When he fled Eagle Point years ago, former air force trauma surgeon Mitch Wellington left only broken dreams behind. Now he's back with a new dream—opening a trauma center in the rural area and saving lives. He hopes to hire the quick-thinking nurse who impressed him during an emergency. But Lauren Bates lost her faith and doesn't believe she deserves to help anyone. Mitch knows firsthand what loss feels like. And it'll take all his devotion to show Lauren that sometimes the best medicine is a combination of faith, community—and love.
The Doctor's Devotion (Love Inspired)
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About the Author
Born Valentines Day on a Navy base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her books earned RT Top Picks, a Reveiwers Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, plus #1 and #4 on Harlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. She loves connecting with readers. Find her at www.CherylWyatt.com, or https://www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
"Change of plans, carrottop."
Suitcase in tow, Lauren Bates smiled at Grandpa Lem's voice coming through her cell phone. "What, you're picking me up in your tractor?" She exited Refuge Airport. Southern Illinois welcomed her with breezy warmth and a bouquet of bright June colors she wasn't accustomed to in Texas.
Lem chuckled. "Ought to since you haven't come to see me in five years."
Guilt whooshed in like planes on runways nearby. "I know, Grandpa. I'm sorry. What's this plan change?"
"Accompany me to the ribbon-cutting of a new trauma center Doc Wellington founded at Eagle Point? Starts in half an hour."
Anxiety knotted her gut. Not only was she weary hearing about Dr. Wellington, a medical facility was the last place she wanted to be. She sighed. "For you, Grandpa, I'll endure it."
"Good. We're in a blue Dodge Ram. See you in a few."
"We?" She maneuvered past people cluttering the sidewalk.
"Yes. Dr. Wellington's helping me pick you up."
"Why would you need help?" Lauren canvassed curbside cars and spotted a spiffy blue truck near the front.
"I don't drive on streets anymore. Only fields."
Alarm slowed her steps. "Why not?"
"In case you forgot, I'm nearing a hundred."
She almost pointed out he was only turning seventy, but swift remembrance of her reason for this spur-of-the-moment trip halted her. Anticipation spiked as Lem exited the truck.
"Look who's here!" Grinning and hunched, he seemed older and slower than she remembered. Lauren rushed him with a hug. His bear strength was gone. Tears welling, she squeezed thin ribs.
She'd come because of his sudden uncharacteristic fear over turning seventy. Terror struck her now, too, but according to that Dr. Wellington he always spoke of, Lem was healthy. Still, she'd had to come see for herself. She should've come sooner.
"I'll take your bags," a deep voice said behind her. Strong hands reached around and deftly lifted Lauren's purse and colossal suitcase from between her and Grandpa.
Lauren turned. Grandpa leaned aside. Up stepped the most gorgeous creature ever.
Lauren gulped then remembered her manners. The tall man looked less like a doctor and more like a landscaper, with his deep tan and fit build. Intense and chiseled, yet polished like an airbrushed movie star. And he was her age. Not Grandpa's.
The doctor's easy smile tilted her world. His eyes were a stunning mixture of mostly silver with hints of blue. She gawked like a junior high geek facing the football captain.
"Mitch, this is my granddaughter," Lem said.
"Lauren, pleased to finally meet you."
Ooh, his voice! Pleasant. Deep. And, wow. He knew her name? She blinked. He blinked. Her gaze inched to the hot pink handbag draped over his manly shoulder. She tried not to laugh at the sharp contrast of megamuscles toting a tiny pink purse.
As though the striking doctor with the black hair cut in a military buzz and epic eyes suddenly caught on about the purse—and also diagnosed this weirdness between them as attraction—he lowered her handbag. He offered a sheepish grin and a masculine hand. When she settled hers into the strength of his, the warmth flowing from it enveloped her entire being.
No dead-fish handshake here. His was firm. Confident. Alabaster teeth gleamed from a mouth framed by a strong jaw. His grin gave way to a shy laugh.
She knew the feeling. She'd been bamboozled by attraction, too. "Nice to meet you, Dr. Wellington." She rescued his endangered ego by retrieving her purse from his fingers.
"It's Mitch." He tilted his head, openly assessing her. His hearty smile expanded and he seemed in no hurry to look away.
She cleared her throat and searched for something else exciting to stare at. Unfortunately, sidewalk cracks weren't near as interesting to behold as the dashing doctor.
Observing them, Grandpa chuckled as if having a private party with himself. Mitch moved first. He placed her suitcase behind the seat then assisted her in so she sat in the middle of the truck's seat. His grip was as sturdy, warm and steady as his fond gaze.
Mitch approached Lem. "Up you go, Gramps."
Gramps?
Lauren's irritation overrode Mitch's appeal, as he helped Grandpa in, then approached the driver's side. His shoulders were broad enough to require a rather pleasant pivot to enter the vehicle and, once inside, for her to move closer to Grandpa.
Not that she noticed.
"Where to?" Mitch asked Lem.
"Since Lauren's flight was delayed, she's coming to the ribbon-cutting so you're not late to your own party," Lem said.
Mitch laughed. The sound both grated and soothed. Grated because of the closeness he obviously shared with her grandpa, which stirred a surprise pot of jealousy. Soothing because Mitch's Grand Canyon voice could make a typhoon swoon.
At a red light, Mitch caught her stare. The corner of his mouth slid into a colossal smile.
"I expected you to be older," Lauren explained. "Grandpa talks about you nonstop."
"Likewise," Mitch said. "I feel like I know you."
Yikes! What all did he know? The failure she'd been?
"So, Lauren, how long will you be in town?" Mitch asked.
"Three months!" Lem announced. "I couldn't be happier." He beamed. Mitch did, too, which meant he obviously cared about Lem. How close were they? Drizzles of dread seeped into her stomach.
"How'd you manage to get so much time off?" Mitch asked.
"I'm between jobs right now. I'm opening a specialty shop in Houston with a friend this fall. We started the business from scratch in her home a year ago. Our client list and workload grew to the point where we needed more space."
"What's the specialty?" Mitch kept a keen eye on traffic.
"Sewing. We're leasing an historic building in town after receiving permission from local government and the Historical Society to open it. It'll be called Ye Olde Time Seamstress Shoppe. We're restoring the building's nineteenth-century period decor. Took a lot of wrangling and red tape but it's in the renovation stage now, so this was a perfect opportunity to finally visit Grandpa."
"She's getting over a much-needed breakup," Lem inserted.
Lauren smirked. "Grandpa's not letting me live it down."
Lem harrumphed. "Told you from the start he was no good."
Lauren noticed that Mitch navigated the roads with extra care. "You're a very safe driver," she commented. "I like that."
"A welcome change from her ex who regularly drove ninety. I know because she called me, often upset," Lem announced.
"My ex got arrested for speeding past a school bus and almost striking a child. That was my last straw," she explained.
"He was reckless in general. With others' lives and their relationship." Lem relaxed. "I'm glad she refused to marry a man who'll have little regard for his future children's safety."
While Grandpa was right, Lauren felt like sinking into the seat. She didn't like Mitch knowing about the poor judgments she'd made.
"Do you miss him?" Mitch asked gently.
"No, actually I don't."
He'd not only ignored Lauren's frequent pleas to slow down, he'd ridiculed her for caring. Mitch was obviously the precise opposite kind of person. One who cared deeply about the safety of others. If only that would ease her concern over his closeness with Lem. Maybe in time. Right now, it hurt. Badly. Still…
"It makes me feel better knowing Grandpa has someone like you looking out for him." Lauren meant it. She shouldn't be jealous. The men's friendship should ease her guilt about living in Texas. But being here with Grandpa and the fear that he contended with made her never want to leave him again.
Unfortunately she'd given her word to her best friend, who'd forfeited her career to start the specialty business with Lauren. They'd poured their talents, time and savings into it. The first pangs of doubt about her decision assailed Lauren.
Lauren studied Mitch. Did he know why Grandpa's fear surfaced now? He needed to. Maybe he could help alleviate Grandpa's anxiety. Just because Lem's grandfather and father died in their seventieth year didn't mean Lem would. Right?
For a fleeting moment, she hated that she'd taken out a loan to start her seamstress shop and bound herself to be a business partner with her friend. It hog-tied her to Texas.
"He misses his only granddaughter." Mitch raised his chin in a perceiving manner. "Lem tells me your parents died within hours of one another. I'm deeply sorry. What was it?"
His frankness surprised her. "Carbon monoxide poisoning. Their room sat over the garage of a house we'd moved into that winter. Daddy started the car to warm it up before taking me to school and Mom to work. They lay back down and.never woke up." Lauren blinked swiftly against a wave of emotion.
"Losing her mama and daddy made Lauren want to become a nurse to help people," Lem inserted. "And educate on safety and accident prevention."
"I hear you," Mitch said soberly. "I believe every accident is one-hundred-percent preventable. My dad perished in a motorcycle wreck."
"Across the road from the trauma center site," Lem added.
Had that inspired Mitch to build it? Lauren studied him.
Mitch turned onto the interstate that led Refuge to Eagle Point. "Dad was critically wounded. He could've been saved by surgery, had a hospital been closer, and if the person who pulled out in front of him had been looking."
Lem clicked his tongue. "He also lost his mama. She died from cancer not caught in time. She didn'...
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
First Book in the "Eagle Point Emergency" Series is Author's Best Book to Date!
I've read all the author's "Wings of Refuge" books and if I didn't know before hand, I would think that "The Doctor's Devotion" was written by a different author.
The "Wings of Refuge" are exciting books. As an Air Force veteran myself, I really enjoyed the heroics of the PJs featured in those stores. The writing style in the "Wings of Refuge" is exuberant, fast paced and action orientated. It's like an impressionist painting painted in only one hour. It has a `voice' that cannot be obtained in any other way. It's a great series to read.
"The Doctor's Devotion" is Different!
The author's voice has a new vitality. It is more mature. It rings with a new confidence. The conflicts are much deeper and more psychological. The conflicts raging within the hero and heroine themselves are as important as the conflicts keeping the hero and heroine apart.
For example, the heroine, Lauren Bates, is as angry with herself for being jealous of Mitch Wellington's very close relationship with her grandfather as she is angry with him for usurping a familial relationship that she feels rightly belongs to her.
"Mitch laughed. The sound both grated and soothed. Grated because of the closeness he obviously shared with her grandpa, which stirred a surprise pot of jealousy. Soothing because Mitch's Grand Canyon voice could make a typhoon swoon."
In "The Doctor's Devotion" the author has to manage unresolved conflicts within both the hero and the heroine and then, with all this going on, has to mesh these simultaneous conflicts together so that they evolve naturally into a loving relationship. This is like working on an automobile engine while it is running.
The Gradual Deep Process of Falling in Love
Much of the action in "The Doctor's Devotion" is internal. The very process of falling in love is shown in great detail. When the hero and heroine do make a small move towards falling in love, often one or the other will pull back. These hesitancies were totally consistent with the character's motivation for not wanting to form a relationship.
Watching this internal process of falling in love was much more fascinating than the typical emphasis given to resolving the external conflicts keeping the hero and heroine apart. This approach is more reflective, deeper, and insightful than I've experienced in the author's other books.
Deep Knowledge Makes The Difference
In reading this book I tried very hard to determine exactly what was making the author's voice seem so much more mature and confident. Then I found my answer. "The Doctor's Devotion" is written in what I call deep knowledge.
Here's what I mean. There is a difference between writing with knowledge and writing with deep knowledge.
Writing with knowledge is like writing from the outside in. It is like reporting on an event you witnessed. I believe "Wings of Refuge" is written with knowledge of the events described in the books.
Writing with deep knowledge is like writing from the inside out. It is like reporting on an event that you actually were a part of. It is writing as an insider. "The Doctor's Devotion" is written from inside out. This is probably because the author is an RN nurse.
Writing from the inside out makes a profound difference in the writer's voice and how realistically the narrative resonates with an insightful reader.
For example: I've read many Medical Romances. In many of these novels medical terms and conditions are usually mentioned. These terms are in the story because they are expected to be in the story. Readers enjoy the medicine part of genuine Medical Romances. I especially do because I have a great deal of experience with doctors, nurses, and with being a patient in a hospital.
When I read these medical terms I know right away if they are technically correct. I also know if they are being used in context as they would really be used in real life. Often they are not. The use is correct but stilted. The writer actually does not know how the terms would be used and not used or how their use would be expressed under actual conditions. (In a way it's like the difference between how a foreigner would say something technically correct in Italian and how a native Italian would express the same thing.)
When a Medical Romance is written from the inside out, by an experienced doctor or nurse, then all the usage is where, when, and how it would really be used. The terms flow organically from the context of the situation. This is the best writing. This is at the heart of the new voice expressed in "The Doctor's Devotion". And it is the basis of the author's new confidence, the greater maturity and the refreshing vitality.
As good as the "Wings of Refuge" books are, I believe that "The Doctor's Devotion" stands an order of magnitude better. "Eagle Point Emergency" represents a new beginning in the author's ongoing experience.
I predict that with the "Eagle Point Emergency" series, the author will garner her share of laurels. This is the kind of writing that judges appreciate. It is a very good book. I look forward for many more to come from this new series.
The Doctor's Devotion! A New Series! A New Voice! A New Vitality!
The Author's Best Book to Date!
I've read all the author's "Wings of Refuge" books and if I didn't know before hand, I would think that "The Doctor's Devotion" was written by a different author.
The "Wings of Refuge" are exciting books. As an Air Force veteran myself, I really enjoyed the heroics of the PJs featured in those stores. The writing style in the "Wings of Refuge" is exuberant, fast paced and action orientated. It's like an impressionist painting painted in only one hour. It has a `voice' that cannot be obtained in any other way. It's a great series to read.
"The Doctor's Devotion" is Different!
The author's voice has a new vitality. It is more mature. It rings with a new confidence. The conflicts are much deeper and more psychological. The conflicts raging within the hero and heroine themselves are as important as the conflicts keeping the hero and heroine apart.
For example, the heroine, Lauren Bates, is as angry with herself for being jealous of Mitch Wellington's very close relationship with her grandfather as she is angry with him for usurping a familial relationship that she feels rightly belongs to her.
"Mitch laughed. The sound both grated and soothed. Grated because of the closeness he obviously shared with her grandpa, which stirred a surprise pot of jealousy. Soothing because Mitch's Grand Canyon voice could make a typhoon swoon."
In "The Doctor's Devotion" the author has to manage unresolved conflicts within both the hero and the heroine and then, with all this going on, has to mesh these simultaneous conflicts together so that they evolve naturally into a loving relationship. This is like working on an automobile engine while it is running.
The Gradual Deep Process of Falling in Love
Much of the action in "The Doctor's Devotion" is internal. The very process of falling in love is shown in great detail. When the hero and heroine do make a small move towards falling in love, often one or the other will pull back. These hesitancies were totally consistent with the character's motivation for not wanting to form a relationship.
Watching this internal process of falling in love was much more fascinating than the typical emphasis given to resolving the external conflicts keeping the hero and heroine apart. This approach is more reflective, deeper, and insightful than I've experienced in the author's other books.
Deep Knowledge Makes The Difference
In reading this book I tried very hard to determine exactly what was making the author's voice seem so much more mature and confident. Then I found my answer. "The Doctor's Devotion" is written in what I call deep knowledge.
Here's what I mean. There is a difference between writing with knowledge and writing with deep knowledge.
Writing with knowledge is like writing from the outside in. It is like reporting on an event you witnessed. I believe "Wings of Refuge" is written with knowledge of the events described in the books.
Writing with deep knowledge is like writing from the inside out. It is like reporting on an event that you actually were a part of. It is writing as an insider. "The Doctor's Devotion" is written from inside out. This is probably because the author is an RN nurse.
Writing from the inside out makes a profound difference in the writer's voice and how realistically the narrative resonates with an insightful reader.
For example: I've read many Medical Romances. In many of these novels medical terms and conditions are usually mentioned. These terms are in the story because they are expected to be in the story. Readers enjoy the medicine part of genuine Medical Romances. I especially do because I have a great deal of experience with doctors, nurses, and with being a patient in a hospital.
When I read these medical terms I know right away if they are technically correct. I also know if they are being used in context as they would really be used in real life. Often they are not. The use is correct but stilted. The writer actually does not know how the terms would be used and not used or how their use would be expressed under actual conditions. (In a way it's like the difference between how a foreigner would say something technically correct in Italian and how a native Italian would express the same thing.)
When a Medical Romance is written from the inside out, by an experienced doctor or nurse, then all the usage is where, when, and how it would really be used. The terms flow organically from the context of the situation. This is the best writing. This is at the heart of the new voice expressed in "The Doctor's Devotion". And it is the basis of the author's new confidence, the greater maturity and the refreshing vitality.
As good as the "Wings of Refuge" books are, I believe that "The Doctor's Devotion" stands an order of magnitude better. "Eagle Point Emergency" represents a new beginning in the author's ongoing experience.
I predict that with the "Eagle Point Emergency" series, the author will garner her share of laurels. This is the kind of writing that judges appreciate. It is a very good book. I look forward for many more to come from this new series.
The Doctor's Devotion! A New Series! A New Voice! A New Vitality!
The Author's Best Book to Date!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By ibjoy1953
Format:Mass Market Paperback
My Thoughts on this book!
Wow I have a lot of thoughts, including the super nice handsome Doctor! But what I really like about Mitch is his sensitivity to his patients. The most touching part of the book is when Mitch leaned over and kissed the teen in a coma on the forehead. It brought tears to my eyes, just as it did Lauren. And I love, love Lem. He is the most precious grandfather, just like my own grandaddy and my dad as well. Brought back many memories of both, and I miss them so much.
This is a awesome summer read, the romance between Mitch and Lauren, or lack of it sometimes, will keep your nose in the book! Grandpa Lem was trying so very hard to spark interest between the two. He has two reasons for that, he wanted Lauren back in his life, and he wanted to make sure she was taken care of when he was gone. And what better man for her that the man that now calls Lem gramps, because Lem is like a grandad to Mitch and has been for a long time. Lem was alonely man, and Mitch made sure he was taken care of.
I highly recommend this book for your enjoyment. If you are a romance buff, you will love Doctor's Devotion for sure. Cheryl Wyatt is a wonderful romance storyteller, and I will sure be looking for more of her books.
This book was provided by CFBA for me to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
Wow I have a lot of thoughts, including the super nice handsome Doctor! But what I really like about Mitch is his sensitivity to his patients. The most touching part of the book is when Mitch leaned over and kissed the teen in a coma on the forehead. It brought tears to my eyes, just as it did Lauren. And I love, love Lem. He is the most precious grandfather, just like my own grandaddy and my dad as well. Brought back many memories of both, and I miss them so much.
This is a awesome summer read, the romance between Mitch and Lauren, or lack of it sometimes, will keep your nose in the book! Grandpa Lem was trying so very hard to spark interest between the two. He has two reasons for that, he wanted Lauren back in his life, and he wanted to make sure she was taken care of when he was gone. And what better man for her that the man that now calls Lem gramps, because Lem is like a grandad to Mitch and has been for a long time. Lem was alonely man, and Mitch made sure he was taken care of.
I highly recommend this book for your enjoyment. If you are a romance buff, you will love Doctor's Devotion for sure. Cheryl Wyatt is a wonderful romance storyteller, and I will sure be looking for more of her books.
This book was provided by CFBA for me to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Lauren Bates hasn't visited her grandfather in Illinois for five years, but she's back now, determined to make the most of a two-month vacation to connect with her only family member.
For his part, Lem is about to turn 70 and he's terrified as it's the exact age his dad and other have died. In Lauren's absence, he's become dependent on a young doctor whom he mentored as a teen.
Lauren isn't impressed by how close Mitch Wellington and her grandfather seem to be. Guilt assails her that it's her fault for staying away, even while she knows it's good Lem has had someone looking out for him. But she's home now, so Mitch should back off, not only in their personal life, but in his focus on getting her to go back to nursing, a dream she gave up shortly after certification when someone died in her care.
Mitch and his military teammates are launched into their new trauma center's first tragedy during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Lauren is too much nurse to turn Mitch down when the facility is obviously not yet fully staffed, but her heart is conflicted between love and dread for nursing-and love (?) and annoyance with the young doctor.
Not usually a fan of doctor/nurse romances, I'm happy to make an exception for Cheryl Wyatt, whose novels are full of great characterization, snappy dialogue, and succinct internal thoughts. This combo makes Cheryl one of my favorite authors, and I loved The Doctor's Devotion just as much as I expected to.
For his part, Lem is about to turn 70 and he's terrified as it's the exact age his dad and other have died. In Lauren's absence, he's become dependent on a young doctor whom he mentored as a teen.
Lauren isn't impressed by how close Mitch Wellington and her grandfather seem to be. Guilt assails her that it's her fault for staying away, even while she knows it's good Lem has had someone looking out for him. But she's home now, so Mitch should back off, not only in their personal life, but in his focus on getting her to go back to nursing, a dream she gave up shortly after certification when someone died in her care.
Mitch and his military teammates are launched into their new trauma center's first tragedy during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Lauren is too much nurse to turn Mitch down when the facility is obviously not yet fully staffed, but her heart is conflicted between love and dread for nursing-and love (?) and annoyance with the young doctor.
Not usually a fan of doctor/nurse romances, I'm happy to make an exception for Cheryl Wyatt, whose novels are full of great characterization, snappy dialogue, and succinct internal thoughts. This combo makes Cheryl one of my favorite authors, and I loved The Doctor's Devotion just as much as I expected to.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
disappointing
The plot of this story was promising. The male lead, Mitch, was swoon-worthy. But Lauren was such a complete brat, she ruined the book for me. Read more
Published 1 month ago by reader1222
5.0 out of 5 stars
Realistic Struggles, Multi-Dimensional Characters, Spiritual &...
After losing a patient and becoming disenchanted with her former profession as a nurse, Lauren Bates decides to open a sewing shop with a friend in Texas. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kristal Singletary
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor's Devotion
A good sequel to the previous series about the PJs. The doctor presented a stong fath and the grandfather was great. Read more
Published 3 months ago by by peggie jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
This book kept my interest. It was hard to put down until I was done. I will read by this author again.
Published 3 months ago by mom of a first grader
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Really Liked This Story
This Is My First Book I Have Read By Cheryl Wyatt, But It Will Not Be The Last. I Really Enjoyed The Relationship Between Lauren And Mitch. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Miss Sunshine
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor's Devotion
A very good book. I enjoyed it very much. I enjoy all Love inspired books as well as the suspense books
Published 3 months ago by Dianne F. Griffin
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor's Devotion
I have to disagree with other reviews and felt that the heroine was kind of shallow. I've never heard of getting so jealous over someone else caring for a grandparent until it was... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Karen A. Peale
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor's Devotion--A Review
Cheryl Wyatt is one of my favorite authors and when I got the opportunity to read her first book in the Eagle Point Emergency series, I could hardly wait! Read more
Published 10 months ago by Kathy Eberly
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor's Devotion is a great read!
Caution: this first in the Eagle Point Emergency series is hard to put down! Drawing on her years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Cheryl Wyatt's new novel, The Doctor's... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Hope Chastain
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor's Devotion
Thanks to Cheryl Wyatt for my review book.
I have been waiting patiently for another Cheryl Wyatt book and finally its here. The Doctor's Devotion didn't disappoint. Read more
I have been waiting patiently for another Cheryl Wyatt book and finally its here. The Doctor's Devotion didn't disappoint. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Jenny Blake
