Trauma Plan

by

Candace Calvert

A Review

People handle life’s difficulties in different ways:

• Some people run, rather than face their problems
• Some people renew their faith
• Some people find new faith
• Some people find their faith is just what they need
• Some people lash out and hurt those they love

Candace Calvert’s Trauma Plan includes all five.  As in her previous books (I reviewed Code Triage), the characters came to life as I read the book.  There were times I wished that the story was true - I wanted to pray for those who found themselves in various stages of resistance or danger.  

The arrival of a new critical care center designed to meet the needs of the poor and needy near a posh housing addition has many of the residents on edge.  It appears that crime (both simple vandalism and more serious activity) is on the increase.  Those who oppose Dr. Jackson Travis’ new center express a serious concern for the safety of their neighborhood.   

Riley Hale, an experienced Trauma Nurse and, now, Trauma Chaplain, finds herself in the midst of the crisis building around the critical care center.  Friends, acquaintances, and patients, also join in the fight - for what is right and in support of the critical care center.  
Ultimately, the answer comes as people learn to trust (and in at least one case, not trust) those around them.  Faith plays a vital role in the lives of the characters in the story.  It is a faith that is planted, lived out, and grows, as Riley, Jack, Vesta Calder, and Bandy Biggs, interact and find the value of faith in their individual lives.

I found the book an interesting read, partly because I spent a year working as a chaplain in a variety of hospital settings as part of my education in ministry.   The people that Riley Hale meets and deals with are real - and exist in any hospital setting, or in any setting for that matter, hopital, job, or church.       
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.