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Heart Failure
When her fiancé’s dangerous secrets
turn her work upside down, a beautiful doctor must choose between her own
safety and the man she loves—and thought she knew.
Dr. Carrie Markham’s heart was broken
by the death of her husband two years ago. Now, just as her medical practice is
taking off, her fresh engagement to paralegal Adam Davidson seems almost too
good to be true . . . until a drive-by shooting leaves Carrie on the floor of
his car with glass falling around her.
When he confesses that Adam isn’t his
real name and that he fled the witness protection program, Carrie is left with
an impossible choice: should she abandon the fiancé she isn’t sure she really
knows, or accept his claim of innocence and help
him fight back against this faceless menace?
While Carrie struggles to decide
whether to follow her heart or her head, the threats against them continue to
escalate. Her life—as well as Adam’s—depends on making the right choice . . .
and the clock is ticking.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2013
66 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Richard L. Mabry
34 books521 followersDr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of twelve published novels of medical suspense and six novellas. His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFW’s Carol Award and Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year, and have won the Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
Richard’s non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.
When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the world’s best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.
Richard’s non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.
When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the world’s best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 8, 2018
2.5 stars.
This book was interesting. I loved the medical details. As someone who has researched medical things and who wishes I had been a nurse, that part was spot on. I loved the fact that the MC was a doctor. The characters were also enjoyable and the mystery was good.
The story was a little lacking in the emotion department, and the feelings of the characters sometimes were just very lackluster. I also did figure out what was going on probably sooner than I should have. Not one of my favorite suspense books, but the medical details made it worth it.
Overall, while a good story, some of the execution left me wanting more. . . something. If you enjoy medical suspense, you will enjoy this book though. And while it wasn't completely to my tastes, I so think others would find it enjoyable and a good read.
This book was interesting. I loved the medical details. As someone who has researched medical things and who wishes I had been a nurse, that part was spot on. I loved the fact that the MC was a doctor. The characters were also enjoyable and the mystery was good.
The story was a little lacking in the emotion department, and the feelings of the characters sometimes were just very lackluster. I also did figure out what was going on probably sooner than I should have. Not one of my favorite suspense books, but the medical details made it worth it.
Overall, while a good story, some of the execution left me wanting more. . . something. If you enjoy medical suspense, you will enjoy this book though. And while it wasn't completely to my tastes, I so think others would find it enjoyable and a good read.
April 3, 2018
2.5 stars There was something missing in this book compared to his others. I don't know if I was suspecting more suspense or if it was the characters. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading but was missing the wow factor.
January 6, 2015
Heart Failure was a great read. I really liked the storyline and how Adam had fled the witness protection program and was now in hiding. I have to say, I had so many guesses as to who was behind the shooting/attacks at Carrie and Adam, but I was never completely right with my guesses, which made this a great mystery. :)
Another thing I liked was that the main characters already knew each other and were engaged, so that made the romance not seem rushed to me.
Overall, I really liked Heart Failure and recommend it to fans of suspense and/or medical thrillers. I look forward to reading Mabry's next book, Critical Condition, which is set to release April 2014.
*I did not get this book for review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Another thing I liked was that the main characters already knew each other and were engaged, so that made the romance not seem rushed to me.
Overall, I really liked Heart Failure and recommend it to fans of suspense and/or medical thrillers. I look forward to reading Mabry's next book, Critical Condition, which is set to release April 2014.
*I did not get this book for review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
October 19, 2013
I have read all of the books Richard Mabry has written. The first few were good, and I enjoyed them, but they were just that: good, in my opinion. As many authors do though, he has been getting better and better with each book he writes. I thought his last book, Stress Test, was outstanding and then I read this one. Wow. This is one awesome read. I started reading it the day I got it in the mail, and I could not put it down, so I didn't. I read it through from cover to cover in one day, and thoroughly enjoyed every page.
Some books start out slow and build up slowly to the exciting parts. Not this one. The reader is thrown into the suspense and action on page two, and it doesn't slow down for the whole book.
As with all of his novels, one of Mabry's main characters in the story is in the medical profession and a lot of the story revolves around a hospital. I like the fact that he puts everything in terms people like me, who have no medical knowledge to speak of, can understand.
The Witness Protection Program added even more to the suspenseful plot line, and I learned a little more about how it works.
I thought I had the guilty party narrowed down, only to be wrong. I wasn't extremely surprised at who it was, but still loved the suspenseful climax of the story.
I don't have stars on my blog, but if I did, this book would easily get five out of five. It could not have been improved upon. It has it all: great and likeable characters, a terrific plot, a lot of suspense, drama, and action, and a great Christian message. Mabry is another author who isn't afraid to put a strong Christian message in his books, and this one was no exception. I would highly recommend this book to any readers who enjoy suspense. It is worth your while.
Some books start out slow and build up slowly to the exciting parts. Not this one. The reader is thrown into the suspense and action on page two, and it doesn't slow down for the whole book.
As with all of his novels, one of Mabry's main characters in the story is in the medical profession and a lot of the story revolves around a hospital. I like the fact that he puts everything in terms people like me, who have no medical knowledge to speak of, can understand.
The Witness Protection Program added even more to the suspenseful plot line, and I learned a little more about how it works.
I thought I had the guilty party narrowed down, only to be wrong. I wasn't extremely surprised at who it was, but still loved the suspenseful climax of the story.
I don't have stars on my blog, but if I did, this book would easily get five out of five. It could not have been improved upon. It has it all: great and likeable characters, a terrific plot, a lot of suspense, drama, and action, and a great Christian message. Mabry is another author who isn't afraid to put a strong Christian message in his books, and this one was no exception. I would highly recommend this book to any readers who enjoy suspense. It is worth your while.
January 3, 2016
I have read Dr. Mabry's Prescription for Trouble series & enjoyed it. Something about this book just didn't grab me though. I was able to put it down half way through & go to bed, something I have trouble with most the time. It may just be me, or due to the fact I just read No One to Trust, which had non stop action & danger.
I did like the fact that Carrie started praying & trusting the Lord again during the book. And I found the baseball game injury interesting. There was a lot of possibilities for the one after them. I definitely didn't figure out who it was until he revealed it. So he keeps you guessing.
I did like the fact that Carrie started praying & trusting the Lord again during the book. And I found the baseball game injury interesting. There was a lot of possibilities for the one after them. I definitely didn't figure out who it was until he revealed it. So he keeps you guessing.
December 24, 2013
Once again Mabry delivers another excellent story of suspense. The characters are excellent. I especially liked Carrie. She was struggling with the what-ifs and feeling God had forgotten her in her greatness need. Adam is also a good character as he strives to start a new life in a new town.
The story was excellent. The author did a great job of giving clues to allow the reader to try and guess who the "bad" guy was. I wasn't 100% sure who the real bad guy was until the very end.
A good story for the mystery lover.
The story was excellent. The author did a great job of giving clues to allow the reader to try and guess who the "bad" guy was. I wasn't 100% sure who the real bad guy was until the very end.
A good story for the mystery lover.
March 10, 2026
I gave this book 4 stars. I read it over about 2.5 days, mostly during my breaks at work and before bed. I found myself really captivated by the story and it definitely kept me wanting more.
The relationship between the two main characters was interesting, and I enjoyed following along as they tried to investigate and uncover who the mysterious person was. It kept me engaged and wanting to solve the mystery alongside them.
The story flowed really well and was an easy, quick read. While there is a relationship between the couple in the book, it doesn’t dive too deeply into romance, which made it feel much more focused on the mystery and suspense rather than a love story.
Overall, I thought this was a great, fast-paced read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The relationship between the two main characters was interesting, and I enjoyed following along as they tried to investigate and uncover who the mysterious person was. It kept me engaged and wanting to solve the mystery alongside them.
The story flowed really well and was an easy, quick read. While there is a relationship between the couple in the book, it doesn’t dive too deeply into romance, which made it feel much more focused on the mystery and suspense rather than a love story.
Overall, I thought this was a great, fast-paced read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
July 23, 2019
Some things about this book were not too bad and maybe it doesn't deserve only 1 star, I just can't get over the fact that someone is shot at 4 times and even sent to the hospital with a gunshot head wound and thinks nothing of going home alone and feeling safe locking the doors. Where were the police detectives and police protection? How can the fiancé just feel ok with her going home and not protecting her? Take her to a damn secret hotel, send her safely out of town, or maybe just stay with her with your loaded gun pointed at the door! Why were the police not set up camping outside her residence??? Poor writing and very frustrating!
August 13, 2017
This is a suspenseful story. It will keep you guessing until the end. Dr. Carrie Markham's husband died two years ago and her medical practice is taking off. She is moving on with her life as she is engaged to Adam Davidson. Then someone shoots at them. Adam reveals his secret life when he fled from witness protection. Will they be able to figure out who is trying to kill them? Will they be able to fight back and survive?
March 8, 2018
Heart Failure has been on my TBR list for quite some time. I am glad I was able to ILL it through the public library. The plot is about a newly engaged couple who suddenly have someone attempting to kill them or is it only him or her? Well, it ends up it is the man who is causing this. A few years earlier his testimony put a baddie in prison. Now somewhat is out to extract revenge. The story shifts between the two main characters, which was a good way to get to know them both. Enjoyable!
April 30, 2020
I'm so glad I've read other books by this author, because this book was just the hardest to get through. This story was all over the place and could have been told in less than half the pages. The editing was good, though.
August 17, 2017
Suspenseful, kept me reading.
February 27, 2019
A busy doctor finds out her fiancée is in the witness protection program after an attempt on his life threatens them both.
September 25, 2019
It was good
March 25, 2021
Nice Christian medical fiction.
May 23, 2024
characters Who develop faith in God
Pleasure to read a good book with characters who have value. Virtues and God. Story has twists and turns to keep reader interested
Pleasure to read a good book with characters who have value. Virtues and God. Story has twists and turns to keep reader interested
December 2, 2013
Richard L. Mabry, M.D. in his new book “Heart Failure” published by Thomas Nelson takes us into the life of Dr. Carrie Markham.
From the back cover: When her fiancé’s dangerous secrets turn her work upside down, a beautiful doctor must choose between her own safety and the man she loves—and thought she knew.
Dr. Carrie Markham’s heart was broken by the death of her husband two years ago. Now, just as her medical practice is taking off, her fresh engagement to paralegal Adam Davidson seems almost too good to be true . . . until a drive-by shooting leaves Carrie on the floor of his car with glass falling around her.
When he confesses that Adam isn’t his real name and that he fled the witness protection program, Carrie is left with an impossible choice: should she abandon the fiancé she isn’t sure she really knows, or accept his claim of innocence and help him fight back against this faceless menace?
While Carrie struggles to decide whether to follow her heart or her head, the threats against them continue to escalate. Her life—as well as Adam’s—depends on making the right choice . . . and the clock is ticking.
Without a doubt Dr. Mabry really knows how to write a thriller that will grab your attention and then keep it until he decides to let go. A witness protection program escapee that just wants his life back. Bad guys that do not want him to have a life at all. And Carrie, a widow, who really thought she was going to have a quiet life with her new fiance. These are the ingredients of “Heart Failure” The reason for the title is that is what it feels we are going to have as we deal with all the action, mystery and suspense as Carrie and Keith do their best to stay alive and bring the bad guys to justice. ”Heart Failure” is a complicated mystery thriller as Carrie and Keith’s lives are in danger practically from page one. Turn off the TV, unplug the computer, put aside the housework you are not going to want to do anything but read this book until the end and enjoy yourself in the process. Dr. Mabry has written another exciting book that most certainly is a huge winner!
You can find “Heart Failure” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/ma...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: When her fiancé’s dangerous secrets turn her work upside down, a beautiful doctor must choose between her own safety and the man she loves—and thought she knew.
Dr. Carrie Markham’s heart was broken by the death of her husband two years ago. Now, just as her medical practice is taking off, her fresh engagement to paralegal Adam Davidson seems almost too good to be true . . . until a drive-by shooting leaves Carrie on the floor of his car with glass falling around her.
When he confesses that Adam isn’t his real name and that he fled the witness protection program, Carrie is left with an impossible choice: should she abandon the fiancé she isn’t sure she really knows, or accept his claim of innocence and help him fight back against this faceless menace?
While Carrie struggles to decide whether to follow her heart or her head, the threats against them continue to escalate. Her life—as well as Adam’s—depends on making the right choice . . . and the clock is ticking.
Without a doubt Dr. Mabry really knows how to write a thriller that will grab your attention and then keep it until he decides to let go. A witness protection program escapee that just wants his life back. Bad guys that do not want him to have a life at all. And Carrie, a widow, who really thought she was going to have a quiet life with her new fiance. These are the ingredients of “Heart Failure” The reason for the title is that is what it feels we are going to have as we deal with all the action, mystery and suspense as Carrie and Keith do their best to stay alive and bring the bad guys to justice. ”Heart Failure” is a complicated mystery thriller as Carrie and Keith’s lives are in danger practically from page one. Turn off the TV, unplug the computer, put aside the housework you are not going to want to do anything but read this book until the end and enjoy yourself in the process. Dr. Mabry has written another exciting book that most certainly is a huge winner!
You can find “Heart Failure” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/ma...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 10, 2013
I have read almost all of Dr. Mabry books and he quickly has become one of my favorite authors, I had no doubt that I would enjoy this book and I was not let down at all.
Dr. Carrie Markham never thought she would fall in love again after the death of her husband. Two years later she finds herself in love and happier than she though was possible. Adam Davidson has a big secret that he has not shared with his new fiancé Carrie. Within the first few pages, you will be hooked---Carrie and Adam are leaving the local theater and next thing you there is an attempt on their lives with a drive-by shooting. Adam realizes that he must tell Carrie his secret. Adam is not his real name, he is really Keith Branson and that he is on the run as some very bad people are trying to kill him so he had been placed in the witness protection program.
Carrie is hurt as she is no longer sure who she is engaged to and calls the engagement off. After agreeing to talk with 'Adam', Carrie knows that deep down she really does love him and puts the engagement on hold while they figure out things. Little did Carrie know that they would have to deal with more life threatening situation since the drive-by that started the roller coaster when Adam revealed his true identity.
This story has it all--suspense, romance, action, lots of twist, a great plot. Both the main characters are very believable and I found myself rooting for them to make it through everything and to be able to have their very own happily ever after with each other. This story reminds us that The Lord is in control of everything and to never give up your faith in him.
Dr. Mabry does a wonderful job of telling the medical. He does not use medical jargon that most people do not understand. Instead he explains things in layman's term so as you are reading you have an understanding as to what something is. When I read my first book by him, Code Blue, #1 in the prescription for trouble series, I knew that I had read more this author. I think with his background in medicine and his style of writing, that he does an incredible job of explaining things to those not in the medical field.
For anyone who is looking for an great clean suspenseful medical book with some romance--this is your book. You will not be let down. Medical suspense books are one of my top genre go to books after reading Dr. Mabry books. I want to and look forward to reading a lot more by him. His books are ones that I have recommended to many other people.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the author. In return I am giving my honest, unbiased review.
Love faith doubt forgiveness
Dr. Carrie Markham never thought she would fall in love again after the death of her husband. Two years later she finds herself in love and happier than she though was possible. Adam Davidson has a big secret that he has not shared with his new fiancé Carrie. Within the first few pages, you will be hooked---Carrie and Adam are leaving the local theater and next thing you there is an attempt on their lives with a drive-by shooting. Adam realizes that he must tell Carrie his secret. Adam is not his real name, he is really Keith Branson and that he is on the run as some very bad people are trying to kill him so he had been placed in the witness protection program.
Carrie is hurt as she is no longer sure who she is engaged to and calls the engagement off. After agreeing to talk with 'Adam', Carrie knows that deep down she really does love him and puts the engagement on hold while they figure out things. Little did Carrie know that they would have to deal with more life threatening situation since the drive-by that started the roller coaster when Adam revealed his true identity.
This story has it all--suspense, romance, action, lots of twist, a great plot. Both the main characters are very believable and I found myself rooting for them to make it through everything and to be able to have their very own happily ever after with each other. This story reminds us that The Lord is in control of everything and to never give up your faith in him.
Dr. Mabry does a wonderful job of telling the medical. He does not use medical jargon that most people do not understand. Instead he explains things in layman's term so as you are reading you have an understanding as to what something is. When I read my first book by him, Code Blue, #1 in the prescription for trouble series, I knew that I had read more this author. I think with his background in medicine and his style of writing, that he does an incredible job of explaining things to those not in the medical field.
For anyone who is looking for an great clean suspenseful medical book with some romance--this is your book. You will not be let down. Medical suspense books are one of my top genre go to books after reading Dr. Mabry books. I want to and look forward to reading a lot more by him. His books are ones that I have recommended to many other people.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the author. In return I am giving my honest, unbiased review.
Love faith doubt forgiveness
January 13, 2014
The opening action of Heart Failure has lead characters, Dr. Carrie Markham and Adam Davidson, leaving a movie and suddenly they are victims of a drive-by-shooting. And then the action moves from one action shot to another. Carrie and Adam are both professionals. Carrie is a medical doctor and Adam is a paralegal.
The drama unfolds in the emergency room, the streets, and the buildings where they live and work involving complex individuals whose stories are revealed piece by piece as each layer of the story unfolds. It is revealed that Adam is in the Witness Protection Program and he fears that is the reason behind the danger in which they find themselves embroiled.
Author Richard Mabry, M.D. uses his knowledge and experience to write medical suspense thrillers laced with a clean romance and plenty of human interest. Gleaning from his experiences and observations, Dr. Mabry has been gifted to develop believable characters whose own experiences seem to parallel real people in real places and involved in real drama.
Heart Failure is Published by a Christian publishing house, Thomas Nelson, and the reader can enjoy this suspenseful and entertaining story without the author’s having resorted to the use of explicit immoral behavior and language. Yet there is enough action to keep the reader on edge anticipating the next page turn.
Medical suspense is a genre that requires knowledge and skill in the medical arena and the author certainly has an abundance of such. I share my Richard Mabry, M.D. books with my daughter-in-law who is a highly skilled nurse and she devours them highly anticipating each new release.
The drama unfolds in the emergency room, the streets, and the buildings where they live and work involving complex individuals whose stories are revealed piece by piece as each layer of the story unfolds. It is revealed that Adam is in the Witness Protection Program and he fears that is the reason behind the danger in which they find themselves embroiled.
Author Richard Mabry, M.D. uses his knowledge and experience to write medical suspense thrillers laced with a clean romance and plenty of human interest. Gleaning from his experiences and observations, Dr. Mabry has been gifted to develop believable characters whose own experiences seem to parallel real people in real places and involved in real drama.
Heart Failure is Published by a Christian publishing house, Thomas Nelson, and the reader can enjoy this suspenseful and entertaining story without the author’s having resorted to the use of explicit immoral behavior and language. Yet there is enough action to keep the reader on edge anticipating the next page turn.
Medical suspense is a genre that requires knowledge and skill in the medical arena and the author certainly has an abundance of such. I share my Richard Mabry, M.D. books with my daughter-in-law who is a highly skilled nurse and she devours them highly anticipating each new release.
April 7, 2015
Dr. Carrie Markham's freshly-healed heart is broken when her new fiancé turns out to be a man on the run, living under an assumed identity. Adam tells her his testimony put a powerful man in jail, but the man's friends have been hunting him ever since.
Can she believe him? Does she want to? Or is it possible that the attacks are really directed at Carrie herself? Something's definitely suspicious in the clinic where she works. Or is a former patient – or the family of a patient who died – holding a grudge?
Heart Failure is an intriguing mystery, with a nice play on the "heart" angle: Carrie is a heart doctor, her romance with Adam is an affair of the heart, and the courage of her heart may fail in the face of the unexpected danger.
An interesting sub-plot looks at a form of survivor guilt: Carrie can't stop blaming herself for her husband's heart-related death. It wasn't foreseeable, but this is her field. Couldn't she have noticed?
I enjoyed the novel. The one thing that bothered me was Adam's insistence of sneaking through back alleys to Carrie's house, so he wouldn't lead his enemies to her. The enemies (are they his, or hers?) know where she works and could easily follow her home at any time.
Dr. Richard L. Mabry writes medical romantic suspense, and you can learn more about him and his books at rmabry.com. You can read the opening chapters of Heart Failure here.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
Can she believe him? Does she want to? Or is it possible that the attacks are really directed at Carrie herself? Something's definitely suspicious in the clinic where she works. Or is a former patient – or the family of a patient who died – holding a grudge?
Heart Failure is an intriguing mystery, with a nice play on the "heart" angle: Carrie is a heart doctor, her romance with Adam is an affair of the heart, and the courage of her heart may fail in the face of the unexpected danger.
An interesting sub-plot looks at a form of survivor guilt: Carrie can't stop blaming herself for her husband's heart-related death. It wasn't foreseeable, but this is her field. Couldn't she have noticed?
I enjoyed the novel. The one thing that bothered me was Adam's insistence of sneaking through back alleys to Carrie's house, so he wouldn't lead his enemies to her. The enemies (are they his, or hers?) know where she works and could easily follow her home at any time.
Dr. Richard L. Mabry writes medical romantic suspense, and you can learn more about him and his books at rmabry.com. You can read the opening chapters of Heart Failure here.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
May 4, 2016
Everytime I pick up a Richard Mabry book, I know I'm in for an adventure! Heart Failure did not disappoint!! I loved the fast-paced nature of this book and the story of Adam and Carrie! I can usually pick out who the culprit is before it all becomes revealed and one of the many things I love about Dr. Mabry's writing is I'm almost always wrong!! He writes with such twists and turns and then surprises you in the end. I absolutely love this about his books!
My favorite character in this story would have to be Carrie. My heart really goes out to her. She's still struggling after the tragic loss of her husband a couple of years ago. Now, Adam has come into her life and just when she is starting to feel comfortable again, her whole world is turned upside down. How is it that she goes from being a happily engaged woman to running for her life? The twists and turns she experiences in this story about gave me heart failure!
The title is very fitting for this book as well. This book is about a doctor who works in a medical practice where heart surgery is common. Carrie's husband died from complications of a heart procedure. The real story lies in the physical and spiritual implications that a heart can have on someone. How is your heart? Is it in need of a defibrillator?
I highly recommend this book and can't wait until I can get my hands on more of Dr. Mabry's writing. He is truly one of my most favored authors!
My favorite character in this story would have to be Carrie. My heart really goes out to her. She's still struggling after the tragic loss of her husband a couple of years ago. Now, Adam has come into her life and just when she is starting to feel comfortable again, her whole world is turned upside down. How is it that she goes from being a happily engaged woman to running for her life? The twists and turns she experiences in this story about gave me heart failure!
The title is very fitting for this book as well. This book is about a doctor who works in a medical practice where heart surgery is common. Carrie's husband died from complications of a heart procedure. The real story lies in the physical and spiritual implications that a heart can have on someone. How is your heart? Is it in need of a defibrillator?
I highly recommend this book and can't wait until I can get my hands on more of Dr. Mabry's writing. He is truly one of my most favored authors!
November 18, 2013
The title and back blurb was the first that caught my attention about this new Thomas Nelson publishers release. Medical drama/mysteries have become a new genre of choice for me and I wanted to know where the story would take me.
I have to admit I wasn’t as immediately thrilled with this title. Much of the writing felt very “telling” to me and in consequence, I speed read through much of the title, not a lot prompting me to stop and absorb what was happening on the pages.
Now, that isn’t to say I’m trying to be overly harsh or critical of this novel. I thought the overall premise was a commendable one. It had my attention and the plot served to captivate me enough to keep me reading to find out what would happen. Certain twists throughout the story kept the story lively and I wanted to see our two main characters reach their happily ever after.
Some of the emotions on the part of the characters felt “plastic” to me as though they were merely saying their lines on stage, but the story certainly did not lack its share of mystery or medical drama.
While it’s not a book I would necessarily want to read it again, the title is a good, clean medical mystery with a bit of love story.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Booksneeze for my copy to review.
I have to admit I wasn’t as immediately thrilled with this title. Much of the writing felt very “telling” to me and in consequence, I speed read through much of the title, not a lot prompting me to stop and absorb what was happening on the pages.
Now, that isn’t to say I’m trying to be overly harsh or critical of this novel. I thought the overall premise was a commendable one. It had my attention and the plot served to captivate me enough to keep me reading to find out what would happen. Certain twists throughout the story kept the story lively and I wanted to see our two main characters reach their happily ever after.
Some of the emotions on the part of the characters felt “plastic” to me as though they were merely saying their lines on stage, but the story certainly did not lack its share of mystery or medical drama.
While it’s not a book I would necessarily want to read it again, the title is a good, clean medical mystery with a bit of love story.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Booksneeze for my copy to review.
October 1, 2013
Dr. Richard Maybry is quite a wow! author! The first book I ever read that he authored was Stress Test. Stress Test was an ever so great story!
So, when Heart Failure came out, I grabbed it. Because once I find a great author I start reading ALL of his books!
In Heart Failure Dr. Carrie is a widow of two years and newly engaged. Carrie believes in Adam, her fiancé, until she and Adam are together in his suburban and someone begins shooting at them (and this is just the first chapter!)...then Adam divulges to Carrie that he isn't who he says he is! And Carrie doesn't know if she should follow her heart or her head (head knowledge that is!).
There's some medical "stuff" in this read because Carrie is a doctor (and this read is authored by a doctor =) but this read has SO much action and more twists and turns that a pot of spaghetti boiling on that old gas range!
What a read! I loved it and hated when it ended! So go grab a book, grab a Kindle, grab an e reader . . . just read it! {smile} I don't think you'll be disappointed!
*This book was provided for review by BookSneeze*
So, when Heart Failure came out, I grabbed it. Because once I find a great author I start reading ALL of his books!
In Heart Failure Dr. Carrie is a widow of two years and newly engaged. Carrie believes in Adam, her fiancé, until she and Adam are together in his suburban and someone begins shooting at them (and this is just the first chapter!)...then Adam divulges to Carrie that he isn't who he says he is! And Carrie doesn't know if she should follow her heart or her head (head knowledge that is!).
There's some medical "stuff" in this read because Carrie is a doctor (and this read is authored by a doctor =) but this read has SO much action and more twists and turns that a pot of spaghetti boiling on that old gas range!
What a read! I loved it and hated when it ended! So go grab a book, grab a Kindle, grab an e reader . . . just read it! {smile} I don't think you'll be disappointed!
*This book was provided for review by BookSneeze*
August 30, 2014
(This review was originally posted at sarahruut.com)
Buckle your seat belt for this adventure!
Even a medical doctor with a clear-thinking head on her shoulders has trouble knowing who to trust when her life is in danger. Carrie and Adam have a problem to solve, and time is not on their side.
Heart Failure pits well-rounded characters against some evil, yet unknown, entity in a struggle for their lives, with perfectly paced action to create a page-turner which kept me guessing until the end.
I especially enjoyed the "hero" in Adam. He didn't think he would get married, until he met Carrie. Now that she is in his life, he is determined not to let her go or see her hurt, no matter the cost. Sometimes the stakes are quite high, but he takes a stand in an effort to protect her.
Both Carrie and Adam are characters you want to see win. Characters with passions and fears, struggles and dreams. Subtly, throughout the story, God is at work in their hearts and lives, ultimately showing them they can trust Him when they fear they can't trust anyone.
Go ahead and set aside your other responsibilities for a while. Heart Failure will keep you rooted until the last page!
Buckle your seat belt for this adventure!
Even a medical doctor with a clear-thinking head on her shoulders has trouble knowing who to trust when her life is in danger. Carrie and Adam have a problem to solve, and time is not on their side.
Heart Failure pits well-rounded characters against some evil, yet unknown, entity in a struggle for their lives, with perfectly paced action to create a page-turner which kept me guessing until the end.
I especially enjoyed the "hero" in Adam. He didn't think he would get married, until he met Carrie. Now that she is in his life, he is determined not to let her go or see her hurt, no matter the cost. Sometimes the stakes are quite high, but he takes a stand in an effort to protect her.
Both Carrie and Adam are characters you want to see win. Characters with passions and fears, struggles and dreams. Subtly, throughout the story, God is at work in their hearts and lives, ultimately showing them they can trust Him when they fear they can't trust anyone.
Go ahead and set aside your other responsibilities for a while. Heart Failure will keep you rooted until the last page!
October 24, 2014
Dr Carrie Markham Adam Davidson
Heart Failure by Richard L. Mabry offers thrills and suspense from cover to cover. Dr. Carrie Markham and Adam Davidson have been enjoying a pleasant evening out when suddenly they are victims in a drive-by shooting. While Carrie is ready to call the police, Adam is ready to hide, certain the shooter knows his target and will come back to finish the job! Carrie is hurt and confused when she finds out Adam Davidson is not really Adam Davidson. Can she get past his lies to find the truth? What happened to the well-ordered life she had planned? That went out the window when God let her husband die. Why should she trust God now? And yet, Adam, or whatever his name is, seems genuine in his walk with God, even while constantly watching his back for the person that is out to kill him. Mabry's stories are fun and made very real by his attention to details. He keeps the reader guessing throughout the story. Definitely one of my favorite authors!
Heart Failure by Richard L. Mabry offers thrills and suspense from cover to cover. Dr. Carrie Markham and Adam Davidson have been enjoying a pleasant evening out when suddenly they are victims in a drive-by shooting. While Carrie is ready to call the police, Adam is ready to hide, certain the shooter knows his target and will come back to finish the job! Carrie is hurt and confused when she finds out Adam Davidson is not really Adam Davidson. Can she get past his lies to find the truth? What happened to the well-ordered life she had planned? That went out the window when God let her husband die. Why should she trust God now? And yet, Adam, or whatever his name is, seems genuine in his walk with God, even while constantly watching his back for the person that is out to kill him. Mabry's stories are fun and made very real by his attention to details. He keeps the reader guessing throughout the story. Definitely one of my favorite authors!
February 15, 2014
The premise of the story and the execution was good. A couple trying to stay together while solving some trouble that the man is in. Many suspects and good characters, a bit of a twist for the ending.
A combination of romance and suspense. Good combination. But..... I am not a very religious person and my religion is very personal. This book is religiously based and the characters are constantly stopping to pray. Some of the suspects are removed from the suspect list because they are willing to pray with the main characters.
I don't know if some people actually live this way, they might but I have seen news stories about people who are outwardly religious doing some horribly evil things. So the book does not ring true to me.
A combination of romance and suspense. Good combination. But..... I am not a very religious person and my religion is very personal. This book is religiously based and the characters are constantly stopping to pray. Some of the suspects are removed from the suspect list because they are willing to pray with the main characters.
I don't know if some people actually live this way, they might but I have seen news stories about people who are outwardly religious doing some horribly evil things. So the book does not ring true to me.
May 7, 2016
Richard Mabry is a very good author who has hooked me on his medical mysteries. Adam and his fiancee find themselves facing a shooter, and the circumstances that result involve divulging secrets and discovering other secrets. Mr. Mabry has the reader wondering at first who is the actual target, and then later gives enough clues pointing to several different people that it isn't obvious who it is until the end, although I had my suspicions. The plot includes a sweet romance, self-sacrifice for another person, tragedies, life and death situations, vengeance, forgiveness, faith, and moral dilemmas. I almost gave it five stars, but a couple of times I found myself questioning something a little bit. If you like medical dramas and tense situations that pop up frequently, this one is for you.
April 4, 2014
This is the second "medical suspense" from Mabry. The book was very disappointing. The plot twist made no sense and you could have read the first ten pages and the last 10 pages and not lost anything. A lot of "mush", nonsensical comments about the witness protection program and a general mess. Where was the editor in this book? I may try one more, since his first book was not too bad. The heart doctor medical was actually interesting - the author needs to decide what he is - a doctor with excellent experience that needs how to write a plot or write a nonfiction book. A drudgery to get through.
November 20, 2013
I have to say my first book by Dr. Mabry was a great place to start reading his work. Heart Failure follows the lives of Adam and Carrie, so in love with each other. Until Carrie discovers Adam isn't who he says he is. I think you'll be surprised by the villain. I certainly was. I will definitely read more by Dr. Mabry.
February 3, 2015
Sappy and predictable...and the perfect example of why I generally steer clear of christian fiction. Why do Christians settle for mediocrity, both as the writer and the reader. I found this one to be like all the others...poor writing, lacking character development, and overall very forgettable. Although, this one was the best of the series...
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