Twilight

I am not usually into contemporary fiction, but I will always pick up Kristen's stories. Her stories deal with real situations that Christians deal with every day. I recommend this story, it's worth picking up.

This was the first book by Kristen Heitzmann that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed the writers style and the depth of her characters. Even the "minor" characters were made real, and it was very easy to understand the way they related to one another. This book was great in sharing about the importance of fire safety; and the incredible pain and trauma of PTSD. It was also passionate about the need for relationship with God; and filled with the revelation of growth and knowledge of what "real love" is about and the need to know who we are in Christ. I hope many will read this book and enjoy!

Cal Morrison used to be the best firefighter the town had ever seen. A horrible tragedy left him with a fear he couldn't shake. He continued working for the fire department in the capacity of inspector and educator. When his old girlfriend, Laurie Prelane, returns to town with two small children, Cal tries to pick up the relationship where they began but Laurie makes it clear she's not interested in him or his friendship. Laurie thought marriage would give her everything she ever dreamed of. Riches, glamour and city life. She always hated the small town she grew up in. But life didn't turn out the way she planned. Now Laurie is determined to make it on her own for the sake of her children. She rents a house and takes a job as a waitress. But danger followed her. When things start happening, Laurie turns to Cal for help since he's the only one she knows to call. Cal is quick to step in, even when helping Laurie forces him to face his greatest fear. Twilight is the first book I've read by Kristen Heitzmann. It did take me a few chapters to get into the story but once I did I found the book hard to put down. This is a satisfying read and a story that you'll remember. I highly recommend this book.

Cal and Laurie were meant for each other. From the time they met in high school, Laurie embodied everything Cal ever wanted in a woman - looks, personality, and she needed him. For Laurie, Cal sent shivers up and down her spine by just walking into a room, but Laurie wanted more. Her parents had taught her that money and status made your dreams come true. Cal had neither so Laurie left the small town of Montrose, searching for what she thought would bring her happiness. After Laurie left, Cal followed his dream of becoming a firefighter. He is the kind of guy everyone in Montrose turns to. Laurie had turned to him when her grandmother died while they were in high school. Ray, a friend with a mental disability, turns to Cal whenever he needs help with odd jobs. Cal needs to be needed. He loves saving others, but in one fire, he can't. The little girl is killed only seconds before Cal can reach her. This experience forces Cal to see himself as a man and not a savior. In the midst of Cal's turmoil, Laurie returns to Montrose with her two young children and more trouble than even she realizes. The husband she is leaving is involved with drugs. Enraged at his behavior, Laurie dumps the drugs down the pool drain without his knowledge before running away with the kids. Like an old habit, she turns to Cal for emotional support, but she doesn't tell him about her husband or his involvement with cocaine. Cal does all he can for Laurie and her two children, but he discovers only one thing can save Laurie and that's Jesus Christ, not Cal. Will Laurie find the answer? Twilight not only explores the deep healing and spiritual journeys of Cal and Laurie. It also has elements of suspense through Laurie's husband and his desperate acts in trying to retrieve the drugs Laurie no longer has. Then, there is the romantic tension between Cal and Laurie. Will Laurie realize what true love is or will she continue to seek material wealth? Bookworm's Briefing Kristen Heitzmann is the author of several Christian Romance novels including Honor's Pledge and The Tender Vine. As usual, Heitzmann's research into her subject gives the book a depth of reality seldom found in romance novels. Though many of her books have a historical setting, Twilight is set in modern times. Kristen packs the story with strong characters and a moving plot. It has a little of everything - spiritual journeys, romance and suspense.

This book, the latest by Kristen Heitzmann, is sure to knock you off your feet! "Twilight" is a contemporary fiction of a firefighter Cal Morrison who is struggling with PTSD. When his old flame Laurie Prelane comes back to Montrose, Missouri with her two children, Cal is determined to prove his love to her and to be her friend. Laurie Prelane has problems of her own: She had married a man of wealth and prestige, a life she felt that could bring her anything she would want. But trouble with her "perfect" life with her husband, Brian had followed her to Montrose where she tries to do the best that she can for her kids, Luke and Maddie. Cal wants to help her but Laurie is no longer the woman he had known. His own problems may prevent him from being the hero that she would need. Will they both find the One that they need most of all? Great book. I heartily recommend to anyone who likes Dee Henderson's O'Malleys series and to read about a man driven to face his fear to save the woman he loves.