If you loved ER back in the day, or even like Grey's Anatomy (minus all the melodrama), then I highly recommend Candace Calvert. I've read several books by her, and Trauma Plan is her latest release. As usual, Candace delivers romance, a little mystery, and a lot of healing all in the midst of an ER--and this time she adds a medical clinic into her scenery.
Here's a short blurb:
Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley
Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can
she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple
tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban
free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge.
Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of
the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he
must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.
As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares
his compassion—and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s
rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate
and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley
wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart.
I really liked Riley in this...maybe because I could identify with her struggle over trusting God's plan when it's so different from your own. Do you still love Him even when His answer isn't immediate? And even if it's not the "yes" you're looking for? Candace didn't hand out any easy answers in this book, and because of that I think I enjoyed it even more.
I also loved Bandy and Hobo, the old rodeo clown and his dog-on-wheels, who drove the heart of this story at times. I mean, who doesn't love a rodeo clown?
While Candace has her books set into series, they are all stand alone titles. If you've never read anything by her, Trauma Plan is a great place to start. And FYI - if you're on Amazon Prime you can read her Mercy Hospital series for free!
Happy reading and have a blessed weekend:)
We're doing medical thrillers for our book club next month and I'm trying to pick 4-5 good ones! Thanks for posting this. So timely!
ReplyDeleteI've really liked her books. Another medical I've recently heard of that's gotten good reviews is Proof by Jordyn Redwood, though it may prove a tougher read for some, it does look great.
DeleteI love discovering new authors! Thanks for the recommendation. Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteYou too! I'm always scouring for new authors myself. Especially in summer when I can read so much more!
DeleteThank you, SUSAN, for this thoughtful review--it's an honor to have you "scrub in." Thank you, too, for reminding folks about the Mercy Hospital series being free via the Kindle Lending Library. I love introducing new folks to this exciting and hopeful series!
ReplyDeleteGABRIELLE: Thank you for your interest, nice to "meet" you here.
JESSICA: Trauma Plan includes Reading Guide discussion questions at the end, and I'm happy to send bookmarks for your members--as well as "drop in" via speakerphone/skype if my schedule permits.
Candace - thanks for stopping by! I first discovered your books in our church library and have read each one, couldn't wait to read this one - and finished it in a day:) Now I'm patiently awaiting the second in this series...keep writing!
DeleteOoh, sounds like another great one! Adding it to my out-of-control TBR pile. :)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean, Melissa! My TBR pile is going to take at least 5 years to go through. ;-)
DeleteJust returning the favor, Melissa! I've added a few from your reviews...someday I'll get through them all:)
DeleteI haven't read Candace's books yet, but this sounds like a really good one! Thanks for the great review, Susan! : )
ReplyDeleteI have Code Triage on my Kindle. Is it okay to read the Mercy Hospital series out of order, Candace?
Hey Michelle - I did...the characters all show up, but their stories are all their own. I was too impatient to wait for #2 at our library, so I went right to number three no problem.
DeleteThanks for the info, Susan. :)
DeleteThis sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing it today.
ReplyDelete