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Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.
Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future?
"Heitzmann weaves a many-layered tale... keep[ing] readers entertained and wondering when the next bit of drama will occur." --Publishers Weekly
"In this follow-up to The Still of Night, Heitzmann reintroduces the Spencers, which will please her fans, while adding a multilayered tale of suspense to please Dee Henderson readers." -Library Journal
MitziAB
Posted October 28, 2012
MY REVIEW
I know I do not want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, whether it is still on the tarmac or thousands of feet in the air, and yet I am completely willing to pick up a novel written by Kristen Hietzmann, and run with her as she tells the story.
Pure adrenaline, and do not start it if you can not finish it. I could not keep my greedy hands off of it, after I had selflessly told my mom she could read it first. So every time she was occupied with something else (mostly at night and sleeping, until she had it read) I slipped in and devoured it. The Breath of Dawn deals with relationships of daughters and fathers, sisters, man and women, family secrets and grief, among other issues. With each one of them, Kristen takes the reader and immerses them in the situation. Her pictorial writing has you living on the ranch, or in the A-frame building and playammals with a darling two year old, or fighting pneumonia with a pregnant Noelle or fleeing or fighting a righteous madman.
This novel will take you completely away from your environment and cause you to forget that there are meals to be prepared or that sleep is necessary to function. However, it will also leave you with satisfaction when love over comes evil, and secrets are revealed.
I was pleasantly surprised that Noelle from A Rush of Wings and Morgan Spencer from Still of the Night made prominent appearances in this novel, though you definitely do not need to read those novels to enjoy this one.
Thank you to Kristen and Bethany House Publishing for the opportunity to read and write a review of Breath of Dawn.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Moonpie72
Posted February 19, 2013
Do not let the size of this book intimidate you! Even though it is 437 pages, you will be done with it before you realize it and wishing it was twice as long! I read at night and found myself staying up way too long to read “just a little more” until I was drooling on my pillow and the book was slipping out of my hand.
This is Ms. Heitzmann’s 3rd book in this series. I have read them all. I feel you can easily read it by itself, but if you do, you will definitely want to read the others! The story was also very fast paced and there are no lulls or dull moments. The author has a talent of describing the settings and the characters so vividly that you just naturally picture them in your mind. Your own personal mental movie!
I loved the surprise element. Every time I thought I had the next twist in the plot figured out, the story would go in a totally different direction.
Morgan Spencer is wealthy, handsome, and after 2 years still deeply grieving the sudden loss of his wife. The only thing to keep him going is his 2 year old daughter Livie. His brother Rick and his wife Noelle have helped him but he feels it is time for him and Livie to create a life of their own. He buys a deceased neighbor’s house to make the transition.
Quinn is hired by the neighbor’s daughter to cull through the home and sell whatever is of value, not knowing Morgan has purchased it as is. Morgan and she are thrown together when he makes a surprise visit to inspect his new home. Meeting her stirs feelings in Morgan he never thought he would have again. Surprisingly his daughter is quite taken with her too. Quinn has lived the last four years in fear and hiding. Her testimony sent a very wicked man to jail. She finds out he is out of prison and looking for her to seek revenge.
When Morgan learns of her need for anonymity and protection, he impulsively proposes marriage, strictly business of course. She will remain safe and he will have someone to take care of his child. No strings attached.
Neither of them are prepared for what is to come. Both must learn to hope and love again, letting go of their pain from the past. As problems arise, Morgan finds his faith in God and biblical truths to come alive as Quinn struggles to trust God and others again.
This is beautiful story of unexpected love, healing, and learning to let go of the past. Add to all this, the romance, suspense and mystery and you have a fantastic book! You will want to read this one!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to
write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Yiya
Posted January 12, 2013
Disappointing "Christian" romance
“The Breath of Dawn” tells the story of Morgan and Quinn. Morgan is a successful businessman who has amassed a fortune and gained ample recognition by assisting companies solve their problems and directing them back into a profitable direction. But he now finds purpose in living only in his 2-year old daughter, after losing his wife and older daughter. Quinn makes a living by buying items from old estates and reselling them on e-bay, and has tried to isolate herself as much as possible, because she fears her past and Markham, the dangerous man she witnessed against years ago. They meet when a house is about to come to the market and both are interested in it – Quinn buys and sells items while Morgan plans to turn it into a home for him and Livie, his daughter.
When Markham is released from jail, the threatening messages start and Quinn sees her worst nightmare come true. At this point, she has become way too close to Morgan and his family and fears for their safety. She finally opens up to Morgan, the ever problem-solver that likes to take things in his own hands and offers an alternative that seems to jeopardize their future instead of securing it.
When I started reading this book, I wasn’t aware that it was the third one in the series; it took me a while to become suspicious about the characters. When the rest of the Spencers are brought in the story, it was good to share their Christmas celebration; their family life has its ups and downs, but it is encouraging to see people believing in God and staying true to godly principles despite difficult circumstances.
Up to this point, “The Breath of Dawn” is another token of Kristen Heitzmann’s wonderful ability to weave plots together, keep the reader interested and depict Godly characters. It all seems to be well, but there are aspects of the book that wander off of the Bible and flirt with a current idea of romance that is not godly at all. I am particularly referring to two aspects that have left me with a “cheap novel” aftertaste; by this I mean a novel that seems to be more interested in tickling the senses and finding a good marketing selling point than in portraying a character or situation from which the readers can learn Biblical principles.
The first one is the supernatural aspect of the basement; I presume that the author wanted to add suspense to the story by writing about ghosts and “a presence,” but it is just distracting, it doesn’t add anything to the story and is left unresolved.
The second one has to do with one aspect of Morgan’s solution – (SPOILER ALERT) please note that the rest of this paragraph contains information that will reveal some details of the story, but I need to include this so that I can explain why I find it so distasteful and out of line with the rest of the story. Always the problem solver, Morgan comes up with an extreme idea that, while providing a quick solution for Quinn and which might come later in time anyway, seems too forced and almost borderline of being a one-night stand. The author “covers her bases,” by having Morgan arrange a quick marriage to Quinn, out of the country and arranging a sort of dream honeymoon that might captivate a lot of readers, as it is the epitome of honeymoons, full of luxuries and money available, ready to quench any whim and craving. This is a side of Morgan completely opposite to the “family side” of Morgan; it does look like the book implies that a mere convenience is a good enough reason to get married.
In this sense, this book is very far from offering a good alternative to clean, Christian entertainment, implying that Biblical principles and ethics and morals are gray and can be blended into the current worldview - the main reason why I advice to read it with caution, or even better, not read it at all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. This has not biased my opinion on the book or on the author.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.SailinRae
Posted January 11, 2013
This was a GREAT book!!!! I couldn't put it down. Literally! I started reading it before going to bed, thinking I'll just read a couple of chapters and then go to bed....next thing I knew, it was 3 in the morning, and I had to be up the next day for church. So what did I do, I got up, hurried through getting ready, and read some more, and I read some on the way to church, and finally finished it on the way home from church. :) lol, it really was an edge-of-your-seat kind of book. The suspense was killing, and the romance was good. I loved how she made it so real. It wasn't the normal 'mushy-gushy' stuff that you mainly get in romance novels. She had them have many ups and downs, and admitting to not really being able to love, but that they were willing to give what they had to give. (which in and of itself is a testament to love)
Quinn is on the run, and she hopes that she has found a place where she can live in peace, until the very thing that she was running from, gets out of jail, and contacts her.
Morgan is also on the run...emotionally and spiritually to an extent. He is grieving and doesn't want anything to do with women other than his daughter...until he helps a girl move a piece of furniture. Little did he know he would be helping her with much more than that.
I'm not going to mention much more of the actually story, because I think it's put together to wonderfully to be told anyother way other than the way the author has written it. So sit back, (make sure you have time to read the whole thing in one sitting) grab your favorite blanket, form of caffeine, and curl up with this book. I promise you wont be disappointed. I received this book from the publishing company to read in order to give my honest opinion on the book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Jani417
Posted December 28, 2012
This is a wonderful, heartwarming story. While it is primarily a romance, it also features action, mystery, suspense and a strong spiritual influence. Quinn Reilly, a young eBay trader, meets widower Morgan Spencer, a corporate turnaround specialist whose field of expertise is problem solving…..and Quinn’s got some big problems.
Four years earlier, Quinn testified against a con man who embezzled and cheated a church’s congregation out of a huge sum of money. Now the con man has been released from prison and is out for revenge. Quinn and Morgan’s budding romantic relationship may be threatened and Quinn is concerned that her problems may put Morgan and his family in danger. Doing what he does best, Morgan comes up with an unconventional solution to Quinn’s problem, but will it keep the family safe?
The characters are very warm, likable people except for the villain, who is deeply evil, delusional and aggressively pursues his obsession for revenge. The Spencer family has strong faith in God and love for one another. Spiritual concepts are demonstrated throughout the story. For example, when Quinn admits to being reluctant to ask God for help, Morgan compares his own love for his daughter and the joy he feels from her love to the love of God for His children. The spiritualism and wisdom woven through this story are beautiful and inspirational.
This is the third in a series by Kristen Heitzmann. Readers who have not yet read the previous books will run to the bookstore for copies of the earlier books. 'A Rush of Wings' and 'The Still Of Night' are the first two books in the series and feature most of the same characters. There are hints of back story throughout The Breath of Dawn and readers will want to spend more time with the Spencers by reading their stories.
I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of review. I highly recommend this book for adults and teenaged readers.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.J_Augustine
Posted January 19, 2013
This book was a lot harder to read than most of Kristen's books, it was darker and more emotional.
The book deals mainly with grief and fear.
Morgan is grieving the loss of the wife he had so little time with and the daughter he feels he killed while trying to save.
Quinn is afraid. She did the right thing several years ago but a wedge was driven between her and her family, all but her Grandpa. How far will the man she helped put in jail go when he is released and who will he destroy with her?
Another theme in this book is the malevolent house that Quinn is cleaning out. What happened to the people and what IS the evil presence in the cellar?
A secretive Mother and a search for an unknown Father. An ancient bottle of LSD. A Sister with a mental problem. An overbearing pastor/father. A man conning an entire church in the name of God.
Not to forget the psychopath bent on revenge. All of this makes for a story well worth reading but will leave you emotionally wrung out by the end. While I didn't need a box of tissues I was left doing a lot of thinking in between chapters and after I had finished.
One bright spot in this book is the cutest little girl that everyone will want to hug and “playammals” with. Plus I think we would all love a Grandpa like Quinn's Pops, loving and willing to spend time with a girl who needs a little attention.
One thing to note, this book could be considered rated PG-13 because of the intense and difficult emotions and scenes. I would not give this book to a young teenage girl. I am in my 20's but I had a hard time with some of the themes since I had no personal experience to base from.
Note: This book is a standalone but for better understanding of the characters and some back-history you should read A Rush Of Wings and The Still Of Night first.
Pamela_CB
Posted January 10, 2013
Love and mystery in the Colorado Mountains. This is the backdrop of Kristen Heitzmann's novel The Breath of Dawn. Quinn Reilly testified against a religious cult leader and landed him a four year sentence in prison. She has taken on an anonymous existence as a transient e-bay dealer and has made herself a new home in a small mountain town in Colorado. There she meets Morgan Spencer a genius business millionaire who is also running from a past with his small daughter. The two of them start off on a business deal but soon become more acquainted as they clear out the remains of an old mental asylum. As their relationship grows Quinn finds out the man she helped to put in prison four years earlier is out and he wants revenge.
I could not put this book down and was literally up until six in the morning so I could finish the entire book in a day. From Morgan and Quinn's whirlwind relationship to the religious sociopath and the haunted asylum there was more than enough plot to keep me entirely intrigued for the entire novel. Once again, Bethany House, thank you for sending me yet another wonderful free novel from your collection!
THESELF-TAUGHTCOOK
Posted November 26, 2012
Four years after her testimony put Markham behind bars, he is free again and looking for Quinn. She has cut all her old ties and started a new life, but any contact with her family continues to place her in danger. Will the new life she has found survive the attack from Markham, or will she be forced to flee again?
In this novel, Kristen Heitzmann brings back characters from two previous novels, "A Rush of Wings", and "The Still of Night". This is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you hooked right up until the last page.
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Icecream18JA
Posted November 26, 2012
The Breath of Dawn is the first book by Heitzmann I have read and I’m glad I got the chance to review it! The story revolves around two conflicted individuals colliding and saving each other in more than one way. Quinn Reilly sent a con man to jail and he promised her that he will “make her pay”. Now – four years later – he was released. Her sister Hannah called to warn her, putting Quinn on the run. Morgan Spencer had lost the love of his life in a car crash, plus a daughter due to leukemia, which leaft him with his youngest infant named Olivia (Livie for short). When his wife died, he moved into his brothers’ guest ranch in the high country of Colorado. Moving forward a few years, Morgan wants to move back to Santa Barbara. One day he sees his neighbor, Quinn, is moving, so he thinks of buying her house instead.
Worlds clash and both Quinn and Morgan help each other emotionally and physically. Quinn feels like she’s a part of a family and Morgan tries to open his heart. It hurts for him; the pain of losing his wife is still an open wound. Even though Quinn wants to stay, she cannot risk the lives of the people she’s come to care about.
This book isn't a very “happy” book. It has conflict, inner struggles, a little bit of humor to take the edge off, and lessons to be learned. I don’t like drama books at ALL… instead I’m more of a happy-go-lucky / instalove type. Looking past all of that I really enjoyed the plotline and characters. Yes, it’s sad and I teared up a little, but it was interesting and kept me engaged. That’s honestly hard to do for me. Heitzmann put so much energy into this book and the reader can tell. This isn't a book that the reader will forget about. When I was finished with the book I kept thinking about it for a few days and letting the messages and ending sink in. It’s not a “cute” book, but something I would recommend for people. I didn't skip any pages, every single one kept me engaged. Even though I don’t like drama books, I would recommend this particular novel to adult readers.
Kristen Heitzmann in her new book, “The Breath of Dawn” Book Three in the Spencer Family series published by Bethany House takes us into the life of Quinn Reilly.
From the back cover: Corporate turnaround specialist Morgan Spencer, dubbed the “success guru,” has a Midas touch in business. But losing his wife sent him to the brink, and his two-year-old daughter, Livie, is all he’s living for–until they encounter a woman whose trouble just might draw him out of his own.
Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.
Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future?
The director, Alfred Hitchcock, described thriller this way: a terrorist goes into a restaurant and plants a bomb under a table then leaves. Two young mothers come and sit at that table with their babies in carriers unaware of the ticking bomb under the table set to go off in half an hour. As the young women talk the audience is aware of the ticking clock and they begin to scream at the screen demanding the women leave quickly which, of course, they don’t. “The Breath of Dawn” is a Hitchcock thriller with all of the above elements. Four years ago Quinn Reilly gave testimony that put a man behind bars and a threat on her life, now that man is getting out of prison. That’s the ticking bomb aspect. Quinn gets involved with Morgan Spencer and his daughter. With her Morgan’s cold heart begins to melt and the three of them begin to build a new life together. However they are going to have to deal with the man out of prison looking for Quinn. ”The Breath of Dawn” is pure suspense. It is also a wonderful romance. Ms. Heitzmann has crafted a story that will keep you flipping pages as fast as you can read and, be forewarned, you will not want to put the book down and will probably give up sleep to finish it. It is that good.
Win a Kindle Paperwhite and connect with Kristen Heitzmann at “The Breath of Dawn” Facebook Party {11/27}!
Kristen Heitzmann is celebrating The Breath of Dawn by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (11/27)
One fortunate winner will receive:
A Kindle Paperwhite
The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 26th. Winner will be announced at the “The Breath of Dawn” Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/27. Connect with Kristen, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of The Breath of Dawn and join Kristen on the evening of the November 27th for a chance to connect with Kristen and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Anonymous
Posted November 17, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted November 5, 2012
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Anonymous
Posted March 8, 2013
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Anonymous
Posted October 30, 2012
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Overview
Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to ...