She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself She just needs a little longer. She's really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she's tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it's not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.
Harry Kraus, M.D. is a board-certified surgeon, medical missionary to East Africa, and accomplished writer of both non-fiction and fiction. Medical realism and gripping plotlines distinguish his writing, as he gets most of his ideas with a scalpel in hand. Dr. Kraus resides in Virginia with his wife Kris and the youngest of his three sons.
After receiving this as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought I would take a chance with it. But because I wasn’t certain I wanted to actually read it or not, I did not include it on my “currently reading” shelf. This seems to be happening a lot to me lately. Am I becoming a moody reader, again?
But I eventually did. Read it. After all, look at the book cover? Kind of tempting don’t you think?
So, here goes my review.
Although his story was well-written, with meaningful characters and an intriguing plot, regarding a possible medical breakthrough, it was hard to get through the religious tone of the story. However, for those who like this in their stories, it may be more appealing.
There is a mystery here to be solved, so that might be interesting for mystery lovers.
Lip Reading By Harry Kraus I read one other book by Harry Kraus and loved it so much I picked this one up. And although it wasn't quite as good as A Heartbeat Away it was still quite good and I will continue keeping Dr. Kraus on my radar.
This book had me wondering all the way through where it was going, and what the characters were really doing. I love to be surprised when it turns out differently than I expected, just like the last book of his I read!
I had only two problems with this book... one was the amount of medical explanations which was way too detailed for my non-scientific mind. Someone in the medical or science fields will have fun with this book, though. The other is some characters' reactions to things weren't quite true to life. Not enough outrage, or fear was expressed when attacks or betrayals happen. I found the responses to be flatter than they should be.
But if that's all there is in a book to be problematic, it's still a good book in my thinking. It's possible a medical/science man such as Dr. Kraus doesn't respond emotionally to these circumstances as I would! And medical bla bla bla can be skimmed.
So, all in all, I liked the book and will continue to read Harry Kraus books. They are fascinating and complicated, have strong faith elements, and often you don't see where you think it's leading. Love that.
While this book certainly has its high points, it has plenty of lows as well. The theme of God's grace and mercy comes through clearly, so that's definitely a high point. The information regarding Becca and Noah's research is interesting, although it might be a little dry for many fiction readers. But the failing for me personally, is with the characters themselves.
I felt as if Mr. Kraus wants this book to be a romance, in addition to being a medical suspense story. But as a hero, Noah is one of the weakest I've run across in a while. He seems to allow Becca and Melissa to lead him around willy-nilly. ***Small SPOILER ALERT*** Even if he didn't see Melissa's machinations with the whole Superman and Lois Lane costume when he was seventeen ("Cool, huh?" It was her idea."), surely as an adult he should have been able to recognize it for what it was. As a result of her actions in high school, I didn't buy it when she told herself she was turning Becca over to the police for Noah's own good. He was a big boy by then, he could make his own choices.
Not to be outdone by a weak hero, Becca is a rather unlikeable heroine. The whole "notched upper lip" thing, when she professed to be the plain nerdy girl who wasn't in the same league as Noah just came across as vain and self-absorbed, not the insecure I think Mr. Kraus wanted us to imagine. And considering her actions following the accident, I couldn't drum up any sympathy for her character at all.
Finally, of the romantic triangle, we have Melissa, on whom I've already touched. I felt she was a manipulative cow, frankly. She knew of Noah's feelings for Becca, but continues to hang on him and try to drive a wedge between them. Were we supposed to feel sorry for her? Not likely.
A cast of equally weak and unlikeable side characters exists, Becca's horrible father and uncle, her mousy mother, and so on. Again, the medical suspense story was interesting, but it just couldn't outweigh the unromantic romance for me.
Rebecca Jackson has dedicated her adult life to the discovery of synthetic blood, atonement for a teenage car accident that resulted in a small boy getting HIV after receiving a transfusion of contaminated blood. Her research takes a great leap forward after a trip to Africa, when she finds she can see problems in an entirely new way—although she has no idea why.
Noah Linebrink’s life purpose was determined in that same car accident. He’s now a researcher for a competing pharmaceutical company, and is tasked with poaching Becca to work with his firm. That means confronting their joint past, a task made more difficult by the threats they start getting.
The plot moves smoothly from Africa to corporate America, where Becca learns the reason behind her new ability to solve medical problems … and has to fight for the right to continue her research.
This isn’t the first novel to invent artificial blood for transfusions—that idea has been a staple of vampire novels for years. But it’s the first novel I’ve read which has gone into the scientific issues of such a project, as well as the costs and potential benefits. I didn’t necessarily understand all the science (much the same way as I never understood the technobabble in Star Trek: TNG), but that didn’t stop me enjoying it.
Lip Reading was well-written, with a detailed and engaging plot, interesting characters and a lot of interrelationships that only became apparent as the story progressed. Excellent suspense.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
I made it 51% into the book but I was liking the characters less and less. The story also was dragging and getting less and less likable.
Rebecca ~ Well, she started off pretty interesting, but by the time I gave up, she seemed like an idiot with a huge obsession with having perfect lips. Her whole life seemed to revolve around keeping a tiny scar on her lip covered, which didn't fit with her obsessive researcher persona.
Noah ~ Honestly, I liked him even less. He claims to be a Christian, which made it harder for me to like him. He is still pining after Rebecca, who has no faith whatsoever. He is kissing her and also being far too friendly with another girl. He is just leading her on.
What finally made me give up was this scene with two teen girls.
I thought I would like this book less, so there is that. Still, if this was not a pick for my book club, I would not have read it, or finished it.
My biggest issue with this book was that it was trying to be too much - medical mystery - suspense - romance - but it didn't really excel at any of them because they were all half done. My other issue, was the characters. None of them were likable. Becca was nerdy and insecure, but also super materialistic. Mel was laid back, but also super jealous. Noah was the high school football star that was heroic to some extent, but also just seemed to go whatever way the wind went - and not in a good way.
Then there were plot issues. Every time Noah seemed to have a meal, to chat with a person of his past, the timeline seemed to be super weird to me or they always left before food even came and nothing was actually discussed. There were so many half started ideas in this book that just seemed to stop or suddenly wrap up without much detail. Even when the African doctors got their check it seemed over simplified. And the part with Amy, Tiffany, and the two boys was just kind of weird - especially when the one tells Amy, a 13 year old to find him in 5 years.
And please, can we get a synonym for "lipstick".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Personally I loved this book. I bought this book a few years ago and I have reread it a few times now. This book includes great suspense as there are scenes of kidnapping. The book progresses on to the main character traveling for her uncles pharmaceutical company trying to provide a breakthrough in that could change the face of medicine. This book kept me curious about what was going to happen next as there are some plot twists that come about. If you like books about the medical field this is a great book for you.
There are a handful of authors I’d make time to read no matter how hectic my schedule was. Harry Kraus is one of those authors. I was thrilled to receive a review copy of a book that gives readers a glimpse into the world of scientific research. The thing that excites me about this author’s books is the fact that I know I’ll learn something new, cutting edge even in the world of medicine. Harry Kraus is a surgeon who practices medicine in Africa. Inside this book he gives readers a heart wrenching look at a situation in Africa and how efforts from a Pharmaceutical company to help these people goes array.
What’s involved in creating a medical breakthrough? I hadn’t a clue but this writer lifts the veil and shows us a little glimpse into the work and dedication it takes to create something new and safe for humans. Imitation blood would save millions of lives and change the medical community all around the world. I goggled this topic and researchers are really working on trying to create imitation blood as I’m typing this. How could I doubt Harry? It just sounded too unreal! Grin!
Medical researcher Dr. Rebecca Jackson is on the verge of making a discovery of a lifetime, creating imitation blood. Lately Becca had noticed a new ability she had. She could clearly see images in her mind in 3-D. It’s rocketed her research and moved things ahead of schedule.
The down side to Dr. Rebecca’s clarity of vision about her project was the frequent migraines. She’d have to get that checked but work needed to be done first. She was so close to finishing this project, with her physical limitations she knew she needed help. Where could she turn?
Noah, Rebecca Jackson’s old boyfriend was working on an imitation blood project of his own. He stares at the T.V. screen where he sees the face of Dr. Rebecca Jackson on the front cover of her new book called “Pusher: confessions of an American Pharmaceutical giant… the reporter goes on to say, Jackson made quite a stir earlier this year when her book, Pusher hit stands, revealing some of the cutthroat tactics that govern the development and marketing of the American Pharmaceutical industry.”
His boss had talked to him earlier that week and asked him to approach Dr. Jackson and ask her to work on the imitation blood project with him. He pointed out that Noah’s research complimented her work. They could work more efficiently and create this product sooner if they worked together. His boss didn’t understand that they had a history that was complicated. They were an item in high school, maybe they could push the past aside and work together for the greater good.
Noah knew that what they were working on was a “Game changer – no one would have to get real blood and all the risks associated with it.”
“P-R-I-N-T stands for Particle Replication in Non-Wetting – Templates.”
“A worldwide impact begins with one life, “Noah said. “There are individual events in a person’s life that change everything in seconds. Happiness is stolen. Injury leads to death. And love finds a way to shine through in the midst of darkness…. God used the worst day in my life to set my feet on a path that will, I hope, result in a benefit for millions.”
With God’s help Norah could do this work with Rebecca. They soon discover they are both driven to reach the goal, neither didn’t mind the cost; each sensed they were on the verge of something amazing. Drama escalates when Noah and Rebecca unite their forces. They are on a race against time, death threats and a fight for Rebecca’s life. The stakes are high and the large corporations want a piece of the action. She only trusted Noah. He would help her and make sure this product didn’t get into the wrong hands.
As usual I learned about an amazing medical technology researchers are actually working on. I also realized how much I take for granted when I go to the pharmacy and pick up medicine the Dr. prescribed not even giving a thought at how long it took someone to create it. I’m focused on how fast it will make me feel better. I love this authors books because I learn something new every time. I like that it’s usually intertwined with a suspenseful element and usually he throws in a splash of romance. There is also a spiritual thread that’s real and not preachy. Love that.
I recommend this dynamic and intriguing story that will open your eyes to the beautiful and dark side of medical breakthroughs and give you a peek into a world we don’t often think about. These characters and their story will be on your mind long after you close the book, there is so much in here. It’s something you’ll be talking about with your friends. Thanks Harry for another amazing adventure
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”
I only started this book because we are reading it for book club. I thought it was super boring and I gave up around page 295. I skimmed the rest of the book and seem to have gotten the jist. Definitely would not have even gotten that far if it was not a book club book.
I had never read any of Harry's books. This one made me a fan. What I call right out of the gate!You pick up right away something had been covered up. He keeps it till the end. Never a dull moment. Great writer. I'll be reading more of his.
So many flaws in the science. Oversimplifying everything not only leads to questionable statements, but also is an insult to the reader. It just rubs me the wrong way.
3.5 Interesting book on developing new drugs for the general public; the competition, money involved and the cost of the study….along with a romantic involvement. Enjoyed
His books are great reads, and this one was no exception. Despite the cover - it’s a completely PG novel and would be G except for the themes it deals with. I am grateful that Kraus has good character development with a credible weaving of the gospel.
Before we all die, I think we want to leave behind a lasting legacy. One that will go on after we are gone from this earth. We want our life to count for something. Perhaps it's to achieve resolution after facing guilt, perhaps it's to right a wrong or to take a different path than the one life has offered to us. Yet many never have the opportunity to do that and instead lay awake on their death bed filled with a life of regrets. Becca Jackson isn't going to be one of those people.
Facing almost twenty years of regret and guilt for making the wrong choices in her life, she's about to get the push that will propel her life in ways she would never dream possible. While visiting in Africa for a publicity ad to turn around recent bad press for Jackson Pharmaceuticals, she finds herself being kidnapped. Only it will be unlike any kidnapping she has ever had to face. This is designed to make a point and a lasting impression not only in her life but in the lives of the people her uncle's company employs and the people whose lives are forever changed by the drugs they produce and use on people. In this case, a recent drug Mopivadine, an retroviral drug that inhibits the reproduction of HIV through the maternal-child transfer, which has been a complete success. Until Dr. Jacob Opondo reveals to her that children in Africa are dying at such a high rate due to complications caused by not being able to breast feed this children and not having any other source of nutrition is causing them to die while succeeding at preventing the transfer of HIV between the mother and her child.
Dr. Opondo wants Becca's financial help to provide clinics and nutrition as well as medical care to help these patients, because without it the children will continue to die even though the drug is considered a success. He wants $5 million dollars to help his people. He knows that it is money Becca's company can easily provide considering she is sitting on the cusp of cutting edge research of a blood substitute that can used world wide in life or death situations without the risks associated with blood transfusions in the future. Now if she can just get back to working on her research and find a cure to the headaches that keep her from concentrating on what has been going wrong with her work. What she does notice is just before the pain launches into a full grown migraine, she is able now to focus with such clarity, she is 5 steps ahead in her thought process.
When she is finally released to head back home to the United States, she runs into Noah Linebrink, her ex-boyfriend from high school that has been tasked to see if he can get Becca to work for Bradshaw Pharmaceuticals, a competitor of her uncle's on the same research she's been working on. Noah is confident that with the research he's been working on along with Becca's they both have the missing pieces to one anothers puzzle that could launch either company into netting billions of dollars in revenue. But Becca and Noah have a past that could prevent either of them from trusting one another, and after twenty years, the guilt that each of them has been carrying is about to end one way or another.
I received Lip Reading by Harry Kraus, MD compliments of David C Cook Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I've been a huge fan of Harry Kraus' novels because of his incredible insight of using his knowledge as a surgeon and incorporating it into his novels to add a sense of realism that is often times lacking on other medical suspense novels. This one is no exception, and being a huge migraine sufferer, I found myself cringing each time, Becca's headaches began to materialize. I have to say this one took me places I didn't think it would and created a lasting message about the difference in salvation with grace and not works. This one easily deserves a 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait for more from him in the near future.
So here’s a little known fact about me. Many years ago, in a galaxy far, no wait, that’s not right. Many years ago, I was introduced to my first Christian Fiction novel. Up until then, my readings had consisted of Stephen King, Dean Koontz and John Saul, just to name a few. I’ve been a Christian since my early child years and I’ve always had a book in my hand. I never was quite satisfied, though, by what I was reading. On that day, I had a book recommended to me called “The Chairman” by Harry Lee Kraus. I couldn’t put it down, it embodied the essence of a great work of Fiction AND provided me with a clean, faith based novel. I was hooked. I have read nothing but Christian Fiction from that point and I’ve been thrilled since that time to read more and more by Harry Kraus.
The business of medical breakthroughs in the Pharmaceutical world is cutthroat to say the least. When Dr. Rebecca Jackson is visiting Africa on a PR tour for Jackson Pharmaceuticals, she’s kidnapped and taken to show the underbelly of what the test trials on their HIV drug has done. She’s released when she promises to get her company to provide additional resources to all that were affected by the drug trials. Noah Linebrink is at the edge of finalizing a new blood replacement. No longer will patients need to rely on blood donations, his discovery will make that a thing of the past. Noah’s boss wants Dr. Jackson on their side to finalize the product and he has sent Noah to win her over. Their past, though, may not be one that would make a healthy partnership. As Noah and Rebecca begin to work through their past and their current path, she finds out that she has a brain tumor. Unexplainingly, though, she is also getting moments of clarity that is allowing her to work through the roadblocks on her project and push it closer to completion. Will Rebecca remain well enough to complete the project? Does Noah get her to agree to the partnership? Can they see through their past and agree to work towards a solution that will benefit so many people? Don’t wait for the drug trials, go BUY THIS BOOK!
To me, the point that an author has written a book that has reached the level where I want to share it with everyone I see is when I get so caught up in the characters that I forget that they are just that, characters from somebody’s imagination. The main characters in “Lip Reading” were two such characters. I do not believe in ever physically striking a woman, but in the case of Rebecca, I thought she was ready for a good smack of realization. The same can be said of Noah. I didn’t like him at all, he seemed to be the type of individual who was going to hid behind his past and never move out its shadow for this rest of his life. Boy was I wrong. Harry has character development down to a science, in my opinion (and since this IS my review, I guess my opinion IS important). The story was very easy to follow, the plot was driven along with intrigue and suspense, right up until the very end.
Is this a "guy's book"? This is not an action-packed, blow everything up, military shoot’em up thriller. This is, though, a very thought-provoking look at the pharmaceutical business and what’s at stake when they bring a new drug to production. There is suspense a nice little mystery that is wrapped up tightly at the end.
I received this book from the cashier when I paid money for it. Nobody asked me to write this review, I just enjoyed the book so much that I wanted to do it so that you all will read the book!
Lip Reading offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of pharmaceutical research, while keeping the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. Its lifelike characters face moral dilemmas and unexpected plot twists along the road to a bittersweet, yet satisfying ending. Fans of medical suspense won't want to miss this one, and I'd also recommend it to anyone seeking a thought-provoking read.
Book group participants take note, as well. There's plenty of fodder here for a good discussion. There's the question of whether Becca or Mel is the more suitable match for Noah. There are several discussable instances in the book where characters act against the wishes of another character... with that person's best interests in mind. With characters facing difficult choices with multiple right answers, it would be interesting to see members of a book group debate how different choices might have led to different endings to the story. I know I spent more time than I should have trying to come up with alternative endings. :-) You'll also find a set of discussion questions in the final book, though it didn't appear in my advance reader copy.
I think that the part of this book I admired the most was the way its message about God's grace was intrinsic to the characters' personal growth and the situations they faced, rather than tacked on as an afterthought. For example, Becca's ah-hah moment near the end of the book seems realistically presented as a culmination of past influences throughout her life, and not just a spur of the moment decision in a moment of fear. I enjoyed seeing how interactions in her past that seemed to have no impact at the time did have a major impact down the road.
The medical details included in the book were explained in such a way as to make sense to a non-medical reader, without the explanations intruding on the flow of the story. I was thoroughly intrigued by the research problems involved in creating artificial blood, and wound up doing a Web search to find that researchers really are close to a solution. How cool is that? (Disclaimer: I did major in biology as an undergrad, so maybe my inner nerd is showing?)
Anyway, I found Lip Reading to be a thoroughly enjoyable story and gladly recommend it. Thank you to the publisher, David C Cook, for providing me with an electronic copy through NetGalley for review purposes. Opinions expressed are my own honest opinions.
Besides writing, author Harry Kraus is also a surgeon and medical missionary to Kenya. To learn more about the author and his other books, check out his Web site at harrykraus.com.
Swift medical thriller about the value of one life - vs. the value of thousand lives.
Becca, successful pharmaceutical researcher in her late thirties is confronted with reality - at first with the real impact of the family pharmaceutical firm she is working within, as the supposed successes are successes just on paper. Later, standing on the brink of a major medical discovery of the possibility of artificial blood, she is confronted both with her past and her future. The past is represented by former boyfriend and now colleague from a rival company, Noah, and the course of one dreadful night what changed everything. The future is even more problematic, as Becca is experiencing some brilliant states of mind to solve her scientific issues - but everything comes with a price and hers is quite big to pay. So the question is - to prefer her own life or to prefer her ongoing research, resulting in help for thousands?
As for the medical mystery, the book is well-written, informative and interesting. Pharmaceutical research is obviously a business with big budgets and maybe some underhanded practices under their belt. The medicinal problems were answered clearly. I loved the African part! I felt like "being there" under the stars, meeting with cultures foreign to ours and enjoying it. This is obviously a result of the author´s good writing skills.
So yay for the medicine and the writing, but nay for the romance department. I find refreshing that there is a love triangle within the Christian literature, but this is the only good point I can recognize there. I find hero, Noah, being wishy-washy towards both women in his life, and also quite naive and self-centered, subconsciously enjoying attention from both Becca and Mel. As for Mel - to be honest, I just plainly dislike her. She is supposed to be an honest, uncomplicated Christian woman. But her Christianity is just proclaimed, as I don´t see the warm, loving heart within her - at least not towards Becca, who is supposed to be her longtime friend. Mel dislikes Becca, is commenting on her behaviour and values, and is just openly jealous towards her past and possible future relationship with Noel. But she never confronts Becca about the meaningful night, and she is obviously knowledgeable about what had happened. Isn´t both true friend and true Christian supposed to act for the best of the other person? Also, she openly hunts Noah and is quite catty and manipulative within her fight for a man. If you want heroine like that, fine, but then why made her being a nice Christian woman? I like Becca, I can understand her inner uncertainties, and I applaud her for her remarkable decision to give everything at stake for the better good. And a personal remark - I don´t use lipsticks, but i feel tempted to buy one (or several) just because of the colourful names and descriptions of the ones Becca used!
Having said that, the book was a quick, catchy one. I will read another novels by the author.
Harry Kraus in his new book, “Lip Reading” published by David C Cook brings us into the life of Dr. Rebecca Jackson.
From the back cover: She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Pharmaceutical Company. You wouldn’t think that you could find something interesting here but let me assure you get ready for a major discovery. Dr. Kraus has given us a medical drama, suspense, and spiritual warfare all rolled up in a thrilling adventure. The character of Dr. Rebecca Jackson is so well written. First there is a kidnapping. Then a discovery that the drug works but there are side effects that need to be addressed and quickly. Then another Pharmaceutical Company wants Becca to work for them. In the meantime Becca has her own personal medical problem. Dr. Kraus has given us a page flipping thriller that is ripped from the current medical journals and added in quite a large dose of suspense and excitement. “Lip Reading” is a very exciting adventure that kept my attention all the way until the end. I recommend it highly.
If you missed the interview for “The Six-Liter Club”, a different story from Dr. Kraus, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C Cook. 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.”
A well written and intriguing story. I was immediately drawn into the story and the psyche of Rebecca. As a medical person myself, I could relate to many aspects of the story. The pharmaceutical company corruption was very interesting and left me wondering how close to reality it may be. Rebecca’s complicated relationships added another layer of interest to her character. I could hardly wait each evening to pick up where I left off. What an ending!
Book Summary: She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.
Review: I liked the characters and the plot. It started out with a bank and was a quick paced novel. I found Becca to be likable and the entire story to be a page turner. The ending was a teary eyed finale. Sean was a great lead character who was honorable and a great example of Christ. The story was full of my favorite thing about reading a fantastic character read. This book was full of empathy and the change that Christ brings to his people. The mysteries were minor, but held the story together and provided a great backdrop to the sacrifice that Becca made. It was well worth reading and great to spend time in the Shenandoah Valley within the pages of this book. I would like to thank Net Galley and David C. Cook for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
As a teenager, Noah went to jail to take the blame for a car accident in which Becca Jackson hit and killed a young boy who was HIV positive from a blood transfusion. Now, years later they are both separately involved in medical research to develop artificial blood which would eliminate the dangers posed from using human blood. Neither is able to put the final touches on the product, so it appears that they will need to get together, after many years, and combine their efforts. Becca has become a brilliant pharmaceutical researcher, full of personal insecurities and certainly with no hope that a loving God could care for her. Noah is a godly man who has put prison behind him and pursued a career is pharmaceutical research, as well. He has never forgotten the nerdy, beautiful love of his high school days. Beccas’s heart and goals begin to change when she spends time in Africa, being forced to face the realities of life and what big drug companies do with their drugs which are not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Will she turn her back on the cries of the sick and weak and go back to her self-centered, but lonely world? Will she agree to a corporate project with Noah, thus opening her heart to him again? Will the two of them be able to find a solution to a desperate medical need, that of artificial blood? Will Noah be able to protect those he loves from the threats of someone who wants to keep Noah and Becca apart? This is a read that will open your eyes to many aspects of the world of medicine in a realistic way. It is well worth your time! I received this book from Net Galley for my honest review.
Lip Reading by Harry Kraus is a thrilling medical suspense which leaves one breathless. The writing is top notch and the story is wonderfully paced, giving room for full enjoyment. Harry Kraus carefully developed the story and the characters without missing out anything, thereby making the characters relatable and not difficult to understand their predicament as they race against time to find a solution.
In Lip Reading, Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, is at the threshold of a revolutionary breakthrough in medical science that will make it possible to manufacture synthetic human blood. She is keen to complete the project but certain elements threaten to derail it, and an incident which occurred 20 years earlier returns to haunt her. Noah Linebrink, her former boyfriend, comes to her aid, and together they must find the courage to bring the situation under control.
This medical suspense by Harry Kraus is tight, taut and thrilling. Medical pragmatism and gripping plotlines are the hallmarks of his writing. As a certified medical surgeon, he skillfully developed the story which is truly baffling but believable. Lip Reading is both fascinating and intriguing. In the end, using a gripping storyline the author has masterfully crafted an incredible story which explores the issue of selflessness versus selfishness. What makes this book a truly gratifying read is the manner in which the author brings the story to its conclusion.
I became a huge Harry Kraus fan when I read An Open Heart so I was really looking forward to his new book Lip Reading. Once again his medical knowledge came into play, creating an authentic and believable story, this time in the pharmaceutical world.
Becca Jackson is a medical researcher and she has a past she isn’t proud of and a physical defect she tries desperately to hide behind makeup. She seeks redemption for past mistakes in her life and work and while working in Kenya is forced into seeing her company’s work for what it really is as well as facing her own defect she has no choice but to reveal.
A part of her past, Noah, will suddenly intersect with her present as they are both on different roads hoping for the same results. Will they be able to let go of their pasts and accept forgiveness that is already given?
This story is a great look into how our pasts affect our present and future decisions in both good and bad ways. Becca is wanting to do something good in an industry filled with evil and corruption where making money is placed above the lives of others.
Once again Kraus perfectly paces his story, building the suspense and throwing you one curve ball after another. On both television and in books I love medical stories and the added element of suspense makes Lip Reading a true thrill ride.
The life of a medical researcher, I imagine is not all that easy especially when you are this close to a breakthrough, and this was exactly where Rebecca Jackson found herself in this very intricate storyline. Sometimes we as a child of God are called upon to make a choice or decision that could go really well or really badly depending on what we decide. We have to decide if we will be the bigger person and do what God wants us to do. More often than not we will be placed in a position where it will seem easier to just do the thing that is actual in the end the wrong thing to do. Rebecca Jackson is faced with a similar situation in which she will come to a crossroads where she will in fact have to make a decision to do whats right.
I have never really enjoyed any type of medical fiction but this book, Lip Reading has an easy to follow storyline that was quite enjoyable!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.