectacular medical rural romance by Aussie author Fiona McArthur; an author who is definitely at the top of her game! It was great to read Sienna’s story, and catch up once again with Eve from Red Sand Sunrise. Intrigue, mystery, friendships and love along with a strength of character that is impressive, The Baby Doctor is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read and review.
October 22, 2017
Sienna Wilson is happy in the city. She is a head of obstetrics in a large Sydney hospital, has a lifestyle many would envy and Sergeant McCabe for the occasional romantic interlude. When she receives a call, or more a demand, to investigate a medical problem concerning three babies in the outback town of Spinifex, she is less than impressed. Sienna likes her comforts. She does not do outback. But neither can she turn her back on mothers and babies in need. Her plan is to get in and out of Spinifex as quickly as possible.
In Spinifex, Sienna meets Alma, owner of the pub and a woman with her own secrets that haunt her. She also meet the young barmaid, Maddy with issues of her own. Then there is Douglas McCabe. But he doesn’t seem to want to co-operate with Sienna’s plans for romance while in Spinifex.
I must admit early on I got a little tired with Sienna and the constant references to the physical attributes of Douglas. I also was a little bemused that people could not tell when someone was heavily pregnant despite the loose clothes. The story takes a turn that ramps up the action when Sienna starts her investigations into what caused the problem with the babies. As well as this issue, domestic violence is one that raises its head. The issue of being so isolated when medical emergencies and problems occur is well handled and increases tension. The second half of the book I practically flew through.
There are some lovely warm hearted characters, prepared to give people a second chance, in this book. Alma and Sienna’s sister Eve, are two of them. This is an interesting rural read and I really enjoyed it.
In Spinifex, Sienna meets Alma, owner of the pub and a woman with her own secrets that haunt her. She also meet the young barmaid, Maddy with issues of her own. Then there is Douglas McCabe. But he doesn’t seem to want to co-operate with Sienna’s plans for romance while in Spinifex.
I must admit early on I got a little tired with Sienna and the constant references to the physical attributes of Douglas. I also was a little bemused that people could not tell when someone was heavily pregnant despite the loose clothes. The story takes a turn that ramps up the action when Sienna starts her investigations into what caused the problem with the babies. As well as this issue, domestic violence is one that raises its head. The issue of being so isolated when medical emergencies and problems occur is well handled and increases tension. The second half of the book I practically flew through.
There are some lovely warm hearted characters, prepared to give people a second chance, in this book. Alma and Sienna’s sister Eve, are two of them. This is an interesting rural read and I really enjoyed it.
October 30, 2017
The Baby Doctor is a lovely rural romantic suspense novel that highlights the importance of kindness to everyone. Dr Sienna Wilson had it all. Fantastic career as an obstetrician and a friend with benefits Sergeant Douglas McCabe. However, her sister's mother-law Blanche Mackay was worried about the number of babies being born with a disability called microcephaly. Requested Sienna to come and investigate by donating a significant amount of money to her hospital. The only benefit for Sienna was seeing Sergeant Douglas McCabe and her sister Eve. However, this was not the case. The readers of The Baby Doctor will continue to follow Sienna's investigation and see how Sienna became part of the community.
I love reading The Baby Doctor. I like Fiona McArthur portrayal of her characters. At times I laugh while reading The Baby Doctor other times I cried. Fiona McArthur did a lovely job of describing what happens in a violent relationship for everyone involved.
The readers of The Baby Doctor will learn about the dangers of radiation on unborn babies. Also, readers of The Baby Doctor will learn about the role and procedures of rural law enforcement officer. The Baby Doctor also highlighted the other problems family violence causes.
I recommend this book.
I love reading The Baby Doctor. I like Fiona McArthur portrayal of her characters. At times I laugh while reading The Baby Doctor other times I cried. Fiona McArthur did a lovely job of describing what happens in a violent relationship for everyone involved.
The readers of The Baby Doctor will learn about the dangers of radiation on unborn babies. Also, readers of The Baby Doctor will learn about the role and procedures of rural law enforcement officer. The Baby Doctor also highlighted the other problems family violence causes.
I recommend this book.
June 24, 2019
Readers familiar with Fiona McArthur’s Red Sand Sunrise will be delighted to reacquaint themselves with obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr. Sienna Wilson. While Sienna’s sister, Callie, and half sister, Eve, are settled in the Queensland outback, Sienna was always adamant the heat, dust and isolation was not for her, and at the beginning of The Baby Doctor, she is the Director of Obstetrics at a Sydney hospital, enjoying the benefits of her success.
Sienna is exasperated when outback matriarch, Blanche McKay, overrides her objections and insists that she personally investigate the cause of three newborns affected by microcephaly in a remote outback town, only marginally less so when she learns Sargeant Douglas McCabe, with whom she has enjoyed the occasional dalliance, is based there. Left with no choice, Sienna reluctantly heads to Spinifex, population 300, determined to solve the medical mystery, and return to her life in the city within the week.
Housed in the local pub, The Desert Rose owned by the indomitable Alma Toms, at Blanche’s expense, Sienna is eager to begin her investigation. While McCabe refuses to let Sienna stay in his police residence, concerned at least in part about propriety, he does allow her to set up an office in his spare room, and she hires Maddy, a young woman who works at the pub to assist her with administrative tasks for an hour or so a day.
Alma and Maddy become important characters in the story. Alma who is nearly 70, is a bit of a cliche, the tough publican with a heart of gold, but delightful all the same. Maddy is barely 21, and keeping a desperate secret from everyone she knows. Maddy proves to be an incredibly resourceful young woman despite the situation she is in, and her story, sensitively told by McArthur, sheds light on an important issue.
Sienna’s relationship with McCabe is complicated. Despite their strong attraction to one another (and McArthur nails the chemistry between them), they are such polar opposites and there seems no way for them to reconcile their differences. I do like the compromise they eventually reached though (and I hope McArthur might explore this new setting further).
Microcephaly is a rare birth disorder, but there are several possible causes which Sienna needs to eliminate. I found her sleuthing interesting, especially considering the challenges she faces due to factors such as distance. I also appreciate that McArthur brings to light issues in rural medicine. The actual cause, when Sienna solves the mystery, seemed a little melodramatic to me, though it’s clear McArthur did her research and the scenario is plausible, if not very likely.
A story of resilience, friendship, and love, The Baby Doctor is an appealing rural romance with an edge of drama and suspense.
Sienna is exasperated when outback matriarch, Blanche McKay, overrides her objections and insists that she personally investigate the cause of three newborns affected by microcephaly in a remote outback town, only marginally less so when she learns Sargeant Douglas McCabe, with whom she has enjoyed the occasional dalliance, is based there. Left with no choice, Sienna reluctantly heads to Spinifex, population 300, determined to solve the medical mystery, and return to her life in the city within the week.
Housed in the local pub, The Desert Rose owned by the indomitable Alma Toms, at Blanche’s expense, Sienna is eager to begin her investigation. While McCabe refuses to let Sienna stay in his police residence, concerned at least in part about propriety, he does allow her to set up an office in his spare room, and she hires Maddy, a young woman who works at the pub to assist her with administrative tasks for an hour or so a day.
Alma and Maddy become important characters in the story. Alma who is nearly 70, is a bit of a cliche, the tough publican with a heart of gold, but delightful all the same. Maddy is barely 21, and keeping a desperate secret from everyone she knows. Maddy proves to be an incredibly resourceful young woman despite the situation she is in, and her story, sensitively told by McArthur, sheds light on an important issue.
Sienna’s relationship with McCabe is complicated. Despite their strong attraction to one another (and McArthur nails the chemistry between them), they are such polar opposites and there seems no way for them to reconcile their differences. I do like the compromise they eventually reached though (and I hope McArthur might explore this new setting further).
Microcephaly is a rare birth disorder, but there are several possible causes which Sienna needs to eliminate. I found her sleuthing interesting, especially considering the challenges she faces due to factors such as distance. I also appreciate that McArthur brings to light issues in rural medicine. The actual cause, when Sienna solves the mystery, seemed a little melodramatic to me, though it’s clear McArthur did her research and the scenario is plausible, if not very likely.
A story of resilience, friendship, and love, The Baby Doctor is an appealing rural romance with an edge of drama and suspense.
September 29, 2017
This story took me to the outback for a journey that had me turning the pages meeting up with old friends making new friends and sharing heartache and happiness with them, MS McArthur writes stories that are filled with emotion and love, make yourself comfy because you won’t want to put this one down once you start and I highly recommend that you read this one.
Sienna Wilson is an Obstetrician doing exactly what she loves working in a big Sydney hospital there are no plans for marriage or children although she is very fond of police sergeant Douglas McCabe whom she met last year with her visit to Red Sands and they have had a few visits, but she has been asked again by outback matriarch Blanche McKay to investigate abnormal births in the town of Spinifex and ever the investigator off she goes and happily as that is where Douglas is stationed. But never does she realize that her life will change so much once she gets there.
Douglas is a quiet man he lives by the rules of life and is there to protect at all costs but his feelings are turned upside down by the gorgeous Sienna they live in such totally different worlds Sienna is all for the high flying city life and Douglas loves his outback life but there is a spark, a pull between them that really can’t be denied and with so much happening in the town they are pulled closer together.
When Sienna arrives in Spinifex she shocked by the changes that happen to her making friends with pub owner Alma and young Maddy who works in the bar, there is so much going on in this town that worry Sienna and you can see the beautifulness of Sienna coming to the surface and Douglas and her relationship moves ahead. Oh what can I say other than I loved this story there were tears there were smiles and yes there was tension, but above all there was strength and love as friendships opened up, new lives are created and families are together.
Thank you MS McArthur for another fabulous story that is going to stay with me for a long time to come, beautifully written fabulous engaging characters that have become friends, the setting is awesome I really must visit the outback one day, this is a book I highly recommend.
Sienna Wilson is an Obstetrician doing exactly what she loves working in a big Sydney hospital there are no plans for marriage or children although she is very fond of police sergeant Douglas McCabe whom she met last year with her visit to Red Sands and they have had a few visits, but she has been asked again by outback matriarch Blanche McKay to investigate abnormal births in the town of Spinifex and ever the investigator off she goes and happily as that is where Douglas is stationed. But never does she realize that her life will change so much once she gets there.
Douglas is a quiet man he lives by the rules of life and is there to protect at all costs but his feelings are turned upside down by the gorgeous Sienna they live in such totally different worlds Sienna is all for the high flying city life and Douglas loves his outback life but there is a spark, a pull between them that really can’t be denied and with so much happening in the town they are pulled closer together.
When Sienna arrives in Spinifex she shocked by the changes that happen to her making friends with pub owner Alma and young Maddy who works in the bar, there is so much going on in this town that worry Sienna and you can see the beautifulness of Sienna coming to the surface and Douglas and her relationship moves ahead. Oh what can I say other than I loved this story there were tears there were smiles and yes there was tension, but above all there was strength and love as friendships opened up, new lives are created and families are together.
Thank you MS McArthur for another fabulous story that is going to stay with me for a long time to come, beautifully written fabulous engaging characters that have become friends, the setting is awesome I really must visit the outback one day, this is a book I highly recommend.
October 9, 2017
The Baby Doctor was a perfect read at the perfect time for me. I wanted a book that was smart, sexy and dramatic but never expected to find all that and more in the one story! I honestly didn’t want this book to end, I enjoyed it so much. The characters are strong, the plot is a delight and the romance is hot yet sweet. Plus it adds a medical mystery! That all adds up to a book that is just right for me.
The central character is Dr Sienna Wilson, who some may remember from Red Sand Sunrise as Eve’s sister. Sienna’s a bit of a prickly sort; she loves her heels, fast cars and city living. The one thing she is definitely not up for is a trip to the outback, but her sister’s mother-in-law has enough money to demand that Sienna is released from her job as Director of Obstetrics in a Sydney hospital. So somewhat reluctantly, Sienna puts her coffee machine in her Mustang (yes, you read that correctly) and drives to central Queensland. Only two things are motivating her: to find out the cause of microcephaly (small head from abnormal brain development) in a number of local babies and that her casual fling, Sergeant Douglas McCabe, also lives in the tiny town of Spinifex. What Sienna gets in town is completely different. Douglas is very conscious of his standing in the tiny town and isn’t open to her living in his house, nor flaunting their relationship. She also didn’t expect a pregnant woman with a secret and a gruff publican with a heart of gold, both who become good friends. There is drama aplenty in Spinifex, as Sienna researches the potential causes of the birth defects and Maddy’s secret becomes harder to hide.
I really liked Sienna in Red Sand Sunrise as a no-nonsense, blunt doctor with no maternal tendencies whatsoever. It was great to read that she was finally getting her own story! She’s stubborn and unwilling to bend (think heels in the desert) but she’s tenacious and loyal to those she loves. It was also great to see Eve again and catch up with her life post her happy ever after. While I adore Sienna, I also had a very soft spot for Douglas. He’s a man with two very different sides to him – the conservative, tough policeman and the soft, caring man underneath. His actions definitely make him a hero in my eyes!
The Baby Doctor is full of drama, but Fiona McArthur writes in such a way that it didn’t seemed forced or too much. It felt like a logical progression of the plot with nothing out of place. (Plus, you just know that nothing will be simple with Sienna around!) Adding in the characters of Maddy and Alma added in extra layers of friendship, making Sienna seem more real (and less tough). I enjoyed Maddy’s story nearly as much as Sienna’s! She was coming from a completely different place with different problems yet the two characters complemented each other.
The Baby Doctor is one of my favourite reads for 2017 – brilliant story, great characters and unputdownable!
Thank you to Penguin for the copy of this great book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The central character is Dr Sienna Wilson, who some may remember from Red Sand Sunrise as Eve’s sister. Sienna’s a bit of a prickly sort; she loves her heels, fast cars and city living. The one thing she is definitely not up for is a trip to the outback, but her sister’s mother-in-law has enough money to demand that Sienna is released from her job as Director of Obstetrics in a Sydney hospital. So somewhat reluctantly, Sienna puts her coffee machine in her Mustang (yes, you read that correctly) and drives to central Queensland. Only two things are motivating her: to find out the cause of microcephaly (small head from abnormal brain development) in a number of local babies and that her casual fling, Sergeant Douglas McCabe, also lives in the tiny town of Spinifex. What Sienna gets in town is completely different. Douglas is very conscious of his standing in the tiny town and isn’t open to her living in his house, nor flaunting their relationship. She also didn’t expect a pregnant woman with a secret and a gruff publican with a heart of gold, both who become good friends. There is drama aplenty in Spinifex, as Sienna researches the potential causes of the birth defects and Maddy’s secret becomes harder to hide.
I really liked Sienna in Red Sand Sunrise as a no-nonsense, blunt doctor with no maternal tendencies whatsoever. It was great to read that she was finally getting her own story! She’s stubborn and unwilling to bend (think heels in the desert) but she’s tenacious and loyal to those she loves. It was also great to see Eve again and catch up with her life post her happy ever after. While I adore Sienna, I also had a very soft spot for Douglas. He’s a man with two very different sides to him – the conservative, tough policeman and the soft, caring man underneath. His actions definitely make him a hero in my eyes!
The Baby Doctor is full of drama, but Fiona McArthur writes in such a way that it didn’t seemed forced or too much. It felt like a logical progression of the plot with nothing out of place. (Plus, you just know that nothing will be simple with Sienna around!) Adding in the characters of Maddy and Alma added in extra layers of friendship, making Sienna seem more real (and less tough). I enjoyed Maddy’s story nearly as much as Sienna’s! She was coming from a completely different place with different problems yet the two characters complemented each other.
The Baby Doctor is one of my favourite reads for 2017 – brilliant story, great characters and unputdownable!
Thank you to Penguin for the copy of this great book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
August 19, 2018
This was a fantastic story, in fact I read it in one day (it was bitterly cold here and a good excuse to read). I had only ever read Aussie Midwives by Fiona so was keen to read one of her fiction titles. This tells the story of Sienna - a high powered Obstetrician who is asked by a friend of hers to come to an outback town to investigate the mysterious arrival of 3 babies with a devastating medical condition over a short period of time. Maddie who works at the local pub also is faced with devastating circumstances and is the victim of an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Alma who runs the local pub also has secrets. All their stories are woven together in an unputdownable story that just kept me turning those pages till the end. I discovered that it is a sort of follow-up to Fiona's earlier novel Red Sand Sunrise, but was a good standalone novel. I must go and read Red Sand Sunrise now. It has a bit of everything - suspense, romance, country life and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 1, 2018
This was a great read involving a fantastic storyline and many characters with depth and stories of their own. They come together in a small outback town in the chase for a cause to three infants being born around the same time with microcephaly. The story contains so much action that you are not sure what is going to happen next!
July 2, 2018
This was a fantastic read I can't recommend highly enough. Strong characters, humour, issues, tension, drama. This was great on all fronts. The only little let down was the boys felt a bit more wooden but that might just be because all the female characters (and there were quite a few) were amazing in there own right. I loved the interactions, the softness/hardness of each of the women in really different challenges. A total recommend
January 29, 2018
Oh I just love, love, loved this book. I read it super fast because it was easy to do with a really lovely story entwined between 3 women. Sienna was a magnificent character! I’ve not read Red Sand Sunrise but will add it to my long TBR! Thanks FM for a lovely few days immersed in love 💜
January 22, 2024
another heartbreaker
More death, sick babies, and DV. My heart had a hard time with this one. The relationships are mostly wonderful, as usual. The escapades fun, the mystery was interesting, the romance sweet. I love these books, but the heartache…gonna try number 5 out of twelve and hope for some relief from the traumas.
More death, sick babies, and DV. My heart had a hard time with this one. The relationships are mostly wonderful, as usual. The escapades fun, the mystery was interesting, the romance sweet. I love these books, but the heartache…gonna try number 5 out of twelve and hope for some relief from the traumas.
September 30, 2017
A couple of years ago I read Red Sand Sunrise from Fiona McArthur and absolutely loved it so when I received this one in the mail I was very excited to see that it featured some familiar faces, namely obstetrician Sienna, who gets her own story here. Now working in Sydney, Sienna is summoned to the remote Queensland outback town of Spinifex by formidable local matriarch Blanche McKenna who wants Sienna to investigate an unusual occurrence in the area where three babies were born with the same birth defect. Location and timing are their only common factors and Blanche wants this investigated and fixed so that it doesn’t keep happening. She has the money to ensure that Sienna’s hospital employer are happy to see her go and it will of course bring Sienna closer to her sometime lover, Sergeant Douglas McCabe, who is the Spinifex local officer.
Sienna is the quintessential city girl with her designer clothes, high heels, harbourside apartment and reliance on technology and excellent coffee. She’s also a career girl who has worked hard to get where she is and has visions for her future and her department. The fact that she is granted a bit of bargaining power with her boss thanks to Blanche’s donation is one reason why Sienna is okay with heading north – and Sergeant McCabe might be another. Also I think the idea of a medical mystery (and the chance to perhaps solve one) intrigues Sienna and taps into her professional ambitions.
When Sienna arrives in Spinifex she has ideas of staying with Douglas that he quickly vetoes, saying it’s not a good look for his reputation and standing in the town. Instead accommodation has been arranged for Sienna at the local pub where she meets tough publican Alma, who enjoys a flutter on the ponies and hides a painful secret loss from her past, as well as worker Maddy. Sienna’s keen eye notices something about Maddy almost straight away and she hopes that when she employs the young woman to help her with data that Maddy might open up to her about her troubled situation.
Despite her lack of desire to be in a small town, Sienna does seem to settle in there quite well and scores herself an office with internet and an assistant in record time so that she can begin her research and her investigation. It’s a very unusual birth defect to occur three times so close together in such an area and Sienna has only some vague ideas she needs to see if she can hammer into possible genuine hypothesis. I found the mystery and Sienna’s research into it really interesting. It definitely went in directions that I did not expect, which was great.
I also really liked the character of Maddy, a shy young woman who is experiencing some shame at her situation and isolation. There are people there for her, Maddy just needs to be brave enough to ask for and accept the help that they would offer. She retreats into herself but her planning and preparation has to be commended. Maddy is very smart and I would seriously love to see her pop up again in a book in the future so that we can see how she is doing. Her journey was very important and tackles a situation that’s really a very unfortunately common scenario in Australia at the moment and Maddy could’ve easily become a more gruesome statistic. Maddy contributed a real balance to Sienna’s quite brash personality and Alma, the tough publican was another older woman who shines, which seems a common theme in Fiona McArthur’s books.
I did find it a bit funny that Douglas was so adamant about Sienna not staying there and about them not really showcasing that they were, if not in a relationship, then ‘intimately acquainted’. It felt a little bit outdated but this was a very small town – honestly I’m not sure if it was tiny town morals or Douglas himself. He and Sienna were very different but they did work together. I liked their interactions in the previous novel and it had developed nicely in the time between that book and this one. It was also great to catch up with Eve, Sienna’s sister again, as well as her mother-in-law, Blanche McKay. Made me want to read Red Sand Sunrise all over again.
Another really enjoyable rural romance from a very strong author who always creates a great story. I love the intricacy to this one, there’s so much more than what meets the eye and Fiona McArthur’s own background in midwifery really does give such a solid believability to the ins and outs of the plot as well as a focusing on issues in rural medicine, which I find really interesting and I don’t come across a lot. As soon as I finish one book, I’m always looking forward to the next one.
**Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Sienna is the quintessential city girl with her designer clothes, high heels, harbourside apartment and reliance on technology and excellent coffee. She’s also a career girl who has worked hard to get where she is and has visions for her future and her department. The fact that she is granted a bit of bargaining power with her boss thanks to Blanche’s donation is one reason why Sienna is okay with heading north – and Sergeant McCabe might be another. Also I think the idea of a medical mystery (and the chance to perhaps solve one) intrigues Sienna and taps into her professional ambitions.
When Sienna arrives in Spinifex she has ideas of staying with Douglas that he quickly vetoes, saying it’s not a good look for his reputation and standing in the town. Instead accommodation has been arranged for Sienna at the local pub where she meets tough publican Alma, who enjoys a flutter on the ponies and hides a painful secret loss from her past, as well as worker Maddy. Sienna’s keen eye notices something about Maddy almost straight away and she hopes that when she employs the young woman to help her with data that Maddy might open up to her about her troubled situation.
Despite her lack of desire to be in a small town, Sienna does seem to settle in there quite well and scores herself an office with internet and an assistant in record time so that she can begin her research and her investigation. It’s a very unusual birth defect to occur three times so close together in such an area and Sienna has only some vague ideas she needs to see if she can hammer into possible genuine hypothesis. I found the mystery and Sienna’s research into it really interesting. It definitely went in directions that I did not expect, which was great.
I also really liked the character of Maddy, a shy young woman who is experiencing some shame at her situation and isolation. There are people there for her, Maddy just needs to be brave enough to ask for and accept the help that they would offer. She retreats into herself but her planning and preparation has to be commended. Maddy is very smart and I would seriously love to see her pop up again in a book in the future so that we can see how she is doing. Her journey was very important and tackles a situation that’s really a very unfortunately common scenario in Australia at the moment and Maddy could’ve easily become a more gruesome statistic. Maddy contributed a real balance to Sienna’s quite brash personality and Alma, the tough publican was another older woman who shines, which seems a common theme in Fiona McArthur’s books.
I did find it a bit funny that Douglas was so adamant about Sienna not staying there and about them not really showcasing that they were, if not in a relationship, then ‘intimately acquainted’. It felt a little bit outdated but this was a very small town – honestly I’m not sure if it was tiny town morals or Douglas himself. He and Sienna were very different but they did work together. I liked their interactions in the previous novel and it had developed nicely in the time between that book and this one. It was also great to catch up with Eve, Sienna’s sister again, as well as her mother-in-law, Blanche McKay. Made me want to read Red Sand Sunrise all over again.
Another really enjoyable rural romance from a very strong author who always creates a great story. I love the intricacy to this one, there’s so much more than what meets the eye and Fiona McArthur’s own background in midwifery really does give such a solid believability to the ins and outs of the plot as well as a focusing on issues in rural medicine, which I find really interesting and I don’t come across a lot. As soon as I finish one book, I’m always looking forward to the next one.
**Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
May 5, 2025
There are quite a few stories going on in the town Spinifex. I really liked the plot of discovering why a number of babies had been born with medical problems recently in the small outback town. The three main characters, Sienna, Alma & Maddy all have their own secrets & troubles.
The part, I feel that let the story down (for me) was the Mills & Boon writing of the 'tension' between Sienna & Sergeant McCabe.
I felt the author realistically showed the differences of life from the city to outback Australia.
This book was recommended by my MIL & overall it was good easy going read.
The part, I feel that let the story down (for me) was the Mills & Boon writing of the 'tension' between Sienna & Sergeant McCabe.
I felt the author realistically showed the differences of life from the city to outback Australia.
This book was recommended by my MIL & overall it was good easy going read.
October 2, 2023
This amazing story had not one but three very resilient and strong characters with touching and emotional stories and a very determined hero. I was embroiled in their lives throughout the book and felt their fears and anguish as the dramas unfolded. The addition of the Min Min light was an interesting sideline.
October 25, 2017
Sienna and Douglas' characters are integral elements in the read, but so too, Alma and Maddy. The cameo visits of Eve is another likeable aspect in the story. I could not tear my eyes away from this book. I love how the author entangles readers emotions in a story that is attention worthy, full of emotion and action. Unexpected twists and the revelations that unfolded made for unmissable reading. The Baby Doctor by Fiona McArthur is another book for my fave reads list.
Review copy received from Penguin Random House Australia
Review copy received from Penguin Random House Australia
June 5, 2020
3.5 stars. Easy read with predictable outcome but the characters "come alive". Storyline was fine except that there may have been a few too many events in too short a time to make it at all believable.
February 20, 2026
Ahh a multi pov rural romance with some suspense sprinkled in-yes yes!
This was really interesting and I loved the many aspects of it.
The DV aspect so well written. I really have fallen for Fiona McArthurs stories in the last few days.
This was really interesting and I loved the many aspects of it.
The DV aspect so well written. I really have fallen for Fiona McArthurs stories in the last few days.
May 17, 2026
the baby doctor
Full of intrigue and mystery, strong women and courage. The women out west are lucky to have dedicated nurses and doctors. Thoroughly enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next one
Full of intrigue and mystery, strong women and courage. The women out west are lucky to have dedicated nurses and doctors. Thoroughly enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next one
February 1, 2018
This book was OK. I guess I am not as enthused about it as most of the others who have read it.
March 8, 2018
Lots of drama and challenges present to Sienna Wilson when she heads to Spinifex. Babies with deformities present an investigation.
March 19, 2018
great read
June 2, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed the city doc and the outback policeman :)
November 18, 2018
This was an ok read but I did feel as though I had missed something by not reading Red Sand Sunrise even though they are not listed as a series.
June 30, 2020
Very enjoyable read - loved the storyline
December 14, 2020
Nice read
February 24, 2021
Read this book before ‘The Bush Telegraph’ not like me. This sets up the Bush Telegraph and gives you background.
January 30, 2024
Wow, I wrote a review just after I finished this book! Where is it??
Loved the characters, really Tough Issues dealt with!
Excellent story. Needed tissues!
Loved the characters, really Tough Issues dealt with!
Excellent story. Needed tissues!
August 14, 2025
delightful
Read
October 18, 20253.5 stars.
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