Alana Terry writes believable, real-life, compelling, down-to-earth fiction stories in her Orchard Grove Christian Series, and Breath of Heaven is all that and more. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a pastor's wife or to live in the manse or parsonage next door to the local community church? The church owns your home, but do they own you? Read this delightful story and you will found your answer to those questions and more. I found this book to be very thought-provoking, astute, laughable sometimes, but heart-wrenching at other times, with unbelievably accurate descriptions of many of the characters I have met in my own 72 years of church life. The expectations that members of a congregation place on their pastor, and his wife are well illustrated in this story, and everyone who reads it will recognize themselves or others in this well-done piece of writing. You might be the pastor, the pastor's wife, Katrina (or Mouse), Mrs. Porter, Nancy Higgins, Miles or even Grandma Lucy, but you will see yourself somewhere in this story. No matter where you see yourself or recognize your own character in one or other of the members of Orchard Grove Community Church, this book also gives us a clear message that none of us are perfect or sinless, however we all have the same Saviour who is willing and ready to accept us, forgive us and mold us into what He wants us to be. Alana Terry has the gift of writing stories that will make you a better, more thoughtful, loving and considerate person, without 'preaching sermons' at you or to you. Sandra D.
I loved this book! I've been a fan of Alana Terry's novels for several years now, but so far her Orchard Grove books are my favorites. Breath of Heaven is just so well written, with characters so deep and real I felt I knew them personally and wanted to step in and give them advice. I especially love the description of Katrina's relationship with her violin and with music in general. A wonderful read! Annie Douglass Lima
Who would be able to be a pastor's wife at her husband's church? That's what keeps going through Katrina's mind. Through a lot of ups and downs, Katrina and Greg become one again. It's a powerful story of one woman's need to find stability and balance in her demanding role of the pastor's wife. Her husband Greg also has difficulty trying to appease the elders of the church. This is another great read of The Orchard Grove Women's Fiction books. Each one is unique and deals with real life situations. Sandra Arbeni
I really enjoyed this story. I felt it was very true to life and made me see people in a new light. Katrina is a small town pastor's wife. Coming from big city CA to small town WA is a big change for her. I felt for her as she struggles to fit into a life so different from what she was used to. Read how she finds her voice and learns to have confidence in herself, to speak up and to see that not everyone is as she first thought. Mish
I loved this story of Katrina who struggled to find her voice as a new pastor's wife. I loved the depth of the characters especially Grandma Lucy that passes through Alana Terry books with her wisdom. This book is recommended to those that love strong Christian fiction with a powerful message. Linda Rainey
