Candace Calvert is the author of medical hope opera and believes that love, laughter, and faith are the best medicines.
A
former ER nurse, wife, Mom and proud grandmother, her popular medical
fiction offers charismatic characters, pulse-pounding drama, romance,
humor, suspense--and a prescription for hope. Think, “Grey’s Anatomy
finds its soul.”
Candace writes inspirational fiction because God blessed her with a quirky wit, buoyant optimism, and a contagious sense of fun--but she didn’t come to know him until after some challenges in her life. From those, she came to fully understand the difference between being a strong woman and a woman of strength. The difference is faith, and that lesson has been her biggest blessing.
The following is a May 2014 interview with Candace.
Candace writes inspirational fiction because God blessed her with a quirky wit, buoyant optimism, and a contagious sense of fun--but she didn’t come to know him until after some challenges in her life. From those, she came to fully understand the difference between being a strong woman and a woman of strength. The difference is faith, and that lesson has been her biggest blessing.
The following is a May 2014 interview with Candace.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
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THE INTERVIEW
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Life Support
by Candace Calvert
One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 30 May - 13 June NZDT
AT THE END OF
THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
Life Support
by Candace Calvert
One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 30 May - 13 June NZDT
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a veteran ER nurse, California native, wife, mom, and proud grandmother to seven. I love that I’m often called the author of “medical hope opera,” because it’s my firm belief that love, laughter, and faith are the very best medicines.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I have always loved to write, back to my crayon days. In 1997 I had a very serious riding accident that left me with seven broken ribs, a bruised lung, multiple fractures, and a broken neck with spinal complications. I think of it now as a blessing, because it made me weak enough to learn that my real strength comes from God. It also spurred my writing career: the story of that accident appears in Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul, my first published work. God indeed had a plan.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
Jesus often taught via parable, touching hearts, changing lives, offering Truth and hope. I think that Christian fiction does this too, reaching people who might be more receptive to fictional stories than to what might be viewed as “dogma.”
I’m a veteran ER nurse, California native, wife, mom, and proud grandmother to seven. I love that I’m often called the author of “medical hope opera,” because it’s my firm belief that love, laughter, and faith are the very best medicines.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I have always loved to write, back to my crayon days. In 1997 I had a very serious riding accident that left me with seven broken ribs, a bruised lung, multiple fractures, and a broken neck with spinal complications. I think of it now as a blessing, because it made me weak enough to learn that my real strength comes from God. It also spurred my writing career: the story of that accident appears in Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul, my first published work. God indeed had a plan.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
Jesus often taught via parable, touching hearts, changing lives, offering Truth and hope. I think that Christian fiction does this too, reaching people who might be more receptive to fictional stories than to what might be viewed as “dogma.”
How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?
I hope readers are, first, entertained. That my stories bring a quickening pulse, a laugh, a sigh, maybe a few tears. I love it when readers tell me, “I couldn’t put it down.” I’d like the story issues to provoke thought, the characters to become like friends, and—in the end—that my book brings readers encouragement and hope.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
Oh, so many wonderful responses from readers! I’d have to say that I’m especially touched when readers tell me they were wary (“suspicious”) of reading Christian fiction—afraid it would be “preachy”-- but were happily surprised that my medical dramas felt real, believable, and non-judgmental. I love it when readers tell me that a particular story issue felt personal to them, that they were left with a sense of hope, and a feeling that God loves them unconditionally. That is exactly the reason I write.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
I’ve learned to be “be still” and listen. Or, I should say that I’m still learning to listen for God’s voice! I pray often and long as I work through a story, asking to hear what it is that He wants me to say. I very much see myself as the scribe in this calling.
I hope readers are, first, entertained. That my stories bring a quickening pulse, a laugh, a sigh, maybe a few tears. I love it when readers tell me, “I couldn’t put it down.” I’d like the story issues to provoke thought, the characters to become like friends, and—in the end—that my book brings readers encouragement and hope.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
Oh, so many wonderful responses from readers! I’d have to say that I’m especially touched when readers tell me they were wary (“suspicious”) of reading Christian fiction—afraid it would be “preachy”-- but were happily surprised that my medical dramas felt real, believable, and non-judgmental. I love it when readers tell me that a particular story issue felt personal to them, that they were left with a sense of hope, and a feeling that God loves them unconditionally. That is exactly the reason I write.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
I’ve learned to be “be still” and listen. Or, I should say that I’m still learning to listen for God’s voice! I pray often and long as I work through a story, asking to hear what it is that He wants me to say. I very much see myself as the scribe in this calling.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
One of my favorite prayers is: “Let me be a blessing to someone today”—when that happens, it’s the best feeling. I want to keep that rolling forward. And I hope to leave a legacy of love for my children and grand children.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Folks who follow me on Facebook and Twitter know that I’m a passionate “foodie,” equally comfortable at the keyboard or with a wooden spoon in my hand! I also love to travel the world with my wonderful husband, garden, hike, bird watch, and spend time with our grandchildren.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
My newest release, LIFE SUPPORT, is the final book in my Texas-set Grace Medical series. It offers fast-paced medical action, endearing characters, humor, tender romance . . . and an approaching hurricane!
Link to Chapter One of LIFE SUPPORT
One of my favorite prayers is: “Let me be a blessing to someone today”—when that happens, it’s the best feeling. I want to keep that rolling forward. And I hope to leave a legacy of love for my children and grand children.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Folks who follow me on Facebook and Twitter know that I’m a passionate “foodie,” equally comfortable at the keyboard or with a wooden spoon in my hand! I also love to travel the world with my wonderful husband, garden, hike, bird watch, and spend time with our grandchildren.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
My newest release, LIFE SUPPORT, is the final book in my Texas-set Grace Medical series. It offers fast-paced medical action, endearing characters, humor, tender romance . . . and an approaching hurricane!
Link to Chapter One of LIFE SUPPORT
What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?
I'm blessed to have recently signed a contract for my third 3-book medical fiction series with Tyndale House. I’ve just hit the “send” button on the first story and will be diving into the next very soon.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I LOVE my trans-global readers! It’s so great to receive notes (and reviews) from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Holland, Japan and more, and such an honor to know they are helping me spread word of these hopeful stories far and wide. I was recently in Amsterdam, delighted to know that the Dutch translation of TRAUMA PLAN is on shelves there.
Do you have any parting words?
I want to thank you for hosting me here. It’s been delightful! And I welcome your readers to “scrub in” with my medical fiction. And to join me online:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Authors’ Galley: Manuscripts & Wooden Spoons
I'm blessed to have recently signed a contract for my third 3-book medical fiction series with Tyndale House. I’ve just hit the “send” button on the first story and will be diving into the next very soon.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I LOVE my trans-global readers! It’s so great to receive notes (and reviews) from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Holland, Japan and more, and such an honor to know they are helping me spread word of these hopeful stories far and wide. I was recently in Amsterdam, delighted to know that the Dutch translation of TRAUMA PLAN is on shelves there.
Do you have any parting words?
I want to thank you for hosting me here. It’s been delightful! And I welcome your readers to “scrub in” with my medical fiction. And to join me online:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Authors’ Galley: Manuscripts & Wooden Spoons
Trauma Plan (Grace Medical #1)
by Candace Calvert
Purchase:
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge. Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.
As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion—and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart.
by Candace Calvert
- Tyndale House Publishers
- Contemporary/Romance
- May 2012
- ISBN: 9781414361116
Purchase:
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge. Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.
As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion—and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart.
Rescue Team (Grace Medical #2)
by Candace Calvert
Purchase:
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Tired of running from her past, nurse Kate Callison intends to become Austin Grace Hospital’s permanent ER director and make Texas her home. Despite staff friction, she’s moving ahead. Then unthinkable tragedy wraps the ER in crime tape, bringing swarms of media, legal chaos—and a search-and-rescue hero who seems determined to meddle in her life. For Wes Tanner, nothing beats finding someone who’s lost; he’s known that helpless terror firsthand. So he’ll expand his team’s lifeline of hope: K9 tracking, swift water rescue, even horse-mounted searches. He’s ready for anything—except Austin Grace’s prickly and dismissive ER director.
As Kate and Wes discover more about each other, new respect becomes something deeper. Kate wonders if her heart might have finally found a home. Then an unsolved missing persons case—and a startling new one—become catalysts that threaten the loss of all she and Wes have found.
by Candace Calvert
- Tyndale House Publishers
- Contemporary/Romance
- May 2013
- ISBN: 9781414361123
Purchase:
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Tired of running from her past, nurse Kate Callison intends to become Austin Grace Hospital’s permanent ER director and make Texas her home. Despite staff friction, she’s moving ahead. Then unthinkable tragedy wraps the ER in crime tape, bringing swarms of media, legal chaos—and a search-and-rescue hero who seems determined to meddle in her life. For Wes Tanner, nothing beats finding someone who’s lost; he’s known that helpless terror firsthand. So he’ll expand his team’s lifeline of hope: K9 tracking, swift water rescue, even horse-mounted searches. He’s ready for anything—except Austin Grace’s prickly and dismissive ER director.
As Kate and Wes discover more about each other, new respect becomes something deeper. Kate wonders if her heart might have finally found a home. Then an unsolved missing persons case—and a startling new one—become catalysts that threaten the loss of all she and Wes have found.
Life Support (Grace Medical #3)
by Candace Calvert
Purchase:
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Nurse Lauren Barclay put her life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It’s why she’s back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding physician assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family—and left Lauren with memories her heart can’t forget. PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including one with his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won’t stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother—or from making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.
But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?
by Candace Calvert
- Tyndale House Publishers
- Contemporary/Romance
- March 2013
- ISBN: 9781414361130
Purchase:
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Nurse Lauren Barclay put her life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It’s why she’s back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding physician assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family—and left Lauren with memories her heart can’t forget. PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including one with his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won’t stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother—or from making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.
But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?
Buy Candace's Books at The Book Depository
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Be in to win a copy of
Life Support
by Candace Calvert
One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from
30 May - 13 June NZDT
Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Candace Calvert.
Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw.
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing.
Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.
Life Support
by Candace Calvert
One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from
30 May - 13 June NZDT
Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Candace Calvert.
Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw.
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing.
Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.
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