Bible Reference(1,964)
Bible Studies(1,541)
Biblical Studies(1,671)
Biography(2,664)
Business & Careers(243)
Catholic(284)
Children(2,112)
Christian Living(11,282)
Church & Pastoral(2,333)
Church History(714)
Closeouts(3,499)
Commentaries(2,130)
Devotionals(5,278)
Family(6,019)
Fiction(24,254)
Action/Adventure(76)
African American(45)
Allegory(169)
Amish(2,691)
Biblical(388)
Classic Fiction(36)
Contemporary(3,740)
Drama(795)
Historical(1,670)
Poetry(10)
Prophecy & End Times(137)
Romance(6,738)
Short Stories(40)
Suspense & Intrigue(6,206)
Teens(685)
Westerns(367)
Gift Books(490)
Other Languages(14)
Personal Growth(8,224)
Philosophy(47)
Prophecy & End Times(923)
Theology(2,472)
Shop Now At Christianbook.com
Shop Romance or
Choose a Category
- Academic
- Accompaniment Tracks
- Advent
- Adventures in Odyssey ™
- Audiobooks
- Bible Accessories
- Bible Covers
- Bible Studies & Curriculum
- Bibles
- Blooming Bargains
- Books
- Catholic
- Children
- Christian Living
- Christmas
- Church & Pastoral
- Church Supplies
- Closeouts
- Clothing & Accessories
- Crafts & Recreation
- DVDs
- Download
- Easter
- Education
- Fall
- Family
- Father's Day
- Fiction
- Focus Magazines
- Focus Resource
- Focus Reviewed
- Focus on the Family
- Gift & Home
- Graduation
- Homeschool
- MP3 Music Downloads
- Mother's Day
- Music
- New Release
- Patriotic
- Pre-Order
- Radio Theatre
- Slightly Imperfect
- Software
- Spanish
- Spring
- Subscriptions
- Sunday School
- Teens
- Thanksgiving
- VBS
- Videos
- Winter
- eBooks
Most Popular Products
Top-Rated Products
Customer Reviews for Bethany House The Breath of Dawn
Bethany House The Breath of Dawn
Morgan Spencer has had just about all he can take of life. Following the tragic death of his wife, Jill, he retreats to his brother's Rocky Mountain ranch to heal and focus on the care of his infant daughter, Olivia. Two years later, Morgan begins to make plans to return to his home in Santa Barbara to pick up the pieces of his life and career.
Quinn Riley has been avoiding her past for four years. Standing up for the truth has forced her into a life of fear and isolation. After a "chance" first meeting and a Thanksgiving snowstorm, Quinn is drawn into the Spencer family's warm and loving world, and she begins to believe she might find freedom in their friendship. But then the man Quinn put behind bars is released and she's afraid for everyone around her. Can she face her greatest fear or flee to find safety in anonymity?
Average Customer Rating:
(40 Reviews) 40
Rating Snapshot (40 reviews)
5 stars
27
4 stars
5
3 stars
5
2 stars
3
1 star
0
37 out of 4092%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Breath of Dawn
Review 1 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Date:March 8, 2013
Petite Choux
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
Having read the previous two books in the story of these brothers, I felt this one was missing just a bit of the energy and suspense of the previous two. It felt a bit like a film series that's been great until there's a change of director.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
gripping
Date:March 2, 2013
quiltnmama
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Breath of Dawn left me wanting to read more after each chapter as I learned more about the lives of Quinn and Morgan as they both are seeking to find their way out of pain and heart ache. As Quinn risks to build relationships with those around her, the danger of her past becomes greater. I found myself wanting to keep reading one more chapter to know if there was safety there for her and others she came to love.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
LOTS OF ROMANCE AND SUSPENSE!
Date:February 19, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
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.
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.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Fast-paced & Exciting!
Date:February 15, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I’ve read and loved Kristen Heitzmann’s books for years. And this romance-thriller is no exception. I love how Ms. Heitzmann weaves a story line and makes her characters so believable. She also has a style that is easy to read, moves quickly, and is suspenseful.
The Breath of Dawn is a story about two main characters–Morgan Spencer, who has lost his wife in a tragic accident and is hardly raising his small daughter–and Quinn Riley, who is running from her past and trying to hide. Quinn has a business where she buys and resells antiques or collectibles. And she becomes involved with the Spencer family through Morgan’s sister-in-law. This same sister-in-law has become a surrogate mother to Morgan’s daughter and Morgan decides to run his corporation from his brother’s ranch allowing his daughter time with her aunt while spending more time with her himself. So he buys a home near his brother’s ranch which Quinn is emptying for her business for the previous owner. They meet…and Quinn has no idea Morgan Spencer is a self-made millionaire. And Morgan has no idea Quinn has sent a man to prison and that he’s been released and is out to get Quinn. They reluctantly become involved and then Quinn is afraid of the man whose chasing her, but more afraid of what that will mean to the Spencer family.
There are so many twists and turns and you can’t help but cheer for Quinn & Spencer–hoping they succeed in their relationship and overcome the enemy in their lives.
The Breath of Dawn is a story about two main characters–Morgan Spencer, who has lost his wife in a tragic accident and is hardly raising his small daughter–and Quinn Riley, who is running from her past and trying to hide. Quinn has a business where she buys and resells antiques or collectibles. And she becomes involved with the Spencer family through Morgan’s sister-in-law. This same sister-in-law has become a surrogate mother to Morgan’s daughter and Morgan decides to run his corporation from his brother’s ranch allowing his daughter time with her aunt while spending more time with her himself. So he buys a home near his brother’s ranch which Quinn is emptying for her business for the previous owner. They meet…and Quinn has no idea Morgan Spencer is a self-made millionaire. And Morgan has no idea Quinn has sent a man to prison and that he’s been released and is out to get Quinn. They reluctantly become involved and then Quinn is afraid of the man whose chasing her, but more afraid of what that will mean to the Spencer family.
There are so many twists and turns and you can’t help but cheer for Quinn & Spencer–hoping they succeed in their relationship and overcome the enemy in their lives.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Another great book by a favorite author
Date:January 28, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Breath of Dawn is, well, what can I say? There's a reason Kristen Heitzman is one of my favorite authors. She writes some of the best Christian romantic suspense I have ever read, and this book certainly did not disappoint.
Quinn Reilly figured she was safe, thought she had managed to "disappear" so that her past wouldn't catch up with her. But then in the blink of an eye, danger is upon her. Morgan Spencer has been through so much pain in his life that he hardly expects anything good anymore. His little girl is the only thing keeping him going. He and Quinn meet and then circumstances through them together over and over. When he hears of her plight, he offers a solution that sounds crazy to Quinn-- and to Morgan's family. But will it turn out to be something so much better than either of them could ever imagine?
There are two previous books in this series, and while each stands alone, the other two will give you some background into the lives of the characters. They are A Rush of Wings and The Still of Night.
This book is an awesome read and I would highly recommend it.
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
The Breath Of Dawn
Date:January 24, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
I am a bit torn on this one. Most of the time I really enjoy books by this author, and I do remember reading the 2 previous novels that used characters who are in this stand-alone novel. (You do not need to read A Rush Of Wings or The Still Of Night first to understand The Breath Of Dawn, but they are good books.) This just seemed to drag sometime, though, to the point I would put it down and forget about it for a few days. Ultimately I did enjoy it, but there were parts that could have been omitted and I never would have missed them. There were also things in the story that I never did understand the point of them being included. This is definitely a book the fans will love, and especially those who like a continuation of stories with beloved characters. I simply lost interest during some parts of the story that didn't appeal as much to me.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Share this review:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Good Romantic Suspense
Date:January 22, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
My latest book was Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann was very interesting. I have read other books of hers and knew I would not be disappointed.
Storyline covers a corporate turnaround specialist named Morgan Spencer. Everything he touches turns to gold in the business world but not in his personal world. He lost his wife and has not fully recovered her death. He has a two year old, Livie, who is "his life". Enter Quinn Reilly who comes to care for the Spencer family. She was involved with putting a man in jail with her testimony and goes to great lengths to shield and protect herself, but threats start surfacing against her. She puts the Spencer family in danger but she need Morgan to help her fix problems. He has a counterproposal that takes them in a direction neither is ready to handle. Confronting the past is one hurdle but a future together is questionable.
Good story for the most part. I felt the story was too long and places in the middle of the book were being drawn out and not holding my interest.
Thanks to Baker Publishing for sending me this copy free of charge just for my honest opinion.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Date:January 21, 2013
Jona
Location:Boise, Idaho
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
1
out of
5
Value:
1
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
1
out of
5
This book is a third in a series regarding the Spencer family. It centers around Morgan and Quinn trying to figure out their past and how their lives can blend together in the future. I have read the first 2 books in this series and was truly touched by the events in the Spencer family. This third one had a lot of hits and misses. It was very suspenseful and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens in the end but I felt there were to many parts of it left incomplete. I feel indifferent about recommending this book that was given to me from Bethany House Publishing for my honest opinion.
Share this review:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Another absorbing story from Kristen Heitzmann.
Date:January 19, 2013
TellNJasmine
Location:Montana
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
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?
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.
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.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Date:January 17, 2013
Going into this book, I did not realize that it was book 3 in a series. I thought it was a stand alone. However, you don't need to read the other 2 books in order to follow the story line. Kristen Heitzmann is becoming a favorite author of mine, so when I saw this book was up for review, I snagged it right away. I will say that I was not disappointed in the least either.
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?
Kristen throws you for a loop in the middle of the story that I did not see coming. I was not able to put the book down I wanted to know what was going to happen. There were many layers to this book and I loved the way everything came together seamlessly at the end. I was intrigued by the rabbit trails I thought she had sent us on knowing that somehow they would all come together, and I was very happy the way they did. This is a book I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for review.
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Breath-taking story of love, forgiveness and faith
Date:January 13, 2013
cooljennie2000
Location:Canada
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Quinn Reilly has lived in fear for the past four years since she had stood up for the truth against the corruption in her father's church headed by a so-called "prophet" Markham Wilder. When Markham gets out of prison vowing his revenge against her, Quinn knows that she must take drastic action in order for him not to find her. Desperate, she turns to Morgan Spencer who offers a different alternative to her solution and one that
perhaps would capture her heart.
perhaps would capture her heart.
After the death of his wife, Jill, Morgan has had it with life until a young woman who has a past catching up to her appears and turns it upside down. The man who she had helped put in jail is getting out and vowing that she would pay for his incarceration. A natural problem solver, Morgan offers her an unconventional way out of her situation but with repercussions that neither of them was ready to face.
Again Kristen has done it with an inspiring story about God's goodness and grace. I love the characters Quinn, Morgan and of course the Spencer family whom we have met in A Rush of Wings and The Still of Night. I couldn't help but fall in love "again" with Morgan as he struggles valiantly against what life throws at him. After "The Still of Night" I had thought that he has been through enough and deserved his happy ending with Jill. So when I heard that Kristen was writing this sequel to the story I was apprehensive but at the same time I've read all of Kristen's books before and she has not disappointed me yet. I did expect to have a bit more suspense in the book but the smooth plot more than made up for that. Wonderful job on this story Kristen!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Disappointing "Christian" romance
Date:January 12, 2013
Quality:
2
out of
5
Value:
1
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
“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.
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.
Share this review:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Fascinating Page-Turner
Date:January 6, 2013
katiespen
Location:Greer, SC
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Kristen Heitzmann's story, Breath of Dawn, was definitely hard to put down! The storyline was fast-paced, compelling, and riveting. Heitzmann does an excellent job of making her characters come to life and describing everything in detail without being disgustingly graphic.
Quinn Reilly has every reason to be afraid - running from the man she testified against, a man her whole family believed over her. Finding herself alone in a town far from home, she never dreamed that she could possibly find the life she has only dreamed of having.
Morgan Spencer had it all - riches, fame, a beautiful wife, and a newborn baby. But tragedy tears his life apart, and he wonders if he will ever learn to love again. But when he becomes wrapped up in a murder plot that shakes his family to the core, he suddenly realizes where his priorities lie.
Two hearts have been broken, but can God mend old hurts and keep love alive? This book is definitely hard to put down, so be prepared to not get much sleep until you finish it from cover to cover!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Suspenseful? Definitely. Kind of Creepy? That too.
Date:January 2, 2013
christine
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
I had a hard time getting into this story, perhaps because I hadn’t read the first two books (written some 10 years ago), not realizing this book was the third in a series. As I continued thru the book, it became quite apparent I was missing pertinent background details which might have made the story more like-able. I found the book suspenseful, the storyline kept me engaged in finding out the story's resolution BUT... I found the details about the asylum disturbing and, until the story's conclusion, not completely applicable. SIDE NOTE: Not recommended for young readers; adults only. As far as character development, while Quinn & Morgan were likeable, they seemed quite unrealistic/unrelateable, even for a work of fiction. I am a new Kristen Heinzmann reader and not routinely a romantic suspense reader, so with those biases, I found this book just OKAY.
I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review; all opinions expressed here are my own.
Share this review:
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Great romantic suspense
Date:January 2, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I always enjoy Kristen Heitzmann novels and this was no exception. Breath of Dawn was a romantic suspense novel about a girl who is running from a man she testified against and finds herself turning to Morgan, a rich "success guru" who is mourning the death of his wife. This book hooked me from the beginning and was engaging the whole way through. I was thinking about a third of the way through that I had read about these characters before, which of course I had in "Rush of Wings". I thought the build up about the scary basement was a little overdone but it did come full circle in the end. I thought the book was very well done and just the right amount of suspense and romance.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Wonderful Romantic Thriller
Date:December 28, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
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 teenage readers.
Share this review:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
A Suspenceful Romance
Date:December 27, 2012
Noreen
Location:Colorado
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This is one of the most suspenseful, romance thrillers I've read in a long time; a book that was hard to put down but also kept rolling through my thoughts at bedtime. I had read one of Kristen Heitzmann's book quite awhile ago, but it wasn't as suspenseful as this.
From the back cover of the book: "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 as risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hope 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?"
This book has so many twists and turns, you are never quite sure what will happen next. A good plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well developed and you can imagine that you know them. I will say this isn't for the faint of heart; but if you like mysteries, you'll like this. Check your library to see if they have it on their shelves, you won't be disappointed.
I received this book free from Bethany House for my honest review and did not get any compensation.
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
an ok read
Date:December 15, 2012
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
I had a hard time getting into this story, perhaps because I hadn’t read the first two books. For about a third of the book, it felt like I was missing some background information. Still, once I got past that it was entertaining enough and I enjoyed the suspense that Quinn’s past created. Most of the storyline was intriguing, but I’m not sure that asylum part added a whole lot to the story, Not till near the end did I find out why it was actually pertinent to the story – by then it didn’t matter anymore, and seemed like an unnecessary addition to the book. As far as characters are concerned, I liked the spunky Quinn, even though her spunkiness and spontaneity led her to make disappointing rash decisions. Morgan is somewhat unrealistic – how many men in real life have wealth, power, looks, always make sound decisions, are very likeable, fly off to Paris and come home married to a mere stranger (just to help her) and it actually works out well? All this, while still grieving the loss of a spouse. Unless you like an ‘it all works on paper’ type of story this character, as wonderful as he is in the story, is just a bit too perfect. Granted sometimes a touch of fantasy is fine, if it’s not too farfetched.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Share this review:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
Complex and Consuming
Date:December 15, 2012
Complex. Multi-layered. Consuming. I've been wrestling with finding the right words to convey the power and depth of this story for hours. Characters became family and danger became personal. What a riveting read! I'd have tons to say at a book club meeting but am hesitating here because I don't want to post any spoilers.
One of the things that struck me the most is the incredible characterization. Heitzmann has thought each one through from motive to reaction and on to redemption. Amazing. This reads real.
The suspense is drawn out with expert care. There are scenes I knew were significant early on in the book but I didn't know how they would play out in the full spectrum of things. Thankfully Heitzmann did...and I just have to say 'amazing' again!
If you like depth and spirit paired with romance and hope mixed up in an incredibly suspenseful plot, you are going to love The Breath of Dawn!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for The Breath of Dawn
Overall Rating:
A wonderful story of second chances!
Date:December 13, 2012
Caroline
Location:Winter Park, FL
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
We fall in love with the fiestiness of Quinn Riley and her compassion for others, while fleeing a danger no one knows about. Morgan Spencer can "fix" anything, except himself. He lives totally for Livie, his daughter, while cloistered at his brother's ranch. When the danger Quinn is running from finds her, she has to turn to the one man she thinks can fix her problem: Morgan. His solution ends up being the "fix" they both are needing. This was a fabulous Kristen Heitzmann novel and a wonderful conclusion to the Rush of Wings trilogy! I could not put it down and have read through some of my favorite parts several times!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.