I read all three of the books in the "Doctor Cole" trilogy back to back. I loved the first one (5 stars) and liked the next two very much (4 stars). Other reviewers have panned this one, and I admit it was probably the weakest of the three. However, it kept me engrossed, and I cared a lot about the protagonist, Dr. Roberta J. Cole. Some of the content portrayed the pro-choice vs. pro-life battles taking place in society and showed both sides, eventually reluctantly coming down on the pro-choice side. Being a male. I cannot say whether Gordon captures the female persona or not - it seemed fine to me.

This was the last of the Cole family series of books that started with The Physician taking place in the 1100's, the Shaman taking place in the 1800's and includes the Civil War, and this one that takes place in the early 90's I think and includes social issues about abortion and managed health care. All three books were most enjoyable.

Definitely not as interesting or engaging as the first two. The author is not adept at managing female characters, and the societal issues that are so quaint when hundreds of years old simply become preachy when they're current.
Not terrible at all, but definitely not in the same league as The Physician or Shaman.