In 1903 Erika Von Kessler is a brilliant singer on the cusp of an even more brilliant career in the opera world. Young, beautiful, and rich with an adoring husband, she has everything a woman could ask for -- but for one thing. She wants desperately to give her husband Peter a child. For years, Erika and Peter have made the rounds of some of the top doctors in the United States for help conceiving a child, but to no avail. Then Erika's brother suggests the couple go see Dr. Ravell, a young obstetrician who has had great success in the field of fertility. The doctor agrees to help them, and Erika becomes pregnant, but then loses the child to stillbirth.

Erika is crushed, and vows to never attempt the treatments again. She is determined to further her career and makes plans to move to Italy, with or without her husband. In the meantime, Dr. Ravell is caught up in the midst of a jealousy-induced scandal and is forced to give up his Boston practice and move to a plantation in Trinidad where he hopes to find a measure of peace. However, when the Von Kessler's ask to visit him for one last chance at conception, he agrees to see them, even though he knows the risk he is about to take could change all of their lives forever.

In her debut novel "The Doctor and The Diva," author Adrienne McDonnell draws upon her own family's history to bring to life a story of desperation, determination, and dedication that will impact the reader's lives long after the last page is turned. McDonnell bring tenderness, courage and sensuality to this tale in the vast settings of a wintry Boston to the exotic islands of Trinidad. This novel is an absolute treat to savor and enjoy and I wholeheartedly look forward to further works from Adrienne McDonnell.