Contributor Review ~ Step by Step (Crisis Team #2) by Candace Calvert

 Tyndale House Publishers, Feb 2016

Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point—“fall in love again.” At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.

While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.

When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?

Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

5 Stars

Taylor Cabot is nearing the finish line of her self imposed three year recovery plan, systematically taking steps to begin anew after the devastating loss of her husband. Arriving at the scene of an horrific local accident, her emergency room nursing skills and crisis counseling training push Taylor straight into the path of Seth Donavan; a mentor and friend, who happens upon the same tragedy. His temporary stay in San Diego places Seth in the unique position to renew his relationship with Taylor and quite possibly serve as a catalyst for further healing. That is, until Taylor dredges up new information about her husband's final hours, not to mention the fact that a handsome plastic surgeon seems to be a vital participant in Taylor's positive lifestyle.

As Taylor approaches the third anniversary of her grief, her beloved dog Hooper nears death, a co-worker whispers cruel insinuations regarding her husband's fatal accident, and Dr. Rob Halston oversteps his supposedly rigid boundaries; forcing Taylor's carefully constructed environment to forcefully implode. Anger, bitterness, jealousy and grief collide in "sorrow's house" once more. despite a seed of love that has been quietly planted. Will Taylor finally allow God to put the broken pieces of her life back into place, in His time and in His way or has her final aspiration, to "fall in love again" been lost forever?

"Step by Step" is beautifully written, with a story that flows as naturally as a mountain stream; winding, curving, cascading, ultimately arriving at its natural destination; a widening river of loveliness and truth. Suffocating grief is fought and conquered so realistically, that coupled with its underlying message of faith, hope and love, this outstanding book has earned a five star accolade!

I am grateful to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 

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Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".