Literary Speed Dating: The Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon Chronicles

Keep in mind: Literary Speed Dating is merely an allegory. Through this, I offer you a book walkthrough and recommendation without spoilers.

eHarmony™ and Match.com™ are both reported for great success in the dating and marriage scene. The Tinder™ and Plenty of Fish™ routes are more one-night-stands, from what I understand, though I’ve heard of successful relationships, too. In either case, I preferred the traditional route in dating, and am glad I did. I found my husband in my apartment complex and our love story is a hopeless romantic kind of thing that I’d never give up in a million years. Score 1 for tradition!

One of the things I love about him is that he supports my book dating addiction. Expensive and time-consuming, he still gives up both because he knows how much I love it and is there 100%. I couldn’t imagine loving someone more supportive.

I’ve been involved with Literary Speed Dating (hosted by Barnes & Noble) since I was 13. It’s an all-ages event that connects available readers with books in need of attention. I had no intention of getting into something like that despite my friends’ insistence that I try Library Dating. But, when my mother was looking for something, I came across a beautiful cover and couldn’t help but check out her back blurb. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (by Gregory Maguire) was my first date and I still have feelings for her. However, she had no intention of anything long-term and our fling had to end. I still keep her nearby, though.

11 years later, I met Singleton Chronicles (by Mel Starr). I had been browsing the book section of Goodwill on sale day and I was fascinated by the cover and back blurb. I found multiple other invitations from him scattered among the shelves, and, being a sucker for series, I gathered and bought them all. Despite how enticing he was, it took me some time to accept the first date, but he waited patiently. Just like Wicked Series (by Gregory Maguire, I fell in love with his subtle humor, making me laugh with his honesty. Our conversations are always light and gentle but are sprinkled with hints of theological questions that aren’t invasive and religiously-doused. I love to get into his head and learn about him through his career changes and desires to be a good man based on his past and developing wisdom.

Through him, he shows me the middle-aged collapse of morality during a time when intellect started to compete with religion and politics. In the midst of it all, he generously illustrates the vivid reality and gravity of his Sherlock Holmes-like adventures as a clerk-surgeon-bailiff. He’s quite the adventurous one who really puts effort and great thought into all of his decisions. He takes his responsibilities seriously because he is one of the few qualified to help the rest. I greatly appreciate him as a man and professional.

So far, we’ve been on three dates and have planned on a fourth, though we haven’t picked a date yet. And, unlike Wicked Series, Singleton is still just as amazing during our third date as he was on our first. If anything, as we get more comfortable with one another, he is more honest and endearing as he was before. It’s true, there are still many more dates during which he could change but based on his impressions so far, I want to continue our relationship to find out.

Even if he does change, I do want to try and live out the whole relationship with Singleton Chronicles. I still carry guilt for backing out on Wicked Series just because he started to change. Everyone goes through change, and I am no one to judge. When I start a series, I want to try and finish it and give the love interest a chance to actually develop fully.

Overall, I am very satisfied with my experiences with Singleton and have no intentions to stop our growing relationship. I do encourage you to meet with him and keep your heart light with his subtle laughter and curious conversation.

What were your experiences with the Hugh de Singleton Chronicles? Let us know below and on social media–including Goodreads. Don’t forget to sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter, too.