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When the Snow Flies

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Audrey Sinclair Vanderleyden sets her heart on fulfilling a promise to her deceased husband to continue practicing medicine, despite opposition from their families. But the old physician from whom they bought a practice stands in her way and refuses to honor the contract. Audrey must either give up medicine and return to her family, or marry a near stranger. A gunshot wound robs Nathan Maxwell of the ability to continue practicing medicine. He must find another purpose in his life. Marriage isn't an option; only a desperate woman would want a blind man for a husband. Audrey is desperate, but marriage to Nathan isn't the salvation of her medical career she thought it would be. For Nathan, the union challenges loyalties and exposes what he's lost.

202 pages, Hardcover

First published August 24, 2010

100 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

Laurie Alice Eakes

56 books363 followers
Laurie Alice Eakes used to lie in bed as a child telling herself stories so she didn’t wake anyone else up. Sometimes she shared her stories withothers; thus, when she decided to be a writer, she surprised no one. Family Guardian, her first book, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007. In the past three years, she has sold six books to Baker/Revell, five of which are set during the Regency time period, four books to Barbour Publishing, as well as two novellas to Barbour Publishing and one to Baker/Revell. Seven of her books have been picked up by Thorndike Press for large print publication, and Lady in the Mist, her first book with Revell, was chosen for hardcover publication with Crossings Bookclub. She also teaches on-line writing courses and enjoys a speaking ministry that has taken her from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast.
Laurie Alice lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs and two cats, and is learning how to make tamales.

You can learn more about her and her work at http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com

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5 stars
152 (39%)
4 stars
130 (33%)
3 stars
73 (19%)
2 stars
22 (5%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
3,883 reviews1,761 followers
August 5, 2017
This story infuriated me even as it captivated me. The archaic views on women doctors had me wanting to hurl the book across the room! (Of course, I didn't since it was a library book and I'm a good little librarian but I did imagine the satisfying thwack it would have made as it came in contact with the wall. Much like the thwack I'd like to give some stubbornly prejudice characters!) Even the women were opposed to Audrey's desire to practice medicine! Gah!

Plenty of conflict and the sweet stirrings of romance along with some unexpected twists and turns in the plot kept my eyes glued to the page. Finished in an afternoon in a stupor of blissful reader satisfaction!
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
March 1, 2011
Title: WHEN THE SNOW FLIES
Author: Laurie Alice Eakes
Publisher: Avalon Books
August 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8024-7776-6
Genre: Historical romance

Doctor Audrey Sinclair Vanderleyden and her husband had planned to buy a retiring physician’s medical practice and practice medicine together. But her husband’s tragic death ended that dream. Nevertheless, Audrey is determined to practice medicine on her own. Except—the retiring doctor refuses to step down for a woman. And, he refuses to refund her money.
Audrey has nowhere else to go, except home to her parents or in-laws, both of whom expect her to give up medicine. And even more so when they get the news that she’s expecting.

Nathan Maxell is also a doctor, but a gunshot blinded him. Now he lives a life of solitude, with only servants and his sister as company. He cut his hand badly and was in town getting it stitched up with Audrey arrives, and Nathan is with the townfolk in wanting to get rid of her. But another accident makes him rely on Audrey’s care—and soon, he doesn’t want her to leave. But what woman would ever be desperate enough to marry a blind man?

WHEN THE SNOW FLIES is a book that I wanted to read since I saw the absolutely beautiful cover that Avalon designed for it. And the story didn’t disappoint. Nathan is a very sweet hero, if a bit opinionated, but Audrey is every inch a match for him, just as opinionated in her own right, and a very strong-willed woman. Ms. Eakes did a stellar job on her characterization in this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading WHEN THE SNOW FLIES and look forward to reading many more books by this award winning author. $23.95 hardcover. 202 pages.


1,353 reviews7 followers
February 18, 2011
This was a simple, delightful story about a young, woman doctor who is trying to merge into the field in the late 1800's in a small town in Virginia. After the death of her doctor husband, she strikes out on her own to fulfill a promise to him to continue as a physician. Struggle, new relationships and a new love fill this short novel.
Profile Image for Anna Todd.
129 reviews
August 9, 2012
This story really drew me in with a very spunky and determined female doctor, in a time and place where one is virtually unheard of muchless accepted.
Great subject for a book, I thought and well developed characters that will draw the reader in!
Profile Image for Gayle England-Triplett.
229 reviews
February 12, 2025
Story of struggle and sacrifice...and love.

The struggles of women have been long and difficult. Audrey became a physician. Her physician husband died just as she found out she was pregnant. Her deathbed promise to him was that she would find a way to continue to practice after his death. They had already purchased a practice far from home, so Audrey went to claim their purchase. This is when trouble started to stir! I really enjoyed this story and believe you will, too. Recommended Reading!!!
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,224 reviews35 followers
July 28, 2017
A different story

I wasn't sure I would like this book but I did. Some unique happenings with the entire plot. I think my favorite characters were Ruby and James.

I obtained the book via Prime Loaner's Library. There were formatting issues...missing hyphens, extra spaces within words. Nothing that prevents reading...just a little aggravating.
96 reviews
June 7, 2018
When the Snow Flie

This was the most romantic book everything. I started reading because of the woman's profession. The society of that time just kept women captive in their own homes. Progress has put that as it should , now extinct.
The book read easy to read and entertaining.

Y





228 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2019
Well done!

This was a page turner. The whole project was well thought out. Character development, historical accuracy, and plot delivered with believability. Liked the strong determined heroin, and the blind former Dr. worked well with the conflict of wills over who should be loyal to whom. Great resolution and I was sad when it ended...More please.
32 reviews
February 19, 2017
I could feel the story.

I haven't read a book in over a year but this book pulled me in from the beginning and held me til the end. I felt the strength of giving a promise and fighting to hold truth.
Profile Image for Michelle.
719 reviews13 followers
July 6, 2017
I don't enjoy the charge ahead at all costs type of heroine and while the hero had a reason to be bitter his stubborn routine got old fast. The conclusion was as dramatic and over the top as the characters actions.
8 reviews
December 1, 2018
A pleasant read.

These books by Ms. Eakes are the only romance novels I enjoy. They are not superficial or sexually explicit. I would have enjoyed a little mystery as in some of her other novels.
103 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2018
Hard time for Female Doctors

It's hard to think of the way lady doctors used to be treated. No rights. Thankfully they kept on until they earned those rights.
156 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2018
Excellent story

Enjoyed the characters and the believable dialogue between the story participants. I will read more from this author. So good I had a hard time putting down.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,875 reviews16 followers
June 26, 2019
Enjoyable

This is an easy to read enjoyable books that gives and insight into the problems female doctors faced in the late nineteenth century
Profile Image for Sheila.
52 reviews9 followers
April 16, 2017
I only had a SAMPLE version of this book so can't really comment.
Profile Image for Debbie Lynne.
Author 11 books397 followers
August 31, 2010
When the Snow Flies is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Before the end of page 3 I was hooked. If you like strong heroines willing to fight for what they believe, hero's that melt your heart and make you fall in love all over again, you have to read When the Snow Flies.

Nathan and Audrey face insurmountable odds. He's a doctor who's lost his eyesight thus his practice to a terrible accident. He's given up on love and practicing medicine, but when this young lady comes to town both those desires are stirred. She's a doctor who's lost her physician husband. No one wants a female doctor in her day and age, her husband was her key to practicing. Throw in 2 meddling mothers who don't want her practicing, an old doctor who spreads rumors and an ex-doctor who feels he owes the old doc something, and she has an impossible situation.

Laurie Alice Eakes has out done herself on this book. I can't say enough how good this book is. If you don't read When the Snow Flies, you're missing one of the best books out there.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 47 books667 followers
March 13, 2011
Audrey didn’t have an easy time earning her medical degree and has promised her late husband to continue her career as a doctor, but the physician whose practice they’d bought won’t honor the contract when she shows up. She must either give up her calling or defy society and set out her own shingle. To complicate matters, she’s pregnant. Visually impaired doctor Nathan Maxwell offers an alternative: marry him and she can at least treat the women patients in town. When Audrey accepts his option, they both face challenges they hadn’t anticipated, including their growing feelings for each other. Women can relate to the theme of job inequality in this sweet romance.
Profile Image for Teresa Locklear.
148 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2011
This book had a label of An Avalon Historical Romance, but I'm not sure how much history was there. I enjoyed the book, but honestly was expecting more history mixed in the story. I really enjoyed the character Audrey because she had just lost her husband and was planning to follow their dream of a taking over a doctor's office. The problem comes into play because the book is set during the time when female doctors weren't that excepted. She goes through some trials, but ultimately becomes close to Nathan, who used to practice medicine. They both have a love for medicine and truly come to help each other.
58 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2017
Great story of love, sacrifice and determination......

A beautiful story of the struggles of a young female doctor who is trying to find her place in a man's world. She is so determined to win her place that she almost misses out on the most important things. A most enjoyable book of inspiration and love.
33 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2016
Loved, Loved, Loved It!

I can't say enough about this book other than the title was a little strange. The book had very little to do with snow BUT don't let that stop you from selecting it. You will be hooked from page one. Seldom does a book grab and hold me so fast. I tore right through the book from start to finish. Put in lots of miles on my treadmill.

I loved all the characters even the grumpy old Doc but my favorite of course was Audrey...what spirit and determination. I wanted the book to continue. There should be a sequel for Audrey and Nathan.
Profile Image for Breanna.
237 reviews23 followers
August 6, 2011
It was okay. It was quite well written, but I couldn't relate to the characters: I've never been rich, I've never been blind, and I can't stand the sight of blood. One of the main characters is a woman who is a doctor during a time when women doctors are just barely starting to be accepted in a few places. She is so bound and determined to be a doctor no matter what. I guess I couldn't relate because I have never wanted to be a doctor.
Profile Image for Lori McMullen.
436 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2016
A woman doctor, a blind doctor, and a widowed drunken doctor...this story brings these three characters together "kicking and screaming." Audrey's passion for medicine brings her into contact with another doctor, Nathan. She must reexamine her own heart as she reluctantly falls in love, which is the last thing she expected. Laurie Alice Eakes tells a great story that is just begging for a sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jane.
212 reviews
April 11, 2012
Audrey Sinclair Vanderleyden sets her heart on fulfilling a promise to her deceased husband to continue practicing medicine, despite opposition from their families. But the old physician from whom they bought a practice stands in her way and refuses to honor the contract. Audrey must either give up medicine and return to her family, or marry a near stranger
Profile Image for Sharon.
737 reviews
December 21, 2012
This is the story of a woman who becomes a doctor, but in the early days of this country, is not allowed to practice. Any money she earns or inheritances becomes property of her husband. I read this book in one day. The storyline is terrific! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
Author 8 books104 followers
August 4, 2014
This is an engaging, well-written novel that's perfect for light or short-term reading because it's under 200 pages. I particularly enjoyed the details of medical practice in the 1800s (nothing too gory or shocking).
Profile Image for Jo  Christopher.
16 reviews
March 26, 2016
Quick Read

This was a light read. But yet it had an interesting plot. I am one who reads several books at a time this was break for me as I am reading much longer and complicated novel. It was a feel good story. I may read more of Eakes work.
Profile Image for Danielle.
2 reviews
December 30, 2010
I thought this was a cute book. Very light and a quick read. While it was rather predictable it was written well enough that I wanted to finish it anyway.
342 reviews
January 2, 2011
Nice read. Quick read. I needed a sweet story just about now.
Profile Image for Sydney Ivory.
134 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2014
Love love love love love love. I loved this book over all! It was perfect. This is that weird love we all wish we could fall into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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