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Crisis Team #2
Step by Step
Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point--"fall in love again." At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband's death.
While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.
When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?
While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.
When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
73 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Candace Calvert
24books492followersFormer 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.�
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
April 24, 2018
*happy sigh* So glad Seth got a story! :D
March 9, 2016
Widowed ER nurse, Taylor Cabot is determined to move on after three years. She is slowing checking things off of her survival list. She moved to San Diego in the hopes of starting back over without the painful memories that still haunt her. She's even considering the possibility of dating again, and is in a relationship, of a sort, with a plastic surgeon. When crisis chaplain, Seth Donovan, steps back into her life, Taylor is forced to confront the unanswered questions surrounding her husband's death. Seth's in San Diego to train the crisis volunteers. He wants to get to the truth behind the surface reasons Taylor has given for taking herself off of the crisis team. When a crisis hits the community and several lives are at stake, both Taylor and Seth must work together for the sake of the community. But is is possible that hope can be added to the survival list and have a chance at blossoming in the midst of adversity?
First of all, I just have to say that I love this cover. Of all of the books I've read by Candace Calvert, this cover is my favorite.
For some reason, most of Candace Calvert's books are hard for me to get into. I'm not sure why. I'm happy to say that this one wasn't hard to get into at all. I had met both Taylor and Seth in the first book, and so getting to know them better in this book was a plus.
Taylor made me laugh at the way that she's just crossing off items on her list. But as I got to know her, I realized that she was hurting, and only really going through the motions. I loved Seth from the moment that he set foot on the page. I also loved how he was with Taylor. He didn't let her get away with easy answers.
I received the Kindle copy of this book from Tyndale via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of women's fiction, medical romance, Candace Calvert, Denise Hunter, Colleen Coble
Rating - 4 stars
First of all, I just have to say that I love this cover. Of all of the books I've read by Candace Calvert, this cover is my favorite.
For some reason, most of Candace Calvert's books are hard for me to get into. I'm not sure why. I'm happy to say that this one wasn't hard to get into at all. I had met both Taylor and Seth in the first book, and so getting to know them better in this book was a plus.
Taylor made me laugh at the way that she's just crossing off items on her list. But as I got to know her, I realized that she was hurting, and only really going through the motions. I loved Seth from the moment that he set foot on the page. I also loved how he was with Taylor. He didn't let her get away with easy answers.
I received the Kindle copy of this book from Tyndale via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of women's fiction, medical romance, Candace Calvert, Denise Hunter, Colleen Coble
Rating - 4 stars
December 4, 2015
This is Candace Calvert's 2nd book in her new 'Crisis Team' series. She already has 2 other series under her belt. I love medical suspense and she does it very well indeed. Candace is a former ER nurse and knows her business. I love the reality of the medical aspect of her books. The author blurb on her books says 'her medical dramas offer readers a chance to 'scrub in' on the exciting world of emergency medicine.' This is so true. I love this aspect of her books.
In this book, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is still struggling with grief over her late husband's accidental death, determined to finish her survival list and quit the Crisis Team. Crisis chaplain Seth Donovan enters her life again for a brief time, confusing her in several ways.
Then a crisis hits and lives are put at risk, causing Taylor to have even more questions and more heartache pours in from several avenues. Can she truly trust God to help her through this situation? Will she find hope in Christ or will she try to make it on her own.
This book has powerful spiritual truths within its pages. I love it when I can walk away from a book with nuggets to nourish my soul. I do with Candace's books. She creates believable characters that seem real and they have real emotions. She depth of emotion with which Calvert writes is amazing. She really gets in there and gets to the bottom of their hearts and minds. So glad I discovered this wonderful author. And she's a total joy to connect with on Facebook, too!
*I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by the author. I was not pressured to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.
In this book, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is still struggling with grief over her late husband's accidental death, determined to finish her survival list and quit the Crisis Team. Crisis chaplain Seth Donovan enters her life again for a brief time, confusing her in several ways.
Then a crisis hits and lives are put at risk, causing Taylor to have even more questions and more heartache pours in from several avenues. Can she truly trust God to help her through this situation? Will she find hope in Christ or will she try to make it on her own.
This book has powerful spiritual truths within its pages. I love it when I can walk away from a book with nuggets to nourish my soul. I do with Candace's books. She creates believable characters that seem real and they have real emotions. She depth of emotion with which Calvert writes is amazing. She really gets in there and gets to the bottom of their hearts and minds. So glad I discovered this wonderful author. And she's a total joy to connect with on Facebook, too!
*I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by the author. I was not pressured to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2017
For me, I could hardly put this story down. The emotions Taylor experienced were so spot-on to having lost a close loved one unexpectedly, and to facing the loss of a beloved dog to cancer. I'd been rooting for Taylor and Seth in book one, and I'd have been upset not to see those early sparks come to fruition. Here they are in their new town, having to face what the future looks like without their first spouses. Seth is a bit further down the process of grief than Taylor is, and now her heart is being ripped out again by the loss of her dog. I lost my beloved dog to cancer in a terribly similar way...the seizures once it hit his brain, the miraculous "recovery" brought on by cortisone shots, the final agonizing decisions of how long is too long for the dog, the agony of a goodbye that drags itself out in physical pain to the dog, which yet is clinging to life with a game spirit.
I loved the romance. Nothing touchy-feely or overly sensual, but plenty of sparks and attraction and chemistry. Just the way I like it.
I'm definitely sold on Calvert's books!
I loved the romance. Nothing touchy-feely or overly sensual, but plenty of sparks and attraction and chemistry. Just the way I like it.
I'm definitely sold on Calvert's books!
December 28, 2015
This book� Wow! I was not expecting to be so thoroughly taken with this story. If you have contemporary romances pegged as ‘light fiction� (a label that is not wholly unwarranted) you will want to make an exception for this book. It is well-written, authentic, and provided a breadth and depth of emotional experience that is rare in this genre.
If you have read the first book in Candace Calvert’s Crisis Team series, you will already be familiar with both Seth and Taylor and know a little of their background (but don’t worry, you won’t be lost if you haven’t read it). In By Your Side Taylor made the decision to leave Sacramento for San Diego: it’s closer to her family, and removed from the place that propelled her into widowhood. Seven months after her move she has almost checked off all the items on her ‘survival list�, but when a small plane crashes at the Kidz Kite Festival and Taylor is on hand to give CPR to the pilot, she decides there is one more thing that needs to go on her list: Quit the crisis team.
The opportunity to train new crisis team volunteers in San Diego gives Seth Donovan the perfect opportunity to catch up with Taylor in person and find out why she has begun withdrawing from both the crisis team and their friendship. Seth has always admired Taylor’s compassionate heart, a large part of what makes her such a great crisis chaplain, so he can’t understand why Taylor is suddenly so intent on setting unnecessarily restrictive ‘parameters� for herself. The more time he spends with her, the more he becomes concerned that the handsome plastic surgeon, Dr Robert Halston, is unduly influencing this new need for control, and the more he realises that his concern springs from feelings that go beyond mere friendship.
Despite Taylor’s initial attempts to relegate Seth to the past she left behind, his steadfast friendship and willingness to simply be there when it counts remind her why he became such a good friend in the first place. Then, just when she thinks she has finally found the peace to move on, some of Taylor’s questions about her late husband, Greg’s, last day are unexpectedly and brutally answered. Betrayal confronts her on all sides at the same time as she faces the prospect of losing her one remaining link to Greg: his faithful, but ailing dog Hooper. No survival list can mitigate this pain, and the irony is that this all descends on the threshold of the third anniversary of Greg’s death � her self-appointed deadline for checking off her survival list and stepping into her future.
To be honest, I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to do justice to this book without gushing. It may not be on the same plane as Tolkien or Dickens in a literary sense, but on an emotional level it totally captured me. Calvert writes in such a way that you are not just there with the character, you actually become the character. Seth and Taylor's deepening friendship is beautifully portrayed and warmed me from the inside out, and I was frequently struck by just how real her characters' conversations, experiences, and interactions were.
One thing that I consistently find in novels I give five stars to is well-developed secondary characters, and this novel is no exception. Dr Robert Halston is an odd combination of pragmatism, compassion, and near-sightedness, and I felt my own feelings towards him fluctuating right along with Taylor’s. There are two other secondary characters whom I hope we will hear more from in the next book in this series: Sloane Wilder, a fellow nurse whose disenchantment with life sours the very air she breathes, and Kasie Beckett, a young medical technician who feels she is called to the crisis team but is having a difficult time helping her fiancé to understand this. Sloane, in particular, was well drawn � she is a complex character, more often repellent than not, and yet there were glimpses of the broken person underneath that made my heart ache for her, particularly in the latter part of the novel. Sloane’s choices have far-reaching consequences for both Taylor and Kasie, and yet Taylor’s final response is a beautiful example of Christ’s love working in the midst of painful circumstances.
Friendship, love, anger, betrayal, bereavement, compassion, peace; I felt every one of these emotions to the core at some point in the novel, and finished the book feeling wonderfully sated. I will eagerly be awaiting the next installment in this series.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
If you have read the first book in Candace Calvert’s Crisis Team series, you will already be familiar with both Seth and Taylor and know a little of their background (but don’t worry, you won’t be lost if you haven’t read it). In By Your Side Taylor made the decision to leave Sacramento for San Diego: it’s closer to her family, and removed from the place that propelled her into widowhood. Seven months after her move she has almost checked off all the items on her ‘survival list�, but when a small plane crashes at the Kidz Kite Festival and Taylor is on hand to give CPR to the pilot, she decides there is one more thing that needs to go on her list: Quit the crisis team.
The opportunity to train new crisis team volunteers in San Diego gives Seth Donovan the perfect opportunity to catch up with Taylor in person and find out why she has begun withdrawing from both the crisis team and their friendship. Seth has always admired Taylor’s compassionate heart, a large part of what makes her such a great crisis chaplain, so he can’t understand why Taylor is suddenly so intent on setting unnecessarily restrictive ‘parameters� for herself. The more time he spends with her, the more he becomes concerned that the handsome plastic surgeon, Dr Robert Halston, is unduly influencing this new need for control, and the more he realises that his concern springs from feelings that go beyond mere friendship.
Despite Taylor’s initial attempts to relegate Seth to the past she left behind, his steadfast friendship and willingness to simply be there when it counts remind her why he became such a good friend in the first place. Then, just when she thinks she has finally found the peace to move on, some of Taylor’s questions about her late husband, Greg’s, last day are unexpectedly and brutally answered. Betrayal confronts her on all sides at the same time as she faces the prospect of losing her one remaining link to Greg: his faithful, but ailing dog Hooper. No survival list can mitigate this pain, and the irony is that this all descends on the threshold of the third anniversary of Greg’s death � her self-appointed deadline for checking off her survival list and stepping into her future.
To be honest, I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to do justice to this book without gushing. It may not be on the same plane as Tolkien or Dickens in a literary sense, but on an emotional level it totally captured me. Calvert writes in such a way that you are not just there with the character, you actually become the character. Seth and Taylor's deepening friendship is beautifully portrayed and warmed me from the inside out, and I was frequently struck by just how real her characters' conversations, experiences, and interactions were.
One thing that I consistently find in novels I give five stars to is well-developed secondary characters, and this novel is no exception. Dr Robert Halston is an odd combination of pragmatism, compassion, and near-sightedness, and I felt my own feelings towards him fluctuating right along with Taylor’s. There are two other secondary characters whom I hope we will hear more from in the next book in this series: Sloane Wilder, a fellow nurse whose disenchantment with life sours the very air she breathes, and Kasie Beckett, a young medical technician who feels she is called to the crisis team but is having a difficult time helping her fiancé to understand this. Sloane, in particular, was well drawn � she is a complex character, more often repellent than not, and yet there were glimpses of the broken person underneath that made my heart ache for her, particularly in the latter part of the novel. Sloane’s choices have far-reaching consequences for both Taylor and Kasie, and yet Taylor’s final response is a beautiful example of Christ’s love working in the midst of painful circumstances.
Friendship, love, anger, betrayal, bereavement, compassion, peace; I felt every one of these emotions to the core at some point in the novel, and finished the book feeling wonderfully sated. I will eagerly be awaiting the next installment in this series.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
January 4, 2016
I loved By Your Side, book one in the Crisis Team Series, so I was really looking forward to this second book, Step By Step. I had high expectations and wasn't disappointed by the great mix of medical suspense, action and romance.
Taylor Cabot is recovering from the death of her husband. After three years of grief and pain, she is ready to slowly work her way through her survival checklist for a new start at life. But a beautiful day at the beach turns to tragedy when a light airplane crashes into hundreds of people celebrating the San Diego kite festival. Onsite when the tragedy unfolds, Taylor, ER nurse, jumps into action. The day also brings Taylor back into contact with Seth Donovan, who responds to the plane crash as part of his role as Crisis Team chaplain. Taylor hopes meeting with Seth will be a short and painless reunion, but his solid approach to their friendship seems determined to question why she is removing herself from the crisis team and discover how she is really coping with her grief. The events that follow rattle Taylor, forcing herself to question both her past and her dreams for the future.
This book had the whole range of emotions, everything from heartache to joy and hope. Nearing the conclusion of the story I had tears streaming down my face and by the end I couldn't wipe off my smile. There was also a great mix of suspense and a gradual build up of tension. There are some pretty intense scenes, including the plane crash at the start, medical emergencies and even a car chase. But the focus of this book is emotional trauma, and there is plenty of it. It certainly made for an addictive read and a touching story.
The romance is incredibly sweet. Taylor is determined to move on, but keeps getting blind-sided by the people and events of her life. I loved Seth. Taylor describes him as a big, well-worn teddy bear mixed with a fearsome warrior. Messy dark hair in need of a trim, broad shoulders, leather jacket and lab pup in tow. Where can I sign up? But Seth too has a past, one he has struggled with and learnt from, and which helps him understand what Taylor is going through. Their friendship is complicated, and their road to a deeper relationship is neither smooth nor easy, but it certainly makes for enjoyable reading.
Step By Step is the second book in the Crisis Team series. While Taylor's story started in book one, you could read this book as a standalone as all the necessary details are provided to make this a complete storyline. Though please note, it's much more fun to read both books one and two in this fantastic series. I can't wait to see which character will continue the story in book three (I'm guessing Sloane has quite a story to tell and I would love to see her get her own happily ever after). It was also nice to reacquaint with Aimee, Taylor's cousin who readers might recognise from Candace Calvert's short story The Recipe, which appeared in the anthology The Chance of Loving You. These little touches of a diverse and widespread community of hospital staff, law enforcement, first responders and crisis team members makes stepping into Step By Step's world of medical action and suspense so enjoyable. I can't wait for book three and highly recommend Step By Step.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog
Taylor Cabot is recovering from the death of her husband. After three years of grief and pain, she is ready to slowly work her way through her survival checklist for a new start at life. But a beautiful day at the beach turns to tragedy when a light airplane crashes into hundreds of people celebrating the San Diego kite festival. Onsite when the tragedy unfolds, Taylor, ER nurse, jumps into action. The day also brings Taylor back into contact with Seth Donovan, who responds to the plane crash as part of his role as Crisis Team chaplain. Taylor hopes meeting with Seth will be a short and painless reunion, but his solid approach to their friendship seems determined to question why she is removing herself from the crisis team and discover how she is really coping with her grief. The events that follow rattle Taylor, forcing herself to question both her past and her dreams for the future.
This book had the whole range of emotions, everything from heartache to joy and hope. Nearing the conclusion of the story I had tears streaming down my face and by the end I couldn't wipe off my smile. There was also a great mix of suspense and a gradual build up of tension. There are some pretty intense scenes, including the plane crash at the start, medical emergencies and even a car chase. But the focus of this book is emotional trauma, and there is plenty of it. It certainly made for an addictive read and a touching story.
The romance is incredibly sweet. Taylor is determined to move on, but keeps getting blind-sided by the people and events of her life. I loved Seth. Taylor describes him as a big, well-worn teddy bear mixed with a fearsome warrior. Messy dark hair in need of a trim, broad shoulders, leather jacket and lab pup in tow. Where can I sign up? But Seth too has a past, one he has struggled with and learnt from, and which helps him understand what Taylor is going through. Their friendship is complicated, and their road to a deeper relationship is neither smooth nor easy, but it certainly makes for enjoyable reading.
Step By Step is the second book in the Crisis Team series. While Taylor's story started in book one, you could read this book as a standalone as all the necessary details are provided to make this a complete storyline. Though please note, it's much more fun to read both books one and two in this fantastic series. I can't wait to see which character will continue the story in book three (I'm guessing Sloane has quite a story to tell and I would love to see her get her own happily ever after). It was also nice to reacquaint with Aimee, Taylor's cousin who readers might recognise from Candace Calvert's short story The Recipe, which appeared in the anthology The Chance of Loving You. These little touches of a diverse and widespread community of hospital staff, law enforcement, first responders and crisis team members makes stepping into Step By Step's world of medical action and suspense so enjoyable. I can't wait for book three and highly recommend Step By Step.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog
January 24, 2016
This is the fourth book of Ms. Calvert's that I've read, having really enjoyed the others I jumped at the chance to review this one. I never would have to expected to love a story that centers around grief and loss, but this one was written in such a beautiful, inspiring and hope giving way that I can honestly say that I loved it! I ended up reading By Your Side (Book one in the Crisis Team series) and this one back to back, and while I really enjoyed By Your Side, I loved Step by Step! I loved both Taylor and Seth in book one and it was so great to read their story, they were such great, realistic and believable characters and I loved watching their story unfold!
I know I'm sounding redundant but I don't feel like there is much I can say without spoiling something and I really did LOVE this book! I highly recommend Step by Step!
This book has a permanent spot on my keeper shelf and I anticipate re-reading it many times in the future! I can't wait to read Sloane's story in the next Crisis Team novel, and I also look forward to reading all of Ms. Calvert's previous books that I haven't yet read!
Overall, I absolutely loved Step by Step!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Tyndale house for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I have done.
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
I know I'm sounding redundant but I don't feel like there is much I can say without spoiling something and I really did LOVE this book! I highly recommend Step by Step!
This book has a permanent spot on my keeper shelf and I anticipate re-reading it many times in the future! I can't wait to read Sloane's story in the next Crisis Team novel, and I also look forward to reading all of Ms. Calvert's previous books that I haven't yet read!
Overall, I absolutely loved Step by Step!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Tyndale house for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I have done.
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
January 8, 2016
*My Thoughts*
I discovered Candace Calvert's Medical Christian dramas when I first joined the Tyndale Rewards program. It was titled 'Life Support' and when I was done, I was surprised because I am generally squeamish with medical novels and I didn't know what to expect.
I decided to add her to my list of authors to look for when reviewing books. When I realized the first book in her "Crisis Team" series involved a character I had read of in her earlier book, I was down. Obviously, I loved it because here I am reviewing book 2!
If you're worried that this novel is going to be a "go for the doctor!" novel, you're dead wrong. (No pun intended!) Candace's experience as an ER nurse really adds a reality to this novel that a writer without that experience wouldn't have. I felt like I was living their experiences on the boardwalk, in Taylor's all white living room, petting Lucy the red retriever puppy,listening to Sloane's snarky comments. It was all so real, I felt like my real life was the book and I was leaving reality whenever I stopped reading!
One thing about this book is that if you don't want to feel anything, don't read it. It's as simple as that. I felt every bit of the heartache going on in Taylor and Seth's lives. The redemption in the book had a Karen Kingsburyish feel that I found refreshing and the ending was truly stunning. Some people might consider the middle of the book a little slower then others but I thought it was the perfect pace for the story.
I found the story to be woven with faith but not "preachy" in the least. Candace got the point across with grace and hope that will inspire you, just as it should.
My one pet peeve: the cover. I opened my package from Tyndale with fervor, unwrapping a gorgeous cover that seemed soul deep and had my clinging to every page like a leech. It was so rich and pretty, just the cover had me swooning. When I went to review it however, there was another cover there as well. This cover was completely different with a guy that looked like "a biker dude" on the front when there was only one scene in the book featuring a motor cycle. By the time I got done ranting about how upset I was, my 13 year old non-reading sister was even upset about it. Maybe that's just me, but really, that first cover was soooo much better.
Overall, I would say that this has easily made it to my "best books of 2016 list". It's even better then book one and I can't wait for Sloane's story!
____________________________________________________
*My overall thoughts*
When I finished this book, my exact reaction was yes, yes, yes, yes, YES! I did not feel disappointed in the least.
_______________________________________________________
*My Rating*
I give Step by Step by Candace Calvert...
5 stars!!
December 5, 2015
Taylor Cabot is nearing the finish line of her self imposed three year recovery plan, systematically taking steps to begin anew after the devastating loss of her husband. Arriving at the scene of an horrific local accident, her emergency room nursing skills and crisis counseling training push Taylor straight into the path of Seth Donavan; a mentor and friend, who happens upon the same tragedy. His temporary stay in San Diego places Seth in the unique position to renew his relationship with Taylor and quite possibly serve as a catalyst for further healing. That is, until Taylor dredges up new information about her husband's final hours, not to mention the fact that a handsome plastic surgeon seems to be a vital participant in Taylor's positive lifestyle.
As Taylor approaches the third anniversary of her grief, her beloved dog Hooper nears death, a co-worker whispers cruel insinuations regarding her husband's fatal accident, and Dr. Rob Halston oversteps his supposedly rigid boundaries; forcing Taylor's carefully constructed environment to forcefully implode. Anger, bitterness, jealousy and grief collide in "sorrow's house" once more. despite a seed of love that has been quietly planted. Will Taylor finally allow God to put the broken pieces of her life back into place, in His time and in His way or has her final aspiration, to "fall in love again" been lost forever?
"Step by Step" is beautifully written, with a story that flows as naturally as a mountain stream; winding, curving, cascading, ultimately arriving at its natural destination; a widening river of loveliness and truth. Suffocating grief is fought and conquered so realistically, that coupled with its underlying message of faith, hope and love, this outstanding book has earned a five star accolade!
I am grateful to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
As Taylor approaches the third anniversary of her grief, her beloved dog Hooper nears death, a co-worker whispers cruel insinuations regarding her husband's fatal accident, and Dr. Rob Halston oversteps his supposedly rigid boundaries; forcing Taylor's carefully constructed environment to forcefully implode. Anger, bitterness, jealousy and grief collide in "sorrow's house" once more. despite a seed of love that has been quietly planted. Will Taylor finally allow God to put the broken pieces of her life back into place, in His time and in His way or has her final aspiration, to "fall in love again" been lost forever?
"Step by Step" is beautifully written, with a story that flows as naturally as a mountain stream; winding, curving, cascading, ultimately arriving at its natural destination; a widening river of loveliness and truth. Suffocating grief is fought and conquered so realistically, that coupled with its underlying message of faith, hope and love, this outstanding book has earned a five star accolade!
I am grateful to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 24, 2016
Step by Step is book two in the Crisis Team series and can be read as a stand alone, however, the two main characters in this story appear quite a bit in book one and it really enhances the enjoyment of Step by Step to know them a little more from book one, By Your Side. After reading the first book in the series, I have been eagerly anticipating Step by Step and can definitely say that it exceeded my expectations.
The fact that Taylor and Seth have both lost their spouses years earlier sets these two up to have deep and emotional back stories. However, even those marriage relationships and the deaths of their spouses have additional complexities that have molded these two individuals into the people they are.
The friendship and bonding that Taylor and Seth experienced over the years on the Crisis Team they both serve on seems to be in jeopardy. Things are definitely complex and as the relationship begins to hint at the possibility of more, there are additional complications and painful facts that must be dealt with.
This story has so much heart, so much emotion, and a gripping medical drama. As with book one in this series, there is a side story in Step by Step. It looks like book three will be focused on the character, Sloane, from that side story. She is a character that is not easy to like, so it will be interesting to see how the author crafts her tale.
I loved Step by Step from the very beginning to the wonderful and perfect ending!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
The fact that Taylor and Seth have both lost their spouses years earlier sets these two up to have deep and emotional back stories. However, even those marriage relationships and the deaths of their spouses have additional complexities that have molded these two individuals into the people they are.
The friendship and bonding that Taylor and Seth experienced over the years on the Crisis Team they both serve on seems to be in jeopardy. Things are definitely complex and as the relationship begins to hint at the possibility of more, there are additional complications and painful facts that must be dealt with.
This story has so much heart, so much emotion, and a gripping medical drama. As with book one in this series, there is a side story in Step by Step. It looks like book three will be focused on the character, Sloane, from that side story. She is a character that is not easy to like, so it will be interesting to see how the author crafts her tale.
I loved Step by Step from the very beginning to the wonderful and perfect ending!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2016
About the Book
Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point—“fall in love again.� At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.
While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.
When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?
My Review
Step by Step by Candace Calvert is the second book of her Crisis Team series. I don't normally read medical dramas/romances because it's just not my thing but Candance is an author in my area and I wanted to try our her books and I saw this up for review. I actually really enjoyed this story, the medical parts not so much, but the romance was so good. And Candace's writing is stellar.
Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point—“fall in love again.� At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.
While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.
When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?
My Review
Step by Step by Candace Calvert is the second book of her Crisis Team series. I don't normally read medical dramas/romances because it's just not my thing but Candance is an author in my area and I wanted to try our her books and I saw this up for review. I actually really enjoyed this story, the medical parts not so much, but the romance was so good. And Candace's writing is stellar.
December 8, 2015
'Step by Step' is the first book I have read by Candace Calvert. It follows the story of Taylor who is an ER nurse, nearing the end of a list of survival steps she put in place for herself following the death of her husband 3 years prior. Seth, who is the California Crisis Team Director, who knew Taylor from her years in Sacramento on the Crisis team, is in town to help with training of new volunteers. Their paths intersect and their friendship develops. I found this story very slow moving and a little tedious for the majority of the book. Kept checking how much further I had to go. Not really a great sign of a good book. I thought the concept was a good one however, and I did enjoy the look into the world of emergency medicine, and crisis volunteer work. The book really picks up the pace in the last 50 pages, and for this I have given the 3 stars. It finally brought some tension, and chemistry for the main characters - fabulous ending.
I received this as an ARC from Tyndale House Publishers & Netgalley in return for my honest review.
I received this as an ARC from Tyndale House Publishers & Netgalley in return for my honest review.
December 6, 2016
I've been a fan of this author for a while now, but I've had a really hard time getting into this new series, and this installment is no exception to that.
To me, Taylor spent the entire book being repressed by her new love interest, and hung up on the questions surrounding her husband's death. When she finally acknowledges that she might be interested in Seth and he in her, she can't believe in it, and clings to her fledgling relationship to the plastic surgeon, even though he is clearly manipulative.
Seth didn't come across as a great character for me, he was just kinda there, just like the romance between him and Taylor was. He came across to me as very closed off and secretive. He really did nothing to ease Taylor's mind about her husband, and I really began to hate that about him.
The secondary characters were uninspiring at best, and the religious angle felt a little forced to me. This was not a good example of living Faith for me! I'm hesitant to continue on with the author, but will at least finish this series.
To me, Taylor spent the entire book being repressed by her new love interest, and hung up on the questions surrounding her husband's death. When she finally acknowledges that she might be interested in Seth and he in her, she can't believe in it, and clings to her fledgling relationship to the plastic surgeon, even though he is clearly manipulative.
Seth didn't come across as a great character for me, he was just kinda there, just like the romance between him and Taylor was. He came across to me as very closed off and secretive. He really did nothing to ease Taylor's mind about her husband, and I really began to hate that about him.
The secondary characters were uninspiring at best, and the religious angle felt a little forced to me. This was not a good example of living Faith for me! I'm hesitant to continue on with the author, but will at least finish this series.
May 28, 2019
How to move from the raw place to the controlled one. But...do we want the control or do we want the peace?
Nurse Taylor Cabot has her plan with the to-do list. She needs to move from her grieve for her deceased husband. So she puts his items away, she dates a handsome surgeon and she plans to cut off her part in the Crisis Response team. But...something about being a chaplain for the people hurt by the crisis stirs her heart. So does Seth Donovan, the dedicated mentor a.ka.a "the chaplain to the chaplains". But as the questions about her husband´s last hours emerge, Taylor is not sure about the truth and the lies anymore. How much more can she take? Can she ever cope with her pain?
This is a second volume in the Crisis Team series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
There is much rawness and reality in this book, which I like very much. I understand Taylor, and even more I can understand her nemesis/frenemy Sloane (the most interesting character for me here!). The females are strong here, fighting their situations and or/their lot in life - yet there is certain emtional rawness and even fragility present in them, so they are real. Men are a bit more schematic (Rob, for example, does not feel very real), but Seth manages to stay an interesting man, who owns his life even with his painful past.
The plot is rich and well-layered, full of happenings well-combined with the quieter moments to ingest the food for thought.
I also gained a lot of information about the crisis teams - novelty for me (we don´t have service like this in my EU country) and I find their service being both unique and beautifully selfless.
I have enjoyed the book - far more than I thought I would! My shame, your gain, if you read it - and you should!
Nurse Taylor Cabot has her plan with the to-do list. She needs to move from her grieve for her deceased husband. So she puts his items away, she dates a handsome surgeon and she plans to cut off her part in the Crisis Response team. But...something about being a chaplain for the people hurt by the crisis stirs her heart. So does Seth Donovan, the dedicated mentor a.ka.a "the chaplain to the chaplains". But as the questions about her husband´s last hours emerge, Taylor is not sure about the truth and the lies anymore. How much more can she take? Can she ever cope with her pain?
This is a second volume in the Crisis Team series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
There is much rawness and reality in this book, which I like very much. I understand Taylor, and even more I can understand her nemesis/frenemy Sloane (the most interesting character for me here!). The females are strong here, fighting their situations and or/their lot in life - yet there is certain emtional rawness and even fragility present in them, so they are real. Men are a bit more schematic (Rob, for example, does not feel very real), but Seth manages to stay an interesting man, who owns his life even with his painful past.
The plot is rich and well-layered, full of happenings well-combined with the quieter moments to ingest the food for thought.
I also gained a lot of information about the crisis teams - novelty for me (we don´t have service like this in my EU country) and I find their service being both unique and beautifully selfless.
I have enjoyed the book - far more than I thought I would! My shame, your gain, if you read it - and you should!
April 28, 2023
I loved San Diego as the setting for this book! It was pretty authentic to the vibe of the city and it was fun to recognize streets, landmarks, and neighborhoods. I wish that I had read the first book in the series before this one so I could have read about Taylor and Seth's previous experiences together, but I didn't feel like I was thrown in the middle of an ongoing story. Themes of grief and trauma are front and center in the lives of the crisis team members and ER nurses, as well as hope for the future and moving on- especially in Taylor's case. The pace of the book starts quickly, but then settles into a much slower pace as the thoughts and angst of the characters are explored - mostly through the viewpoints of Seth and Taylor, but we also have scenes from the perspective of ER nurses Sloane and Kasie. They provide a subplot, which also has an impact of the climax of the book. I wasn't a fan of the love triangle, and wished that the majority of Seth and Taylor's time together wasn't so platonic- although their friendship was great once she decided to stop being so cold to him. I feel like Taylor's need for control to overcome her grief prevented her from feeling emotions, especially ones she didn't understand or want to feel or fit into her vision for the future. It's one of the lessons she learned in the story, but it also had the side effect of dampening the romance until the very end.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
July 2, 2022
This book reads like a tv show that pulls you right into the action. I learned a lot about crisis care (something I knew very little about) - a few times it felt like too much information that pulled away from the story. I also walked away with a spiritual nugget or two. Would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
January 22, 2016
So, let me just date myself right up front. I was a fan of the television show ER when it aired, faithfully watching until the very last episode (and while that other doctor show with the McDreamy and McSteamy may be similar, I never have actually watched an episode of that one). Candace Calvert writes in a similar way to the scenes in ER. You have the characters at work, at home, and interacting with each other. In fact, a former nurse, Calvert does such a good job at this, she’s quickly become one of the top names in Christian fiction when it comes to books set in the medical field.
In Step by Step, book two of the Crisis Team series, nurse Taylor Cabot is finally ready to move on. Three years after the death of her husband, she’s almost finished with her checklist of things to accomplish so she can let go of her past and look forward to her future. And with a handsome plastic surgeon showing interest in her, perhaps she can accomplish that final item: fall in love again.
Seth Donovan comes to San Diego to train the new recruits into the crisis team, a group of people who arrive after a tragedy to be a support to those who survived. People much like Taylor. What he doesn’t expect is the attraction and pull he has toward his friend or how seeing her with another man makes him feel. Plus he knows something about Taylor’s deceased husband that could ruin all of the progress she’s made over the past few years. But is she fooling herself? Telling herself she’s over her grief when she hasn’t allowed herself to truly let go?
Both Seth and Taylor are running along a parallel, struggling to decide what their futures will hold. While Seth seeks solace and strength in God, Taylor relies on putting one foot in front of the other, one step at a time, one item marked off her list at a time. Something as simple as find a vet for her dog is a step forward instead of back. And the secondary characters play against each other nicely—one who has a servant’s heart for joining the crisis team and helping others during their darkest days and the other who is bitter and angry at the world.
Calvert writes the medical scenes with an expertise that puts you there in the moment. The emotional scenes are filled with tension, heart, sometimes hope and sometimes heartbreak. Just like life. I’ve not been disappointed yet with a book by this author and am looking forward to what she has to offer next.
****Tyndale Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In Step by Step, book two of the Crisis Team series, nurse Taylor Cabot is finally ready to move on. Three years after the death of her husband, she’s almost finished with her checklist of things to accomplish so she can let go of her past and look forward to her future. And with a handsome plastic surgeon showing interest in her, perhaps she can accomplish that final item: fall in love again.
Seth Donovan comes to San Diego to train the new recruits into the crisis team, a group of people who arrive after a tragedy to be a support to those who survived. People much like Taylor. What he doesn’t expect is the attraction and pull he has toward his friend or how seeing her with another man makes him feel. Plus he knows something about Taylor’s deceased husband that could ruin all of the progress she’s made over the past few years. But is she fooling herself? Telling herself she’s over her grief when she hasn’t allowed herself to truly let go?
Both Seth and Taylor are running along a parallel, struggling to decide what their futures will hold. While Seth seeks solace and strength in God, Taylor relies on putting one foot in front of the other, one step at a time, one item marked off her list at a time. Something as simple as find a vet for her dog is a step forward instead of back. And the secondary characters play against each other nicely—one who has a servant’s heart for joining the crisis team and helping others during their darkest days and the other who is bitter and angry at the world.
Calvert writes the medical scenes with an expertise that puts you there in the moment. The emotional scenes are filled with tension, heart, sometimes hope and sometimes heartbreak. Just like life. I’ve not been disappointed yet with a book by this author and am looking forward to what she has to offer next.
****Tyndale Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 15, 2016
Candace Calvert’s book Step By Step gave me an emotional rollercoaster. I just lost my father this past Halloween, and I still can’t imagine moving out without him. He was my biggest fan and supporter, so when Calvert allowed Taylor Cabot to grieve and show how she was moving on after the death of her husband Greg, I totally understood what she was going through. Even though the story is three years after her husband’s death while my father just passed three and a half months ago. Calvert created characters that were completely related to anyone who has lost someone important.
The action on the page centered on Taylor who is working her way through a number of steps to move on with her grief. Taylor is determined to eat healthier and walk more while going through Greg, her late husband’s belongings. Calvert tugged at my heart with the aspect of Hooper, Greg and Taylor’s older golden retriever who was fighting cancer. I also have a golden retriever who is my only daughter and eight years old. If she goes anytime now, I will probably fall apart. This story didn’t have the non-stop action that I enjoy seeing in a story, but it really gripped me and kept me turning the pages because I wanted to see how Taylor would move on.
As for the romance between Taylor Cabot and Seth Donovan, I think it slowly grew. It didn’t appear to be too rushed like some romances I have read in the past. Seth was a genuine hero because he waited for three years while Taylor moved to San Diego and tried to date other men. He never gave up on Taylor. He kept praying for her and waited on her to make the first move. I really liked Seth. I hope to see him come back in later novels.
Calvert proves that she has worked for many years in the medical field because of her knowledge of the procedures and all the medical terminology. I am a huge fan of the television series ER, so some of the words just rolled off my tongue when I read it because I have heard it mentioned a number of times. I never once doubted Calvert’s words. It sounded completely genuine and right on target.
Emotionally draining, Candace Calvert’s Step by Step kept my attention as I watched Taylor struggle with how to continue on living without her husband while the romance felt realistic and moving.
I received a complimentary copy of Step by Step from Tyndale Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
The action on the page centered on Taylor who is working her way through a number of steps to move on with her grief. Taylor is determined to eat healthier and walk more while going through Greg, her late husband’s belongings. Calvert tugged at my heart with the aspect of Hooper, Greg and Taylor’s older golden retriever who was fighting cancer. I also have a golden retriever who is my only daughter and eight years old. If she goes anytime now, I will probably fall apart. This story didn’t have the non-stop action that I enjoy seeing in a story, but it really gripped me and kept me turning the pages because I wanted to see how Taylor would move on.
As for the romance between Taylor Cabot and Seth Donovan, I think it slowly grew. It didn’t appear to be too rushed like some romances I have read in the past. Seth was a genuine hero because he waited for three years while Taylor moved to San Diego and tried to date other men. He never gave up on Taylor. He kept praying for her and waited on her to make the first move. I really liked Seth. I hope to see him come back in later novels.
Calvert proves that she has worked for many years in the medical field because of her knowledge of the procedures and all the medical terminology. I am a huge fan of the television series ER, so some of the words just rolled off my tongue when I read it because I have heard it mentioned a number of times. I never once doubted Calvert’s words. It sounded completely genuine and right on target.
Emotionally draining, Candace Calvert’s Step by Step kept my attention as I watched Taylor struggle with how to continue on living without her husband while the romance felt realistic and moving.
I received a complimentary copy of Step by Step from Tyndale Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
January 14, 2016
It has been awhile since I read a book by Candace Calvert and after reading “Step by Step� I have to wonder why. I really like the author’s down-to-earth portrayal of medical personnel who actually have real lives outside of the hospital. I also like the way she gives her readers an up-close-and-personal look at what goes on behind the scenes. In this case, I learned quite a bit about the people on crisis teams who are available to support family members in the midst of or after traumatic events.
Widowed ER nurse Taylor Cabot has checked off nearly every item on her survival list and her target deadline is quickly approaching. She believes that she will regain a normal life once again if she can just check off the final item � fall in love again. That objective is looking absolutely possible because the handsome and single plastic surgeon on staff is in hot pursuit of Taylor. He would be the perfect husband � wouldn’t he? When her friend and former crisis team mentor, chaplain Seth Donovan shows up in San Diego, Taylor tries to avoid him because he revives too many memories of her husband’s death. It becomes very evident that Taylor is not nearly as healed emotionally as she thought.
Love is definitely in the air but how will this love triangle play out? And just what part does spiteful ER nurse Sloane have to play in it? “Step by Step� is a gripping story filled with drama, tragedy, and romance that will keep those pages turning far into the night if other readers are like me. A box of tissues close at hand might be helpful, especially if you are a dog lover. There are some poignant scenes with Taylor’s aging and ailing dog.
I loved “Step by Step� and am eagerly looking forward to the next book featuring Sloane.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
Widowed ER nurse Taylor Cabot has checked off nearly every item on her survival list and her target deadline is quickly approaching. She believes that she will regain a normal life once again if she can just check off the final item � fall in love again. That objective is looking absolutely possible because the handsome and single plastic surgeon on staff is in hot pursuit of Taylor. He would be the perfect husband � wouldn’t he? When her friend and former crisis team mentor, chaplain Seth Donovan shows up in San Diego, Taylor tries to avoid him because he revives too many memories of her husband’s death. It becomes very evident that Taylor is not nearly as healed emotionally as she thought.
Love is definitely in the air but how will this love triangle play out? And just what part does spiteful ER nurse Sloane have to play in it? “Step by Step� is a gripping story filled with drama, tragedy, and romance that will keep those pages turning far into the night if other readers are like me. A box of tissues close at hand might be helpful, especially if you are a dog lover. There are some poignant scenes with Taylor’s aging and ailing dog.
I loved “Step by Step� and am eagerly looking forward to the next book featuring Sloane.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
January 27, 2016
This is the second story in the Crisis Team series. In the first book, By Your Side, you meet Seth and Taylor, the main characters in this story. It does give you some back story in how they know each other and some of the things they went through. That being said you don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one. Step by Step takes place in San Diego where Taylor is attempting to start over. Seth is worried about Taylor and when he has an opportunity to train new volunteers he takes the chance to check up on her.
Taylor has plans, and doesn’t like straying from them. She feels that if her life is planned and she can check off all the items on her survival list that she can finally move on. It’s been almost 3 years since her husband died, and although she doesn’t have all the answers, Taylor feels it’s time to move on. When she sees Seth again, her plans seem harder to accomplish. Stepping away from the Crisis Team seems like a step forward for her, and Seth doesn’t understand why. In his mind Taylor is the perfect person to be on the Crisis Team, even though it’s far from easy. Can they both learn to lean on God and wait for what he has in store? Or will they rush to fight for what they think is best and get in His way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense. I enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters, and look forward to reading the next book in this series. Calvert kept my interest and had me guessing what was going to happen next. I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
Taylor has plans, and doesn’t like straying from them. She feels that if her life is planned and she can check off all the items on her survival list that she can finally move on. It’s been almost 3 years since her husband died, and although she doesn’t have all the answers, Taylor feels it’s time to move on. When she sees Seth again, her plans seem harder to accomplish. Stepping away from the Crisis Team seems like a step forward for her, and Seth doesn’t understand why. In his mind Taylor is the perfect person to be on the Crisis Team, even though it’s far from easy. Can they both learn to lean on God and wait for what he has in store? Or will they rush to fight for what they think is best and get in His way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense. I enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters, and look forward to reading the next book in this series. Calvert kept my interest and had me guessing what was going to happen next. I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 1, 2016
Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse and her expertise gives her a great leg up in writing medical suspense. It's not all medical jargon and beeping machines though, her characters really have a depth to them that is unusual. She also manages to make her multiple books feel very different from each other and not formulaic.
Taylor Cabot lost her husband nearly three years ago and is still working through her grief. She is trying to move forward, and move on, but it's a work in progress. She has decided it might be easier going forward if she quit her volunteer work with the crisis counselling team. That outlet brought her comfort in the early days but now it is a reminder of the unfinished conversation between Taylor and her husband the night he died.
She is moving on, beginning to date a plastic surgeon from the hospital where she works, putting her crisis volunteer work behind her ... and then Seth Donovan arrives from San Diego where she lived previously, and all the issues she's been ignoring instead of dealing with are brought to the surface.
Grief, forgiveness and trust are themes throughout this story and there is a lot of biblical truth included too instead of a few hazy references to prayer or a quick turn around 3/4 of the way through the story. Christian faith is woven throughout and I appreciate that.
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own.
Taylor Cabot lost her husband nearly three years ago and is still working through her grief. She is trying to move forward, and move on, but it's a work in progress. She has decided it might be easier going forward if she quit her volunteer work with the crisis counselling team. That outlet brought her comfort in the early days but now it is a reminder of the unfinished conversation between Taylor and her husband the night he died.
She is moving on, beginning to date a plastic surgeon from the hospital where she works, putting her crisis volunteer work behind her ... and then Seth Donovan arrives from San Diego where she lived previously, and all the issues she's been ignoring instead of dealing with are brought to the surface.
Grief, forgiveness and trust are themes throughout this story and there is a lot of biblical truth included too instead of a few hazy references to prayer or a quick turn around 3/4 of the way through the story. Christian faith is woven throughout and I appreciate that.
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own.
December 21, 2016
I remember feeling somewhat unsatisfied at the end of book one, By Your Side. I felt like the story line with Taylor And Seth felt unfinished. I was thrilled to see the focus of book two was on Taylor and Seth.
Seth and Taylor were easy to relate with and love. They both had heart aches in their past and they were trying to move on.There was a chemistry between them from the beginning. My heart broke for Taylor as she approached the third anniversary of her husband's death as his beloved dog was getting sicker and sicker.
The story was very good. It had romance and tension. The one thing it didn't have was a mystery. Book one had a sniper killing people, this book didn't have anything of that level. Normally that would bother me, but the author did such a great job telling Seth and Taylor's story I didn't mind that missing component.
I would definitely recommend this story to family and friends. If you enjoyed book one of the Crisis Team this one is better. If you're new to Calvert but like Richard Mabry or Harry Kraus you'll enjoy this one.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and honest 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.
Seth and Taylor were easy to relate with and love. They both had heart aches in their past and they were trying to move on.There was a chemistry between them from the beginning. My heart broke for Taylor as she approached the third anniversary of her husband's death as his beloved dog was getting sicker and sicker.
The story was very good. It had romance and tension. The one thing it didn't have was a mystery. Book one had a sniper killing people, this book didn't have anything of that level. Normally that would bother me, but the author did such a great job telling Seth and Taylor's story I didn't mind that missing component.
I would definitely recommend this story to family and friends. If you enjoyed book one of the Crisis Team this one is better. If you're new to Calvert but like Richard Mabry or Harry Kraus you'll enjoy this one.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and honest 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.
February 21, 2016
Author Candace Calvert's contemporary medical romances are given great insights by her own experiences as an ER Nurse. "Step by Step" is Book 2 in her "Crisis Team Series". In Book 1, "By Your Side", readers were introduced to Taylor Cabot and Seth Donovan, and now they are given their own story. Several years after the accidental death of her husband, ER Nurse Taylor Cabot is striving to resume a full and meaningful life, seeking resolutions to unanswered questions, and checking off items on her Survival List. When she is reunited with Crisis Chaplain Seth Donovan, her decision to move away from the crisis team and their friendship is questioned by Seth, who discovers his own deeper feelings for Taylor. Since Taylor is involved with a local doctor, Seth keeps his personal issues to himself, and he continues to hope that Taylor will change her mind about the crisis team. Working together when several emergencies arise in the community keeps Taylor and Seth in close contact, and Taylor discovers a new depth to her fondness for Seth. However, unexpected and long withheld secrets will shed a new light on everything Taylor thought she knew--will there still be a chance for a new and lasting love to grow from old memories?
Review Copy Gratis via Tyndale Blog Network
Review Copy Gratis via Tyndale Blog Network
March 7, 2016
"Step by Step" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the second book in a series, but it has different main characters and functions as a stand-alone novel.
Seth's father died recently, and he struggled between continuing as a crisis chaplain or running his father's stores as his father expected. Taylor dealt with unanswered questions about her husband's death. She desired peace and hoped that taking control of every detail of her life would help her move past her grief.
The story started with a plane crash, ended with a highway car pile-up, and had a number of ER emergencies in between. The main theme was how people deal with grief, and we see crisis chaplains in training and in action. One of the main characters was also being harassed because her ex-boyfriend ran up gambling debts using her money. Yet much of the story was Seth and Taylor realizing how much they have in common as they move toward emotional healing.
The Christian characters showed their faith in how they were willing to help others and forgive wrongs. Taylor also came to realize where true healing and peace come from. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Seth's father died recently, and he struggled between continuing as a crisis chaplain or running his father's stores as his father expected. Taylor dealt with unanswered questions about her husband's death. She desired peace and hoped that taking control of every detail of her life would help her move past her grief.
The story started with a plane crash, ended with a highway car pile-up, and had a number of ER emergencies in between. The main theme was how people deal with grief, and we see crisis chaplains in training and in action. One of the main characters was also being harassed because her ex-boyfriend ran up gambling debts using her money. Yet much of the story was Seth and Taylor realizing how much they have in common as they move toward emotional healing.
The Christian characters showed their faith in how they were willing to help others and forgive wrongs. Taylor also came to realize where true healing and peace come from. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 31, 2016
In Step by Step by Candace Calvert we finally get Taylor and Seth’s story and you will not be disappointed. If you read By Your Side which was book one in the Crisis Team series you met Taylor and Seth briefly.
Taylor’s husband died three years ago. There is a little mystery surrounding the night her husband died. She has moved and created a list of things to accomplish to get her life back together. I was chuckling over her activity bracelet and tracking of everything she ate. In today’s world that is very relevant.
Seth is a Crisis Team leader and is in San Diego for training. He is thrilled to see Taylor again and disappointed that she seems to be moving on with another man.
The story really hit home for me with Taylor’s dog being so sick. I recently had a friend experience something similar. There were a couple times in the book that I teared up.
There is so much I could share but I don’t want to ruin any of the little special treats that Candace sprinkles throughout the book.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Taylor’s husband died three years ago. There is a little mystery surrounding the night her husband died. She has moved and created a list of things to accomplish to get her life back together. I was chuckling over her activity bracelet and tracking of everything she ate. In today’s world that is very relevant.
Seth is a Crisis Team leader and is in San Diego for training. He is thrilled to see Taylor again and disappointed that she seems to be moving on with another man.
The story really hit home for me with Taylor’s dog being so sick. I recently had a friend experience something similar. There were a couple times in the book that I teared up.
There is so much I could share but I don’t want to ruin any of the little special treats that Candace sprinkles throughout the book.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
January 11, 2016
This review is also posted on .
In Step by Step, the second book in Candace Calvert’s Crisis Team series, Taylor Cabot and Seth Donavan, who both made appearances in By Your Side, become the main characters. Now, with their own storylines, they have second chances for romance while dealing with the grief and guilt of the past, in addition to plenty of dramatic crises and medical emergencies. This novel is fast-paced and full of action, drama, romance, and bits of humor, as Taylor and Seth learn valuable spiritual lessons for the future. Fans of Calvert’s books will not want to miss this latest one - I recommend it.
Thanks to Tyndale BlogNetwork, I received a copy of Step by Step and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
In Step by Step, the second book in Candace Calvert’s Crisis Team series, Taylor Cabot and Seth Donavan, who both made appearances in By Your Side, become the main characters. Now, with their own storylines, they have second chances for romance while dealing with the grief and guilt of the past, in addition to plenty of dramatic crises and medical emergencies. This novel is fast-paced and full of action, drama, romance, and bits of humor, as Taylor and Seth learn valuable spiritual lessons for the future. Fans of Calvert’s books will not want to miss this latest one - I recommend it.
Thanks to Tyndale BlogNetwork, I received a copy of Step by Step and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
October 16, 2015
If you love Candace Calvert like I do-- this book will not disappoint.
Taylor Cabot has developed a check list to push herself to move on with her life after the untimely death of her husband. But, there is a secret that her husband kept from her, and dealing with that and its repercussions is throwing Taylor off kilter.
Then reentering her world is Seth Donovan-- a lead crisis chaplain and love interest to throw further disarray into the plans she has for herself.
Dealing with the issue of grief is tricky in a fiction novel but Candace Calvert does it with the expertise of a seasoned author and veteran ER nurse. Moments of quirky humor keep the novel light while dealing with a serious subject of moving on after a husband's death.
Candace is at the top of her game. Don't miss this trilogy. Highly recommended.
I was given a free copy of this novel by the publisher to read for endorsement which I happily provided. I was not required to write a positive review.
Taylor Cabot has developed a check list to push herself to move on with her life after the untimely death of her husband. But, there is a secret that her husband kept from her, and dealing with that and its repercussions is throwing Taylor off kilter.
Then reentering her world is Seth Donovan-- a lead crisis chaplain and love interest to throw further disarray into the plans she has for herself.
Dealing with the issue of grief is tricky in a fiction novel but Candace Calvert does it with the expertise of a seasoned author and veteran ER nurse. Moments of quirky humor keep the novel light while dealing with a serious subject of moving on after a husband's death.
Candace is at the top of her game. Don't miss this trilogy. Highly recommended.
I was given a free copy of this novel by the publisher to read for endorsement which I happily provided. I was not required to write a positive review.
January 16, 2016
I had the pleasure of discovering Candace Calvert just a few years ago when she already had a few books out, so I had the joy of reading several of them one right after the other. The first one I read convinced me I wanted to read everything she wrote. Still do.
This one is just as good as the others. Calvert creates characters that seem to get down inside your heart, making the reader cheer them on and cry with them when they have bad days. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Her spiritual content is top notch as well. We sometimes, as believers, think we know the way our lives should go on and what we should do and in what order. However, God has other plans, plans that are actually better than ours and bring us peace and joy.
*I was provided with a copy of this book by the author. I was not pressured to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This one is just as good as the others. Calvert creates characters that seem to get down inside your heart, making the reader cheer them on and cry with them when they have bad days. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Her spiritual content is top notch as well. We sometimes, as believers, think we know the way our lives should go on and what we should do and in what order. However, God has other plans, plans that are actually better than ours and bring us peace and joy.
*I was provided with a copy of this book by the author. I was not pressured to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 25, 2016
This was such a good book! The book starts off with a plane crash. Then you have a mystery surrounding the death of Taylor's husband, followed by a huge car pile up and then add a mean antagonist to the mix for one thrill of a ride! Not to mention a sick dog and a love triangle! Wheew! I was rooting for Taylor and couldn't wait to see what happened. The romance was so good and I love how precious Seth was and how he cherished her. He definitely had me swooning over him. I stayed up pretty late to finish and wow it was worth it. I highly recommend this book!
*I was given a copy from the publisher on Netgalley for my honest review.
*I was given a copy from the publisher on Netgalley for my honest review.
August 18, 2019
Step by Step is my favorite Candace Calvert book to date and it’s going on my best of 2016 list! There isn’t anything I didn’t love about this book. With a solid plot line and strong characters—main and secondary—my emotions were fully invested in this story. I was only a quarter of the way in and I knew I didn’t want it to end. I took my time, savoring every morsel. Thank you, Candace, for gifting me a copy of this fabulous book!
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