Friday, February 12, 2016

"Step by Step" by Candace Calvert ... and a GIVEAWAY!



In celebration of her latest release, Candace has graciously offered to give away a hard copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends February 19, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!


A Word from Candace...

I so appreciate your hosting me here, Leslie. It’s a delight to “mingle” with your readers, and share a bit about the release of my newest book:

Step by Step is the second story in my new "Crisis Team" series, following By Your Side. (All of my stories can be read as standalones, no worries) This series honors the work of community crisis chaplains, who are in my opinion very real heroes.  In the aftermath of tragedy (disaster, SIDS, suicide, murder, unexpected loss of a loved one), these specially trained volunteers offer a caring presence for the survivors. As one chaplain has put it: “We are emotional paramedics.”

On a personal note, I received Critical Incident Stress Management training during my years as an ER nurse. I was part of an intervention team offering support to hospital staff affected by especially rugged cases. Caregivers cry, too.  But they also know the adrenaline-infused rush of saving a life, enjoy laugh-filled silly moments . . . and sometimes fall in love, too. My hospital-based stories welcome readers to be part of all of that.


Q & A with Candace...


Q:  What would you be doing if you are not an author?
A:  Oh, wow… (Besides being a wife, mom, grandmother, world traveler) I might indulge my fantasy of owning a horse farm or running a bed-and-breakfast in a California vineyard or…

Q:  What are your thoughts on the publishing industry in general and in relation to self-publishing?
A.  More than nine books later, I'm still pinching myself that I'm teamed with Tyndale House. It is truly a dream come true. I've only known traditional publishing, but I'm fascinated by the growth in indie and hybrid publishing— and I applaud my friends who are finding success there.

Q: What advice you have for new authors?
A:  Read widely. Join an organization like American Christian Fiction Writers (http://www.acfw.com/). Attend conferences. Network with other writers, especially those just a bit ahead on the path. Study the craft. Keep writing. Don't quit. But, most of all, enjoy the journey. Don't feel you must rush to publication.

Q:  What is your favorite writing-related book?
A:  There are many, but I love Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird for humorous, practical and poignant, kick-in-the-pants inspiration. A must-read for beginners is Deb Dixon's GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict.

Q:  What can you tell me about your next project?
A:  I'm currently working on revisions for the third "Crisis Team" story, Maybe It's You.

Q:  I know you enjoy cooking. What is your favorite thing to make?
A:  Appetizers. Perfect little scrumptious bites— so creative. And tempting. Facebook friends know that "apron time" always includes my sous chef Happy Spoon.

And here's a picture of Happy Spoon! So cute :)



Q:  Are you a PC or Mac user?
A:  PC. It's a Dell.

Q:  What is your favorite season?
A:  (Spice and smoke scented, crispy air and crunchy leaves!) Autumn, absolutely!

Q:  Favorite band or song?
A:  That's tough. I bought hubby an Amazon Echo for Christmas. It's tied to Prime Music, so I can simply say, "Alexa, play…" Right now she's shuffling some Adele tunes.

Q:  What what do you wish you had written?
A:  Water for Elephants, maybe. I love Sara Gruen's voice.

Think so much for stopping by, Candace. I had a great time speaking with you, and I'm sure my readers will enjoy learning a bit more about you.


My Review…

ER nurse Taylor Cabot has been a widow almost three years and is ready to move on. She has created a “survival list,” and falling in love again is last on the list. Questions surrounding her husband’s death return when crisis chaplain Seth Donovan re-enters her life. Taylor begins to wonder whether or not she really knew her husband at all. Seth is shocked to learn that she plans to leave the crisis team, and he is a bit surprised at his own feelings of jealousy when he sees her with another man. Though he wants Taylor to find peace again, is he worried that she will move on to a life which doesn’t include him?

This is the second installment in the “Crisis Team” series, though it can be read as a standalone. As fans have come to expect from Calvert, this is a medical romance/drama full of complex characters and well-integrated secondary characters, many of whom will hopefully return in sequels. All of the characters have a softer side despite their tough exteriors. The pace is consistent throughout, and there is no cliffhanger ending. Calvert’s medical background adds to the realism in this book, which gives the reader an inside look at the important role played by crisis volunteers.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon link for purchase…

About Candace…


CANDACE CALVERT is a former ER nurse and author of the Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical, and Crisis Team series. Often called “medical hope opera,” her stories offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, Candace makes her home in northern California. 

Where you can find her online…

Website:      http://candacecalvert.com/
Twitter:       @CandaceCalvert



15 comments:

  1. It is nice when an author really knows what they write about.
    Thereadmaster@me.com

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    1. So true. It makes a much richer storyline :)

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  2. I haven't read any of Candace Calvert's books, yet, but have heard great things. I recently found that most of her books are on Hoopla and can be read online (as a loan) if your library subscribes which mine does. I love that program. I'm hoping I have found another author to immerse myself into their writing.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by!

      I have only read a couple of her books, but I certainly others on my TBR list. I have never heard of Hoopla, I will definitely have to check that out!

      Good luck!

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  3. I so appreciate your time (and skill!) in both reading and reviewing my newest novel, Leslie--thank you. And I enjoy reading the comments here. It's an honor to welcome new readers to "scrub in" with my hopeful medical fiction. I look forward to signing a copy of Step by Step for the lucky winner.

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    1. You're very welcome. Thanks for stopping by, Candace!

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  4. New author for me that I just added to my to read list.

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    1. Yay! I love introducing readers to new authors. Enjoy!

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
    2. Yay! I love introducing readers to new authors. Enjoy!

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  5. Finding out that Candice is an ER nurse! My mom is a newly retired LPN & I have many family members in the medical field. I think maybe one of my aunts is an ER nurse too. I can't imagine the stress involved and trying to keep your emotions in check when working on a critically wounded person. Or trying to save a person, I can imagine that would send me to my knees in prayer right quick! But I know people who are nurses love their job, I know my mom was very satisfied in her role as one.
    Thanks for the author interview, I very much enjoy reading medical themed fiction!

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    1. I agree that nurses really seem to love their job. My husband recently had surgery, so I have had a lot of encounters this week with many wonderful nurses.

      You're very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Medical themed novels are some of my favorites, too.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  6. I was particularly interested in her favorite writing related book, Deb Dixon's GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict. I'm always looking for that type of recommendation from established writers. Thank you.

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    1. You're very welcome! I haven't read that particular book either, so it is one I was interested in as well.

      Good luck! Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. Wonderful review. I enjoyed finding out more about Candace's personal side from the interview. I would have pegged her for more of a spring or summer person rather than fall. Thank you for sharing.
    Blessings

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    1. Thanks, and I'm glad you enjoyed the interview! I agree that it's fun to see another side of authors :)

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.

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