Review – Trauma Plan

Back Cover Copy:
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.

Trauma Plan is Candace Calvert’s first book in her new Grace Medical series and what a beginning it is. Trauma Plan has everything – romance, wounded characters, suspense, and mystery. All of this is tied up in a neat medical drama with medical procedures from a former ER nurse and the book rings with authenticity.

This book is a departure from the typical romantic suspense books I like to read. Usually, I like to be wrapped up in a fast moving plot with lots of police procedures. Give me a cop or law enforcement hero and I’m a happy girl. Trauma Plan is slower, light on the suspense action, but I just loved it. Every bit of it from the opening line to the satisfying conclusion.

The characters are well developed, even the secondary characters, and I was sorry to see the book end. I loved the interaction between Bandy and Jack and the romance development between Riley and Jack. I rooted for Jack and Riley as they worked through their internal struggles, trying to overcome them for a happily ever after ending. The spiritual message was well integrated and never seemed preachy. Yes, it was ALL good.

Candace Calvert is a writer I will add to my must read list in the future. So hurry out and get Trauma Plan so you are ready to dive right into Rescue Team, the second book in the series.