A review from my old blog...I fell in love with the characters in Heitzmann's two historical fiction series but I had a hard time connecting with the two main characters in this book. Most likely this was just something in my head because at the beginning I had the distinct feeling that I'd already read this book before or at least I'd read a book with this exact story line (or something very similar) before. Throughout the book I kept searching for hints that would remind me of the other similar book that I read or confirm that I had read this book before. I'm still not sure.I think I will begin analyzing the books I read based on the following criteria: plot, characterization, revelation of backstory, grammar, imageryPlot: I have to admit that I projected my own ideas on where the plot was going to go based on that idea in the back of head. Unfortunately, my projected ideas turned out to be true for the most part. What intrigued me was the interaction of the subplots, as characters came in and out of the story.Characterization: Of course I wanted to know how each character's story developed. I learned much about the two main characters: Morgan and Jill and enjoyed watching them change, grow closer to God in believable steps (although extreme at some points). When I finished the book I wanted to know more about characters that made brief appearances in Morgan and Jill's life like Jill's learning disabled students or the troubled boy that Morgan mentors (or attempts to mentor). Now, I admit...Heitzmann would have needed to write a much bigger and weighty book if she intended to fully develop these characters. I guess what I wish is that she would have better tied off those subplots/character's stories.Revelation of backstory: I don't have much too say here. Ms. Heitzmann did an excellent job.Grammar: Thankfully no glaring errors jumped off the page. Something about significant grammar mistakes turns me off to an author. Not Ms. Heitzmann though.Imagery: Occansionally, an author that I read will create such striking word pictures that I can remember even after I put down the book. Now, Mrs. Heitzmann is not one of those authors but she does paint a picture clear enough for me that I can see the action and the characters. My heart even skipped a beat (okay, speaking figuratively) when Ms. Heitzman introduced Santa Barbara as Morgan's place of residence. I absolutely love that city and also having been there I could more easily picture the locations Ms. Heitzman describes.
I am a fan of books. Fiction, Christian fiction, thrillers, Romance, Sci-Fi, Non Fiction, history, biography, etc. I love it when I find a book within a specific genre that really works. This is a Christian fiction novel (a book 2 I discovered but I never read book 1). I love the characters and how they struggle each day with their faith and their lives. Not all people who call themselves Christians seem to act in what I think is a Christian way (i.e. loving, forgiving, caring, etc). And there are those types of Christians here too. Very much real life. The main characters are flawed and beautiful. I will have to say I cried quite a bit reading this book. I don't want to give too much away but this book includes, among other things, adoption, cancer, loss of love, discovery of love, discovery of worth, miracles and a constant reminder that God loves us all. @KFHeitzmann
What do You think about The Still Of Night (2003)?
I thoroughly enjoyed this emotional novel. The story moved rapidly and the characters were memorable. Never have I been so impressed with the way an author handled a foul-mouthed character. Not once were his crude words included, and no blank lines so you could imagine what he was saying. Instead the narrator commented on how many times in a sentence he used a particular word. "So far he'd gotten it into every sentence." I got the flavor of the character without have to hear the vulgarity, and I truly appreciated it. Yet another reason Kristen Heitzmann has become one of my favorite contemporary authors.
—Heather
If you read fiction for the resolution to conflict, you've got a while to wait in this novel. The innerpersonal conflicts that drive The Still of Night aren't resolved until three pages from the end. Yep, this book and the fifteen years that preceded it in fiction land are one big valley. The characters didn't even realize the mountain top that could have been theirs if they had just surrendered.But isn't this true in all of our lives? We hold on to what we shouldn't. We do things as we see fit. We care too much about pleasing others, and we neglect to acknowledge the One who makes ALL things new, in His time, in His way.On this Thanksgiving day, I'm thankful for Christian authors like Heitzmann, who encourage readers to get in the Word, to remain faithful in the valley, and to hope for what's to come.
—Leah
Though he is professionally successful, the one life Morgan Spencer can't seem to set straight is his own. Behind his charming rebel facade is a need that drives him toward perfection--and emptiness. Morgan has been haunted for years by the tragic decision his first love made when they were still in high school, but everything changes for him when Jill Runyun reenters his life. And the news she shares will either set him free or bring him to his knees. With her trademark dramatic storytelling, bestselling author Kristen Heitzmann portrays an enthralling journey of two wounded souls who are a led to a place of healing and restoration
—Jane
