I thought this novel addressed an important issue in the medical field, that of addiction. I liked the first half better than the second. The second half seemed just slapped together.

A reality check for anyone having any addiction. Reading what Sweet Amber did and the destruction was a wake up call and reminder that we all face things that will come to light, even when we want them to remain hidden. Was a journey of courage.

He was an alcoholic. He knew it. He did not care.

He lost his family. He lost his reputation. And he was about to lose his medical license.

He had been drinking the night of the governor's surgery. Both before and after the surgery. He had been charged with a DWI that night on the way home.

And the governor had died.

Two questions remained: Who was responsible for that death and what was Dr. Lee W. Hickok going to do about it.

Sweet Amber addresses the problem of alcohol within the medical community - looking at the issue from the perspective of the alcoholic, the medical staff, and the patient. Each part of the triad contributes to the problem. And each has a responsibility to address the problem - or suffer the consequences of their choices.

The author uses a fictional episode at a major hospital in Galveston TX to illustrate the issue from the perspective of mid-1980s medicine. It would seem appropriate to include a final essay addressing the issue in light of 21st century medical care. Alas, the author does not do this, leaving the reader to research and reflect on how the issues are played out in a more modern setting. The book does have a level of suspense and is stomach turning at times. At the same time, we see evidence of God’s grace working in the lives of a broken physician and his friends and family. I give the book four stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Lee W. Hickok is a Urologist Surgeon and on this night, he's on call for any emergency that arises overnight. He is also a functioning alcoholic. Sweet Amber Bourbon is his drink of choice.

As expected, there is an emergency and he is called to evaluate, possibly perform surgery, on a patient who turns out to be a very important state official. Even after a couple shots, he performs well, saves the kidney, and the surgery is a success. Recovery is expected to be routine.

Returning home after his on-call time, he is pulled over by the police. A broken tail-light leads to the cop smelling alcohol on Hickok's breath and then performing a breath analyzer and showing that the man is, indeed, drunk while intoxicated.

His problems are only beginning ..... he finds himself targeted by an investigative journalist who accuses him of malpractice which leads to a state senate inquest.

Drug and alcohol abuse in the medical field is not new. The author has done a good job in pointing to what can happen when a physician becomes addicted. The premise is a good one, with characters, some not-so liked. There is a lot of medical information in doctor-speak that could have been explained better, or used more common terms. There were other issues with the editing and although a distraction, overall the story itself saved the day.

Many thanks to the author / Black Rose Writing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Medical/Christian suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.