I was very disappointed in this book. I loved The Physician and Shaman, and looked forward to the final "chapter" in this trilogy. But I found this book did not "fill the bill". The character of Roberta Cole was, I felt, poorly developed -- I could not identify nor sympathize with her. I mostly just found her annoying. In fact, I didn't learn enough about any of the characters to feel I "knew" them by the end of the book. The most interesting part of the whole book was when David was relating his experiences with the Jewish scholars at Kidron. Mr. Gordon was infinitely more interesting writing about the past than about modern medicine, and perhaps more accurate. As a nurse with an obstetrical background, I found the childbirth sequence unrealistic ---- I have never seen anyone scream with the contractions that occur while the placenta is being delivered!

After reading the physician, the rabbi and Shaman, I felt like Noah Gordon couldn't surprise me anymore. Those were such great books. So, when I heard that there was a new book, completing the trilogy of the Cole's saga, I thought it would be some repetition from the other. I was shocked to realize he did even better this time. The book doesn't only speak of the "gift", but it tells the drama of a woman touched by it, and by several tragedies on her life, that changes her world upside down, finding new challenges,and new tragedies, and overcoming them all. It's a heart-touching story, that makes the reader think over some thing in his own life, and start giving life and its simple and small pleasures its true value. It's a "must" to read, for anyone who liked his first books, or not

Unfortunately, most of the people writing the other reviews missed the point of the book, or did not comprehend the full meaning of this book. It is very well written and keeps your interest at all times. It is many things all coming together to a beautiful ending. I can not imagine what more anyone would want in a book. The more-than-adequate development of the characters made for easy reading. Frankly, I found this to be the perfect ending for two such strong prior books as "The Physician" and "Shaman".

Anyone that enjoys the wonderful writing of Noah Gordon will also love this book. Don't be midled by the less than glowing reviews of other readers. I very nearly did not read this book because of the reviews. I'm so very glad I read the book and made up my own mind as to its value. I found it very entertaining and so glad I got to know Dr. R.J. Cole. Try it - you'll like it.