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Critical Praise for Hannah Alexander

“If you’re one of the millions of people who either watch ER on television, or read any of the Mitford books by Jan Karon, let me introduce you to your new favorite author: Hannah Alexander.”

—Terri Blackstock, author of the Cape Refuge series

“The Hannah Alexander writing team is masterful at creating places so real you’ll be looking for them on the map; characters so endearing you’ll think of them as friends, and struggles so compelling and genuine that you’ll identify with each one. Most importantly, the truth of God’s intimate involvement in lives shines through on every page they write.”

—Deborah Raney, author of After the Rains

“Hannah Alexander stands as one of the most talented storytellers in Christian fiction today. With a proven record of irresistible characters and stories that warm the heart, Hannah Alexander’s titles are always on my ‘must-read’ list.”

—Carol Cox, author of Yellow Roses

“Hannah Alexander creates the kind of characters you think about for days. I’ve almost been tempted to pray for them!”

—Debra White Smith, author of The Key

“Amidst the fascinating intricacies of an E.R. setting, the author weaves the lives of characters as they struggle with down-to-earth issues. Underlying it all is a rich sense of God’s faithfulness.”

—Sally John, author of Just To See You Smile

“Hannah Alexander takes her readers for a pulse-quickening ride while breathing life and intrigue into the mysterious world of medicine.”

—Kristin Billerbeck, author of As American as Apple Pie

“Hannah Alexander’s stories are never predictable but keep me on the edge of my seat rooting for her characters. I eagerly watch for her newest offerings and am never disappointed!”

—Collen Coble, author of Wyoming

“I always look forward to the next Hannah Alexander novel. Her books always have great characters and page-turning suspense. Keep it up, Hannah!”

—Lyn Cote, author of Autumn’s Shadow

Critical Praise for Hannah Alexander’s Previous Novels

Sacred Trust:

“Alexander is great at drawing the reader into her storyline and keeping them hooked until the resolution of the plot.”

—Christian Retailing

Solemn Oath:

“…Solemn Oath absolutely hit the ball out of the park. Hannah Alexander is going to have a hard time writing fast enough to keep up with reader demand.”

—Debi Stack, author of Martha to the Max!

Silent Pledge:

“Silent Pledge is a rare find.”

—Harry Lee Kraus, M.D., author of Serenity

“I found a gaggle of caring, interesting people who stole my heart with their struggles and made me cheer with their triumphs. Bravo!”

—Lisa Samson, author of Women’s Intuition

Second Opinion:

“Watch out—the newest Hannah Alexander book is another suspense-filled story that will captivate you from page one! Second Opinion has all the goodies I’ve come to expect from this outstanding author: a fast pace, vibrant characters, plot twists, engaging dialogue, realism, intelligence, humor, romance, and surprise endings. There’s no second guessing with Second Opinion. It’s an irresistible page-turner that will leave you begging for the next masterpiece by Hannah Alexander.”

—Debi Stack, author of Martha to the Max!

Necessary Measures:

“Necessary Measures is true-to-life ER action that envelops and engages. Hannah Alexander paints a broad and detailed picture of a small town emergency room and the relationships of those who serve there. Great family dynamics and realistic professional tension.”

—Kristen Heitzmann, author of A Rush of Wings

“Necessary Measures left me with chills. Hannah Alexander possesses an incredible storytelling gift that makes it impossible to read just a little. Necessary Measures becomes your constant companion until you’re finished, and even then, it leaves its mark.”

—Kristin Billerbeck, author of As American as Apple Pie

a novel

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This book is dedicated to the Great Physician—

For my Father’s will is that everyone

who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have

eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

—John 6:40

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Long ago we realized that any success in our efforts to write a readable novel was dependent on the goodwill of many people. Many thanks to Joan Marlow Golan, our editor, whose enthusiasm for this work has been a great encouragement. We also thank our agent, Karen Solem, whose wisdom and sweet spirit have guided us.

Thanks to Lorene Cook (Cheryl’s mom) who continues to put feet to her prayers for us.

Thanks to Ray and Vera Overall (Mel’s mom and dad), who never cease to encourage.

Thanks to our writing families online, ChiLibris and WritingChambers, who touch us from across the country and around the world.

Thanks to Jennifer Whitt, who was willing to allow us to pick her brain for her expertise with dreadlocks.

Thanks to C. J. McCormick, DVM, who lent us access to his vast knowledge of the peculiarities of animals.

Thanks to James Scott Bell, author and friend, who gave us his legal expertise.

Thanks to Jon Suit, former mayor Monett, who was able and willing to tell us far more than we will ever understand about small-town politics.

Thanks to Barbara Warren of Blue Mountain Editorial Service, for the nice slash and repair job, and for the input on gardening.

Thanks to Brenda and Doug Minton, for having a heart for the children most in need—and for having a garden that refuses to grow beneath the walnut trees.

Thanks to Jackie Bolton, who understands the psyche of a teenager—because her own heart is still young.

Thanks to Jack and Marty Frost, who never let up on us to do our best, and who quickly forgive us when we fail, time and time and time again.

Thanks to Jim and Louise Brillhart and Ardis Bareis for allowing us to take your names in vain.

We wish to give credit where it is due, but any mistakes or discrepancies are purely our own.

We earned them, we intend to keep them.

The scream of an ambulance bounced through the mauve-and-burgundy corridors of the Missouri Regional Hospital on the west side of Columbia. An elderly man moaned. A baby’s cry stung the air through the center of the eight-room emergency department.