Code Triage by Candace Calvert

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"...a satisfying read, full of faith and hope."

San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer Nick Stathos is not a quitter. Yet, his marriage is crumbling due to a moment of betrayal. Passionately protecting his patrol neighborhood, his heart still longs for a second chance with Leigh.

Emergency room Dr. Leigh Stathos likes fast and furious shifts with little or no emotional complications when she is on duty at Golden Gate Mercy Hospital. If she’s learned one thing in life, it’s nothing lasts forever--including her soon-to-end marriage. Will she be able to ever trust Nick again?
A surprise confrontation on her turf with Child Crisis investigator Sam (Samantha) Gordon, Nick’s “other woman” begins an inner turmoil of anger and doubt. Dealing with this relentless pain, Leigh finds solace by spending time with her horse, Frisco, a mute girl named Maria, and Tag an abused donkey. Can she learn to take the One who promises to make all thing new — God Himself — at His word?

The cover imagery screams “Soap Opera Digest” which is disconcerting for this avid suspense fiction fan. Yet I found Code Triage to be a steadily-paced medical drama with twists and turns centering on the troubled relationships of the endearing characters. The secondary medical drama holds its own.

There is little to no suspense in Code Triage but the endearing characters and tender moments propelled me through the storyline. Overly sappy at times, this story’s grace-filled progression still offers an edge of inspiration.

Candace Calvert writes authentically without avoiding the deeper implications of infidelity or spousal abuse. She does not provide pat and hasty resolutions to all the relationship angst within the pages allowing the reader to take a renewed look at all their relationships, including marriage.

This was my first read of a Calvert novel. Code Triage was a satisfying read, full of faith and hope. The Book Discussion Guide at the end would be a solid resource for individual use or in a Book Club.

If you are a fan of the television shows “ER” or “Grey's Anatomy” with a mix of police drama, you'll definitely enjoy Code Triage, the last title in Calvert’s Mercy Hospital series.

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.