Review ~ Maybe it's You by Candace Calvert

Release date: Feb 03, 2017 Tyndale House Publishers

ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past—new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.
Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.
Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.
Can hope spring from crisis?

My Review
5 STARS!!!

I have been eagerly awaiting Sloane’s story. From the first time she was introduced, I knew her voice needed to be heard. I was thrilled when I found out the author was going to feature her in Maybe it’s You. While I didn’t get to read the book all in one sitting, I sure wanted to. The drama taking place inside and outside of the hospital was mesmerizing. I seriously did not want to put the book down. This story is filled with suspense, action, medical jargon, faith and forgiveness. Calvert has a way of putting the reader right into the heart of the battles that take place in people’s lives on a daily basis. I have a lot of experience with emergency rooms and I felt like I could see, hear, feel, and smell everything in the ER. My heartstrings were pulled tight and squeezed until I almost couldn’t breathe. But thankfully, no oxygen mask was needed! :-)

Sloane’s past is heartbreaking, disturbing, and completely redeemable by our loving and grace-giving God. Her path to redemption was realistic in that she struggled with her self-worth and the horrid things she has been told by others who were only out to use and abuse her. When you’ve been treated this way, it’s hard to believe that there is any forgiveness available.

Micah. Oh, Micah. Your journey almost leaves me speechless. How many times do we think we have it all figured out only to have something happen to show us that we have been harboring ill will or hard feelings about a certain situation and finally, when we turn it over to the Lord, we are free!

I laughed and cried while reading Maybe it’s You. There are moments in the story that are so very precious. One scene in particular had me tearing up and hoping I wasn’t going to break down myself. Working together like a well-oiled machine, the compliment of characters is simply amazing. If I could, I would want to hear more about so many of them. They have cemented themselves in my heart for a long time to come. I’m secretly hoping that down the line, Coop and Zoey (two prominent secondary characters) get their own stories, even if it’s in novella form. 

If you’re a fan of contemporary medical drama that keeps you riveted to the page and you haven’t read the Crisis Team series, I highly recommend it! It’s one of my all-time favorites. In fact, all of Calvert’s books are on my keeper shelf.

I received an advanced reader copy of the book from the publisher and author. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. No compensation has been received.

About Candace Calvert

 

 Former ER nurse, wife, Mom and grandmother, Candace Calvert believes that love, laughter, and faith are the best medicines of all. Her Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical, and Crisis Team series for Tyndale House offers readers charismatic characters, pulse-pounding medical drama, romance, humor, suspense--and a prescription for hope. Think, “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul.”

*Giveaway Opportunity for an Advanced Reader Copy at Goodreads. 

Giveaway dates: Jan 02 - Jan 31, 2017

Countries available: US

Format: Print Book 

Click link below to be taken to giveaway.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/213613-maybe-it-s-you

~Happy Reading~ 

*Stuff & Nonsense is in no way affiliated with the giveaway!

Review ~ Step by Step by Candace Calvert

 

Published February 1st 2016 by Tyndale House Publishers

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?

My Thoughts

 

Step by Step is my favorite Candace Calvert book to date and it’s going on my best of 2016 list! There isn’t anything I didn’t love about this book. With a solid plot line and strong characters—main and secondary—my emotions were fully invested in this story. I was only a quarter of the way in and knew I didn’t want it to end. I took my time, savoring every morsel. Thank you, Candace, for gifting me a copy of this fabulous book!  

Find out more about Medical Hope Author Candace Calvert by clicking the image below. :)

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".

Review ~ Life Support by Candace Calvert

About the Book  Nurse Lauren Barclay put her life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It's why she's back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding physician assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family--and left Lauren with memories her heart can't forgive.PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including one with his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won't stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother--or from making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?

My Review

There are times I read a book, put it down and basically forget the story. This was not the case with Life Support! My heart strings were being pulled from one side to the other like a rope during a rousing game of tug of war.

The  medical drama present is riveting. At a certain point, I thought the author was going to take the story to a place I did not want it to go but instead she gave voice to one of the characters that lifted my heart and brought about happy tears. I was left with no doubt that the situations portrayed could be true.

Life Support  is a beautiful story of the love between two brothers, the love between two sisters, and the love between two people who have devoted their lives to watching over their siblings. The story is quite satisfying with just the right touch of faith, suspense and romance. Fans of medical fiction will enjoy this fast-paced, arresting read.

I want to thank Tyndale House for providing me with an advanced reader electronic copy for review purposes through Netgalley. My honest opinion is all that is required. No other compensation is received.

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Author Bio (short)

Former ER nurse, wife, Mom and grandmother, Candace Calvert believes that love, laughter, and faith are the bestmedicines of all. Her new Mercy Hospital Series for Tyndale House offers readers charismatic characters, pulse-pounding medical drama, romance, humor, suspense--and a prescription for hope. Think, “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul.” 

http://www.candacecalvert.com/ 

 I make a small commission on the sale of the book if you purchase it through the link below.

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