Blogaversary Celebration Day Two: Candace Calvert, Author of Critical Care and Disaster Status

I am thrilled beyond belief to have Candace Calvert author of the terrific book, Critical Care and the soon to be released Disaster Status, as my guest today! Candace has kindly offered to share a little bit about herself and her books including an excerpt from Disaster Status and an AWESOME giveaway to one lucky reader! Read on for the details! :-)
Here's Candace:


"Hi Renee—congratulations on your Blogaversary, and kudos to you on the exciting celebration that you’re hosting. It’s wonderful to be here among such stellar authors—and good friends. Hello Janet, Cerella, Laura, and Julie!

As part of the celebration, I’m excited to offer a signed copy of both Critical Care and Disaster Status, inviting your readers to “scrub in” with my exciting new Mercy Hospital series for Tyndale House."

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Reviews

“Candace Calvert knows her stuff on the ER stage. Excellent writing, appealing characters . . . honest portrayal of human emotions. . . a great read . .”

--Hannah Alexander, author of A Killing Frost, the Hideaway Series

Disaster Status grabs the reader from its opening pages to its riveting end. Compelling characters keep you turning the pages . . .”

-- Margaret Daley, author of Forsaken Canyon and Together for the Holidays

“Candace Calvert succeeded in thrilling me, chilling me, and filling me with awe and respect for ER trauma.”

--DiAnn Mills, author of Breach of Trust


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And now I’m delighted to offer a preview of Disaster Status, the soon-to-be released second book in the Mercy Hospital series:

From the back cover:

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

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he's learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he's forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?

(Excerpt From Disaster Status, Chapter One. Hero and Heroine meet for the first time)

When Erin turned in to the hospital parking lot, she realized she’d forgotten her name badge. Good thing security knew her. Her eyes widened as she approached the ambulance entrance. She braked to a stop, her mouth dropping open as she surveyed the scene at the emergency department’s back doors: four dusty and battered trucks—one indeed a flatbed—at least three news vans, a fire truck, an ambulance, and several police cars. She quickly put the Subaru in park, then opened her door and squinted up at the sky. Oh, c’mon, was that a helicopter? A plane crash wasn’t big enough news today?

Several nurses stood outside the doors holding clipboards and dispensing yellow plastic emesis basins to a restless line of a least a dozen patients in long sleeves, heavy trousers, and work boots. Including one elderly man who seemed unsteady on his feet as he mopped his forehead with a faded bandanna. A young uniformed firefighter paramedic, the husband of their ER triage nurse, was also helping out. Good, Erin’s request for extra manpower had been accepted.

Reporters in crisp khakis and well-cut jackets leaned across what appeared to be a hastily erected rope-and-sawhorse barricade. It was manned by a firefighter in a smoke-stained turnout jacket with the broadest shoulders she’d ever seen. And an expression as stony as Rushmore.

Erin locked the car, grabbed her tote bag, and jogged into the wind toward the barricade, trying to place the daunting firefighter. Tall, with close-cropped blond hair, a sturdy jaw, and a rugged profile. He turned, arms crossed, to talk with someone across the barricade, so she couldn’t see all of his face. But he wasn’t a full-time medic; she knew them all. An engine company volunteer? Maybe, but she hadn’t met him. She was sure of that. Because, even from what little she’d seen, this man would have been memorable. Her face warmed ridiculously as she slowed to a walk.

But her growing curiosity about his identity was a moot point. There wasn’t time for that now. She needed to slip between those sawhorses, hustle into the ER, touch base with the relief charge nurse, brainstorm with Leigh Stathos, and see what she could do to help straighten out this mess.

Erin stopped short as the big firefighter turned abruptly, blocking her way. “Excuse me,” she said, sweeping wind-tossed hair from her face as she peered up at him. Gray. His eyes were granite gray. “I need to get past you. Thanks. Appreciate it.” She attempted to squeeze by him, catching a faint whiff of citrusy cologne . . . mixed with smoke.

“Don’t thank me. And stop right where you are.” He stepped in front of her, halting her in her tracks. There was the slightest twitch at the corner of his mouth. Not a smile. He crossed his arms again. “No one can come through here. Those are the rules. And I go by the book. Sorry.”

By the book? As if she didn’t have policies to follow? Erin forced herself to take a deep breath. Lord, show me the humor in this. Called to work on her day off and then denied access. It was funny if you thought about it. She tried to smile and managed a pinched grimace. This was about as funny as the mold in her shower. She met his gaze, noticing that he had a small scar just below his lower lip. Probably from somebody’s fist.

“I work here, Captain . . . McKenna,” Erin explained, reading the name stenciled on his jacket. “In fact—” she patted the left breast pocket of her scrubs, then remembered her missing name badge—“I’m the day shift charge nurse. But I forgot my badge.”

“I see,” he said, uncrossing his arms. He pointed toward the trio of reporters leaning over the barricade. “See that reporter over there—the tall woman with the microphone and bag of Doritos? Ten minutes ago she pulled a white coat out of one of those news vans and tried to tell me she was a doctor on her way to an emergency delivery. Premature twins.”

“But that’s unbelievable. That’s—”

“Exactly why I’m standing here,” the captain interrupted. “So without hospital ID or someone to corroborate, I can’t let you in.”

Her jaw tightened, and she glanced toward the ER doors. “One of your paramedics is back there somewhere; Chuck knows me. He’s married to my triage nurse. Find him and ask him.”

McKenna shook his head. “Can’t leave this spot.”

“Then call.” Erin pointed to the cell phone on his belt. “Better yet, ask for Dr. Leigh Stathos. Tell her I’m here. She’ll verify my identity. The number is—”

“I’ve got it,” he said, lifting his phone and watching her intently as he made an inquiry. He gave a short laugh. “Yes. A redhead in what looks like Army fatigues . . . Ah, let’s see . . . green eyes. And about—” his gaze moved discreetly over her—“maybe five foot nine?”

Erin narrowed her eyes. What was this, a lineup?

The captain lowered the phone. “Your name?”

“Erin Quinn,” she said, feeling like she should extend her hand or something. She resisted the impulse.

“Hmm. Yes,” he said into the phone. “I see. Okay, then.” He cleared his throat and disconnected the call.

She looked at him. “Did you get what you needed?”

“Well,” he said, reaching down to detach the rope from a sawhorse, “it seems you’re who you say you are. And that I shouldn’t expect a commendation for detaining you. Apparently it’s because of your request that I’m here. Not that I wanted to be. I still have men out on the plane crash, but . . .” He hesitated and then flashed the barest of smiles. Though fleeting, it transformed his face from Rushmore cold to almost human. “Go on inside, Erin Quinn. You’re late.” His expression returned to chiseled stone. “And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry. But that’s the way this has to work.”

“No problemo.” Erin hitched her tote bag over her shoulder and stepped through the barricade. Then she turned back. “What’s your first name, McKenna?”

“Scott.”

She extended her hand and was surprised by the warmth of his. “Well, then. Good job, Scott. But going by the book isn’t always the bottom line. Try to develop a little trust, will you? We’re all on the same team.”
Copyright 2010, Candace Calvert, Tyndale Publishers

Thank you for having me, Renee. And I so look forward to signing a copy of Disaster Status and Critical Care for your readers. Happy Blogaversary—and many more!

Blessings,

Candace

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Disaster Status, Book Two of the Mercy Hospital Series by Tyndale House. Releasing on or before April 1st:

ChristianBook.com

Barnes& Noble

Amazon

Former ER nurse Candace Calvert gives readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine. Her new Mercy Hospital Series for Tyndale House offers charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense--and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul.” CRITICAL CARE, June 2009.
DISASTER STATUS, April 2010, CODE TRIAGE, September 2010.

Visit her website at: http://www.candacecalvert.com/

Join her FaceBook Fan page (book chat, updates, giveaways!) at: Candace Calvert Books

Follow her on Twitter!

~ If you would like to be entered to win a signed copy of BOTH Critical Care and Disaster Status just leave a comment telling me your favorite TV show or book that features doctors, nurses, police officers, or firefighters!
~You MUST leave an email address in your comment so I can contact you for your mailing address if you win! (example: steelergirl83[at]gmail[dot]com )
~U.S. residents only please!
~Contest open until March 21, 2010 at 11:59PM EST.
~One winner will be chosen, their name posted on this blog, and they will be notified by email on March 22, 2010 and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be selected.

Don't forget to go here to read about Janet Dean and mail order brides and to enter for a chance win her book, The Substitute Bride!

Also go here for a chance to win The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey and Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand!

Comments

  1. Renee, first of all, congrats! You know I am one of your biggest fans. :o) You always do such a good job on your blog. It's a fun place to visit.

    Second of all ~ I love this scene! You can tell already it's going to be good. I want to thank Candace for taking time to share a scene and for offering the books and you for hosting the contest.

    leesmithwriting{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  2. Hey Renee! Yesterdays post was FANTASTIC, and this is just as! I never really read any books that are set in a hospital or the like but, just from reading that except, I know I'm going to love reading Candace's books! Which is why their definitely going straight to the top of my TBR pile;)So, of course I would love a chance to win a signed copy of her book!LOL

    Hmmm....I don't know if I've read any books like that. But, does Cerella Sechrist interview question "finish the scene", with hottie firefighter, Brent, count? If Cerella wrote a book about him, I'd be the first in line *sigh*;)LOL

    Can't wait for tomorrow, Renee!

    Love Ya,
    Ashley
    i95fahrenhiet@ymail.com

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  3. Thank you, Candace and Renee, for a great giveaway! Candace, I have only read wonderful reviews for your writing!

    Wow--this is a terrific question. Some of the best dramas on TV through the years have featured doctors, nurses, police officers, or firefighters! From the fifties and sixties on, TV has provided outstanding crime and medical progams. It's a long, long list! I will be brief and focus on more current progamming: The "Law & Order" franchise, "Without a Trace", and the "CSI" franchise. Excellent writing, acting, story lines and production values throughout! Bravo!!!

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

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  4. I don't know if I've read too many medical books, but I used to be a big-time fan of ER. Don't have TV anymore, so can't comment on the series out now.

    Would love to be entered for this book.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. Hi Candace, it's fun to share Renee's blogavesary week with you!

    Wonderful excerpt! Hero Scott is yummy!!!!

    Janet

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  6. I just wanted to say that Candace is one of the classiest authors around. Her writing reflects that and she is a GEM in person! I met her at ACFW Denver last year when we just happened to sit down in the hotel restaurant together, one of those divine coincidences:) I know her second book is going to be as well-loved as her first. It's wonderful to see her here - and everyone else, too.

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  7. Great excerpts. I would love these books.
    Fav dr show-THE DOCTORS--of course.

    csdsksds[at]gmail[dot]com

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  8. Love this excerpt - Scott sounds delicious! Any my favorite doctor/nurse/hopsital related show is definitely "Scrubs" - gotta love the comedy!

    -Rachel
    rachel85137@(gmail.com)

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  9. Hi Renee! This sounds like another great book. I'm going to have to look into Candace Calvert's books. I haven't read a lot of books w/doctors/nurses/police or firefighters. The only one that comes to mind would be one of Dee Henderson's books, The Protector.

    s.bofferding@hotmail.com

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  10. Hi ladies! Thank you for visiting Candace and me today and leaving all these wonderful comments!

    Scott is definitely going to be one of my favorite hunky heroes LOL! I just got my copy of Disaster Status late last week and am really looking forward to reading it! I hope you all will pick it up!

    XOXO~ Renee

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  11. Squee! I loved ER--it was one of my favorite shows. I remember sitting in tears watching that show quite a few times (Dr. Greene was my favorite character--the episode when his character passed away was hard to watch).

    Hubby is a firefighter, and these two books sound really good!

    srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. Comment, Take 2

    Renee, this is a terrific post. :)

    I'm not a big TV viewer but I used to watch ER every week. Such drama!

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

    suko95(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. Hello, Renee, I'm new to your blog I'm here via Laura Frantz's blog. Anyway, Happy Blogaversary, and I look forward to reading more in the future.

    I loved Critical Care when I read it last fall, and I've been looking forward to Disaster Status since then.

    Favorite medical drama, that's a hard question mostly because I can't chose just one of anything. :) Let's see I liked ER, Third Watch was good too, but my absolute favorite was Chicago Hope.

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  15. Ugh, forgot my email a moment ago, it's:

    mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

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  16. My favorite TV show of all time featuring doctors is M.A.S.H. I love that show!

    gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

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  17. I love this blogaversary. :) And Candace's photo is adorable!

    (Side note to Ashley: If that Brent story ever gets written, I'll probably have to dedicate it to you! LOL!!) :)

    Cerella D. Sechrist
    www.cerelladsechrist.com

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  18. Hey- thanks for posting my blog button!!! Sounds like a great book!

    caseymh18(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. My favorite series that features firefighters is by Karen Kingsbury.

    `One Tuesday Morning`
    `Beyond Tuesday Morning`

    moma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. I loved the first book and can't wait to read the 2nd book!
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  21. YAY! It's day 2 of Renee's Blogaversary Celebration! :D

    I'm soooo excited to read Candace's books. My copy of Disaster Status arrived yesterday. I will be reading/reviewing both of them the first week of April, hopefully *fingers crossed*, as that is going to be a VERY busy week for me...my sister's wedding is April 10th!

    Please don't enter me in the contest, but I have to say that ER and House would be my 2 fave TV shows featuring doctors. I haven't watched either of them in a couple of years though...not enough time in the day. :(

    @ Cerella ~ You know I would totally be another "Brent" fan! That scene was just smokin' hot! *sigh*

    Well, I've got to get back to reading, though I know I won't be done in time. *sniff*

    {{hugs}}

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  22. I definitely want in on this contest. As a former nurse I admit I do not watch medical shows but I like medical drama books..the exception would be M*A*S*H because it's weaves humor with poignancy so well.

    The only police type drama I watch is The Mentalist. It's Simon Baker...what's not to love.

    Tina

    tina at tinarusso dot com

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  23. Please enter me into the contest for these books, I am tryiing to follow this tour
    I am a follower on google
    I have your button on my blog http://edna-myfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

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  24. I remember watching Emergency when I was younger. Remeber that one? Loved it. Oh yeah, C.H.I.P.S. was a good one, too.

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. @ Katy & Suko- I never did like the newer episodes of ER I just used to watch the late night reruns LOL!

    @ Michelle- I've never heard of Third Watch or Chicago Hope, were they older shows?

    @ Pixie- MASH has to be one of the best medical shows out there for both drama and humor.

    @ Cerella- Hey thanks for stopping by and you should totally go for writing Brent's story LOL! A girl can never have too many hunky firemen :-P

    @ Casey- You're welcome plus I lie your blog so I gotta advertise it!

    @ Joyful- I've heard a lot of great things about that series by Karen Kingsbury..I gotta find the time to read it LOL!

    @ Wendy- Thanks for visiting today! Come back soon!

    @ Lori- Thanks for coming to party! Like I said I used to watch ER but I've never watched House although some of the previews lately have been making me want to start!

    @ Tina- I LOVE The Mentalist! As for Simon Baker, who doesn't love a cute Aussie? :-P

    @ Edna- Thank you for following and posting my button!

    @ Judy- LOL I've never heard of Emergency but I have heard of C.H.I.P.S.!

    XOXO~ Renee

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  26. Thank you for the giveaway. LOVE medical mysteries. (Harry Kraus says your books are good. That cinches it for me.)

    My favorite show was Diagnosis Murder. Wish it were still on!

    Please enter me. Thanks!!!
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  27. Renee, Third Watch was on NBC from 1999-2005 and Chicago Hope was on CBS from 1994-2000. Chicago Hope and ER actually started in the same season. Although ER was good, I always preferred Chicago Hope.

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  28. Great posts....love these type books. Please enter me. I don't watch much TV but love the books written by a doctor..Harry Kraus....am sure I will love the books by Candace as well.
    Thanks!!!

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  29. My favorite television show set around a hospital was ER for a few seasons.

    By far my favorite medical drama book is "Critical Care." The only problem is I keep giving my copies away which leave me with none for myself.

    Thank you for the wonderful review and interview with Candace Calvert. She's a wonderful author not to mention friend.

    Sincere blessings!

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  30. @ Michelle- Hahaha tells you how much I watch tv! Thanks for the info!

    @ Carmen- Diagnosis Murder, yet anohter show I haven't watched LOL! Thank you for visiting today!

    @ Jackie- I've never read any books by Harry Kraus but I'm guessing they're good especially if he's smart enough to endorse Candace's books!

    @ Melinda- Thank you so much for stopping by! I too have the same problem I gave away my copy to a friend because I had to make sure she read it LOL! I have to get another copy too!

    XOXO~ Renee

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  31. HI Renee...Happy Anniversary :)

    I enjoyed Harry Kraus's novels...alot.

    Would love to read Candace's masterpieces, thanks for the opportunity.

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  32. RENEE AND CANDY!!!!! Cannot believe it took me this long to get here, BUT ... I've been busy ... reading Candy's third novel, Code Triage, that is, for endorsement purposes and WHOA, BABY, can this woman write or what???!!!

    Candy, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it -- reading it on bathroom breaks (which I've taken tons of today) and in the car while my husband is driving. It's fabulous, girl, truly!!

    A note to anybody out there who likes hot, hot, HOT heroes and great stories that will rip your heart out ... get a hold of Critical Care or Disaster Status STAT!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  33. Hey, Renee!! Congrats on your celebration!!! I've loved every single visit at your blog in the past year. :o)

    Well, my all-time favorite doctor show that (sniff-sniff) is not on anymore is Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman....love, love, love that show! But now, I kinda sorta get my "doctor" fix by watching Bones. The show doesn't portray medical doctors, but they're still docs. :o)

    Anywho, I would loved to be signed up for this particular giveaway. I haven't gotten to read Candace's book yet, so I would love to have the chance!

    Thanks!
    Christy
    orca0024 at yahoo dot com

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  35. Hello everyone! Sorry to drop in so late, but we’ve been on a cross country trek (moving from Texas back to California) and I’m still hovering a few inches above the ground—like working a double shift in the ER! But how delightful to take a break and join you here at Renee’s awesome Blogaversary—congratulations, girl!! All that talent AND you throw a terrific party, too.

    Thank you all for your great comments and for your interest in my work—such a blessing. I’m glad you enjoyed the glimpse of my hero,“by the book” fire captain Scott McKenna. I think Tyndale House got him just right on the cover: smudge of smoke on his shirt and some smolder in his eyes.

    I’m very much looking forward to signing copies of both Critical Care and Disaster Status for Renee’s winner. Good luck to all of you!

    Janet and Cerella: Great to share this time with you!
    Laura: It was a God Thing for sure that we met in Denver—what a joy you are.
    Julie, Julie, Julie: We should give Natasha Kern a big kiss for the “family” of clients she’s signed—it’s made us sisters! And I can’t wait to hang out with you (and laugh ourselves silly) at ACFW conference this fall. I’m so honored to hear that you’re enjoying Code Triage—means so much to me.

    Again, thank you Renee and gang. This has been great. Party on! And if anyone needs a few cardboard boxes packed or unpacked, I’m your girl. I’m very close to getting my merit badge in Moving Skills.

    Candace

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  36. @ Karen- You're the second person who has mentioned Harry's books! I guess I'm going to have to look for those! Thank you for stopping by the party!

    @ Julie- Wow! I am sooo jealous that you are reading Code Triage...I can't wait to see the cover model for that one LOL!

    @ Christy- Thank you for being such a great supporter of my blog! Hugs!

    I also love Dr. Quinn..they don't make 'em like that any more!

    @ Candace- I'm so honored to have you as a guest! You think I'm talented and I throw a great party? Wow that's so sweet and encourages me so much!!!

    I know you are in the midst of a move so I apppreciate you taking the time out to share about yourself and your books! THANK YOU!

    XOXO~ Renee

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  37. I love Candace Calvert's books! I'm so happy to hear her second one is out.

    One of my favorite "doctor" shows is MASH. Another one I liked, and this is showing my age, is Marcus Welby, MD. Anyone remember that one? James Brolin? For a time, I also liked to watch Trapper John, M.D. (a character from MASH who wasn't played by the actor from MASH-Wayne Rogers; Trapper is much older in this show, but I still liked it).

    Nowadays, I watch Gray's Anatomy.

    Wonderful excerpt, Candace. Thanks Renee for having Candace as your guest.

    Lupe

    laniez4057@yahoo.com

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  38. One of my all time favorite shows was Emergency from the 70's growing up - I think that is what it was called. I just loved it.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot.com

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  39. I would love to be entered into this contest! I can't wait to read Disaster Status! A book I loved featuring a "nurse"/midwife was Midwife of St. Petersburg by Linda Chaikin. I also really loved Karen Kingsbury's 9/11 series featuring firefighters and police officers.
    djkeoppel(at)yahoo.com

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  40. I'm not sure about this one. I don't know if a rouge FBI agent counts as being in those categories, but if so then I would have to say right now my favorite would be "Burn Notice". I also like "Monk" and "Physc". Please sign me up.
    Deborah M.
    debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

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  41. I haven't had the chance to read any of Candace's books before, but I popped over to this blog entry on Julie's recommendation because I said some of my favorite romance stories were Dee Henderson's O'Malley series. As far as TV shows, when it was on, I loved Lifetime's Strong Medicine. I'm also a huge fan of NCIS (not quite police but almost?), even going as far as to name our dog Ziva, because we already had a cat McGee (named for Bill Myers' McGee, not NCIS').

    Holly
    oceandreamerfla(at)aol(dot)com

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