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Three and a Half Minutes
Workaholic Camille Ashland is at the top of her game. She has built a thriving business, has a lovely daughter, and lives in a newly decorated home. The forty-four-year-old widow doesn’t have time to be lonely, and a relationship is at the bottom of her list. On Valentine’s Day eve, in the middle of her busy chocolate shop, Camille suffers a heart attack and has a near-death experience that lasts three-and-a-half minutes. Revived, she can recall little detail about what she has experienced—but something inside keeps whispering that it was divine. She wishes she could remember more fully.
For a complete stress buster, her doctor sends Camille on an Austrian vacation to a German-language school in Vienna. When Günther Christove walks into the classroom, every woman takes notice—especially Camille. After several dreamlike flashbacks, Camille is convinced she’s either crazy, or someone or something beyond this earth is trying to tell her something. Without realizing it at first, Camille becomes caught up in an investigation surrounding the school, one that also involves Günther’s brother, Father Florian Christove. As she and Günther grow close, the mysterious flashbacks become more frequent and compelling—almost demanding. Will her three-and-a-half minutes between life and death destroy her second chance at happiness, or turn her life into a banquet of love?
For a complete stress buster, her doctor sends Camille on an Austrian vacation to a German-language school in Vienna. When Günther Christove walks into the classroom, every woman takes notice—especially Camille. After several dreamlike flashbacks, Camille is convinced she’s either crazy, or someone or something beyond this earth is trying to tell her something. Without realizing it at first, Camille becomes caught up in an investigation surrounding the school, one that also involves Günther’s brother, Father Florian Christove. As she and Günther grow close, the mysterious flashbacks become more frequent and compelling—almost demanding. Will her three-and-a-half minutes between life and death destroy her second chance at happiness, or turn her life into a banquet of love?
- GenresChristian Fiction
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2012
386 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Fyffe
30 books628 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Fyffe was born in Waco, Texas, the first of many towns she would call home during her father's career with the US Air Force. A horse aficionado from an early age, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from California State University-Chico before launching what would become a twenty-year career as an equine photographer. She began writing fiction to pass the time during long days in the show arena, channeling her love of horses and the Old West into a series of Western historicals. Her debut novel, Where the Wind Blows, won the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Golden Heart Award as well as the Wisconsin RWA's Write Touch Readers' Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.
Visit Caroline at www.carolinefyffe.com
See her photographs at www.carolinefyffephoto.com
http://facebook.com/caroline.fyffe
Twitter @carolinefyffe
Write to her at caroline@carolinefyffe.com. She loves hearing from readers!
Visit Caroline at www.carolinefyffe.com
See her photographs at www.carolinefyffephoto.com
http://facebook.com/caroline.fyffe
Twitter @carolinefyffe
Write to her at caroline@carolinefyffe.com. She loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 10, 2015
I have read all of Caroline’s historical romances and love her style of writing so I was eager to try Three and a Half Minutes even though it is a contemporary romance.
It is a beautifully written story about different types of love, forgiveness and second chances, with a dash of the supernatural. Camille and Gunther’s story moved me deeply. When the story came to an end, I found myself sitting with a smile on my face and an uplifted spirit.
It is a beautifully written story about different types of love, forgiveness and second chances, with a dash of the supernatural. Camille and Gunther’s story moved me deeply. When the story came to an end, I found myself sitting with a smile on my face and an uplifted spirit.
May 11, 2020
'Everything happens for a reason.' That is the overall message of this book, and I really enjoyed the way all the pieces came together.
I really liked Camille, especially as she returned to the faith of her childhood. I love that she was able to find forgiveness in her heart for the one who'd hurt her most, and dedicate her life to making a difference . . . to doing what God had called her to do.
I liked Günther as well, though I wish there had been as much character growth for him as there had been for Camille.
Add in Günther's brother, an orphaned boy, and an investigation into illegal activities surrounding the school where Camille is studying German, and you have a recipe for a good read that contains not a few twists and turns and surprises.
I really liked Camille, especially as she returned to the faith of her childhood. I love that she was able to find forgiveness in her heart for the one who'd hurt her most, and dedicate her life to making a difference . . . to doing what God had called her to do.
I liked Günther as well, though I wish there had been as much character growth for him as there had been for Camille.
Add in Günther's brother, an orphaned boy, and an investigation into illegal activities surrounding the school where Camille is studying German, and you have a recipe for a good read that contains not a few twists and turns and surprises.
January 14, 2019
This was a difficult story to get through.
I've purchased and read all Caroline Fyffe's western fiction novels and love them all. I got this one because I missed having one of hers to enjoy. This story dragged with so much detail of elements of Catholic service and so much German dialog to look up for translation. The subplot of espionage was not well developed and the strange behavior of the autistic child was left hanging. Then all of a sudden in the last couple of pages everything wrapped up with a neat bow and little explanation of how it happened. It was as though she got tired of writing the story and sit a single sentence for each hang in plot thread she cut the cord. Her other books are full of wonderful well developed characters and a sense of God's presence. This one was filled with dry religion and misplaced guilt.
I've purchased and read all Caroline Fyffe's western fiction novels and love them all. I got this one because I missed having one of hers to enjoy. This story dragged with so much detail of elements of Catholic service and so much German dialog to look up for translation. The subplot of espionage was not well developed and the strange behavior of the autistic child was left hanging. Then all of a sudden in the last couple of pages everything wrapped up with a neat bow and little explanation of how it happened. It was as though she got tired of writing the story and sit a single sentence for each hang in plot thread she cut the cord. Her other books are full of wonderful well developed characters and a sense of God's presence. This one was filled with dry religion and misplaced guilt.
March 8, 2020
As Fairy Tales Go...
Well... Seems Camille had quite a vivid amount of spiritual connection, awareness, discernment, if you will. Yet her spiritual awakening went above and beyond the norm. The child Sasha seemed to be possessed, I was wondering if there was going to be an exercism. Why did Camille not once use the motor scooter? Her daily wardrobe was quite well described, though only bits and pieces of her physical appearance were scattered throughout the story. Yet the two young people in class were quite well described, Stena and Brandon. And if Gunther was going to end up marrying Camille yet wanted to adopt the little boy, why was he given over to the family with three kids already, and Camille set up an expense fund for the child? The story left me with questions. Maybe she should write a sequel. Aggie needs to forgive Gunther.
Well... Seems Camille had quite a vivid amount of spiritual connection, awareness, discernment, if you will. Yet her spiritual awakening went above and beyond the norm. The child Sasha seemed to be possessed, I was wondering if there was going to be an exercism. Why did Camille not once use the motor scooter? Her daily wardrobe was quite well described, though only bits and pieces of her physical appearance were scattered throughout the story. Yet the two young people in class were quite well described, Stena and Brandon. And if Gunther was going to end up marrying Camille yet wanted to adopt the little boy, why was he given over to the family with three kids already, and Camille set up an expense fund for the child? The story left me with questions. Maybe she should write a sequel. Aggie needs to forgive Gunther.
August 26, 2019
Outstanding Journey!!!
Well no more books to read by you. Can't wait to see more co.ing soon. Overjoyed every single book you have written and I thank you so much for the journey. Disliked nothing, liked everything and wanting/waiting for more. I not only would recommend any and all your books to anyone e I have to most all the friends that read and enjoy an insightful author. Thank you so much for Shari g your talent!
Well no more books to read by you. Can't wait to see more co.ing soon. Overjoyed every single book you have written and I thank you so much for the journey. Disliked nothing, liked everything and wanting/waiting for more. I not only would recommend any and all your books to anyone e I have to most all the friends that read and enjoy an insightful author. Thank you so much for Shari g your talent!
December 22, 2022
A time for forgiveness and courage
This was a most moving story of faith and the courage to make changes. Camille had almost died after having a heart attack. She recovered only to be encouraged to take time off work and relax. Her family arranged for her to go to Vienna. There she meets Gunther and there is chemistry between them. While studying and spending time with Gunther they realise that they are meant to be together.
This was a most moving story of faith and the courage to make changes. Camille had almost died after having a heart attack. She recovered only to be encouraged to take time off work and relax. Her family arranged for her to go to Vienna. There she meets Gunther and there is chemistry between them. While studying and spending time with Gunther they realise that they are meant to be together.
October 18, 2017
Sadly disappointed
I really enjoyed the plot and characters. I was hooked and couldn't put it down. But, then, the book just skimmed up a happy ending without any details on solving issues presented and just ended. It felt like half of the middle of the book had been left out. I was very disappointed
I really enjoyed the plot and characters. I was hooked and couldn't put it down. But, then, the book just skimmed up a happy ending without any details on solving issues presented and just ended. It felt like half of the middle of the book had been left out. I was very disappointed
November 20, 2017
A story of forgiveness, restoration of faith, and love. There was some missing resolution (the spy mystery and how Camille and Gunther overcame some of the challenges keeping them apart). However, the story was still generally satisfying.
April 22, 2018
Pretty good novel. Light hearted but also threaded morality and faith into characters lives.
February 4, 2019
Another great book
Another great book by a great author! I have read almost every book by Caroline Fyffe and they never disappoint.
Another great book by a great author! I have read almost every book by Caroline Fyffe and they never disappoint.
May 4, 2019
Too many threads of information... wraps up everything too quickly to end the book.
May 30, 2019
Fantastic read
Carolina Fyffe always amazes me with her outstanding stories! I’m never let done while reading her books! I love her books!
Carolina Fyffe always amazes me with her outstanding stories! I’m never let done while reading her books! I love her books!
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February 22, 2020Wonderful!!
This was a wonderful story full of emotion. So many wonderful characters too. A truly remarkable love story and near death experience. I truly enjoyed this book!!
This was a wonderful story full of emotion. So many wonderful characters too. A truly remarkable love story and near death experience. I truly enjoyed this book!!
June 24, 2020
Great clean story of a coming of age middle years woman. I borrowed this book from Amazon as a Prime reader.
April 13, 2016
This is a stand-alone contemporary offering. My previous experience with Caroline Fyffe has been with clean western historical works that caused me to become a real fan. This is a major departure and proves that her significant talent as a writer is multi-dimensional. As a forty-four-year-old widow, mother and workaholic owner of a Portland, Oregon business Camille Ashland has life by the tail. Then she has a heart attack and experiences a three-and-a-half minute near death experience. Her sister-in-law doctor, with the collusion of her daughter and mother, sends her on an Austrian vacation to a German-language school in Vienna to decompress and relax. There she meets her instructor, Günther Christove, a professor she previously worked with as an online student. I was impressed how skillfully Ms. Fyffe inserts a few words and phrases of German in such a way that you actually learn a little German as you read. I was also very impressed that Ms. Fyffe treats the religious beliefs of the protagonists with dignity and respect. Their religiosity is integral to the story. Yet, as a reader, I felt very comfortable as I related to their religious observances even though my religious beliefs differ. Very well done! Camille’s near death experience as well as the other events with persons who have passed on were very believable and consistent with actual occurrences with which I am familiar and thus gave Ms. Fyffe a great deal of credibility with me. Consequently, I have awarded five stars for this novel – a rare occurrence with my reviews.
September 8, 2016
Camille had an experience that changed her life...not immediately, but events afterward lead to God's influence which altered her future. A heart attack can do that to you...it can make you think about your life, it can make you open to hearing God in a way that even the day before you might not have been able to.
A surprise trip to Vienna could change your life. A few new men in your life might do that too.
Man one (Steven) was a man she met on the plane going over to Vienna. She was not particularly attracted to him and he seemed to be a bit odd, but he insists on trying to get close to her while she was in Vienna for her two month stay.
Man two (Gunther) was her professor for the language school in which she was enrolled. This was a handsome seemingly available guy she's had a crush on since her on-line language classes with him.
Man three was Florian, Gunther's brother and a Catholic priest. Not available, so to speak, but he became a friend.
There was another man, who was a lot younger and a true butt-head, but he was certainly not life changing for her.
New relationships, new faith issues she faces, a mystery and a mission to help a young boy are added to the story of the growing attraction between Camille and Gunther, which make a pretty good story. Throw in a mystical event or three and it just adds to the fun.
This is more of a Catholic book than a true Christian book, but it doesn't detract from the story or it's worth. I may be a bit more aware of a Catholic leaning in Ms Fyffe's books from now on though.
A surprise trip to Vienna could change your life. A few new men in your life might do that too.
Man one (Steven) was a man she met on the plane going over to Vienna. She was not particularly attracted to him and he seemed to be a bit odd, but he insists on trying to get close to her while she was in Vienna for her two month stay.
Man two (Gunther) was her professor for the language school in which she was enrolled. This was a handsome seemingly available guy she's had a crush on since her on-line language classes with him.
Man three was Florian, Gunther's brother and a Catholic priest. Not available, so to speak, but he became a friend.
There was another man, who was a lot younger and a true butt-head, but he was certainly not life changing for her.
New relationships, new faith issues she faces, a mystery and a mission to help a young boy are added to the story of the growing attraction between Camille and Gunther, which make a pretty good story. Throw in a mystical event or three and it just adds to the fun.
This is more of a Catholic book than a true Christian book, but it doesn't detract from the story or it's worth. I may be a bit more aware of a Catholic leaning in Ms Fyffe's books from now on though.
March 17, 2013
Caroline Fyffe's story of courage, love, and healing is worth the read. She brings Vienna to life, and fills the book with lively characters you can't help feeling for. What a fun twist on the thought we all harbor but seldom face: If I were to die today, would I have any regrets? Camille's answer is a joy to follow, as she leaves all that is familiar in order to dare reaching for her dreams.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews