Margaret A. Blenkush is a lifelong learner who earned an M.A. in Theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN, and an M.L.I.S. from UW-Milwaukee. Suffering a life-changing illness in 2005, she received a medical retirement from her dream job. Always a Benedictine in her heart, she became an Oblate of St. Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN in 2010. A Minnesota twin by birth, she enjoys retirement, gardening, volunteering, sudoku puzzles, hot fudge sundaes, and the changing seasons. She shares her childhood home with her nephew and two pet rabbits.

Her debut novel “The Doctor of Bellechester” is Book 1 of 2 in the Dr. M.E. Senty series.

“The Doctor of Bellechester” – Dr. Harold Merton, the kind and caring General Practitioner (GP) for the village of Bellechester, is worried because a near-fatal case of pneumonia last winter has made him think about the future. If something happened to him, who would take over his practice? Rarely leaving his beloved home in the Shropshire Hills, Harold courageously ventures into 1959 London to find a junior doctor to mentor and who will one day take his place. With the aid of his classmate, Dr. Basil Applegate, who is now Director of Junior Doctors, Harold hatches a plan to discover the most suitable candidate. What could possibly go wrong?

Upon his arrival in London, Harold meets a self-assured, young American woman, Emme. Her act of kindness sets off a chain of events that interweaves their lives in a way neither expected. Hidden identities and unexpected changes to plans lead to three memorable days for both Harold and Emme.

Review:
This is a women’s fiction story that captures the heart and soul of medicine in post-war Britain. Set in 1959, the story follows Dr. Harold Merton, a seasoned country physician from the fictional village of Bellechester, who journeys to bustling London’s Mother of Mercy Hospital in search of a junior doctor to mentor—someone who will carry forward his legacy of compassion, dedication, and community care.

It takes place in the span of three days and begins as Dr. arrives at the hospital on a hot summer day and is overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the big city. Frozen with doubt, a young woman (who turns out to be Emme), approaches him offering help. They get to know each other and that fateful encounter will change both of their lives forever.

Dr. Merton is a character of deep integrity, and his mission is not just professional, but deeply personal. Through his search, readers are introduced to a range of young doctors, each reflecting the shifting ideals and ambitions of a new generation. Authoritative yet tender, the prose evokes a bygone era with authenticity, capturing the emotional weight of mentorship, the quiet dignity of service, and the timeless value of human connection in healthcare. It stresses the frustrating attitude towards women in medicine in the 1950s.

The narrative is dialogue driven and the action develops at a comfortable pace to allow Dr. Merton to get to know Emme. With vivid language, the settings comes to life: “He knew he should move, but the soles of his shoes seemed to have melted into the sidewalk and the hypnotic doors had put him in a daze.” The characters are well-developed and relatable while the different medical personalities reflect how varied their reasons are for entering the medical profession. It explores the themes of friendship, identity, compassion, and courage.

Overall, “The Doctor of Bellechester” is a tribute to country doctors and a reflection on legacy, vocation, and the healing power of mentorship. It’s a moving, memorable read and recommended for readers drawn to stories of purpose and humanity. Since it’s a quick and cozy read, it’s suitable for book clubs or classroom teaching and includes discussion questions at the end.

“As if she needed encouragement for what lay ahead, the cardinals and the robins voiced their support in song. Their messages of merriment and hopefulness were impossible to miss.”