All's Fair is dedicated to those who serve.

Lieutenant Chrysti Baker, a third-generation army nurse, has an exceptional bedside manner.

 

Framed by her father’s suicide, Chrysti maintains a sincere concern for the mental health of her colleagues and patients. She is particularly worried about the hunky medic, Sergeant Bo Burke, who is plainly affected by the horrific results of combat. When he loses a leg to a landmine, Bo spirals into a depression. On the night before Bo is shipped out for further treatment, Chrysti proves to him that he remains a complete and desirable man.

 

All's Fair is a product of watching too much television coverage of the American-led invasion of Iraq. The news channels did a wonderful job presenting information about the field hospitals and I decided to set a romance in one of them.

I took abundant notes and then surfed the Internet for more information about the doctors and nurses who serve. One link led me to a list-serv for medics. Most members are Vietnam vets, but I did meet some medics and nurses on active duty. So many men and women were eager to supply information.

I received a wonderful education. I interviewed several veterans on the telephone and still remain in communication with two of them. One is a fellow author, Jerry Strand. His book, The Red Caduceus, is on sale now.

My greatest satisfaction since finishing the book came when I watched a recently broadcast piece about soldiers injured in Iraq.  The presentation read like a chapter in All's Fair.  I knew I got it right.