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Will following her heart mean denying her dreams?
In this Christian Medical Mystery, a gifted young neurologist, Lily Lapree, embarks upon her residency in the teaching hospital where her late father practiced. Longing to try her wings outside the insular nest, the position hadn’t exactly been Lily’s top choice, but the hometown hospital has its perks. Best of all, they’ll help mainstream her live-in, brain-damaged sister, Raina. In response to Lily’s promise to keep tabs, they’ll add “Rainy” to their janitorial staff. Though legally an adult, Raina is still childlike as she starts her first job within the wing unofficially known as the Belfry.
Back-to-back revelations have Lily reeling on Rainy’s first day. For starters, a late-breaking offer comes in for Lily from that far more prestigious, first-choice hospital. Next, Lily discovers their widowed mother, hospital counsel Claire Lapree, plans to remarry come Easter. Still grieving the father she adored, Lily is hardly ready for her mom to move on—much less with her boss, the chief of neurosurgery. Top if off with Lily’s struggle to fend off the pursuits of her best friend’s unrequited crush—an unsettlingly attractive fellow resident—and it doesn’t look like family dynamics or workplace relationships could get much more complicated.
All the while, Lily wrestles to understand the mind of an enigmatic new patient, a boy plagued with disturbing visions he claims are from God.
Though Lily’s mother implores her to stand by her initial commitment at the Belfry, Lily can hardly ignore what the world-class, out-of-state hospital has to offer. Would it be so wrong for Lily to accept the job she’d always dreamed of, the one her beloved father had always wanted for her? It’s a seemingly impossible choice. Torn between obligation, guilt, aspirations, and romance, Lily embarks on a journey to unlock the mysteries of her own heart and soul.
With life so consumed with work and family, will Lily's choice lead to finding love and romance?
REDEEMING ROMANCE is an anthology series, a collection of clean, inspirational love stories based on Susan Rohrer’s screenplays. GIFTED: a love story is the sixth stand alone novel in this romantic women's fiction series, a contemporary Christian Medical Mystery.
In this Christian Medical Mystery, a gifted young neurologist, Lily Lapree, embarks upon her residency in the teaching hospital where her late father practiced. Longing to try her wings outside the insular nest, the position hadn’t exactly been Lily’s top choice, but the hometown hospital has its perks. Best of all, they’ll help mainstream her live-in, brain-damaged sister, Raina. In response to Lily’s promise to keep tabs, they’ll add “Rainy” to their janitorial staff. Though legally an adult, Raina is still childlike as she starts her first job within the wing unofficially known as the Belfry.
Back-to-back revelations have Lily reeling on Rainy’s first day. For starters, a late-breaking offer comes in for Lily from that far more prestigious, first-choice hospital. Next, Lily discovers their widowed mother, hospital counsel Claire Lapree, plans to remarry come Easter. Still grieving the father she adored, Lily is hardly ready for her mom to move on—much less with her boss, the chief of neurosurgery. Top if off with Lily’s struggle to fend off the pursuits of her best friend’s unrequited crush—an unsettlingly attractive fellow resident—and it doesn’t look like family dynamics or workplace relationships could get much more complicated.
All the while, Lily wrestles to understand the mind of an enigmatic new patient, a boy plagued with disturbing visions he claims are from God.
Though Lily’s mother implores her to stand by her initial commitment at the Belfry, Lily can hardly ignore what the world-class, out-of-state hospital has to offer. Would it be so wrong for Lily to accept the job she’d always dreamed of, the one her beloved father had always wanted for her? It’s a seemingly impossible choice. Torn between obligation, guilt, aspirations, and romance, Lily embarks on a journey to unlock the mysteries of her own heart and soul.
With life so consumed with work and family, will Lily's choice lead to finding love and romance?
REDEEMING ROMANCE is an anthology series, a collection of clean, inspirational love stories based on Susan Rohrer’s screenplays. GIFTED: a love story is the sixth stand alone novel in this romantic women's fiction series, a contemporary Christian Medical Mystery.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2015
8 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Susan Rohrer
30 books78 followersSUSAN ROHRER enjoys wearing a variety of professional hats as a writer, producer, director, and author specializing in redemptive entertainment.
Rohrer's TV credits include: 'God's Trombones'; 100 Episodes of 'Another Life'; 'Never Say Goodbye'; 'Terrible Things My Mother Told Me' and 'The Emancipation of Lizzie Stern'; 'No Earthly Reason'; 'Mother's Day'; six episodes of 'Sweet Valley High'; 'Book of Days' and 'Another Pretty Face'; 'If I Die Before I Wake'; 'About Sarah'. Most recently, Rohrer directed and co-executive produced the entire first season of multi award-winning drama series 'These Stones' in addition to co-writing the season finale.
Awards won: Emmy, Film Advisory Board Award, Christopher Award. Additional award nominations: Emmy (3), NAACP Image Award (3), Humanitas Prize finalist (2). (Photo by Jean-Louis Darville)
Rohrer has authored a number of inspirational nonfiction books (including The Holy Spirit - Spiritual Gifts: Books 1 & 2, accompanying Workbook, plus numerous other titles on biblical topics. Novelizations of Rohrer's screenplays include: Merry's Christmas, Merry's Christmas Wedding, Virtually Mine, Bright Christmas: an Amish love story, Gifted, What Laurel Sees, Bridle My Heart, Grace Dawns, and The Beautiful World. These novels are all part of Rohrer's Redeeming novels series, a collection of stand-alone, inspirational love stories.
Rohrer's TV credits include: 'God's Trombones'; 100 Episodes of 'Another Life'; 'Never Say Goodbye'; 'Terrible Things My Mother Told Me' and 'The Emancipation of Lizzie Stern'; 'No Earthly Reason'; 'Mother's Day'; six episodes of 'Sweet Valley High'; 'Book of Days' and 'Another Pretty Face'; 'If I Die Before I Wake'; 'About Sarah'. Most recently, Rohrer directed and co-executive produced the entire first season of multi award-winning drama series 'These Stones' in addition to co-writing the season finale.
Awards won: Emmy, Film Advisory Board Award, Christopher Award. Additional award nominations: Emmy (3), NAACP Image Award (3), Humanitas Prize finalist (2). (Photo by Jean-Louis Darville)
Rohrer has authored a number of inspirational nonfiction books (including The Holy Spirit - Spiritual Gifts: Books 1 & 2, accompanying Workbook, plus numerous other titles on biblical topics. Novelizations of Rohrer's screenplays include: Merry's Christmas, Merry's Christmas Wedding, Virtually Mine, Bright Christmas: an Amish love story, Gifted, What Laurel Sees, Bridle My Heart, Grace Dawns, and The Beautiful World. These novels are all part of Rohrer's Redeeming novels series, a collection of stand-alone, inspirational love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 13, 2015
My favorite female author Susan Rohrer has done it again with her latest release “GIFTED: a love story” (A Redeeming Romance Medical Mystery). As a man who only reads non-fiction books on Theology and related topics, reading a fictional romance may seem out of sync, but it actually is not as Ms. Rohrer’s books always inspire and come with more than one message and even sub-themes!
I found this the case with “GIFTED” and the first thing to recommend is this – do NOT try to read this book or to attempt to get into the story while doing a dozen other things. This is the sort of narrative that lends itself to lifting up, addressing and even edifying those who seek to understand the human condition, and should be read during extended periods of time.
The author’s description of the book speaks for itself, but a few things stood out to me that men would do well to grab a hold of, and meditate on for a while. What I like about reading Ms. Rohrer’s books is her ability to present several facets of human personality, and I encourage men of all ages, especially working fathers, to take a look at this offering – even if it is only for the two things which come later on in the book – towards the end.
One thing is something that we men struggle with as fathers in our busy lives. We attempt to juggle work, kids’ baseball games, plays and other family activities. Sometimes we cannot (some do) find the balance between earning that one extra dollar which may pay for this or that for the kids, and being there. Lily asked a question of her mom that should cause every responsible man to shiver a little. As our “GIFTED” heroine, Dr. Lily Lapree discussed the events of the most crucial day in the book with her mother, she asked “How do you choose between doing the work you’ve got to do to provide for your family and actually being there for them?”
This is an absolutely stunning statement as Lily, a medical doctor at the “Belfry” seeks to make sense of tragedy and her growing faith as she heads towards personal fulfillment in love and career. As an author of Faith as well, Susan Rohrer (Holy Spirit, Secret of the Dry Bones), also answers a question a few people ask: “why would God speak to a little boy like Aaron Ghant” (the fulcrum of this story) and hardly anyone else, especially adults? The surprising “Father” Dylan, hospital chaplain, does have an answer, which is theologically sound – “Maybe Aaron was the only one who would listen.”
“GIFTED” is a book recommended not just for its love angle (which is a minor part of this accomplishment by Ms. Rohrer). It is recommended for anyone to read for its presentation of real life human interaction, on many levels as well as the underlying Faith in Christ component, which powers true happiness and understanding of the ways of God in this fallen world. Also as man with family and friends who work at Catholic and other hospitals, I can attest to the authenticity of Ms. Rohrer’s writing and the real picture of life in this critical environment.
I found this the case with “GIFTED” and the first thing to recommend is this – do NOT try to read this book or to attempt to get into the story while doing a dozen other things. This is the sort of narrative that lends itself to lifting up, addressing and even edifying those who seek to understand the human condition, and should be read during extended periods of time.
The author’s description of the book speaks for itself, but a few things stood out to me that men would do well to grab a hold of, and meditate on for a while. What I like about reading Ms. Rohrer’s books is her ability to present several facets of human personality, and I encourage men of all ages, especially working fathers, to take a look at this offering – even if it is only for the two things which come later on in the book – towards the end.
One thing is something that we men struggle with as fathers in our busy lives. We attempt to juggle work, kids’ baseball games, plays and other family activities. Sometimes we cannot (some do) find the balance between earning that one extra dollar which may pay for this or that for the kids, and being there. Lily asked a question of her mom that should cause every responsible man to shiver a little. As our “GIFTED” heroine, Dr. Lily Lapree discussed the events of the most crucial day in the book with her mother, she asked “How do you choose between doing the work you’ve got to do to provide for your family and actually being there for them?”
This is an absolutely stunning statement as Lily, a medical doctor at the “Belfry” seeks to make sense of tragedy and her growing faith as she heads towards personal fulfillment in love and career. As an author of Faith as well, Susan Rohrer (Holy Spirit, Secret of the Dry Bones), also answers a question a few people ask: “why would God speak to a little boy like Aaron Ghant” (the fulcrum of this story) and hardly anyone else, especially adults? The surprising “Father” Dylan, hospital chaplain, does have an answer, which is theologically sound – “Maybe Aaron was the only one who would listen.”
“GIFTED” is a book recommended not just for its love angle (which is a minor part of this accomplishment by Ms. Rohrer). It is recommended for anyone to read for its presentation of real life human interaction, on many levels as well as the underlying Faith in Christ component, which powers true happiness and understanding of the ways of God in this fallen world. Also as man with family and friends who work at Catholic and other hospitals, I can attest to the authenticity of Ms. Rohrer’s writing and the real picture of life in this critical environment.
June 23, 2015
Exciting story with identifiable characters. As always with Susan Rohrer's redeeming romance books, there is a central theme of God's love being the ultimate satisfying love we are all seeking, and how important relationships with Him, as well as relationships with each other are in His plan for our daily lives. I loved the integration of a Spiritual gift being a key part of the story line in God mending relationships with each other and with Him, and in answering questions the main character has about the direction of her career and personal relationships. I gained insight from this book and I am encouraged by these truths being applicable to my own life. Highly recommend!
February 9, 2015
I love how Susan Rohrer's books are all so different from the last and
they are not predictable. Each book is a unique story that holds my
interest. The character development in this book is wonderful. Lily and
her sister Raina are my favorites. But it was fun to get to know all of
the characters because throughout the story you get to know each one
very well. Lily's love and care for her sister is so sweet, and her
sister's innocence is endearing. The medical mystery aspect is something
that makes this story really interesting also.
they are not predictable. Each book is a unique story that holds my
interest. The character development in this book is wonderful. Lily and
her sister Raina are my favorites. But it was fun to get to know all of
the characters because throughout the story you get to know each one
very well. Lily's love and care for her sister is so sweet, and her
sister's innocence is endearing. The medical mystery aspect is something
that makes this story really interesting also.
March 13, 2015
A very interesting love story centered around a brilliant female doctor.
Lily was gifted at an early age and followed in her father's footsteps becoming a doctor. She had to make a difficult decision to turn down an offer at a prestigious hospital that her father had wanted her to pursue. Lily carried guilt over her sister and an accident that happened when Lily was seventeen. This story deals with death, choices, broken relationships, new relationships, healing emotionally and spiritually, and renewal. I enjoyed it.
Lily was gifted at an early age and followed in her father's footsteps becoming a doctor. She had to make a difficult decision to turn down an offer at a prestigious hospital that her father had wanted her to pursue. Lily carried guilt over her sister and an accident that happened when Lily was seventeen. This story deals with death, choices, broken relationships, new relationships, healing emotionally and spiritually, and renewal. I enjoyed it.
February 22, 2015
True enjoyment
I chose this review because the book kept my attention and interest all the way to the very end. Although I was expecting more when it did come to the end. It left me the opportunity to continue to enjoy what could've been the end in my own imagination.
I chose this review because the book kept my attention and interest all the way to the very end. Although I was expecting more when it did come to the end. It left me the opportunity to continue to enjoy what could've been the end in my own imagination.
August 6, 2015
I read this book last night and finished the last two chapters this morning. It was so good to see how God watches over you through the bad times and the good times. I thought it was a good book and light ready. I give it 5 stars.
June 17, 2016
Inspirational
I recommend this to anyone looking for guidance in making difficult decisions. Whether it is love, faith or life challenges you are struggling with God is waiting just ask.
I recommend this to anyone looking for guidance in making difficult decisions. Whether it is love, faith or life challenges you are struggling with God is waiting just ask.
February 27, 2015
Read the whole thing in one night. Very engaging and kept my interest.
August 29, 2015
Very nice
This was a very sweet, end reading book to read. The story really touches the heart of the reader. It is very human and down to earth. Great book!
This was a very sweet, end reading book to read. The story really touches the heart of the reader. It is very human and down to earth. Great book!
November 3, 2016
Enjoyable read!
It wasn't quite what I expected from a love story, but I really liked Lily and Rainy. All of the characters were likeable. I would recommend this book.
It wasn't quite what I expected from a love story, but I really liked Lily and Rainy. All of the characters were likeable. I would recommend this book.
October 19, 2018
The mother
The story was great. The pace - perfect.
I disliked Lily's her mother till the end. I don't know why, but I felt like she tried to make Lily remain close rather than encourage her daughter to spread her wings and do the best Lily was able to. It was like for the mother her own interests and emotional needs came ahead instead those of her daughter.
Except that, the book was really good. I read it in one sitting
The story was great. The pace - perfect.
I disliked Lily's her mother till the end. I don't know why, but I felt like she tried to make Lily remain close rather than encourage her daughter to spread her wings and do the best Lily was able to. It was like for the mother her own interests and emotional needs came ahead instead those of her daughter.
Except that, the book was really good. I read it in one sitting
April 6, 2019
This book attracted me with the medical romance tag. It was basically a Christian romance in a hospital setting, with the main character being a Dr. Easy to read, but be aware of the dealing with death in the story. Not really a sweet romance, a little deeper than that.
July 24, 2019
Nice
A good story with lots of depth. Has a number of challenging decisions to be faced. I like how the child knew the truth and stood for it despite adult pressures against it. Very nice how it all gets sorted out in the end. A satisfying read.
A good story with lots of depth. Has a number of challenging decisions to be faced. I like how the child knew the truth and stood for it despite adult pressures against it. Very nice how it all gets sorted out in the end. A satisfying read.
August 7, 2018
A great read
I enjoyed reading this book. It was able to keep my interest all the way through.
God talks to us in many different ways. We must learn to have faith and listen.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was able to keep my interest all the way through.
God talks to us in many different ways. We must learn to have faith and listen.
February 7, 2019
Loved it!!!
Very well written ... couldn’t put it down! I have a religious background so I could relate and I loved the story line. So happy about ending! When’s the next book????
Very well written ... couldn’t put it down! I have a religious background so I could relate and I loved the story line. So happy about ending! When’s the next book????
April 25, 2015
JD Says...
What drew me to this book was the title. I was expecting a high concept medical romance. Before going into the positives of why I liked this story, I have to begin by nitpicking the title and subtitle. It is greatly misleading. This is no love story, there is an element of romance within the pages, but nothing happens until late in the book. This is also not a romance, the key elements of romance is having a hero and heroine woven throughout, there was no tension within any (very late) developing romance, and I use the word romance lightly. And the mystery? Well, the mystery was completely lost on me, there wasn’t any. I believe the author attempted to cultivate a mysterious plot but whatever was attempted left me, in the end, with more questions than fulfillment. The mystery seemed to be introduced within the following scenarios: the father’s death, Rainy’s behavior, the boy with the tumors’ “gift”, the janitor’s room…all were eluded to without a final wrap up.
The positives lend obviously to the talent of Susan Rohrer, she is a tight writer, even though I wonder if she is seeing the big picture of her work and leaving out chunks of the plot by accident. The redemption of the story was between the mother and two daughters and nicely satisfying. The medical aspect of the plot was intriguing and I wanted it to continue. The characters were unique and true to themselves and I would have liked more time to get to know them. And for those reasons, I was a frustrated reader.
Gifted: A Love Story, did not become a page turner for me until the final chapters, once that happened, I was disappointed at the abrupt ending – but I suppose that could be considered a good thing. I realize this is a series but if the title inaccuracy of this work is an indication of what to further expect from Susan, I will have to pass.
Jan Says...
Gifted is a delightful read with a small wish list for me.
First, I do agree with JD’s frustration with the title and subtitle. They do seem a bit misleading, but I had to set that aside and take the book on face value.
Susan Rohrer crafted a great story with a cast of characters who are diverse and interesting. Each one has an important part to play, and the author makes sure they don’t just drift in and out, but make a contribution to the story.
The layers of relationships and plot kept me reading with anticipation, and I often didn’t want to put the book down. The dialogue was snappy and realistic, the way I like to hear people talk. The story of a young woman, Lily, finding her path for her career, personal and spiritual life was well constructed and flowed well, with maybe a few exceptions. Enter my wish list.
I really wanted to like Lily a little more from the beginning. We don’t learn till later that she really isn’t as selfish as she seems at first. But overall she is believable.
I wish we could have gotten more into the head of the handicapped younger sister, Raina. A few chapters in her point of view wasn’t quite enough for me, not in volume, but in depth. I found myself wanting to know more than just superficial thoughts from her.
Lastly I would wish that the moment of spiritual awareness Lily experienced toward the end would have lingered a bit longer. It seemed too rushed.
The ending was a little too tidy. I longed for just a few more flies in the ointment.
Those are just nit-picky things in light of the overall enjoyable read. I would definitely read more from Susan Rohrer.
What drew me to this book was the title. I was expecting a high concept medical romance. Before going into the positives of why I liked this story, I have to begin by nitpicking the title and subtitle. It is greatly misleading. This is no love story, there is an element of romance within the pages, but nothing happens until late in the book. This is also not a romance, the key elements of romance is having a hero and heroine woven throughout, there was no tension within any (very late) developing romance, and I use the word romance lightly. And the mystery? Well, the mystery was completely lost on me, there wasn’t any. I believe the author attempted to cultivate a mysterious plot but whatever was attempted left me, in the end, with more questions than fulfillment. The mystery seemed to be introduced within the following scenarios: the father’s death, Rainy’s behavior, the boy with the tumors’ “gift”, the janitor’s room…all were eluded to without a final wrap up.
The positives lend obviously to the talent of Susan Rohrer, she is a tight writer, even though I wonder if she is seeing the big picture of her work and leaving out chunks of the plot by accident. The redemption of the story was between the mother and two daughters and nicely satisfying. The medical aspect of the plot was intriguing and I wanted it to continue. The characters were unique and true to themselves and I would have liked more time to get to know them. And for those reasons, I was a frustrated reader.
Gifted: A Love Story, did not become a page turner for me until the final chapters, once that happened, I was disappointed at the abrupt ending – but I suppose that could be considered a good thing. I realize this is a series but if the title inaccuracy of this work is an indication of what to further expect from Susan, I will have to pass.
Jan Says...
Gifted is a delightful read with a small wish list for me.
First, I do agree with JD’s frustration with the title and subtitle. They do seem a bit misleading, but I had to set that aside and take the book on face value.
Susan Rohrer crafted a great story with a cast of characters who are diverse and interesting. Each one has an important part to play, and the author makes sure they don’t just drift in and out, but make a contribution to the story.
The layers of relationships and plot kept me reading with anticipation, and I often didn’t want to put the book down. The dialogue was snappy and realistic, the way I like to hear people talk. The story of a young woman, Lily, finding her path for her career, personal and spiritual life was well constructed and flowed well, with maybe a few exceptions. Enter my wish list.
I really wanted to like Lily a little more from the beginning. We don’t learn till later that she really isn’t as selfish as she seems at first. But overall she is believable.
I wish we could have gotten more into the head of the handicapped younger sister, Raina. A few chapters in her point of view wasn’t quite enough for me, not in volume, but in depth. I found myself wanting to know more than just superficial thoughts from her.
Lastly I would wish that the moment of spiritual awareness Lily experienced toward the end would have lingered a bit longer. It seemed too rushed.
The ending was a little too tidy. I longed for just a few more flies in the ointment.
Those are just nit-picky things in light of the overall enjoyable read. I would definitely read more from Susan Rohrer.
March 21, 2016
Susan Rohrer crafted a great story with a cast of characters who are diverse and interesting. Each one has an important part to play, and the author makes sure they don’t just drift in and out, but make a contribution to the story.
The layers of relationships and plot kept me reading with anticipation, and I often didn’t want to put the book down. The dialogue was snappy and realistic, the way I like to hear people talk. The story of a young woman, Lily, finding her path for her career, personal and spiritual life was well constructed and flowed well, with maybe a few exceptions. Enter my wish list.
I really wanted to like Lily a little more from the beginning. We don’t learn till later that she really isn’t as selfish as she seems at first. But overall she is believable.
I wish we could have gotten more into the head of the handicapped younger sister, Raina. A few chapters in her point of view wasn’t quite enough for me, not in volume, but in depth. I found myself wanting to know more than just superficial thoughts from her.
Lastly, I would wish that the moment of spiritual awareness Lily experienced toward the end would have lingered a bit longer. It seemed too rushed.
The ending was a little too tidy. I longed for just a few more flies in the ointment.
The layers of relationships and plot kept me reading with anticipation, and I often didn’t want to put the book down. The dialogue was snappy and realistic, the way I like to hear people talk. The story of a young woman, Lily, finding her path for her career, personal and spiritual life was well constructed and flowed well, with maybe a few exceptions. Enter my wish list.
I really wanted to like Lily a little more from the beginning. We don’t learn till later that she really isn’t as selfish as she seems at first. But overall she is believable.
I wish we could have gotten more into the head of the handicapped younger sister, Raina. A few chapters in her point of view wasn’t quite enough for me, not in volume, but in depth. I found myself wanting to know more than just superficial thoughts from her.
Lastly, I would wish that the moment of spiritual awareness Lily experienced toward the end would have lingered a bit longer. It seemed too rushed.
The ending was a little too tidy. I longed for just a few more flies in the ointment.
June 13, 2015
I enjoyed this book and yet at the same time I was hoping for more depth, it never seem to open fully to the potential that I was expecting it to.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews