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Eagle Point Emergency #3

The Nurse's Secret Suitor

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A Strong-Willed Heart

Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge--except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won't take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger...who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend's brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she's always hoped to unmask?

Eagle Point Saving lives--and losing their hearts-- in a small Illinois town

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

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96 people want to read

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Cheryl Wyatt

29 books72 followers

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5 stars
63 (46%)
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42 (31%)
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23 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for June.
1,542 reviews17 followers
January 24, 2014
Totally LOVED this story. The whole bandit thing and how much time Caleb and Kate spent together and she didn't figure it out. He's such a hero with his kindness to others and I loved how well he connected with Tia even though there was no blood relation. This has been a great series so far and I'm sure there are plenty more stories coming our way to enjoy!
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,804 followers
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December 29, 2014
"The 'Bandit' adds a charming twist to this delightful tale. Wyatt's characters demonstrate the power of words - to hurt or to heal and - remind the reader that God is strong when we are weak." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars

Miniseries: Eagle Point Emergency
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,418 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2022
Bringing 'Love Inspired' to amazing new lows. WoW.

The book begins with NO introductory storytelling - we're just thrown into a wedding for people we don't know in a place not described with no details about anything, when Kate gets a text. Because she's such a level-headed trauma nurse, she FR-eaks out, hurries out of the masquerade wedding (?!) and spazzes over the phone as her mother FR-eaks out and announces that not only is career-military grandpa about to have emergency surgery and possibly DIE, but she's divorcing her career-military husband of thirty years, because he deploys a lot. Gotta go, love you, bye! *click!*

First... if the grandfather, father, and daughter are all career military, it's NO surprise to the mom that there are deployments. My dad was gone ALL the TIME. You don't just freak and ditch after THIRTY YEARS of that, hello. By then, you're used to it. Implausible and ridiculous.

Second, overload of issues by page three with NO build-up or storytelling - that's BAD WRITING.

Then suddenly Kate's making a page and a half of excuses for crying when she NEVER cries to someone we didn't even know was on the scene, but the author just *poofed* into existence because reasons. And he doesn't talk, so she gushes like a freakin' fountain, in spite of the fact that military trained trauma nurses wouldn't be absolutely stupid chatterboxes in the middle of a dadgum wedding, for the love of St. Michael. ALL of this makes SO MUCH sense, of course. Right? Am I right?

BAD, B.A.D, *BAD* writing.
And then he kisses her, and *POOF*... gone.

All of this in the first FOUR pages, with no lead up, no character development, no description, no STORYTELLING... just word vomit of overblown proportions. I'm sorry, but I'm NOT impressed. This is bad writing, bad characterization, bad storytelling, bad EVERYTHING... all the way across the board. You want to write a story? WRITE a story. Don't throw crap at a page and expect people to deal with the aftermath of verbal explosions with no prep work, foundational material, rhyme or reason. It. SUCKS.

Also, don't tell people in the acknowledgements that Dean Cain from 'Lois and Clark' is this book's hero. We don't want to know what fangirling you've got going on, we want to be able to put to imagination our OWN version of a character. That's what separates the books from the shows, and that totally ruins it for everyone who picks up the book.

Ugh, I haven't put up with such a massive train-wreck in a LONG time. And that's saying something.
31 reviews
April 14, 2024
“The Nurse’s Secret Suitor” by Cheryl Wyatt

2 stars – over the top with superlatives; not believable

BEGINNING (Failed to launch; came off as a comedy. I think it was meant as a dramatic opening.)

Decorated military veteran turned civilian trauma nurse Kate Dalton is at her friend’s masquerade-themed wedding ball when she receives news that her thirty-years married parents are divorcing.

A complete (masked) stranger approaches from behind as she hangs up the call. She spills her guts to him, since he doesn’t know her; thus, her reputation for being a tough girl can remain intact.

He offers soothing words (after drying her tears with a blue camo kerchief, which she finds odd), kisses, a hug then whispers “Hang in, sweetness. Darkness never defeats the dawn.” in her ear in a gravelly voice…then…bolts, scaling an eight-foot fence, his cape flying out behind him, Kate yelling, “Wait! Who are you?”. She then whispers, “Marvelous Masked Intruder, come back.” He is dressed in all black as Zorro (of course). She then bangs her head on the fence wondering why she hadn’t chased him down.

***

Army medic Caleb Landis was delayed getting to his friend’s wedding. He stopped to talk to a friend after arriving late then had to leave. It is well known that he has had an unrelenting crush on Kate. He is certain that she hadn’t recognized him at the point of the kiss, since he had bulked up recently. She knows of the medic only through her friendship with his older sister, Bri. It had thrown him to see her so brokenhearted, and he had only wanted to alleviate her pain. He has her mask from when he dried her tears. He’s feeling guilty for the deception. He returns the mask anonymously, leaving it at the nurse’s station where she works with a letter addressed to Sweet Kate, signed BB.

**************

HEROINE’S CREDENTIALS (There are a few more that I missed throughout the book.)
1. Trauma nurse
2. Decorated military veteran
3. Third-degree black belt
4. Hand-to-hand combat instructor for special ops personnel
5. Drill sergeant
6. Beauty-pageant queen (who is not surprised when men find her attractive)
7. Leader and a force to be reckoned with at work
8. Originator of the phrase “Kate-it-up.”, meaning bring it up to ‘Kate’ standard
9. Leader elsewhere that people look to
10. Committees’ member
11. Construction worker of a bunkhouse, skilled and adept with power tools
12. Community event planner and construction worker for event props
13. Babysitter

I am not sure why the author feels the need to inflate this heroine to this degree, and I don’t understand why it isn’t enough to just be a woman. The overcompensation here suggests that it isn’t. It is insulting, as a woman, to read this.

**************

Bri, sister of the mystery man and good friend of Kate’s, wants to keep the stranger’s identity (her own brother) a secret so that Kate can feel better over her parents’ divorce, the crucial inspections coming up at the trauma center, her career military grandfather who is very ill, and her parents’ upcoming divorce. Bri wants to keep the charade going in support of her friend.

Kate’s divorcing parents have been married thirty years—one of them is a 5-star general, the other, her nursing-instructor mother and stickler for perfection. Maybe they should all be treated as adults. How about Bri just being a friend, maybe taking Kate out for coffee? That is, if Kate’s not too busy winning a pageant or saving another life or doing construction or babysitting or sitting on a committee or building props or…. Bri micro-managing Kate’s personal life is unsuitable given Kate’s overinflated credentials.

*********************************************

The ending was good, but there was a serious problem with timing and pacing and everything else that I already mentioned. I already forget the rest of the book—that’s how long it lagged, and it didn’t take me too long to finish it—it just felt like forever.

*********************************************

This read was exasperating and lacked form and structure. I appreciate the faith content, but this book was all over the place.

This was one of the longest novels that I have read in tolerance currency.

NOTE: This author is a Christian sister of mine, though I do not know her personally and definitely do not mean her any malice. I spent three days writing and rewriting this review, because I wanted to be sensitive to her and her work. In the end, I did my best to portray my honest review with as much grace as possible. I wish the author well in her future works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
683 reviews86 followers
May 31, 2024
Okay, I absolutely LOVED this one! This is book 3 in the Eagle Point Series and it was SO well written I would totally recommend this to others.

Kate is a trauma nurse that has moved to Eagle Point to help out with the new Center there.

Caleb is an Army Medic that is only home for his sister ( and Kate's best friend) Bri's wedding.

Before Caleb let's anyone know he's in town he attends a reception where everyone is wearing masks. He has always had feelings for Kate, but she never saw him as anything but Bri's brother. So when he finds her crying at the reception he swoops in to be her shoulder to cry on... except he's in costume, he's dressed as a Bandit.

Kate is curious about the man who came to her aid, and even more curious why she was SO drawn to this stranger. Kate has always guarded her heart and her biggest rule... never get involved with a military man. Her past is riddled with disappointments from a father that was gone most of her life and she refuses to be involved with someone like him.

The Bandit is a mystery to Kate... one second he's writing letters , sending gifts and sneaking off to see her. But the next he's gone.

Caleb is becoming a close friend, at the worse time... when he is expected to leave in a matter of months. And he is adamant, that nothing will make him stay. Caleb and her can never have a future because he's a military man... and yet, she feels she'll miss him when he leaves.

The Bandit has been there for her time and time again, but then he always leaves which is her biggest fear, over and over.

She's falling for two men ... or so she thinks. But sadly, they are both the same man, meaning they'll BOTH leave her on her own, soon. Can there be a happily ever after?!

This is SO different from the other books in the series and yet it ties together all the previous characters in the other stories. Its SO wonderful, you have to watch it all unfold!
Profile Image for Becky.
37 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2024
Meh. I wasn't crazy about this book. I just didn't find the storyline plausible. Kate has troubles, but is unwilling to talk about them to anyone. Not even her best friend. Then along comes this masked stranger, dressed as a bandit and she spills her guts telling him all the troubles she has. She only feels comfortable talking to a stranger. If she wanted to talk out her troubles with a stranger, then she needed to see a psychologist. Or get a teddy bear and tell her troubles to the teddy bear. The "bandit" didn't really say that much to help her. A teddy bear or a pet cat or dog would have listened as well as the masked stranger did. And that seemed to be all she wanted - someone who would listen to her. She didn't seem to be seeking advice - just someone to talk to. A pet or teddy bear would have been just as helpful as the masked stranger was, if you ask me. And her best friend would have listened just as well as the stranger did and she might even have been able to give Kate some encouragement and advice to help her deal with her issues. It was just silly that she felt she could only talk to this masked man. And on that first encounter, brief as it was, he kissed her on the mouth. If a total stranger suddenly kissed me on the mouth, I'd slap him silly. I certainly would not have gone around mooning over him and wanting to see him again. All in all, I thought this story was silly.
36 reviews
June 27, 2017
Delicious

So far this is my favorite book in the series.
Everything was perfectly written. I am not a religious person but the way it is written it fits.
The love, the tears the whole book is wonderful.
200 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2023
3.5 stars the H was a brat at the end overall I liked it
Profile Image for Betsy.
492 reviews20 followers
May 5, 2024
Enjoyed this sweet and uplifting secret admirer story. While there were several poignant moments causing the main characters to do some introspection about themselves and their life’s goals, there were many light-hearted moments that had me chuckling. Little Tia was adorable!
4 reviews
February 4, 2025
Great Christian Romance book. You can never go wrong with the Love Inspired books. You always get a warm, feel good Halmark type vibe from them.
Profile Image for Kame.
802 reviews39 followers
October 29, 2013
The Nurse’s Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt
5 Stars
Kate would love nothing more than to fall in love, but she has rules and she refuses to think of being a military spouse. She has left military life, and seen how being married to someone on active duty can stress a marriage. Caleb is home on surprise leave and had hoped to make it for his friends’ masquerade wedding; he arrives in his Zorro costume when he notices Kate. She has always thought of him as her friend’s little brother, she seems so sad, maybe he could make her smile. Caleb does manage that and steals a kiss too, all before rushing away, leaving Kate to wonder who that wonderful masked man was.

Eagle Point is a favorite setting for me. I love the whole concept of the town that Cheryl Wyatt has created. Kate is a focused trama nurse who finds time for everyone else and rarely asks for anything. Caleb is Bri’s brother and we saw him a bit in the second book in the series. He has a heart of gold and is fantastic with his new niece. He cares for Kate deeply and knows that she carries a lot in her heart. His support for her is wonderful. Caleb’s heart has not been as open to God as in the past – but he slowly reopens that door back up as the book progresses. What I did like about Caleb was his openness to prayer even though he was not a good practitioner himself. As always with Eagle Point books we get a glimpse at some of our favorite characters; we even had a mention of one of my favorites from the Wings of Refuge series – Brock!

A great book in a great series. I read every word Cheryl Wyatt writes, and I am never disappointed. I purchased this book for my Kindle; and went to the local Christian bookstore and ordered some hardcopies to give out to friends.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
64 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2013
This book touched me in such a way I did something I haven't done for a long time-I reread it right after finishing it the first time!
Kate Dalton,a military veteran who is now a trauma nurse at Eagle Point Trauma Center was brought up be a strict military father and a nursing instructor mother. Because of this,she isn't one to show emotions nor let down the walls she has erected.
This tough girl image starts to crumble though when she receives a confusing text from her mother plus a couple phone calls with disturbing news. The unfortunate thing is this happens while she is at a special party for her friends.
Then like out of a fairytale,a mysterious masked man appears out of the shadows! He listens and comforts her while she tells what has upset her-the weird part is she feels safe and comfortable with him. He disappears as quickly as he arrived and over the next few months he leaves her notes,gifts,and they do meet when she seems to need someone the most. But who is this man?!
Her best friend's brother Caleb comes home for 4 months from the military and adds another part of her life.
The ending of this one had me reaching for the tissues,and I really am very anxious for the next book in this series!
To add to your interest I will say you need to find out who Calebina is? What about the pink blanket? A tea party? And of course the bright purple bike with the white wicker basket and big neon plastic flowers?
This combination of medical,military,and everyday lives is one that will draw me in everytime,and Cheryl Wyatt does this so well!
Profile Image for Julie.
1,088 reviews75 followers
October 12, 2013
This book intrigued me from the first paragraph!! First of all, for anyone new to my blog, please understand that my favorite books are those with a medical slant. Add Christian fiction to that, and I'm in reader heaven!!

This book is a part of the Eagle Point Emergency series. Mitch is getting married and having a masquerade ball themed wedding. Kate, a trauma nurse for EPE, gets a devastating text message in the middle of the reception. She's upset and needing someone to talk to. As soon as she thinks that, a masked crusader shows up, holds her, lets her talk and cry, then gives her a kiss and leaves. Brianna, Kate's best friend, shows up looking for her. Brianna tries to comfort her friend but really doesn't understand Kate's dilemma. Besides, Kate doesn't want to burden Brianna with her troubles. Who was the masked man who swept her off her feet? Will Kate ever see him again? Kate is so consumed with family issues and helping Bri to plan the rest of her wedding that she almost forgets about him until finding a note, simply signed "BB" one day. The gifts and notes keep coming but soon Kate realizes that she has found the love of her life. Can she break it gently to her masked man?

I loved this book and simply could not put it down until I read it cover to cover! I am excited to read more books in this series and to see where Kate's story goes!

Thank you to Ms. Wyatt and the publisher for providing a complimentary review copy through the Christian Fiction Book Alliance blog tour. I have provided this review without coercion and this review reflects my personal thoughts on this book.
Profile Image for Cheri Swalwell.
Author 72 books60 followers
December 16, 2013
I just finished reading a great book from a new author (for me). The Nurse’s Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt. What a great read! I instantly fell in love with Kate Dalton. She was personable and had issues that I sometimes struggle with so I could easily relate. She was a Christian and relied on God for issues in life, but was real enough that she struggled with issues from her past. Caleb Landis was a man that reminded me a lot of my husband so I instantly fell in love with him too. Ms. Wyatt did a great job of depicting Caleb as a man who knew how to protect those he loved yet knew the importance of opening up and sharing parts of himself that might be difficult yet necessary. Kate revealed a vulnerability in her efforts to not need anyone’s pity.

God used this book to reinforce a challenge I was given last spring to “pray big.” I had forgotten some of my dreams and desires and how if they are doable in my own strength, then they aren’t big enough. I need to think outside the box and trust God to do immeasurable great things in my life when I choose to obey. I again began to “pray big” about issues I brought before God last spring and added a few others this time around as I, like Kate, would like to break some patterns in my life instead of inadvertently passing them along to my children.

Thank you, Ms. Wyatt, for challenging me while I was entertained. I look forward to reading more books by this author and will definitely be telling my friends about The Nurse’s Secret Suitor.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books653 followers
December 14, 2013
Title: THE NURSE’S SECRET SUITOR
Author: Cheryl Wyatt
Publisher: Love Inspired
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0373878444
Genre: contemporary romance

A Strong-Willed Heart

Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won't take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend's brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she's always hoped to unmask?

Eagle Point Emergency: Saving lives—and losing their hearts— in a small Illinois town.

I love the premise of THE NURSE’S SECRET SUITOR. Caleb is a shy, fumbling man, but also a strong military man. And he loves his sister’s best friend, Kate. But Kate doesn’t know he’s alive. At least not until he attends a masquerade party as Zorro, hoping to surprise his sister, but instead he comes upon Kate, crying in the gardens. Caleb listens, steals a kiss and departs, taking Kate’s heart with him. Except, Kate doesn’t know who he is!

This was a fun quick read that I finished in a day. If you like contemporary romances, then THE NURSE’S SECRET SUITOR is a book to consider. It’s well-written, informative, and simply great. Highly recommended. $5.99. 224 pages. 5 stars
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,218 reviews40 followers
September 30, 2013
My Review:

Kate was having a pretty good time at her friends wedding until she received a call form her mom saying that her parents were getting divorced after 30 years of marriage. She being very upset can't help but cry. But a man with a bandana covering his mouth comes up and comforts her. She felt safe with him and it seemed she was in love with him the minute they met.

Caleb is headed home from the war to come to his sister Bri's wedding in a few months. And while he's there, why not visit Kate. Caleb has loved Kate for years but she wants nothing more from him than a friendship. He has to eventually get that through his thick head.

Kate was happy to see Caleb after him being gone for so long, but it seems something has changed the way she feels around him. She just can't put her finger on it. But as this masked man sends her notes and gifts, she feels a stronger attraction towards Caleb and she just doesn't know whats going on. With her parents getting a divorce at least she has something or someone to distract her from the problem at hand. But is this masked man a blessing in disguise or a problem that needs dealt with?

Everything about this book is very intriguing it will hold you spellbound.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Santi.
Author 4 books104 followers
September 30, 2013

This was my first read by this author,  and I am happy to say I loved it! 
I don't usually contemporary romances but I chose to review this one on a whim because it sounded interesting to me! I was not disappointed! First off I loved the setting, a small town in which a group of dedicated doctors and nurses run a trauma center was very unique and in my opinion, genius! I loved the main character Kate from the very beginning, I found I could relate to her quite a lot! Caleb was an amazing hero! And I loved all the other characters, Tia was so adorable and she made me laugh so many times! I also really liked Ian and Mitch, I can't wait to read their stories in the two previous books in this series!

And the ending was oh so sweet!

Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it!



I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via CFBA in exchange for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
1,324 reviews11 followers
October 2, 2013
I always enjoy reading Love Inspired Romance stories. They are a quick read and always well done.

The Nurse’s Secret Suitor was no exception.

The first chapter brings you into the drama as Kate is hit with the news that her parents are getting divorced. This happens in the middle of a wedding reception.

As she is being washed away in the emotion of this news a masked stranger comes a long and comforts her.

Throughout the book this benevolent bandit continues to bring Kate hope just when she needs it most.

Your heart will be drawn to Caleb (the masked man) who definitely cares for Kate even though she doesn’t see who he really is.

The questions in my mind kept me flipping pages: When will Kate find out about Caleb? What will she do when she finds out? Can they find a compromise and meet in the middle so they can have a life together?

You will have to read the book to find out :)

A copy of this book was given to me by the author through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna.
855 reviews44 followers
October 4, 2013
Cheryl is known (in my opinion) for creating the best kid characters and she did it again in Tia. I realize this is a romance but having touching secondary characters adds a element to this story that doubles the enjoyment. I loved Caleb from the beginning. I dont want to ruin it for you but he will remind you of Dean Cain from Lois and Clark. Insecure and geeky in his relationship with Kate until he is hidden in the cape. Kate is strong and at her breaking point as she deals with her parents wanting a divorce and her grandpa dying. The scenes where they watch Tia are precious. The author shares how to make the scooter and the tea pot on her facebook page. This book was a delight to read.

For more info about my review you can go to More Than a Review dot com. Where we rate books on the level of sex, language, violence and drug/alcohol use.
6,175 reviews
December 27, 2013
The Nurse's Secret Suitor is about nurse Kate Dalton and military man Caleb Landis. Kate is one who can handle any situation except when it comes to dating and refuses show or tell anyone about her feelings. That is, until she meets a masked stranger. Caleb is secretly that masked stranger and hopes to one day for her to see him other than as just her best friend's brother.
I absolutely love this book. I don't normally read contemporary fiction, but when it is written by Cheryl Wyatt, I do not hesitate. This book is so fun! You will smile, laugh, and cry. Even the author's note is fun to read. The only thing I don't like about this book is that it just too short! I would highly recommend this story. Loved it! 5 stars.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,125 reviews19 followers
October 6, 2013
I loved this book. I loved re-meeting characters from the Eagle Point Emergency. I enjoyed catching up with all the activities in their lives as well as getting to know other characters as well. Kate is dynamic! And of course you have Caleb. . . the masked stranger. Oh and how handsome he sounds! Keep reading and you'll watch who actually ends the "masked" relationship and what becomes of this cute couple! Sigh, sigh, sigh, oh yes it was a great book. I loved reading it and of course it ended too quickly just like the rest.
934 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2013
I loved, loved The Nurse's Secret Suitor. Kate is at a masquerade wedding ball. Her mom text her saying her and her father were getting a divorce. When she is outside crying, a masked stranger appears. She has never been able to openly tell anyone her feelings. Kate tells the masked stranger everything from her heart. He listens. He then disappears. Gets better from here. Great story line.
Profile Image for Joanna.
53 reviews
August 26, 2016
This book is just fantastic! I've always been a fan of masquerades and who doesn't love the idea of a mysterious and romantic masked stranger?! I had high expectations for this book and I was not disappointed! The story just jumps off the page and I simply could not put this book down! This is one of those books I'll definitely be reading again! Thank you Ms. Wyatt for such an enchanting story! :)
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,655 reviews15 followers
April 29, 2014
The Nurse's secret suitor


Kate is at a engagement party and they are dressed in costumes. She receives a text from her mother that upsets her, a guy dressed like a bandit comforts her. He is actually someone she knows. She does figure who it is. Enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Stacy.
1,069 reviews20 followers
December 19, 2013
Some things I liked, some I didn't. It was pretty cheesy, but I liked the whole military angle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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