Solemn Oath

ER Trilogy #2

by Hannah Alexander

Dr. Lukas Bower is assigned to head his hospital's emergency room and must cope with medical, political, and economic crises, while his interest in Mercy Richmond alters as her ex-husband becomes converted.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Romance, Medical, Contemporary

351 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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OUR FAVORITES FROM OUR LATEST

Below are a few of our favorite excerpts from our latest release, Double Blind. We promise, no spoilers.
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Sheila walked out of the room and forced herself to aim for the back entrance, where a park-like setting lured her to gentle woods and a walking trail just outside that door. Unfortunately, knowing Preston was in the office made her steps falter. The man was like a banana split with whipped cream, nuts, and cherries on top, with three of her favorite flavors of ice cream—chocolate, coconut, and almond.
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He gazed down into that ultra-feminine face with the gamine features, hazel eyes, firm chin. Why did all the women in his life have such stout hearts? His own sister had battled threats from a stalker for years. His mother continued to battle a wicked mental illness with a brave spirit that had been bruised and wounded again and again, but never broken.
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"You can battle your fear, and even the spirit of evil, only with good. All good in my life comes from the Holy Spirit of God, not from my own strength or so-called magic words or ancient rituals and symbols. From God alone."
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"Nobody has the right to control me."

"The One who creates has every right to control His creation. When we allow Him to guide us, we're wisely acknowledging His role in the universe."
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"I was dedicated," Preston said. "My whole family was dedicated. He was the One Who turned His back on us. I finally got the message strong and clear, even though my family didn't."

"The Shepherd doesn't abandon His sheep," Blaze said. "That wouldn't have been a message from God."
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"What has her faith offered her?"

"So that bit about everlasting life and heaven and all that soared right over your head in Sunday school?" Blaze asked.
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On Monday morning, the silent beauty of passing scenery lulled Sheila to the edge of slumber. The ochre and mauve of the peaks, and the uneven, jutting edges at the horizon, the gentle turquoise of the unbroken sky, had drawn her heart back to this place over and over again. She allowed the colors to settle into her soul as her eyes closed.
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Thanks for your support and happy reading.

Reviews

[Christine Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one made me cheer at the end. At last a Christian character who understands that what it means. There is a cost. Love too that the characters are ordinary people - even the heroes.

[Joyce Ziebell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too much detailed ER medical jargon in this book. Basically the story is good, though not as enjoyable as I had thought it would be.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Solemn Oath" is a Christian medical suspense novel with some romance. This novel is the second in a series, but I could follow the story without having read the first book. However, it did spoil events in the first novel, so I'd recommend starting with "Sacred Trust."

The characters were interesting, complex, and acted realistically. The various characters dealt with real issues (like "office" politics, child abuse, alcoholism, the damage caused by gossip, children dealing with their parent's broken marriages, and more).

The details about small town life in the Ozarks were wonderfully accurate and brought the story alive in my imagination. The details about the job were plentiful as the action never seemed to stop in the ER. The technical terms were rarely explained, but I could still follow what was going on and the medical details didn't slow the fast pace.

Some of the main characters were Christians. The Christian characters' faith affected their decisions and everyday life, and the Christian elements felt like a natural part of the story. I also felt Christianity was portrayed in a realistic manner, from the struggles the Christians had to the reactions of the non-Christians. If you like faith as a major part of the novels you read, then you'll probably enjoy this novel.

There was no sex. There was a very minor amount of "he cussed" style bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this suspenseful, realistic novel.

[Sharon Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I thought, sure, an easy read romance, but it's not, really. It's more of a Christian medical suspense, with a little romance thrown in. It revolves around a local ER in Knolls, Missouri, a small town. The central characters are Dr. Lukas Bower, and Dr. Mercy Richmond. Lukas is very much a Christian man, but Mercy has yet to come to terms with her faith and beliefs. I loved how the story revolved around the day to day events/ crises that arise in the ER, as well as a few very good stories that occur to people outside the ER, they definitely kept me engrossed. I also very much enjoyed the Bibilical references made throughout the book, they were very well done, and in no way "preachy". I will definitely be looking for more books to read by Hannah Alexander, who is really a husband and wife writing team, Mel and Cheryl Hodde. Mel is a real ER doctor, who helped Cheryl by giving her more accurate medical information in writing this book, which definitely explains the very well done medical situations that occured.

[CindyG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lukas and Mercy but can they make it? Tedi is still struggling with her Mom and over everything with her dad. And now Tedi’s best friend’s parents are fighting? Mix this in with an arsonist still on the loose and the COBRA lawsuit, not to mention the fast pace of ER medicine… This was a “I must finish this book story”!

[Medenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

What a blessing the ending is. Mercy and Lukas are well defined likable characters. Buck’s story in the background adds so much as well. On to the next book in the series

[Christina Sinisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but I must say the villainy was a bit extreme/unbelievable.

On the other hand, someone just drove their truck into a church and began shooting. Lord Jesus, please come back Soon.

[Jason McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it with a crowbar...you'll need it to pry yourself loose!

[Adair · Rating 4 out of 5]

looking forward to reading last book in this trilogy see how the relationships develops

[Mary Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed totally absorbed in this entire series for the better part of a week. Loved the ER setting. So interesting, but also an excellent job with characters and plotting.

[Doranne Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful to keep reading this #2 of the ER Trilogy. I appreciate the fast-paced events from the Emergency Room, and the Christian themes, but also the authors diving into the health care system. As a fellow health-care provider, and Christian, I can personally relate to many of the same issues.

[Randy and Donna Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book

This story is so compelling I found it hard to put down! They've done it again showing Hod's love through the pages and lives of the people written about here

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of three books in the series surrounding a group of people in a small hospital in the Ozarks. The writers build on the first book, developing the characters even more and show how God's grace can effect our lives. We see some conversions int his story. There's some unpleasant realities revealed, while some happiness is mixed in. I was very happy with the author's continued writing of a certain character that was prominent in the first book. This character showed a lot of growth. I was surprised at the direction their character was taken - very pleasantly. I cannot even mention the name without revealing too much!

Mercy and Lucas are again important characters in this book. We watch their relationship change several times. Mercy's daughter is also shown as an important character. A lot of the drama from the first book is carried over to the second book. My favorite part of the book was the last 10%. Something very dramatic happens which puts a lot of tension in the reader. Lives are forever changed due to these events.

I am very impressed by this series. I loved the Hideaway books the authors wrote,and am just as happy with theses. Though I suppose the romance of Lucas and Mercy is the underlying theme of the series, it is a very slow process. I'd say "Medical drama" is more prominent in this book. I don't advise anybody going into this book looking for a good romance - but it is good just the same!

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Alexander writes exciting medical mysteries!

Hannah loves to pull readers into such a vivid, believable reality that you’re immediately transported in the midst of the action! All you can do is hang on… and keep reading!

Solemn Oath begins with a murder… an attempted murder… an explosion… and a runaway vehicle!
…and that all happens before the first chapter!

As usual, the Knolls Community Hospital E.R. is hopping… Cowboy shows up again, but this time with a bullet wound; fireman Buck brings in his friend Roxie, after they survive an explosion; and the E.R. fills up fast with members of a tour group, as one of their own is prepped to be air-lifted to another facility to be treated by vascular and orthopedic surgeons.

In this second book from the E.R. Trilogy, Dr. Lukas Bower is settling in at Knolls Community Hospital, as the temporary director, as well as keeping busy with E.R. patients. Dr. Mercy Richmond is nearby, but you’ll have to read the book for yourself to see what’s happening with Lukas and Mercy.

Hannah’s characters are complex, professional “real” people who are very convincing, especially the bad guys. But you can be assured that I’m not going to give away anything, so you’ll have to read Solemn Oath for yourself to find out who the bad guys are…

If you enjoy reading medical mysteries, don’t miss this exciting trilogy!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Lucas Bower found himself loaded down with more emergencies than he could keep up with. And "cowboy", the towns lover of exotic animals and "Buck", Knolls Community fireman, couldn't seem to stay out of the ER either. Dr. Mercy Richmond and Dr. Lucas Bower find themselves involved in more than the ER and their patients. Will it last if they decide to see each other outside of work? When Buck is accused of arson at various locations it changes everyone's lives. The fire at the hospital decides everyone's future and strengthens their faith in God and each other. Exciting Book... loved it!!!

[Becki]

The sequal to Sacred Trust, this book continues the stories of Lukas Bower, Tedi & Mercy Richmond, and Knolls Community Hospital.\n\nLukas and the hospital are both under investigation by the government watchdog COBRA. Mercy's ex-husband is out of detox. An arson is loose in town. And things are heating up between Lukas and Mercy.\n\nAgain, very predicatable. But an entertaining, quick read.

[Barb Ekman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping book. I was on the edge of my seat as continued to solve the mystery. The plot and characters were described with precision, and care. I enjoyed the spiritual elements of love, grace, and forgiveness.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back with some good characters. I love that Lukas is unflinchingly good without being "perfect," but I struggled with Mercy's issues. I liked that there was a mystery incorporated into the story line.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Want to find out who did it? Whether the boy gets the girl? Whether the alcoholic reforms? Read the book. Did make me rethink the whole Jesus/God/Holy Spirit trilogy. Is there such a thing as blind faith?

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Hannah's books because she just makes you want to read more!

[Mackenzie Dare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the all the different story lines intwined into this one. I like the fast-paced style and adventure, and the clearly Christian tone. This was a fun book to read and I enjoyed it!

[ChrisGA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very "explosive" episode in hospital politics, patients' lives, and the relationship between Mercy and Lukas

[Michelle & David · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn't hold my interest.

[Kim]

I enjoyed this book very much.

[Anna Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!