Title: The Breath of
Dawn
Author: Kristen Heitzmann
Pages: 437
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany
The
word that came to my mind as I finished reading this novel was
exhilarating! Kristen takes a story that
seems simple then compounds it with enough twists and turns to keep one from
putting the book down. The Breath of
Dawn title doesn’t really contain all that the story encompasses, which makes
it fun to read with eyes ready to discover the mystery contained therein.
Morgan
is man who has again becoming acquainted with grief, but can’t leave because of
his responsibilities to some who can’t care for themselves. Quinn has a past that is shrouded with
secrets. Her only reaction to a threat is
to run away as fast and far as she could.
Quinn’s father is a pastor who has no faith in her nor will he face up
to his own shortcomings.
Hannah
is Quinn’s sister who is mentally challenged, with the faith of a child. However, she has always despised her sister
since her birth. Markham has but one
goal on his mind, and that is to make her pay.
He just spent four years in prison and this woman turned him in to the
authorities. Now that he is out, she will
pay. Who is “she”? I don’t want to ruin it for you, so grab a
book and read to find out.
Noelle’s
family is rich, but her past isn’t all that many assume it should be having
grown up with money. Rick is Morgan’s
brother, and he is married to Noelle. The
brothers have a close relationship. In
fact, Morgan is close to all his family members though he tends to live life
unconventionally.
The
act of believing in God’s love and goodness touches the heart of the story’s
characters. Working through the myriad
of broken hearts, grief, and other issues with faith is the firm bedrock for
the plot. There are elements of mystery,
thriller, love, faith, and much more that keep one captivated until the last
page. Just when one might think he knows
the way the story will go, the author adds an element that at times hides the
outcome. Another awesome theme in the story
is the fact that only God can deeply satisfy the heart and bring peace. The characters learn to worship and lean on
God.
When
I first started the novel, I wasn’t sure how much depth there would be to the
story because it starts so simply.
However, while I pushed on, the depth of the story, characters, and
mystery grew. It is enjoyable to read
this work of fiction knowing that God is the central Person in the story. The friends as well as family that stand by
each other even when their lives are at stake is portrayed, which is encouraging. Seeing that not all families are the same
brought a sense of realism to the novel.
One
last thought about the book is that I liked the thought of how God brings the
desires of the heart to fulfillment.
Even though this is fiction, it is true nonetheless. God brings His plan to completion in His way and
in His time. Any reader who picks up the
novel will appreciate the labor the author put into writing an excellent
story. With winter around the corner and
the holidays too, grab a chair, a blanket, and time to enjoy the gift of hope
and love this novel reveals.
My rating is 5+ stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
. Also follow me on Twitter
@lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
