This works for me , it may not for you but this is what i do
If i am going to continue a game i just simply hit continue then alt-tab or walk away from the computer and let it load. It does seem to take a long time , i cant fix your patience only suggest that you sit on your hands or something.
If i am going to load a SPECIFIC SAVE then i load into a NEW GAME and then once loaded i select a save from there and follow the steps above as if it is a continue game.

I dont know why it works or ? but it works 100% of the time for me. I have done it over and over and over because i have this obsession with doing things perfectly and have to go back and start over a lot.