Vital Signs

VITAL SIGNS is the third book in The Baxter Series by Kathy Herman. A deadly epidemic has come to Baxter, threatening the lives of those who've come in contact with a visiting missionary couple. Jennifer has just delivered twin boys and struggles with the thought of adoption. When the babies are taken away due to the risk of the virus, she realizes being separated from them is more than she can handle. While the local hospital takes every precaution to insure the unknown virus does not infect others, an extremist group decides to take matters into their own hands, causing the National Guard to be called in to restore order. The interesting storyline of VITAL SIGNS explores how people react to a situation that could prove to be deadly. My favorite part of the story was watching the change in Dennis (Jennifer's non-committal boyfriend) as he struggles with the idea of being a father. Your non-attachment for this character in the past is quickly put aside as you pull for him to make right decisions. VITAL SIGNS in an enjoyable read. With two more books to go in the series, I feel as if I have a stool reserved for me at Monty's Diner as I pick up HIGH STAKES, the fourth book in the series.

I agree with other reviewers that the books have too many minor characters to keep up with, but the books are worth reading anyway. This was the best so far. I loved "seeing" Dennis change! I also enjoyed "visiting" with Rhonda and Jed from the first book. I can't wait to read the next two books in this series. I love the way Ms. Herman shows how faith works in the lives of her characters and how the Holy Spirit deals with lost souls.

This is the third book in the Baxter series and I've read all of them right in a row. I enjoy medical fiction, so I think this one is my favorite. I love the suspense, and the medical details were fascinating. I like watching the changes in the characters' personalities as the book progresses. Especially interesting is the heart and mind of Dennis, as he cares for two newborns. Kathy Herman does an excellent job of depicting the human condition - both with and without God.I agree with Harriet Klausner, who reviewed "Day of Reckoning" - she said that the books are overpopulated with minor characters. I find all these people confusing, but I certainly wouldn't let that keep me from reading the rest of the series! I have one more to read "High Stakes" and then a couple months' wait til #5 comes out!If you're interested in more medical fiction within the Christian context, check out my reviews of Hannah Alexander's books and Harry Kraus's.