Disaster Status

Mercy Hospital #2

by Candace Calvert

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work on the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she's put to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department's handsome incident commander, who thinks her strategy is out of line.

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

340 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Former ER nurse, wife, Mom and grandmother, Candace Calvert believes that love, laughter, and faith are the best medicines of all. Her Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical, and Crisis Team series for Tyndale House offers readers charismatic characters, pulse-pounding medical drama, romance, humor, suspense--and a prescription for hope. Think, “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul.”

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this unusual story very well. The cast of characters is wide and interesting, and the story line hard to lay aside. Erin, though, seemed a bit of an enigma to me...her POV had an abstract sense to it, and I wasn't always entirely sure what she would do next. Despite this being a pretty long book, there were a lot of issues dealt with, and I was left wanting more on a number of them.

One thing I strong disagreed with was 1) Iris's "concentrated prayer" concept...Christians don't need to have a type of mantra or a special quiet prayer pose. We are told to ask God what we want directly, trusting as a small child does. We don't need to contort our bodies, sit very still, and think about a phrase or two repeatedly in order to pray an effective prayer. I believe two concepts (prayer and feasting on God's word) get badly tangled when married to eastern meditation techniques best suited to religions that don't have a Jesus. 2) Iris's deception about her job. She's a grown-up. She shouldn't be hiding from her granddaughter...and she never really apologized for her lies, either.

Other than that, recommended! Again, some frank discussion of medical process which left me queasy a few times.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing that bothered me early, the word description of Nick didn’t match the cover, but, I am glad to be back with some familiar characters, and this is Erin’s story. It doesn’t take me long to start smiling. Erin, oh my…she cracks me up. I love what she did to the bully when she was seven years old. I love the feisty Nana. Sarge, a great guy in a very sad and tragic situation. Ocean air is always refreshing and so is this stand alone romance series. Life isn’t fair, but…love, loss, friendship, family, despair and a rebirth of faith and hope is a part of Disaster Status and makes me rate this…4 Stars.

See more at fundinmental

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn’t even make it to my “to be read” pile. It came straight from the bubble wrap and into my hot little hands.

What a novel! Medical dramas, can’t even compare to DISASTER STATUS. I had the distinct feeling of standing in the middle of a trauma ward as everyone rushed around me. You don’t have to understand medical terms to know what is going on. But this book wasn’t just medical disasters, it was a love story and a story of life outside of trauma that made it jump to life.

There was a very real sense of immediacy throughout the entire novel. I felt like I was there and found it nearly impossible to stop reading. Making this probably the fastest book I have ever read, in just under 6 hours.

The characters were unique, coming alive on the page. I saw their growth. I cheered and I groaned. There was intrigue and action. Drama and love, but not the sappy inappropriate soap opera kind, the kind that makes you stand up and cheer or curl your toes in anxiety.

I can no longer watch medical dramas on TV. Only give me DISASTER STATUS and plenty of time to read!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Tyndale publishers for my copy to review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author! It has been far too long since I've read one of her books.

This story is another real-to-life story about how God can redeem our broken pieces.

[K.M. Weiland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read much romance, but when I'm in the mood for some lighthearted fun, this is exactly how I like 'em. I enjoyed Critical Care, the first book in the series (and, incidentally, the first e-book I ever bought), but this one just hit the spot for me from start to finish. Enjoyable characters, obviously spot-on ER plotting (not that I'd know, but you can always tell when writers know their stuff), and well-paced theme. Enjoyed it all the way through.

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this one was so good! I love the authenticity of the medical settings in Candace Calvert's books, but I love the way she portrays her characters, too, and Erin and Scott just dug right in to my heart. I really didn't want to put this one down until I was finished. Hence, it's past midnight... oops... But I can go to sleep feeling so very satisfied now. That will make up for the lost sleep, won't it? ;-)

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had first heard about the Mercy Hospital series on a fellow blogger's , Renee (a.k.a Steelergirl83), blogaversary and I instantly loved . Then, I heard from another friend that Tyndale was offering it up for review (Thanks Casey!), so I knew I had to put my name on the list. And I'm soooo glad I did. The story is about the strong and independent Erin Quinn, charge nurse at Pacific Point hospital. And Scott Mckenna, a hunky firefighter who lives by the proverbial book. And when they butt heads, oh my! do the sparks fly. Now, from the cover I was expecting half the city to be burning down but, the book centers mainly on the ER, and it alone had enough drama and excitement to write more then a couple books. I liked Ms. Calvert's writing style and how her story just flowed, and at a good pace that wasn't too fast, but that wasn't so slow that you'd fall asleep There were several different stories going on at the same time and yet the blending of them all into the one story plot, wasn't overwhelming or confusing. My only "thing" with Disaster Status was Erin Quinn. I LOVED all the other characters (well,...maybe not Sarge so much) but, Erin kind of grated on my nerves the way she was always so impatient and anxious. She just annoyed me little during the story but, perhaps that was the feeling Ms.Calvert was trying to illicit from the reader. And towards the end, Erin eventually won me over. Overall, Disaster Status is a great story that is full romantic tension, a little suspense, and charged with a whole lot of drama. And the ending of this book, had me in major need of an oxygen mask and maybe a gurney or two to faint upon. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves ER , House or a great dramatic romance.



*My many thanks to the Tyndale Blog Network for providing a review copy of Disaster Status. This is my honest opinion of this book and is in no way influenced by the author and/or the publisher*

[Tami Winbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm guilty. I like to read sometimes just for the fun of it. I don't really want to read, or think too much. And when this happens, I reach for a Harlequin** book and read it in less than 24 hours. It's a great quick read (no matter how long the book is) and gives me the happily ever after (HEA) that I've always wanted, the man that does it all even with flaws.

I was given this WONDERFUL book to read by Tyndale House Publishers and was very excited about it. I expected to get some good romance, lovable characters and some relaxation to boot. Well guess what? I got more than I bargained for.

I need to let you know that I am a hard headed person sometimes. I rarely EVER give the top ratings for books, because I just have high standards. (Ask Rob if you don't believe me.)

Disaster Status was penned so wonderfully that I actually dreamed about the characters. So far this year, there have only been 2 books that have done that. I wanted to follow Erin and Scott through an eternity and back. You can tell that Ms. Calvert has an extremely firm grasp on medical terms and procedures. You're not being played as a fool, or handed a facade at all with this book.

Disaster Status shows you that even though we all have baggage, issues, and problems...God is here for us. He sends friends who will be there for you, and books like this one who will reinstate your faith by knowing that you are not the only imperfect person in the world who struggles. Thank you Candace.

If you are looking for a book that will test your faith, fill your mind, touch your heart, and bring real life into a book -- go purchase this book TODAY!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books that I have been anticipating the most in 2010 and I was not disappointed in the least. I LOVED this book and let me say that's a miracle for me because I don't normally enjoy any kind of novels set in hospitals and the ER! I knew I had to read it when I saw the cover...whew call 911 'cause that guy is smokin' and what's great is the story in between the covers is terrific too!

Erin Quinn was first introduced in Critical Care and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her getting her heart broken by a real sleazeball. I'm so glad she got her own "happy ending" in Disaster Status. And whew! who wouldn't love a hunky, brooding fire captain like Scott McKenna?! Combine these well rounded main characters with delightful secondary characters and a fish named Elmer Fudd and a yodeling Chihuahua, I couldn't help but be entertained.

As a former ER nurse herself it's easy to see that Candace Calvert knows her stuff. While the emergency scenes were accurate (to the best of my very limited knowledge) the terminology used wasn't over my head which I really appreciated. It made the story authentic and the little details like that, to me, are what makes for an all around awesome read! I can't wait to read what happens next in Book 3, Code Triage, but I will be VERY sad to see the end of this series.


I received my free review copy from the publisher.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very realistic medical drama will hold your interest from beginning to end. It has so many layers to it: trust, relationships, faith, forgiveness, the variety of ways individuals deal with post-traumatic stress and how it can effect each person very differently, and, of course, more than one clean romance. I can't wait for Candace Calvert's next novel to come out. After only two novels she is becoming one of my favorite authors.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disaster Status was a good story, not riveting, but good. Unfortunately it is the same kind of average novel that I have come to expect from most Christian authors. My biggest beef with it is that it is billed as a Christian novel yet the main female has no issue with dating a man who has given up on God and praying. It happens all the time in Christian fiction and it is extremely frustrating. The fact that both characters end up committed Christians by the end doesn't justify it.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good book by Candace Calvert - a story about family relationships (good and bad) set against the backdrop of a hospital. This book follows Erin (featured in Critical Care) and her relationships with her grandmother, parents, and even fire chief Scott McKenna. Add into the equation, Sarge (a night housekeeping staff member) and Cody (nephew of Scott) and the excitement builds.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the characters in this book and the theme that ran throughout all of the main characters lives. Each character was hiding something from themselves and others and each needed to learn to forgive themself and others. I look forward to reading other books by Candace Calvert.

[Diamond Jones-Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost gave up on this series after being bored with slow parts in book one. Glad I read book two. The characters were all interesting, the drama and medical scenes were good. I loved Scott & Erin friendship/relationship.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review pending...another great 5 star read that I HIGHLY recommend. Candace Calvert is a favorite of mine!!!

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
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[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s amazing how Calvert can pull her reader in from the FIRST page and bring you into a hospital scene that feels JUST as real as the TV shows ER or Hawthorne!! Erin Quinn and Scott McKenna do NOT get along the first time they meet, but find themselves battling a hazardous material incident, or a Code Orange and must make the best in a messy situation. Both are also facing deep personal issues in their families that have caused them to turn their backs on God. However, there’s also a young boy in the hospital struggling to keep his faith alive with the uncertainty of losing his leg, a young girl goes into a coma, a beautiful doctor is dealing with the aftermath of losing her family, and a quiet maintenance worker who survived war but was impacted much deeper than he lets on while quietly creating his own strategy (in a creepy but sincere way) to help a patient in need. When reading Calvert’s books, you’re taken inside each of these character’s minds and experiencing their dilemmas in a very personal way.

I read this book in one sitting, it’s just that good. I also have a new respect for doctors, nurses and medics because they selflessly serve others on a daily basis even to their own detriment sometimes. However, as noble as these professionals are, Calvert brilliantly demonstrates that they are also human and in desperate need of a Savior as much as anyone else. Disaster Status is a page-turner that will keep you alert, but it will also grab your attention in unexpected and touching ways. This book mostly takes place in a hospital, but you will also read about the importance of family, forgiveness, and that confronting your pain is the first step is having freedom.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know those sort of books that you get for free on Amazon, and they just sit there on your kindle waiting for you to read and something happens and you may not read it for a few years until something sparks and you are like, I should read that book. Disaster Status by Candace Calvert, was one of those books. Lately , I have been getting into the TV series Code Black which is set in a LA Hospital called Angels Memorial and is set in the ER department. That and I was in the need for a nice medical story, I decided to read finally Disaster Status by Candace Calvert. This book starts off with a doctor and a firemen, who are both A) running from something in their pasts and B) are by the book type of personalities which has them clashing when a disaster hits and people are brought in from a posion attack at the hospital. As the story goes along, we read the chemistry and tension that both these characters have and how they are trying to escape from the pain in their lives which is hindering them from moving forth. Of course in these type of books since it is a Christian fiction, you do know that you are in for a HEA. Disaster Status being a Christian fiction novel does have a lot of discussion on the topic of one having to A) Have Faith , B) Prayer is Important - no matter who you are or what age you are and C) Forgiveness of either yourself or somebody who has wronged you is a powerful gift and that once you forgive, you can be free and no longer burdened by the weight load.
If you are in the mood for a semi-light Christian Medical Fiction, then Disaster Status by Candace Calvert is the read for you.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that I did enjoy.
The hospital drama made me feel like I was there watching all the action
I appreciated the veiw of the "villain", the author made this character real, even to the point you sympathise with him.
The writing was good and kept me engaged.
But....................
I could not come to care too much for the two main characters. It might have just been me, but I didn't "feel" the chemistry between them at all. So as far as a romance goes I give it a 3, but I think the book as a while deserved a 4.

[Lizette Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational. Beautiful.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 is Erin's story Moving from her big Mercy Hospital job to a smaller Mercy Hospital but still the charge nurse, Erin moves in with her beloved Grandmother and the first day on the job butts heads with Fire Captain Scott McKenna...Scott whose young nephew is in peds fighting an infection in his leg after being in an accident that claimed both his parents lives...Erin is determined never to trust a man again after all the heartbreak and heartache she has had in her life....There are some humorous spots in this story and some teaching spots too...Erin tells God of her plans to be and stay strong to protect her family and guard her heart...but....God may have other plans for the feisty charge nurse so she can find the true meaning of forgiveness and Faith Every Day

[Pianosue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good story with some drama and excitement.
Read about Erin who is an ER charge nurse and she has alot of baggage with her family. She is there to help her grandmother who doesn't really need help. During a trauma event at the hospital she meets Scott McKenna with the fire department and his by-the -book demeanor. Will they forge a friendship or will they argue and fight everytime they see each other? Can they help his nephew Cody? Will Cody's leg get better or will he have to have it amputated? And what is going on with Sarge at worker at the hospital?
I enjoyed reading this book and it's exciting conclusion.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story.

I so enjoy Candace Calvert's writings. This was another one. God is so patient with us. We go our own way thinking we know what is best for us. But ignore our Lord's gentle voice telling us to give Him first place in our lives and He will work all things out.
pScott and Erin had to learn this. Because of passed Issues in their lives, they had to forgive and surrender their will to God.
This book was exactly what working in an ER is like. Lots of drama, romance and finding what was really
important.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations to author Candace Calvert for creating a memorable plot, several memorable characters, and even a memorable GOLDFISH in this book! I was glad to find out, near the end of the book, that Elmer Fudd (the goldfish) had survived, even though Iris's dream/vision had suggested that Elmer had "crossed the Rainbow Bridge" after his bowl was accidentally shattered.

I'm looking forward to Code Triage, the last book of this trilogy, to catch up with Leigh and Nick.

[Brittani Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin and Scott are stubborn and by the book in their own ways. Their story is hard and tiring. They each have people they need to look out for and pasts that won’t let go. But when they realize someone they both care for is injured it forces them to reevaluate their lives and who is looking over them. Great story and super heartfelt. Glad I picked it up!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars maybe. Didn't love it. It wasn't bad, just didn't enjoy it as much as her others. Wanted to smack the main characters too often. Then I think it wrapped up a little to quickly and perfectly.
Still going to try the next in this series.

[MileHighSunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story and characters

What a wonderful faith-based story! The characters are so well developed and address so many issues we struggle with along our life journey. You won’t want to put it down.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love After Forgiveness

Scott the firefighter and Erin the nurse. So different, yet so alike. Both were trying to be what they thought they should be while making themselves miserable. Read this book and see how they found their way with the help of God.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little distracted when reading this. Hard to finish.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Mercy Hospital series focuses a lot on relationships and situations. It is a very good series and I don't know why I waited seven years between reading book one and two.