A Heartbeat Away

Title: A HEARTBEAT AWAY

Author: Harry Kraus

Publisher: David C. Cook

September 2012

ISBN 978-1-4347-0257-9

Genre: Fiction/Suspense

“And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:”  Ezekiel 11:19 (KJV)

Following an opportunistic infection, Dr. Tori Taylor suddenly finds the roles reversed.  Now she is the patient, and the only thing that will save her life is a heart transplant.  Following a successful surgery, Tori looks forward to once again taking control of her life with the iron hand and indomitable will that has been her trademark and calling card for so long.  And while these traits have served her well, and made her something of a legend in the hospital community . . . it has not helped to win friends and influence people in a positive manner.

But Dr. Taylor’s tightly wound world is about to come unraveled.  Startlingly vivid nightmares wake her in a cold sweat.  Her eating habits have taken on a bizarre pattern.  She can sense the emotional and spiritual situations of those around her.  And why is she suddenly so emotionally out of control?  Research into the theory of cellular memory leads Tori to believe that the things she is experiencing were part and parcel of the life of her donor.  More disturbing, they seem to be leading her into exposing a drug ring, a dirty cop, and the ones responsible for the murder of the one who donated her new heart.

As her investigation probes deeper, those who want to silence her become more desperate, and her struggles for control of her life become increasingly futile.  Until she meets the only One who can truly calm the storm.

Writing with the skill of a seasoned wordsmith, and the heart of one completely sold out to God, Harry Kraus has penned a novel which has earned the highest compliment I can offer:  I literally read every single word.  And for those who like to know more, Harry Kraus writes an afterword that takes you into his world, and reveals his passion for people, for surgery, and for the Lord.  It’s refreshing to meet one who is as open and genuine as Dr. Kraus, and I look forward to reviewing more of his books in the future. Don’t miss A HEARTBEAT AWAY. 5 Stars. 370 pages. $14.99.