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ER Trilogy #1
Sacred Trust
Emergency room surgeon Lukas Bower decides to leave the city for a small-town hospital and finds more trouble than he expected.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Hannah Alexander
48 books238 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
“You’re a doctor? Can you help me PARALYZE someone?"
Mel’s eyes bugged out like he’d just met a serial killer.
“Only temporarily, of course. I’m a writer, and I need one of my characters to be incapacitated.”
Mel regained his color, grinned, and gave me the needed information in graphic detail…I was only able to eat half a slice of pizza.
It was my introduction into the world of emergency medicine. It was Mel’s into fiction. We were both fascinated. A year and a half later we were married.
Thus began the partnership known as Hannah Alexander.*
*Hannah Alexander is the multiple award-winning author team Cheryl & Mel Hodde, who have written over 35 novels during their career. Their awards include, among others, the Christy Award for Romance, 3 Holt Medallions, a Library Journal Inspirational Fiction Top 5 pick, and an Inspirational Reader's Choice award. Their title A Woman Worth Knowing, book 4 in the Hallowed Halls of Medicine 7 book series, was an Amazon #1 Best-Seller in multiple categories.
Cheryl and Mel live in Arizona and they love hiking, traveling, going to the zoo, and being in the great outdoors. They are owned by their 10-year-old orange tabby, Prancy.
To learn more about Hannah Alexander, check out their website at www.hannahalexander.com. Or visit them on their Facebook page at facebook.com/authorHannahAlexander.
“You’re a doctor? Can you help me PARALYZE someone?"
Mel’s eyes bugged out like he’d just met a serial killer.
“Only temporarily, of course. I’m a writer, and I need one of my characters to be incapacitated.”
Mel regained his color, grinned, and gave me the needed information in graphic detail…I was only able to eat half a slice of pizza.
It was my introduction into the world of emergency medicine. It was Mel’s into fiction. We were both fascinated. A year and a half later we were married.
Thus began the partnership known as Hannah Alexander.*
*Hannah Alexander is the multiple award-winning author team Cheryl & Mel Hodde, who have written over 35 novels during their career. Their awards include, among others, the Christy Award for Romance, 3 Holt Medallions, a Library Journal Inspirational Fiction Top 5 pick, and an Inspirational Reader's Choice award. Their title A Woman Worth Knowing, book 4 in the Hallowed Halls of Medicine 7 book series, was an Amazon #1 Best-Seller in multiple categories.
Cheryl and Mel live in Arizona and they love hiking, traveling, going to the zoo, and being in the great outdoors. They are owned by their 10-year-old orange tabby, Prancy.
To learn more about Hannah Alexander, check out their website at www.hannahalexander.com. Or visit them on their Facebook page at facebook.com/authorHannahAlexander.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 26, 2025
Christian medical drama. Well written. Read it straight through in four hours.
April 7, 2020
Sacred trust is such a good book, Hanna Alexander did such a remarkable job, you can tell she put the time and research into it.
It's a faith based book that really hits home, it's easy to forget that Christians are people too and go through real struggles Lukas the main character I'd a doc who got a bum wrap and that will follow him for a long time. He meets amazing people along the way who help him grow and face fears along the way, there is some parts that will break your heart. But it is such a good read, I would definitely suggest it. Definitely a 10 stars out of 5 book
<3
It's a faith based book that really hits home, it's easy to forget that Christians are people too and go through real struggles Lukas the main character I'd a doc who got a bum wrap and that will follow him for a long time. He meets amazing people along the way who help him grow and face fears along the way, there is some parts that will break your heart. But it is such a good read, I would definitely suggest it. Definitely a 10 stars out of 5 book
<3
June 13, 2026
If you liked this book, you'll LOVE the work of Quan Millz. The vibes were essentially the same.
It's always a pleasure to find a talented, good Christian author. Utmost respect to Lukas for keeping his strong Christian values despite all the nefarious acts happening around him. Can't wait to read the rest of this series and find out what happens!
It's always a pleasure to find a talented, good Christian author. Utmost respect to Lukas for keeping his strong Christian values despite all the nefarious acts happening around him. Can't wait to read the rest of this series and find out what happens!
November 11, 2025
Sacred Trust blends Emergency Room medicine, hospital politics, Christian principles, realistic and well-developed characters, and compassion to create an exciting novel. You don't want to miss this book! I have purchased the entire series and look forward to reading the other two books in the series as well.
June 6, 2017
B- so 3.5 stars This is one of Hannah Alexander's early novels and while it's a little rough around the edges, one can definitely see the promise of some of her later medical romances. This book, first in a trilogy, is light on the romance, though one can definitely see the stage being set.
Dr. Lukas Bower, the new ER doc in a small-town Missouri hospital, is devoted to God and tries hard to do the right thing. This brings him into conflict with some at the hospital who play politics - including giving meds to the drug-seeking addict whose father happens to be a powerful attorney on the hospital board.
When Dr. Mercy Richmond meets Lukas, things are a little testy at first but she quickly develops a great deal of respect for him both on a personal level, when he treats her family members, and on a professional level, as she works alongside him. Both Lukas and Mercy have tons of baggage from their pasts and in this book, we see them starting to face their past issues and figure out where they want to be in life. Since Lukas is a believer and Mercy is not, their answers to these sorts of questions are different, and I found both characters primarily likable.
This novel is fast-paced and if you like medical drama, you will probably enjoy it. I found some of the hospital politics overwrought and melodramatic. In that respect, it reminded me of some of the later episodes of "ER", which was very popular at the time this book was originally published(1999). Not a bad read, but Alexander's later books improve in quality.
Dr. Lukas Bower, the new ER doc in a small-town Missouri hospital, is devoted to God and tries hard to do the right thing. This brings him into conflict with some at the hospital who play politics - including giving meds to the drug-seeking addict whose father happens to be a powerful attorney on the hospital board.
When Dr. Mercy Richmond meets Lukas, things are a little testy at first but she quickly develops a great deal of respect for him both on a personal level, when he treats her family members, and on a professional level, as she works alongside him. Both Lukas and Mercy have tons of baggage from their pasts and in this book, we see them starting to face their past issues and figure out where they want to be in life. Since Lukas is a believer and Mercy is not, their answers to these sorts of questions are different, and I found both characters primarily likable.
This novel is fast-paced and if you like medical drama, you will probably enjoy it. I found some of the hospital politics overwrought and melodramatic. In that respect, it reminded me of some of the later episodes of "ER", which was very popular at the time this book was originally published(1999). Not a bad read, but Alexander's later books improve in quality.
June 28, 2026
This is a Christian medical suspense fiction genre and to be honest that genre is on the peripherals of my sought-after fiction choices! It seemed I didn’t warm up to this book until well into the story. The first person I connected with was Dr. Lukas. I appreciated how the character of Dr. Lukas was presented. He was committed to doing the right thing, wanting to focus on his job and not get tangled up in hospital politics. Because of his focus, I become aware of the tensions in the ER and the idiocrasies exhibited by various staff members, both doctors and nurses. Other characters didn’t draw me in quite so quickly, characters like Dr. Mercy, her mother, and Tedi, but as the book divulged more details, the reasons behind behavior became apparent.
This story started slow, then builds. The reader experiences the tension, angst, mystery, heartbreak. anger, faith, and life of the key characters. I’m still not sure this genre will ever be my favorite, but this was a credible read with faith elements that caused the reader to think.
This story started slow, then builds. The reader experiences the tension, angst, mystery, heartbreak. anger, faith, and life of the key characters. I’m still not sure this genre will ever be my favorite, but this was a credible read with faith elements that caused the reader to think.
September 25, 2025
Oh the politics of a hospital. Dr Bower takes the brunt of it again! ER medicine at its finest and accurate as well! Small town powers, money powers, and people in position powers all make life for Dr Lukas Bowers complicated. Your heart gos out to him. Then there’s the side plot of Dr Mercy and her controlling ex and their 10 y/o daughter. Could they help each other? Love the faith aspect woven into this one as well. Captivating read for sure.
October 27, 2025
3½ stars rounded to 4
This was definitely a drama, not a romance. It is interesting and keeps your attention. Unfortunately it is not a standalone. Some things are answered in the last two chapters but a number of things are not. The potential romance brewing looks like it may develop in book 2. For that reason this is, for me, more a 3 to 3½ star book because it feels incomplete. But if you can afford the next book in the series, I'm sure your experience will be different.
This was definitely a drama, not a romance. It is interesting and keeps your attention. Unfortunately it is not a standalone. Some things are answered in the last two chapters but a number of things are not. The potential romance brewing looks like it may develop in book 2. For that reason this is, for me, more a 3 to 3½ star book because it feels incomplete. But if you can afford the next book in the series, I'm sure your experience will be different.
December 6, 2018
An oldie but a goodie.
I was particularly encouraged by the reality of the book and the naturalness of Lukas' sharing his heart with Mercy towards the end of the book. I have now gone on and read the rest of the series.
This book is for those who enjoy medical stories - if you don't probably best not to pick it up.
I was particularly encouraged by the reality of the book and the naturalness of Lukas' sharing his heart with Mercy towards the end of the book. I have now gone on and read the rest of the series.
This book is for those who enjoy medical stories - if you don't probably best not to pick it up.
September 22, 2025
Life in your hands.
The rush of incoming patients into the emergency department of the hospital , brings humanity to the forefront of medical need. The speed of triaging, the clear instructions, the fear of what is ahead are well covered in this fast moving novel. Could not put it down.
The rush of incoming patients into the emergency department of the hospital , brings humanity to the forefront of medical need. The speed of triaging, the clear instructions, the fear of what is ahead are well covered in this fast moving novel. Could not put it down.
September 22, 2025
a very lovely story
I found this story so engrossing that it was hard to stop reading to get some sleep.
It is a clean imaginative and well written story, with grief and hardship, overall it was compassionate and very healthy, no quoting of scripture, but written with characters that believe. Well done.
I found this story so engrossing that it was hard to stop reading to get some sleep.
It is a clean imaginative and well written story, with grief and hardship, overall it was compassionate and very healthy, no quoting of scripture, but written with characters that believe. Well done.
September 22, 2025
Really really good story.
This book had me engaged from the very beginning. The main characters were well developed and the suspense was palpable. I never really thought much about hospital politics before but this book takes the reader behind that wall. I love that the faith element is strong and redemption is offered.
This book had me engaged from the very beginning. The main characters were well developed and the suspense was palpable. I never really thought much about hospital politics before but this book takes the reader behind that wall. I love that the faith element is strong and redemption is offered.
September 25, 2025
I stayed up all night reading!
Refreshing and clean, and smooth reading. Love that characters are Christian and shared their faith in real life circumstances. A great read and very well written. First time in a long while I've not had to stumble over "proofreading" or go back to get clear focus on a character's name. Look forward yo reading next book.
Refreshing and clean, and smooth reading. Love that characters are Christian and shared their faith in real life circumstances. A great read and very well written. First time in a long while I've not had to stumble over "proofreading" or go back to get clear focus on a character's name. Look forward yo reading next book.
September 28, 2025
medical drama at its best
I loved this book. This is the second book for Hannah Alexander that I have read, and I was fascinated and did not want to put it down. The characters are so well developed and revealed throughout the book that you went to visit this hospital. But not as a patient. Although they would take excellent care of you.
I loved this book. This is the second book for Hannah Alexander that I have read, and I was fascinated and did not want to put it down. The characters are so well developed and revealed throughout the book that you went to visit this hospital. But not as a patient. Although they would take excellent care of you.
October 26, 2025
Good story
I enjoyed the story. I could have used less medical jargon and procedures. It also bugged me that Lukas was such a stickler for procedures but he didn't report Tedi's abuse the first time. Doctors are mandated reporters.
Overall it was interesting enough to keep me reading, even though the romance was very understated. Perhaps it will grow in the next book.
I enjoyed the story. I could have used less medical jargon and procedures. It also bugged me that Lukas was such a stickler for procedures but he didn't report Tedi's abuse the first time. Doctors are mandated reporters.
Overall it was interesting enough to keep me reading, even though the romance was very understated. Perhaps it will grow in the next book.
June 22, 2026
Wow!! Hannah Alexander is a new to me author and she hit this one out of the park. Think the hit TV drama ER but with a Christian doctor who lives his faith out loud twist. I found this book on an ad on Facebook. I will definitely read more from Ms. Alexander. No romance, just building healthy male/female relationships and a lot of hospital small town drama.
February 19, 2023
the authors really made these people real seems to me read something else by this husband/wife team few years and it was so so or maybe just the wrong time wrong book anyway picked this one up enjoyed it and will look for another one by them
February 22, 2025
This is a super book and I couldn't put it down. It is the story of Dr. Lukas Bower who has been hired to work in the emergency department. There are several problems, but his main problem is the ER director who dislikes him.
September 20, 2025
Fast paced
Thrilling once it got going. I worked in hospital administration for 8 years and never saw doctors acting as bad as this Jarvis character. Today doctors are heavily monitored for giving narcotics to patients. Can't wait for sequel!
Thrilling once it got going. I worked in hospital administration for 8 years and never saw doctors acting as bad as this Jarvis character. Today doctors are heavily monitored for giving narcotics to patients. Can't wait for sequel!
September 22, 2025
I'm not always a fan of medical drama--not one of those people who are glued to E.R. shows--but I enjoyed this one because I became a fast fan of Dr. Lukas.
I want to give him a hug. :)
And I'm excited there is a follow-up with the same characters. Already reading.
I want to give him a hug. :)
And I'm excited there is a follow-up with the same characters. Already reading.
September 29, 2025
Good read
Very good and kept me reading. Characters by TVwere interesting and true to life. The problems depicted in this story are every day occurrences in ER's all over the country. Highly recommended.
Very good and kept me reading. Characters by TVwere interesting and true to life. The problems depicted in this story are every day occurrences in ER's all over the country. Highly recommended.
September 29, 2025
Problems
After much Tim and effort Dr Bower starts a new job in ER at a hospital in a small town only to run into a rash of problems all over again. How will he weather this new storm?
After much Tim and effort Dr Bower starts a new job in ER at a hospital in a small town only to run into a rash of problems all over again. How will he weather this new storm?
September 29, 2025
WOW!
I had not read anything by this author before, but I could not stop reading once I started. Very fast paced medical story and so believable.. I already have the next book in this series and am ready to settle down and read.
I had not read anything by this author before, but I could not stop reading once I started. Very fast paced medical story and so believable.. I already have the next book in this series and am ready to settle down and read.
Read
September 30, 2025A Christian medical drama about an ER doctor who moved to a small town to avoid office politics, but gets sucked into drama anyway, and a GP who is locked in a custody battle with her abusive ex husband. More time is spent developing the hospital drama than the romance.
December 29, 2025
Had I known it was a Trilogy…
There are books I try not to read..Trilogy is one of them. Sex and language are my other two not.
Reading reviews of the other 2 was almost enough for me to purchase the 3rd one. But, I will pass.
There are books I try not to read..Trilogy is one of them. Sex and language are my other two not.
Reading reviews of the other 2 was almost enough for me to purchase the 3rd one. But, I will pass.
December 22, 2018
I really like the characters. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
May 6, 2020
Written with a Christian undertone.
August 23, 2024
Sacred trust book 1
I am so happy I ran across this book. I loved every page. It was a wonderful read. I cannot wait to start book two. My new forever author for sure
I am so happy I ran across this book. I loved every page. It was a wonderful read. I cannot wait to start book two. My new forever author for sure
September 23, 2025
Peaceand justice
It's hard to find peace when there seems to be no justice. This a riveting story of doing what is right depending on God to give you peace.
It's hard to find peace when there seems to be no justice. This a riveting story of doing what is right depending on God to give you peace.
October 2, 2025
One of the best books I’ve read in a while. Hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews