Breathe: A Novel of Colorado (The Homeward Trilogy)

I never knew so much about the consumption -- Odessa's father had her two siblings bring her west to Colorado Springs to get better, little did she know, she was never to go back home. She had been ill so long, she forgot what it was like to feel better. Coughing consumed them, remembering to breathe, just breathe. Her brother Nic, he was supposed to watch over the girls, and run the family bookstore -- he had other ideas. He liked to box in the ring. I really didn't enjoy these parts, but it really did add to the book. Moira was a very entertaining character as well. Her part with the creepy sheriff made for many a sleepless night. While in the santitorium, Odessa makes friends with 2 gentlemen. One dies mysteriously and leaves her a poem and the other gentleman his land. What does the poem mean and does it have something to do with the land?? Read and find out!! Hurry, I can't wait to read Sing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The oldest three of eight children (four sons died from consumption, a daughter during birth) travel to Colorado to take Odessa to a sanatorium to recover from consumption (tuberculosis). Her sister Moira is a spoiled singer who is allowing herself to be courted by the shady sheriff of Colorado Springs in order to further her popularity status. Dominic, their brother, is a troublemaker who desperately wants to break free from the family's publishing career. The story largely figures around Odessa, who swiftly makes two male friends at the sanatorium. While there recovering, Odessa is concerned that she may have heard (but not seen) a murder take place. Odessa is left a mysterious note from her late new friend. Danger lurks around every corner for Odessa, and the book progresses quickly since each of the three main characters is involved in dangerous circumstances. The book flits from one individual's story to the next, with nary a boring turn. However, despite the interesting storylines, it's difficult to connect with the three main characters, perhaps because they're privileged and spoiled. Because the book is part of an upcoming trilogy, with Dominic and Moira as the main characters next, it's possible they will become more likeable as the series progresses. Odessa is the most likeable, for as her brother states, she's "empathetic" and cares about the other "consumptives" around her. It's also easier to connect to her because she's seriously sick. The last part of the book seemed to pace things a bit oddly: a quick romantic relationship, a drawn-out mystery (it seems the criminal(s) would not have been quite so patient, even though the book attempts to explain it). But, these problems may be easily overlooked due to the overall storyline. As someone who has watched a program about tuberculosis sanatoriums and had a relative who lived in one, I found this to be a very unique and interesting subject for a novel. Intriguing storylines have been set up for the subsequent books as well.

This book interested me as I have appreciated others written by the same author. I was not disappointed. As a lover of historical fiction, it has become difficult to find a books that have a unique storyline. Here I was surprised. Breathe has an unsual twist as the main characters are both in a sanatorium trying to recover from "consumption." The first mystery of the book is whether thery will survive. By not exploring the modern definition of consumption before I started reading, I began to feel the character's frustration and fear due to lack of knowledge. The author stays true to the understanding of the time, then a good job explaining it in the end. (Don't cheat and look ahead!) While other mysterious happenings are occurring, the siblings of the main character, Odessa, are beginning to reveal their character as well. Of course, I'm hoping for the sequels to be thier stories. If you like stories of mystery, love and history, you will enjoy this well written book.

For those who haven't given Christian Fiction a shot, go for it! This one is NOT preachy (most Christian fiction novels of today are not), and they are good, clean novels that compare wonderfully with secular versions. Lisa Bergren's "Breathe" is the first in a trilogy. It focuses on Odessa, a young woman who has "consumption", also known today as Tuberculosis. It also sets the story for her siblings (I believe each following book is going to focus on each sibling, we shall see). A nice mixture between innocent romance, western, mystery, and a very unusual focus on consumption. I wasn't too aware of the history of the disease and so it was very interesting for that fact alone. This book really pulled me in and did not drag at any point in the story, it was very exciting and the characters were well formed, in my opinion. I too would have liked to know a bit more about Bryce, they didn't really give much history to him at all. My only complaint with the novel was the typical "free woman" feel to it. These ladies (particularly Odessa, who was a mature LADY from the East) from this time period were pretty vocal about being ladies. Yet somehow the author seems to think that they would have no issues being obnoxious, kissing their newly engaged beloved, etc... right in the public eye and quite obnoxiously! It just wasn't realistic, it felt like the author was putting her own ideas of what SHE would have done, rather than how it most likely would have been at that time period, and it annoyed me. So other than that, I had no issues with the book and it was quite clean. I would highly recommend this one to any fan of Christian fiction, and to those whom are not!

Breathe is my first foray into Ms. Bergren's writing, and I'm thinking it won't be my last. She has created a lovely story with beautifully vivid imagery, wonderful characters with depth, and a sweet love story. A love story not only between two recovering consumption patients but also a love story to Colorado. Like Tamera Alexander before her, you can see Ms. Bergren's love for her home state in her writing. It is a locale ripe with opportunities for works of fiction, apparently... Dominic, Moira and Odessa St. Clair venture to Colorado in hopes of finding a cure for the consumption that has ravaged their family. The title "Breathe" is very appropriate for this trio. Dominic needs to learn to take a few breaths to calm his temper before always jumping into an argument with his fists. Moira needs to learn to think and "breathe" before making hasty decisions that could risk her safety. And Odessa needs to literally slow her breathing to a steady rhythm to avoid further coughing fits. But soon all will be breathing and moving towards a new life, love and future. The story focuses on Odessa who is on the brink of death but arrives just in time to begin treatment at the renown local sanitarium that boasts remarkable recovery rates. Here Odessa meets two men who are in recovery. Sam is a sweet older gentleman who immediately takes a liking to Odessa. He is a matchmaker at heart, seeing the possibility between her and his friend and fellow patient, Bryce. Bryce and Odessa fall quickly for each other- mostly in the aftermath of dealing with a string of tragedies surrounding a silver mine, including Sam's murder. The bad guys are pretty easily discernable and the plot follows a fairly predictable path. But neither take away from the story enough to lessen the draw to keep reading. It is definitely a hard one to put down! I am eager to read more of this promising series!! There is enough suspense, mystery, intrigue and romance to keep you enthralled to the very end. ;-) Fans of Tamera Alexander's Fountain Creek Chronicles and Timber Ridge Reflections will enjoy Ms. Bergren's Breathe. Anyone who enjoys a good historical should enjoy as well. Though Breathe is classified as Christian fiction it is not overly preachy in the least.