Friday, August 24, 2012

"Trauma Plan" by Candace Calvert

We know what trauma means.  It simply means that something terribly bad and unexpected has happened in a way that brings "trauma" into a person's being of life.  But how in the world can the world "plan" associate in any way with the word trauma.  It seems simply to the contrary - unexpected vs planned .  Of course, we know that  ".... in case of trauma, you....." as in a plan of action in case of trauma.  But let's look at the wedding of the two words "trauma" and "plan" and see how they fit in other circumstances.

ISBN-13: 9781414361116
Tyndale House Publishers
About the book: Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, nurse chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to ER duties. 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.


My Thoughts:  I found this to be an interesting book riddled with excitement, medical scenarios that have a sense of truth and realism to them, good character development of folks you would want to know yourself, and a good story line that simply courses along like a rushing river.

It opens with the ER Chaplain, a "former" ER nurse, who is from a wealthy, sheltered, and coddled background thrust into working with a doctor who runs a controversial clinic for the really down-and-out in their town.  But she needs to gain experience and redevelop her skills using a hand and arm damaged in a previous accident.  She seems to literally step from one traumatic incident to another.

The "neighbors" are waging a war to rid their neighborhood of the unwanted clinic.  But Dr. Travis is willing to fight to preserve this much needed facility that meets the needs of people desperate for help.  He is former military, strong, talented, and intense.  And he begins to care deeply for our Dr. Riley, the Chaplain.

Candace Calvert has written a very believable and enjoyable book taking us into the corridors of Grace Medical as well as the not so fine rooms of the clinic. She develops characters with strengths and flaws and resolves issues in clearly defined terms.

Now back to "trauma" and "plan" and how they fit together.   Well..... you'll have to see for yourself when you read the book.  There is A PLAN and there most definitely is trauma abounding.

Medical professionals as well as those of us who don't have first hand medical knowledge will thoroughly enjoy and appreciate this fine read.


About the author:    Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse who believes love, laughter and faith are the best medicines. Her Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine—along with a soul-soothing prescription for hope.

My recommendation:  A definite "must read" for the nurse or would-be nurse in your life.  Also, for anyone who enjoys a good read with authentic realism thrown in the mix.
Disclosure:  I won this book in an online giveaway and am writing my honest opinion of the story.

1 comment:

  1. I so appreciate your thoughtful review of my newest book--what an honor to have you "scrub in."

    Candace

    ReplyDelete

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