THINGS WERE GOING ALONG JUST FINE
UNTIL THE MIRACLE FOULED THEM UP
“Brother” Bob Bannister is content with his life and his itinerant healing ministry, until one night he finds that the woman who walks off the stage under her own power isn’t one of his shills. At that point, doubts begin to intrude on his previously untroubled existence.
Dr. Abby Davis is tired of her family practice and at odds with God. Dealing with critically ill and dying patients has crushed her spirit to the point she’s ready to quit. But she soon realizes that there’s more to healing than ministering to the physical body.
Scott Anderson was the oldest graduate of his seminary class. Then again, most of them hadn’t turned away from a medical practice, hoping to atone for past mistakes (including his wife’s death) by ministering to men’s souls. Now he hopes he hasn’t made a colossal mistake in switching careers.
Each of these individuals becomes linked to the other, and each finds that God has a purpose for them—but, as it often does, the lesson comes with discomfort.
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart”. He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a proud member of the ACFW, the International Thriller Writers, the Christian Authors Network, the FHL chapter of the RWA, and Novelists Inc.
You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.
My Impressions:
Richard Mabry is known for suspense-filled medical drama with a strong faith message. In his newest novella, Bitter Pill, there is a mystery to be solved, but it is the faith journeys of the three main characters that take center stage. Bob Bannister is a faith-healer who puts on a show in the small town of Goldman. Dr. Abby Davis is a family practioner who cares for her patients emotional health as well as physical. And Scott Anderson is a surgeon-turned-associate pastor who struggles with his faith. All three are impacted by senior pastor Ed Farmer, a man who faces life with wisdom, wit, and grace. His example and legacy is the catalyst for big changes in all three lives.
Bitter Pill is a very short read, yet it is one that will make you think about who or what you put your trust in. The characters are not as well-developed as they would have been in a full-length novel, yet they certainly rang true in their struggles. I loved Ed Farmer, the pastor who connects the three mains. His character is inspiring, yet extremely down-to-earth and utterly believable. While there is a mystery with definite life and death impact, it is not as large a part of the story as I would have liked. It was rather neatly and quickly wrapped up — almost as an afterthought. But that didn’t spoil the book for me — I was focused on the growth of each character.
While a bit of a departure for Richard Mabry, Bitter Pill is a good choice if you are looking for a very quick read. I really enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
To purchase, click HERE. (It’s FREE for Kindle Unlimited!)
(I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Thanks for this review. Glad you liked it, and I hope your blog readers will, as well.
🙂