THINGS WERE GOING ALONG JUST FINEUNTIL 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 … 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.
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This is a good, thought provoking book. Three people, seemingly very different, are brought together through one pastor. “Brother” Bob Bannister is a fake, paying people to pretend to be healed during his services. Scott Anderson was one an up and coming surgeon. After his wife’s death, he turns from medicine to become a minister. But, is his a true calling or just a way to escape his past? Dr. Abby Davis is a Doctor, but more and more, she is called upon to also act as prayer partner and counselor to her patients.
This book has a little bit of mystery, a few sad moments and a lot of Biblical inspiration. The author does a good job of weaving the main characters together as they each try to come to terms with God’s will in their lives. This was a quick, well-written read and a good break from a lot of the heavier books that I tend to read.
The narrator does a good job, but some of his female voices are a little grating. All in all, he does a good job and his narration keeps the action going at just the right pace. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the narrator and chose to review it.
I was gifted this audiobook with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
I liked this book well really more of a novella. The genre I would say for this book is Christian mystery or suspense. As a Christian myself I had no problem with the dialogue but at times it was a little strong bordering on preachy. The story was wonderful, funny at times, and deep in meaning too. I enjoyed the narration of the book as well. Bill Nevitt is a wonderful narration and this book is no exception. I know this is not a series but I really enjoyed the character Dr. Abby and would like to see more books with her in them.
I wanted to read this as soon as I read the book description, so I was thrilled when Dr. Mabry offered to send me a review copy. And it was as good as I’d hoped.
Bob Bannister is a charlatan. He’s a preacher with a healing ministry, but something goes wrong when he finds the woman he prayed for wasn’t his paid shill. Did she actually get healed? Abby Davis is a Christian doctor in town, a family practitioner faced with a growing number of elderly patients with elderly issues, and who is running into problems as a result. Scott Anderson is a medical doctor who abandoned medicine and went to seminary following the death of his wife. He’s now struggling to share God’s word in his new role as assistant pastor.
Three people, each struggling in their own way, but united in that their struggles all relate to the link between faith and medicine. Those struggles are the “bitter pill” of the title, a reminder that we all go through struggles as Christians, but struggles are how we grow.
Bitter Pill is a novel about character growth and change. It’s not the typical Richard Mabry novel. Sure, it’s got the medical setting, but it’s not medical suspense in the same way as his previous novels (no bodies on the driveway in Chapter One). It also has a stronger faith aspect than some of his previous novels, with a valuable message.
Recommended.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Different from what I had expected, this book brought a new perspective to what grace can do…and that it is offered to everyone despite their past.
Bitter Pill is another winner from Richard Mabry. With a little suspense (with twists and turns) and three characters’ lives that are woven together through difficult circumstances, the author brings a wonderful story of how faith determines our life choices and gives us the courage to stay the course. Layer by layer unfolding of each of the character’s stories keeps the interest high. I thoroughly enjoy Mabry’s books and can’t wait to read more. I listened to the audio version of the book and Bill Nevitt does a great job narrating this novella. I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
Three people facing personal identity crisis learn the hardest lessons.
Thy will be done.
Let go and let God.
Sometimes the answer is not what you wanted to hear.
Bill Nevitt continues to be realistic and an excellent narrator.
Bitter Pill. Richard Mabry is always high on my TBR list and I always look forward to reading any book by him. Bill Nevitt’s narration is, as always, excellent & adds greatly to the book’s enjoyment and seems the perfect complement to Mabry’s work. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 – July 24, 2018).