Synopsis "Vital Signs: Book #4 in The McFadden Series"
Summer in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts revs up with passion, a new Corvette engine, and Michael's seventeenth birthday as the McFadden saga continues. Bryan and Lauren are looking forward to a relaxed schedule when school lets out. Bryan still has hopes of taking a summer vacation despite the challenges-and the doctor's protest-of traveling with nine teenage boys and young men. It's been two weeks since Adam's TORP surgery, but it'll be weeks before he knows if the ossicular prosthesis will allow him to hear again. Terry, Devon and Cameron continue to thrive while Philip and Michael enjoy the company of girlfriends. It's not all sun and fun at the multi-million-dollar estate, however. Noah and Buddy face unresolved conflicts in their relationship. David continues the search for his beloved horse, but Bryan has doubts they'll find Shadow's Star. Bryan surprises the family with plans for a two-week camping trip. Each young man has a different reaction to roughing it in the woods. Days before the family leaves town, Bryan receives word that his father was killed in prison. His relief is short-lived when a trip to Worcester uncovers news of a teenage half-brother. Ben McFadden learns why his father went to prison, and when kids at the county home threaten him with harm, he takes to the back roads as a runaway. Meanwhile, bugs and sunburn are the least of Lauren's worries as the family hits the Mohawk Trail. She can't understand why her husband is suddenly irritable and preoccupied. In the university town of Westfield, things rarely go as planned for Ian Fielding. He lost his academic scholarship and his job. Now he fears he'll lose his boyfriend after Dr. McFadden and her husband hire Kevin Fitzgerald to work at their estate. Ben resurfaces after disappearing for two months. Bryan must decide whether to come forward or shut the door on yet another reminder of his abusive childhood. Craig Fisher is bad news; his reputation leaves Lauren questioning Michael's choice of friends. Michael reminds her that every story has two sides after a deadly turnpike crash sends Craig to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Michael asks Dr. McFadden and Bryan to intervene, but Lauren explains the challenges of daily care and long-term rehab for someone with a traumatic brain injury will place heavy demands on Bryan's and her workload. A commitment means compromises-and compassion-from everyone in the family.
