A mix of subjects — a fixer-upper project, a grieving family, and a budding romance — combine in one very good contemporary novel by Deborah Raney. Raney has the knack of bringing her fictional worlds to life, and Reason to Breathe is a great example. The first novel in the Chandler Sisters series, this book had everything I could want — real and relatable characters, great writing, and a naturally developing love story. Add in the Christ-centered message and you’ve got a winner. This one is a recommended read!

I loved all the characters in Reason to Breathe, but Phylicia (Phee) and Quinn are the focus of this first book. Their relationship has a few obstacles — an age gap, trust issues, and uncertainties of family dynamics — but it definitely is a romance readers will cheer on. The fixer-upper story line is a great vehicle for the budding romance and fun for the reader as well. Phylicia and Quinn are both believers, and Raney develops their relationship with an emphasis on God-honoring actions. In today’s world that is indeed refreshing. In fact the entire novel is infused with spiritual truths including the major theme of God’s timing — a message I certainly needed reminding of. Although Reason to Breathe is Phee and Quinn’s story, the two other sisters, Joanna and Britt, play major roles in the action. I am looking forward to the development of their characters and storylines.

Well-written and true to life, Reason to Breathe is a great choice for all readers.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Gilead Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

4.5 Stars

Deborah Raney has a gift for taking a story and adding elements to give it so much depth that it reaches across a multitude of reader likes.

In Reason to Breathe, Raney introduces three sisters who are getting back to life after the loss of their mother. When they agree to take on a huge project, Phylicia has no idea she’s about to face a crisis of identity.

This book has so much to recommend it! There’s the journey of grief the sisters and their father are on, the fun elements and details of the sisters’ experience getting the cottage together and livable, the mystery of what’s going on with the girls’ dad and the mystery surrounding a photo Phylicia finds, and, of course, some romance.

And though that sounds like a lot, Raney expertly fashions all of these pieces with the thread of faith that brings them together to make something beautiful.

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

I was drawn into this story very quickly and it felt so very real, and as I got to the end, I am thrilled to know that the other two sisters will also have a story to tell.
This is Phylicia Chandler’s story, and wow, a lot of bomb shells are dropped, but will she get the answers she is seeking. The setting is in Missouri, and a hard time in the lives of three sisters and the author has us feeling their pain, as they lose their mother and in a sense their father.
Grief is hard and we put faces on those recently affected by this terrible pain, but we are also shown how living their faith in God is a healing factor.
We are shown options of moving on, and there is a bit of sweet romance, along with the tears comes a few chuckles, and smiles.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, I love this family!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gilead, and was not required to give a positive review ( )