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Breeze of Life
Bree ‘Breeze’ Delany never imagined her life could sink so deep, that such intense sorrow could steal her away from everything she knew and loved. She was now a shell of the woman she once was, and all it had taken was one little word, cancer.
It took just one person to pull Breeze out of the darkness. Harper and Bree had been best friends since childhood, and what began as a teenage crush, quickly became something much deeper. Determined to show Breeze the beauty in life, no matter how long or short it might be, Harper takes Breeze on the road trip of a lifetime.
Screw happily ever afters, perhaps life was meant to be lived with happily ever nows.
It took just one person to pull Breeze out of the darkness. Harper and Bree had been best friends since childhood, and what began as a teenage crush, quickly became something much deeper. Determined to show Breeze the beauty in life, no matter how long or short it might be, Harper takes Breeze on the road trip of a lifetime.
Screw happily ever afters, perhaps life was meant to be lived with happily ever nows.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2013
27 people are currently reading
1609 people want to read
About the author
Kirsty Dallas
21 books764 followersJust a girl who likes to write and stuff
Kirsty Dallas is an internationally acclaimed, bestselling author residing in the picturesque Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia.
Known for her unflinching honesty and masterful character development, Kirsty Dallas weaves stories that delve deep into unsettling themes, skillfully infusing heart-stopping action and a whirlwind of emotions into the pages of her books.
Kirsty's talent extends beyond the written word. She collaborated with renowned Australian director and screenwriter, Chris Sun, serving as a script editor and advisor on the horror feature film, "Boar," a chilling cinematic experience that was signed to Universal Pictures Australia and released to critical acclaim in 2018. Her commitment to the art of storytelling led her to further script editing roles, including Brendan Byrne's haunting thriller, "Our Social Playground," and co-writing "The Possessed," a globally-released sensation in 2022. Kirsty's latest cinematic endeavor, "Dark Moon," sees her once again contributing as a script editor and advisor, as it gears up for pre-production.
Kirsty Dallas continues to captivate readers and filmmakers alike with her passion for storytelling, promising more thrilling tales and cinematic adventures on the horizon.
www.kirstydallasauthor.com
Kirsty Dallas is an internationally acclaimed, bestselling author residing in the picturesque Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia.
Known for her unflinching honesty and masterful character development, Kirsty Dallas weaves stories that delve deep into unsettling themes, skillfully infusing heart-stopping action and a whirlwind of emotions into the pages of her books.
Kirsty's talent extends beyond the written word. She collaborated with renowned Australian director and screenwriter, Chris Sun, serving as a script editor and advisor on the horror feature film, "Boar," a chilling cinematic experience that was signed to Universal Pictures Australia and released to critical acclaim in 2018. Her commitment to the art of storytelling led her to further script editing roles, including Brendan Byrne's haunting thriller, "Our Social Playground," and co-writing "The Possessed," a globally-released sensation in 2022. Kirsty's latest cinematic endeavor, "Dark Moon," sees her once again contributing as a script editor and advisor, as it gears up for pre-production.
Kirsty Dallas continues to captivate readers and filmmakers alike with her passion for storytelling, promising more thrilling tales and cinematic adventures on the horizon.
www.kirstydallasauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
September 26, 2023
lol,,, really?? Do you think I would give my own book anything less that 5 stars!!!????
But seriously, I love Breeze of Life, perhaps a fraction more than Saving Ella (blasphemy, I know!!)It is a very different read from Saving Ella, so please don't go into B.O.L with similar expectations.
This novel will take you on a journey of love, sorrow, heartache and passion. Music and poetry twists its way through the pages, hopefully leaving the reader with a heart and mind full of Breeze Delaney and Harper Somerville
It is written in Australian English, so no, those are not spelling mistakes but rather an Aussie twist on U.S english.
I hope you all enjoy....
But seriously, I love Breeze of Life, perhaps a fraction more than Saving Ella (blasphemy, I know!!)It is a very different read from Saving Ella, so please don't go into B.O.L with similar expectations.
This novel will take you on a journey of love, sorrow, heartache and passion. Music and poetry twists its way through the pages, hopefully leaving the reader with a heart and mind full of Breeze Delaney and Harper Somerville
It is written in Australian English, so no, those are not spelling mistakes but rather an Aussie twist on U.S english.
I hope you all enjoy....
hang-tight-be-right-back-never
August 29, 2013
Bree ‘Breeze’ Delany never imagined her life could sink so deep. That such intense pain could take up residence in her heart and shred her soul to pieces. And all it had taken was one little word to drag Bree to the depths of this despair, cancer.
It took just one person to pull Bree from the darkness, her best friend Harper Somerville. Determined to show his Breeze the beauty in life no matter how short or long it is, Harper takes Bree on the road trip of a life time.
Screw happily ever after’s, perhaps life was meant to be lived with happily ever now’s...
Two words....
FUCKKKKK FUCKKKKKK
Three words....
Buddy read, anyone????
August 13, 2013
This book was beautiful. The fact that cancer is so fucking horrible and ugly, I love that Kirsty Dallas was able to take it, and make it in to a stunning love story. Make no mistake, cancer and everything to do with it - death, treatments and side effects are all very present, but entwined with all of that is a love story. A friends to lovers story. I loved it.
Ugh.. poor Breeze. My heart hurt for her. She starts out in this story, recovering from the after effects of chemo and radio therapy. For the past 8 months she has been suffering alone, save for the guy who lives opposite her, the one who has taken on the role as her father. But the one person she really wants, the one person her heart yearns for is Harper, and he's currently away in Portugal running in a surfing competition.
Harper's life is brought to a standstill the moment he hears the devastating news that his best friend has cancer. Everything he is doing is dropped straight away, he has to get back to Breeze. No matter what. From this point on, I knew there was more to their friendship. And again, from this exact moment, I was rooting for them. I honestly ♥'d Harper. There are plenty of book boyfriends in this little indie book world, and Harper will definitely stand out among some of the best. His whole reason for living and breathing at this point forward was Breeze. She was his life. Every thought and decision he made, he had Breeze in mind making sure she was okay, living and forever being optimistic about her future. He was wonderful.
Breeze and Harper were a beautiful couple, dealing with some of life's toughest obstacles, but their love for each other never wavered. It did take a long time for their relationship to turn, it wasn't an insta-love and the build up was so wonderful. The sexual tension between the two was so apparent through the pages, I wasnot so patiently waiting for them to finally succumb to their feelings and go for it.
We don't get to know many of the secondary characters well, but one I will always remember is Mia. She was also a cancer patient, and her family knew Harper. There was a great friendship blooming between her and Breeze and for a 14 year old, she had some of the wisest words I've read.
"You and I, we're made of something different, we're stronger and braver, and you beat cancer, Bree, so you can deal with anything now."
I could have read her little words of wisdom time and time again. I appreciated her part in the story so much. Even if she did break my heart.
Overall, if you are unsure of this book because of the cancer aspect and are sure it is going to break your heart, don't panic so much. This isn't your My Sister's Keeper kind of book but it it is emotional and had me crying. The writing is beautiful, the story is powerful and the characters will be remembered by me for a long time.
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'Breeze of Life' blog tour.*
"I had lost so much weight I would no doubt be lighter than a wisp of air, but I felt heavy. My soul was no longer treading deep waters, it was drowning in it."
Ugh.. poor Breeze. My heart hurt for her. She starts out in this story, recovering from the after effects of chemo and radio therapy. For the past 8 months she has been suffering alone, save for the guy who lives opposite her, the one who has taken on the role as her father. But the one person she really wants, the one person her heart yearns for is Harper, and he's currently away in Portugal running in a surfing competition.
Harper's life is brought to a standstill the moment he hears the devastating news that his best friend has cancer. Everything he is doing is dropped straight away, he has to get back to Breeze. No matter what. From this point on, I knew there was more to their friendship. And again, from this exact moment, I was rooting for them. I honestly ♥'d Harper. There are plenty of book boyfriends in this little indie book world, and Harper will definitely stand out among some of the best. His whole reason for living and breathing at this point forward was Breeze. She was his life. Every thought and decision he made, he had Breeze in mind making sure she was okay, living and forever being optimistic about her future. He was wonderful.
"I'm not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life."
Breeze and Harper were a beautiful couple, dealing with some of life's toughest obstacles, but their love for each other never wavered. It did take a long time for their relationship to turn, it wasn't an insta-love and the build up was so wonderful. The sexual tension between the two was so apparent through the pages, I was
We don't get to know many of the secondary characters well, but one I will always remember is Mia. She was also a cancer patient, and her family knew Harper. There was a great friendship blooming between her and Breeze and for a 14 year old, she had some of the wisest words I've read.
"You and I, we're made of something different, we're stronger and braver, and you beat cancer, Bree, so you can deal with anything now."
I could have read her little words of wisdom time and time again. I appreciated her part in the story so much. Even if she did break my heart.Overall, if you are unsure of this book because of the cancer aspect and are sure it is going to break your heart, don't panic so much. This isn't your My Sister's Keeper kind of book but it it is emotional and had me crying. The writing is beautiful, the story is powerful and the characters will be remembered by me for a long time.
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'Breeze of Life' blog tour.*
August 20, 2013
Breeze of Life Blog Tour has a Giveaway going on: 8 Winners, 4 Signed Paperback and 4 Ebook copies of Breeeze of Life to be won
Head on over to the blog to enter!
Enter Give Away Here
Have you ever had that moment when reading a book, and you just know that it's going to be epic….
Sometimes it pulls you in so fast, so deep, you don't have a second to comprehend it. Breeze of Life did just that, it bought me to my knees in the first 2 pages. I lost count how many times I had to stop to gather myself, to exhale the breath that I found caught in the back of my throat.
Kirsty's words wrapped around my heart, squeezing so freaking hard it shattered. Then she slowly, but beautifully put it back together.
Only somewhere along the way, she kept a piece. And that's ok, because I don't want it back. For an Author to write such powerful words, words that you know came from some part of their life, and they allow us to experience it, giving a part of them selves…. it's just out of this world beautiful.
The rawness of her poetry felt so personal, an achingly dark. But at the same time soulfully healing.
She had complete control over my emotions, there was no fighting it.
She owned me. Broke me. Fixed me. Then forced me to feel with every part of my being, that I cried and cried for what those words represented to her. And when I finished, I felt cleansed and peaceful.
There are no words to describe the high this book gave me.
AMAZING
~Screw happily ever afters, perhaps life was meant to be lived with happily ever nows. ~
What happens when you're living your life but you don't feel alive? A feeling of numbness takes over you.
A girl so terrified of death she refused to live.
Chemo and Radiation therapy has racked Bree ‘Breeze’ Delany's body. She struggles to pull herself out of the funk she's trapped in.
~ Empty, Silent.
Alone in a black hole of dissidence
a shadow of the life that once blossomed within.
Hope lays dormant,
no longer taunting me from afar.
Defeated, Extinguished.
Drowning in a sea of overwhelming devastation
A ghostly fragment of my former self. ~
And then her saving grace comes home...
Harper Somerville, Bree's best friend. The man she has been crushing on for years. When Bree found out about her Cancer she decided to keep it from her best friend Harper.
But as she slowly sinks deeper into depression, Harper finds out and comes straight home to be with her.
Harper is obviously angry and hurt that Breeze kept this from him. He has stayed away after admitting his feelings and being denied. Their friendship a little strained. But how could she push him away. He refuses to let her go through this alone, but once he sees how far gone his Bree is, he makes it his mission to bring her back and show her the beauty in life.
~ "I'm not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life." ~
Bree fights it. She is barely living. How can anyone else see what she is going through?
~"I get it Harper, I understand what you're saying but when I got cancer something inside of me broke. I'm filled with selfish thoughts like how I won't have children or get married. I want to smile but it's just easier to frown. I want to go outside and enjoy the sun but when I'm out there the sadness just follows me.
At least death might bring me peace from all this selfish sorrow. ~
Harper decides to take her on a road trip.
A journey to nowhere... A journey to loose themselves, but find themselves at the same time.
He needs to bring the old Breeze back, but has a lot of work to do. His happy carefree Breeze is so far gone and in her place is a scared, unsure person that can't pull herself out of the dark. Harper won't accept anything other than his old Breeze.
~"Louder, Breeze," he demanded in a voice that commanded obedience. I wanted to ignore him. I wanted to demand he turn around, drive me home and let me wallow in my room, in the cocoon of my blankets. "Again," he growled.
"I am good enough, you do want me there, I am pretty, and I'm definitely not boring." I pretty much screamed it at him, tears running down my face....
"Damn straight." ~
Somewhere along their journey. Bree starts to feel alive.
~ Smiling had seemed so difficult only a few days ago. Now, it felt easy and right. Gradually, some resemblance to the old Bree was finding it's way back. My soul was being repaired, my sorrow fading and the darkness gradually becoming lighter. ~
This was such an emotional rollercoaster. You were giddy for Bree and Harper but at the back of your mind you felt the depths of Bree's pain. Your heart broke for her and you were silently praying for her. Harper was just unbelievable. He has my heart. God I loved him.
~ "You are going to live, baby girl, and you are going to live with no regrets. And if you go before me, I want you to know when it's my turn I will find you. I'm going to rock your afterlife just like I rocked your living life." ~
Their Chemistry is smoking hot! Harper is my type of guy.
Their love was intense. There just is something about friends turn lovers for me. Their relationship shows a different depth.
~"Breeze, many my nights are filled of dreams where I fuck you in every conceivable position and in every conceivable place" ~ Harper
~“I could feel him everywhere, in me, on me, around me, but nothing compared to the feeling of him in my heart. Harper possessed me on every level.” ~ Bree
It had everything I could ever want in a story. I fell in love with everything. Their Friendship, Harper and his Bossy ways, Breeze finding her way back. The funny Jokes. OMG the funny McDonlads joke! Hilarious.. I freaking loved EVERYTHING! I super liked that they head to Brissy in the book ( That's where I live! No joke) so super cool!
It was the best journey I have ever been on.
I didn't want this to end. Breeze of Life was a breathtaking ride. (as in Breath completely taken)
You come away feeling like someone real and close to you just told you their story, and you feel personally affected by it. Kirsty's gift with words is divine. This chick rocks my world.
If I never read a book that moves me in such away again, I won't mind, because I will just come back to Breeze of Life over and over again. It will stay with me forever.
~ No matter what our future held, a long life, a short life, I knew what we would be together forever. I would be with Breeze in this life, the next and beyond, because true love is endless and when two soul mates come together it is for eternity. ~
★ 5 Breath completely taken Stars ★
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August 17, 2013
Breeze of Life is so many things...
Epic. Emotional. Heartfelt. Heartbreaking. Poetic. Sweet. Swoonworthy. Sexy.
Perfect from beginning to end.
An absolute must read.
A new favorite.
I've sat here pondering what I can possibly write to make you stop reading reviews and just read the book. This is one train you need to get on. If not for the story line that has you flipping pages faster than a chubby kid chasing the ice cream van, than for Harper Sommerville.
This man really was my happy pill. He should come with a warning, 'best served in small doses'. To hell with that, I wanted to overdose on his joy and enthusiasm.
Breeze of Life is so many things. Moving. Heartfelt. Heartbreaking. Poetic. Swoonworthy. A new favorite. It's took me on a road trip that had me laughing and crying and wanting a Harper for myself. (I wouldn't mind crossing of a Never with him *wink wink*).
My body ached for Harper, my heart pounded for him, to say I wanted him was simply ridiculous; I needed him like I needed the air to breathe.
I knew from the first page it was going to ruin me. Bree - Breezy Delany felt beat. Hopeless. Down and out. Even though she had finished radiation and chemotherapy her cancer she was diagnosed with 8 months ago kicked her ass and left her bald, skinny and ugly.
When I got cancer something inside of me broke. I'm filled with selfish thoughts like how I won't have children or get married. I want to smile but it's just easier to frown. I want to go outside and enjoy the sun but when I'm out there the sadness just follows me, I get so tired of pretending everything is ok for other people's benefit. At least here I can be myself, I can be sad. At least death might bring me peace from all this selfish sorrow.
Enter Harper. Bree's bestie forever. They have been through thick and thin together and are the type of friends that share everything. Except the cancer news. When Harper comes home from tour (3rd in the world surf hero) and discovers his Breezy's been keeping things from him, he's furious and devastated, but wastes no time in putting a plan in motion. To bring back his girl from her self pity, and heartache. Enter road trip, rules and unwavering strength and determination. Harp is her rock. Her best friend and her love.
"...He is a man who would drag his best friends sorry ass out of their apartment and show her how truly blessed she is to be alive right now. I know a guy called Harper who makes his best friend feel utterly beautiful when all she feels is ugly..."
These characters and their story was so easy to connect with, swoon and sigh over, and pray for a happy ever after for. Their hours on the road playing games, in the tattoo shop, the singing, and chillaxing in their bubble had me wanting to stay in this book forever. Made me wanting to drive a little way to the Gold Coast and see if I could find them and make friends.
"Breeze, that right there just completed me. It's you and me forever now, baby girl."
There were so much friendship, so many words of wisdom & moments so honest that had me tearing up but not wanting to take my hands off my kindle incase I missed something. There were beautiful times, there were funny times and there were sexy times.
You are going to live, baby girl, and you are going to live with no regrets. And if you go before me, I want you know know that when it's my turn I will find you. I'm going to rock your afterlife just like I rocked your living life."
I adored how Dallas took us back in time by telling us a story a day. Had Bree cussing in Breeze-style along with sharing her pessimism in the way of saying the opposite and therefore allowing Harper in and to respond instead of wallowing in misunderstanding. I loved how she made Harper and Bree perfect for each other because of their past, as well as their sexual tension and the sexy schmexy times. Hell, this whole book blew my mind.
Suddenly our friendship felt different, more intense and a little bit thrilling. And just like that I was entertaining thoughts of more. More Harper, more us, more life...
This story, these characters, the setting and the writing firmly cemented Breeze of Life on my favorites of all times ladder and will have me recommending this book to everyone, everywhere. Bravo Kirsty...
"I loved you then, I loved you when I told you in March, I loved you when I told you yesterday and I love you right now. I always have and always will and I hope to fuck you realize that now because I'm not sure what else I can do to prove it."
August 21, 2013
3.5--Sweet--Stars!
What a sweet, heart-warming (and a little bit sad) story! Breeze kind of had an Edge of Never vibe to me....only kind of in reverse. It was told in Breeze, the heroine's POV.
Breeze of Life is the story of Harper and Breeze (Bree). Harper and Bree have been BFFs since they were kids. Both falling in love with each other but never wanting to leave the "friend-zone". Harper finally tells Bree how he feels only to have Bree push him away--too scared to mess up their friendship.
Harper is a pro surfer and travels a lot. Shortly after the love confession, Harper leaves for a surf tour. In the meantime, Bree finds out she has cancer. She falls into a deep depresstion, virtually cutting off contact with almost everyone in her life. (PS--the cancer thing really isn't a spoiler--you find out in the first chapter...and she is wearing a scarf on the cover)
When Harper finds out that Bree is sick he immediately comes home to her. From here Harper and Bree embark on a roadtrip of self-discovery....to pull Bree out of her funk and depression. A way to remind Bree to live every day to it's fullest.
I really liked Bree (for the most part) but I LOVED Harper. He was a great character. During the roadtrip Harper and Bree succomb to old feelings and finally give themselves to each other completely....knowing that any day could be Bree's last.
I probably would have given this a higher rating if it weren't for the "conflict" that was thrown in towards the end. It was well-written and like I said, very touching and heart-warming. It was a standalone with a HEA.
What a sweet, heart-warming (and a little bit sad) story! Breeze kind of had an Edge of Never vibe to me....only kind of in reverse. It was told in Breeze, the heroine's POV.
Breeze of Life is the story of Harper and Breeze (Bree). Harper and Bree have been BFFs since they were kids. Both falling in love with each other but never wanting to leave the "friend-zone". Harper finally tells Bree how he feels only to have Bree push him away--too scared to mess up their friendship.
Harper is a pro surfer and travels a lot. Shortly after the love confession, Harper leaves for a surf tour. In the meantime, Bree finds out she has cancer. She falls into a deep depresstion, virtually cutting off contact with almost everyone in her life. (PS--the cancer thing really isn't a spoiler--you find out in the first chapter...and she is wearing a scarf on the cover)
When Harper finds out that Bree is sick he immediately comes home to her. From here Harper and Bree embark on a roadtrip of self-discovery....to pull Bree out of her funk and depression. A way to remind Bree to live every day to it's fullest.
I really liked Bree (for the most part) but I LOVED Harper. He was a great character. During the roadtrip Harper and Bree succomb to old feelings and finally give themselves to each other completely....knowing that any day could be Bree's last.
I probably would have given this a higher rating if it weren't for the "conflict" that was thrown in towards the end. It was well-written and like I said, very touching and heart-warming. It was a standalone with a HEA.
August 18, 2013
4.5 Stars
Jenny: Cancer. It’s never an easy subject to read about. It crushes your heart and leaves you bereft because nearly everyone has witnessed first or second hand the struggles, pain and suffering associated with this insidious disease. But sometimes reading about it can be a form of therapy and I have to say that’s what Breeze of Life was for me.
“…nobody told me with my body I would also lose my soul.”
I commend the author for her handling of this difficult subject matter. Kirsty Dallas certainly did bring us a story that was dealt with sensitively, with realness, beauty, love, passion, and a whole heap of humour added to break through the emotion you experience throughout the story.
“I’m just going to throw my future into the air and live each day as it falls. Some of those days are going to be pretty and I have no doubt that some are going to be ugly, but would you give up all the pretty days because you’re scared of the ugly ones?”
Breeze’s story taught us to live each day and be thankful for every minute we’re alive and to be especially thankful for the people in our lives who touch our heart and bring us happiness. To treasure each moment, to never give up and realise that sometimes what we need is right there in front of our faces.
The story of Harper and Bree really touches your heart doesn’t Gitte? Friends to lovers…sigh….
Gitte: It really did Jenny, cancer is such a hard topic to read about as we have all been affected by it one way or another and it sucks. Big time. However, it’s real, its life, and I think the story of Harper and Bree was an absolute beautiful example of how such an emotional topic can be handled with kid – gloves.
“…You are my heart, therefore, the one thing I am most possessive about.” – Harper
The writing was stunning, the emotions were handled delicately and very true to life. The story felt real and there was a perfectly balanced injection of humour and passion. In my opinion this is definitely one of those stories which should be read for the messages it conveys of love, hope, living life and taking enjoyment out of every day. Follow your dreams and LIVE your life!!
“I know a guy called Harper who makes his best friend feel utterly beautiful when all she feels is ugly.” Bree
Jenny: Breeze (Bree) is drowning in depression, fear and self-pity, and understandably so, as she has been bravely fighting cancer for nearly a year on her own with only her friend George, a father figure, supporting her through this ugly disease. and the rigorous chemo treatments has had to endure. Breeze is at her lowest ebb after the rigorous chemo treatments she has had to endure have taken their toll on her body and her soul.
Her best friend Harper, a surfing pro, reappears in her life after being informed by George of Breeze’s condition in a last ditch effort to bring Breeze some much needed respite.
“I’m not going anywhere, baby girl. We’re in this together from now on.”
Breeze has bravely kept her condition from everyone and instead chose to deal with it in her own way, but the reappearance of Harper makes her realise her error in judgement and she begins to see how much she missed having her best friend in her life. Harper makes her feel whole and witnessing this man slowly but surely chip away at her walls, enter her heart and give her the confidence she needs was just beautiful.
“You are going to live, baby girl, and you are going to live with no regrets.”
Harper decides the best medicine for Breeze is to take her on a road trip down the Coast of Queensland and New South Wales, stopping along the way to connect and enjoy life. I just have to say Gitte, I want a Harper in my life!! This man was sexy, funny, so giving and he completely stole my heart. Kirsty Dallas sure can write a beautiful hero that’s for sure. He was so patient and never, for one minute, did he allow Breeze to think she was anything other than the most special person, beautiful and sexy person in his world. He put his heart on the line and laid his feelings bare.
“Baby, I’m not going to lie. If this fucking cancer beats you, I will be crushed. Physically and emotionally beaten, but I promise you, I’ll be beaten but not down. I’ll go on, a big damn piece of me will be missing, you’ll take my heart with you and no other person will ever touch it. I’ll live for you Breeze, Until I see you again.”
All I have to say Gitte is…what a guy! Seriously! I want a Harper in my life. I loved him. What about you?
Gitte: Oh wow did I fall in love with Harper. What an amazing man….what an amazing friend and ultimately, what hopeful and motivating compassion. And you’re right Jenny. This Author has a knack for writing strong male heroes with such depth, empathy and spot on masculinity. I absolutely love this Author’s knack of that perfect balance.
“Well Breeze, I’m adopting a different attitude…..I’m not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life.” – Harper
So yeah, poor Harper wasn’t dealing. She was merely existing, keeping her illness a secret to anyone but George, the man she saw as a father.
“Sleep was where I wanted to live right now, so sleep I did.”
I was questioning her behaviour and secrecy as an outsider but I understood it one hundred percent. Truly understood it. However, it always raises the question of: by sparing people the truth are you not inadvertently hurting them by you silence?
I loved her relationship with George and the tenderness with which he cared for Bree was truly heart-warming.
“Have an open heart and open eyes….” – George
When George took matters into his own hands by calling Harper, did he do right? Absolutely. Sometimes what we really need and want can be buried underneath so much pain and suffering we are unable to grasp it ourselves. Harper isn’t dealing, how could she be? She needs help but who would willingly ask for it, do we even realise we need it? Or does the realisation of our impending mortality already propel our subconscious towards it as super-fast speed so that we miss out the in-between? The good bits?!
“I couldn’t help but feel ugly, so I was ugly. My eyes saw what they wanted to. I could cover all the mirrors in the world and wrap my head behind all the fabric I could get my hands on, but if I didn’t feel pretty inside, I would never feel pretty outside.” – Bree
Harper almost took charge of making Bree live life to its full potential the minute he came home to her. But this guy didn’t judge. Sure, he felt let down and angry about being kept in the dark but these two had first and foremost a beautiful friendship that grew into love. Love of the pure unblemished kind that still remained and burned strong.
Bree, despite not wanting Harper to see her suffer and the effects of her illness, is comforted by him being there. However it takes some convincing for her to be taken out of the protective cocoon she has immersed herself in, living in the grip of her illness.
“You think you can waltz in here and make everything okay? You’re going to what, fix me? Make it all go away with your pretty smile and easy going attitude? I have cancer Harper, it is going to kill me.” – Bree
“You didn’t tell me. I thought I was your friend. Hell, I thought I was your best friend.” – Harper
“I can’t do this…..” – Bree
Such and emotional and beautiful journey that is without doubt a must read. I loved every minute I spent with Bree and Harper and could not put this story down. I was living it with them and I felt every word. The few issues I did have did not take anything away from the messages and their importance in this story. They were small niggles really. You felt the same didn’t you Jenny?
Jenny: I did indeed Gitte. I had to see how these two fared. I HAD to know what life had in store for Harper and Breeze as they faced life, love and tragedy together. I just couldn’t leave them and the author made me feel as if I was right there with them. Yep, I was in that Jeep, singing at the top of my lungs, sharing their touching and tender moments, crying with them during their sadness and fears and laughing with them during their banter. It truly was a wonderful read. I shed a few tears and my spirits were lifted.
“I lay there for the longest time simply listening to the strong beat of Harper’s heart, like a melody that sang of life and happiness…”
So, why am I not giving this book 5 stars? There were a couple of small things within the story that did irritate me just a smidgen and if it wasn’t for those, Breeze of Life would have surely been a 5 star read for me. The first being the “inner woman” monologue. It felt out of place and I sometimes found it distracting.
My second issue related to drama which was introduced towards the end of the book. I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to do spoilers. The added drama at this stage of the story felt unnecessary and only served to niggle me. The story held its own, was beautiful and captivating in itself and for me, I just didn’t feel it was required. But these were minor hiccups in what was a truly captivating and memorable read and I will always remember what it was I loved about this book and how much these characters and their journey touched me.
What really hit home was what I took from this story. To me it reiterated that age old message that we might not here for a long time, so let’s make sure we make EVERY minute count and never take life for granted. I absolutely recommend picking this one up. It really is one for the soul.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Jenny: Cancer. It’s never an easy subject to read about. It crushes your heart and leaves you bereft because nearly everyone has witnessed first or second hand the struggles, pain and suffering associated with this insidious disease. But sometimes reading about it can be a form of therapy and I have to say that’s what Breeze of Life was for me.
“…nobody told me with my body I would also lose my soul.”
I commend the author for her handling of this difficult subject matter. Kirsty Dallas certainly did bring us a story that was dealt with sensitively, with realness, beauty, love, passion, and a whole heap of humour added to break through the emotion you experience throughout the story.
“I’m just going to throw my future into the air and live each day as it falls. Some of those days are going to be pretty and I have no doubt that some are going to be ugly, but would you give up all the pretty days because you’re scared of the ugly ones?”
Breeze’s story taught us to live each day and be thankful for every minute we’re alive and to be especially thankful for the people in our lives who touch our heart and bring us happiness. To treasure each moment, to never give up and realise that sometimes what we need is right there in front of our faces.
The story of Harper and Bree really touches your heart doesn’t Gitte? Friends to lovers…sigh….
Gitte: It really did Jenny, cancer is such a hard topic to read about as we have all been affected by it one way or another and it sucks. Big time. However, it’s real, its life, and I think the story of Harper and Bree was an absolute beautiful example of how such an emotional topic can be handled with kid – gloves.
“…You are my heart, therefore, the one thing I am most possessive about.” – Harper
The writing was stunning, the emotions were handled delicately and very true to life. The story felt real and there was a perfectly balanced injection of humour and passion. In my opinion this is definitely one of those stories which should be read for the messages it conveys of love, hope, living life and taking enjoyment out of every day. Follow your dreams and LIVE your life!!
“I know a guy called Harper who makes his best friend feel utterly beautiful when all she feels is ugly.” Bree
Jenny: Breeze (Bree) is drowning in depression, fear and self-pity, and understandably so, as she has been bravely fighting cancer for nearly a year on her own with only her friend George, a father figure, supporting her through this ugly disease. and the rigorous chemo treatments has had to endure. Breeze is at her lowest ebb after the rigorous chemo treatments she has had to endure have taken their toll on her body and her soul.
Her best friend Harper, a surfing pro, reappears in her life after being informed by George of Breeze’s condition in a last ditch effort to bring Breeze some much needed respite.
“I’m not going anywhere, baby girl. We’re in this together from now on.”
Breeze has bravely kept her condition from everyone and instead chose to deal with it in her own way, but the reappearance of Harper makes her realise her error in judgement and she begins to see how much she missed having her best friend in her life. Harper makes her feel whole and witnessing this man slowly but surely chip away at her walls, enter her heart and give her the confidence she needs was just beautiful.
“You are going to live, baby girl, and you are going to live with no regrets.”
Harper decides the best medicine for Breeze is to take her on a road trip down the Coast of Queensland and New South Wales, stopping along the way to connect and enjoy life. I just have to say Gitte, I want a Harper in my life!! This man was sexy, funny, so giving and he completely stole my heart. Kirsty Dallas sure can write a beautiful hero that’s for sure. He was so patient and never, for one minute, did he allow Breeze to think she was anything other than the most special person, beautiful and sexy person in his world. He put his heart on the line and laid his feelings bare.
“Baby, I’m not going to lie. If this fucking cancer beats you, I will be crushed. Physically and emotionally beaten, but I promise you, I’ll be beaten but not down. I’ll go on, a big damn piece of me will be missing, you’ll take my heart with you and no other person will ever touch it. I’ll live for you Breeze, Until I see you again.”
All I have to say Gitte is…what a guy! Seriously! I want a Harper in my life. I loved him. What about you?
Gitte: Oh wow did I fall in love with Harper. What an amazing man….what an amazing friend and ultimately, what hopeful and motivating compassion. And you’re right Jenny. This Author has a knack for writing strong male heroes with such depth, empathy and spot on masculinity. I absolutely love this Author’s knack of that perfect balance.
“Well Breeze, I’m adopting a different attitude…..I’m not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life.” – Harper
So yeah, poor Harper wasn’t dealing. She was merely existing, keeping her illness a secret to anyone but George, the man she saw as a father.
“Sleep was where I wanted to live right now, so sleep I did.”
I was questioning her behaviour and secrecy as an outsider but I understood it one hundred percent. Truly understood it. However, it always raises the question of: by sparing people the truth are you not inadvertently hurting them by you silence?
I loved her relationship with George and the tenderness with which he cared for Bree was truly heart-warming.
“Have an open heart and open eyes….” – George
When George took matters into his own hands by calling Harper, did he do right? Absolutely. Sometimes what we really need and want can be buried underneath so much pain and suffering we are unable to grasp it ourselves. Harper isn’t dealing, how could she be? She needs help but who would willingly ask for it, do we even realise we need it? Or does the realisation of our impending mortality already propel our subconscious towards it as super-fast speed so that we miss out the in-between? The good bits?!
“I couldn’t help but feel ugly, so I was ugly. My eyes saw what they wanted to. I could cover all the mirrors in the world and wrap my head behind all the fabric I could get my hands on, but if I didn’t feel pretty inside, I would never feel pretty outside.” – Bree
Harper almost took charge of making Bree live life to its full potential the minute he came home to her. But this guy didn’t judge. Sure, he felt let down and angry about being kept in the dark but these two had first and foremost a beautiful friendship that grew into love. Love of the pure unblemished kind that still remained and burned strong.
Bree, despite not wanting Harper to see her suffer and the effects of her illness, is comforted by him being there. However it takes some convincing for her to be taken out of the protective cocoon she has immersed herself in, living in the grip of her illness.
“You think you can waltz in here and make everything okay? You’re going to what, fix me? Make it all go away with your pretty smile and easy going attitude? I have cancer Harper, it is going to kill me.” – Bree
“You didn’t tell me. I thought I was your friend. Hell, I thought I was your best friend.” – Harper
“I can’t do this…..” – Bree
Such and emotional and beautiful journey that is without doubt a must read. I loved every minute I spent with Bree and Harper and could not put this story down. I was living it with them and I felt every word. The few issues I did have did not take anything away from the messages and their importance in this story. They were small niggles really. You felt the same didn’t you Jenny?
Jenny: I did indeed Gitte. I had to see how these two fared. I HAD to know what life had in store for Harper and Breeze as they faced life, love and tragedy together. I just couldn’t leave them and the author made me feel as if I was right there with them. Yep, I was in that Jeep, singing at the top of my lungs, sharing their touching and tender moments, crying with them during their sadness and fears and laughing with them during their banter. It truly was a wonderful read. I shed a few tears and my spirits were lifted.
“I lay there for the longest time simply listening to the strong beat of Harper’s heart, like a melody that sang of life and happiness…”
So, why am I not giving this book 5 stars? There were a couple of small things within the story that did irritate me just a smidgen and if it wasn’t for those, Breeze of Life would have surely been a 5 star read for me. The first being the “inner woman” monologue. It felt out of place and I sometimes found it distracting.
My second issue related to drama which was introduced towards the end of the book. I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to do spoilers. The added drama at this stage of the story felt unnecessary and only served to niggle me. The story held its own, was beautiful and captivating in itself and for me, I just didn’t feel it was required. But these were minor hiccups in what was a truly captivating and memorable read and I will always remember what it was I loved about this book and how much these characters and their journey touched me.
What really hit home was what I took from this story. To me it reiterated that age old message that we might not here for a long time, so let’s make sure we make EVERY minute count and never take life for granted. I absolutely recommend picking this one up. It really is one for the soul.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
August 18, 2013
Jointly Reviewed on:http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/08/...
Jenny: Cancer. It’s never an easy subject to read about. It crushes your heart and leaves you bereft because nearly everyone has witnessed first or second hand the struggles, pain and suffering associated with this insidious disease. But sometimes reading about it can be a form of therapy and I have to say that’s what Breeze of Life was for me.
“…nobody told me with my body I would also lose my soul.”
I commend the author for her handling of this difficult subject matter. Kirsty Dallas certainly did bring us a story that was dealt with sensitively, with realness, beauty, love, passion, and a whole heap of humour added to break through the emotion you experience throughout the story.
“I’m just going to throw my future into the air and live each day as it falls. Some of those days are going to be pretty and I have no doubt that some are going to be ugly, but would you give up all the pretty days because you’re scared of the ugly ones?”
Breeze’s story taught us to live each day and be thankful for every minute we’re alive and to be especially thankful for the people in our lives who touch our heart and bring us happiness. To treasure each moment, to never give up and realise that sometimes what we need is right there in front of our faces.
The story of Harper and Bree really touches your heart doesn’t Gitte? Friends to lovers…sigh….
Gitte: It really did Jenny, cancer is such a hard topic to read about as we have all been affected by it one way or another and it sucks. Big time. However, it’s real, its life, and I think the story of Harper and Bree was an absolute beautiful example of how such an emotional topic can be handled with kid – gloves.
“…You are my heart, therefore, the one thing I am most possessive about.” – Harper
The writing was stunning, the emotions were handled delicately and very true to life. The story felt real and there was a perfectly balanced injection of humour and passion. In my opinion this is definitely one of those stories which should be read for the messages it conveys of love, hope, living life and taking enjoyment out of every day. Follow your dreams and LIVE your life!!
“I know a guy called Harper who makes his best friend feel utterly beautiful when all she feels is ugly.” Bree
Jenny: Breeze (Bree) is drowning in depression, fear and self-pity, and understandably so, as she has been bravely fighting cancer for nearly a year on her own with only her friend George, a father figure, supporting her through this ugly disease. and the rigorous chemo treatments has had to endure. Breeze is at her lowest ebb after the rigorous chemo treatments she has had to endure have taken their toll on her body and her soul.
Her best friend Harper, a surfing pro, reappears in her life after being informed by George of Breeze’s condition in a last ditch effort to bring Breeze some much needed respite.
“I’m not going anywhere, baby girl. We’re in this together from now on.”
Breeze has bravely kept her condition from everyone and instead chose to deal with it in her own way, but the reappearance of Harper makes her realise her error in judgement and she begins to see how much she missed having her best friend in her life. Harper makes her feel whole and witnessing this man slowly but surely chip away at her walls, enter her heart and give her the confidence she needs was just beautiful.
“You are going to live, baby girl, and you are going to live with no regrets.”
Harper decides the best medicine for Breeze is to take her on a road trip down the Coast of Queensland and New South Wales, stopping along the way to connect and enjoy life. I just have to say Gitte, I want a Harper in my life!! This man was sexy, funny, so giving and he completely stole my heart. Kirsty Dallas sure can write a beautiful hero that’s for sure. He was so patient and never, for one minute, did he allow Breeze to think she was anything other than the most special person, beautiful and sexy person in his world. He put his heart on the line and laid his feelings bare.
“Baby, I’m not going to lie. If this fucking cancer beats you, I will be crushed. Physically and emotionally beaten, but I promise you, I’ll be beaten but not down. I’ll go on, a big damn piece of me will be missing, you’ll take my heart with you and no other person will ever touch it. I’ll live for you Breeze, Until I see you again.”
All I have to say Gitte is…what a guy! Seriously! I want a Harper in my life. I loved him. What about you?
Gitte: Oh wow did I fall in love with Harper. What an amazing man…what an amazing friend and ultimately, what hopeful and motivating compassion. And you’re right Jenny. This Author has a knack for writing strong male heroes with such depth, empathy and spot on masculinity. I absolutely love this Author’s knack of that perfect balance.
“Well Breeze, I’m adopting a different attitude…..I’m not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life.” – Harper
So yeah, poor Harper wasn’t dealing. She was merely existing, keeping her illness a secret to anyone but George, the man she saw as a father.
“Sleep was where I wanted to live right now, so sleep I did.”
I was questioning her behaviour and secrecy as an outsider but I understood it one hundred percent. Truly understood it. However, it always raises the question of: by sparing people the truth are you not inadvertently hurting them by you silence?
I loved her relationship with George and the tenderness with which he cared for Bree was truly heart-warming.
“Have an open heart and open eyes….” – George
When George took matters into his own hands by calling Harper, did he do right? Absolutely. Sometimes what we really need and want can be buried underneath so much pain and suffering we are unable to grasp it ourselves. Harper isn’t dealing, how could she be? She needs help but who would willingly ask for it, do we even realise we need it? Or does the realisation of our impending mortality already propel our subconscious towards it as super-fast speed so that we miss out the in-between? The good bits?!
“I couldn’t help but feel ugly, so I was ugly. My eyes saw what they wanted to. I could cover all the mirrors in the world and wrap my head behind all the fabric I could get my hands on, but if I didn’t feel pretty inside, I would never feel pretty outside.” – Bree
Harper almost took charge of making Bree live life to its full potential the minute he came home to her. But this guy didn’t judge. Sure, he felt let down and angry about being kept in the dark but these two had first and foremost a beautiful friendship that grew into love. Love of the pure unblemished kind that still remained and burned strong.
Bree, despite not wanting Harper to see her suffer and the effects of her illness, is comforted by him being there. However it takes some convincing for her to be taken out of the protective cocoon she has immersed herself in, living in the grip of her illness.
“You think you can waltz in here and make everything okay? You’re going to what, fix me? Make it all go away with your pretty smile and easy going attitude? I have cancer Harper, it is going to kill me.” – Bree
“You didn’t tell me. I thought I was your friend. Hell, I thought I was your best friend.” – Harper
“I can’t do this…” – Bree
Such and emotional and beautiful journey that is without doubt a must read. I loved every minute I spent with Bree and Harper and could not put this story down. I was living it with them and I felt every word. The few issues I did have did not take anything away from the messages and their importance in this story. They were small niggles really. You felt the same didn’t you Jenny?
Jenny: I did indeed Gitte. I had to see how these two fared. I HAD to know what life had in store for Harper and Breeze as they faced life, love and tragedy together. I just couldn’t leave them and the author made me feel as if I was right there with them. Yep, I was in that Jeep, singing at the top of my lungs, sharing their touching and tender moments, crying with them during their sadness and fears and laughing with them during their banter. It truly was a wonderful read. I shed a few tears and my spirits were lifted.
“I lay there for the longest time simply listening to the strong beat of Harper’s heart, like a melody that sang of life and happiness…”
So, why am I not giving this book 5 stars? Well, there were a couple of things in the story that did irritate me just a little and if it wasn’t for those, Breeze of Life would have surely been a 5 star read for me. The first being the “inner woman” monologue. It felt out of place and I sometimes found it a bit distracting.
My second issue related to drama which was introduced towards the end of the book. I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to do spoilers. The added drama at this stage of the story felt unnecessary and only served to niggle me. The story held its own, was beautiful and captivating in itself and for me, I just didn’t feel the added drama was required. But these were minor hiccups in what was a truly captivating and memorable read and I will always remember what it was I loved about this book and how much these characters and their journey touched me.
What really hit home was what I took from this story. To me it reiterated that age old message that we might not here for a long time, so let’s make sure we make EVERY minute count and never take life for granted. I absolutely recommend picking this one up. It really is one for the soul.
Jenny: 4.5 stars
Gitte: 4.5 stars
ARC provided by author in exchanged for an honest review
Jenny: Cancer. It’s never an easy subject to read about. It crushes your heart and leaves you bereft because nearly everyone has witnessed first or second hand the struggles, pain and suffering associated with this insidious disease. But sometimes reading about it can be a form of therapy and I have to say that’s what Breeze of Life was for me.
“…nobody told me with my body I would also lose my soul.”
I commend the author for her handling of this difficult subject matter. Kirsty Dallas certainly did bring us a story that was dealt with sensitively, with realness, beauty, love, passion, and a whole heap of humour added to break through the emotion you experience throughout the story.
“I’m just going to throw my future into the air and live each day as it falls. Some of those days are going to be pretty and I have no doubt that some are going to be ugly, but would you give up all the pretty days because you’re scared of the ugly ones?”
Breeze’s story taught us to live each day and be thankful for every minute we’re alive and to be especially thankful for the people in our lives who touch our heart and bring us happiness. To treasure each moment, to never give up and realise that sometimes what we need is right there in front of our faces.
The story of Harper and Bree really touches your heart doesn’t Gitte? Friends to lovers…sigh….
Gitte: It really did Jenny, cancer is such a hard topic to read about as we have all been affected by it one way or another and it sucks. Big time. However, it’s real, its life, and I think the story of Harper and Bree was an absolute beautiful example of how such an emotional topic can be handled with kid – gloves.
“…You are my heart, therefore, the one thing I am most possessive about.” – Harper
The writing was stunning, the emotions were handled delicately and very true to life. The story felt real and there was a perfectly balanced injection of humour and passion. In my opinion this is definitely one of those stories which should be read for the messages it conveys of love, hope, living life and taking enjoyment out of every day. Follow your dreams and LIVE your life!!
“I know a guy called Harper who makes his best friend feel utterly beautiful when all she feels is ugly.” Bree
Jenny: Breeze (Bree) is drowning in depression, fear and self-pity, and understandably so, as she has been bravely fighting cancer for nearly a year on her own with only her friend George, a father figure, supporting her through this ugly disease. and the rigorous chemo treatments has had to endure. Breeze is at her lowest ebb after the rigorous chemo treatments she has had to endure have taken their toll on her body and her soul.
Her best friend Harper, a surfing pro, reappears in her life after being informed by George of Breeze’s condition in a last ditch effort to bring Breeze some much needed respite.
“I’m not going anywhere, baby girl. We’re in this together from now on.”
Breeze has bravely kept her condition from everyone and instead chose to deal with it in her own way, but the reappearance of Harper makes her realise her error in judgement and she begins to see how much she missed having her best friend in her life. Harper makes her feel whole and witnessing this man slowly but surely chip away at her walls, enter her heart and give her the confidence she needs was just beautiful.
“You are going to live, baby girl, and you are going to live with no regrets.”
Harper decides the best medicine for Breeze is to take her on a road trip down the Coast of Queensland and New South Wales, stopping along the way to connect and enjoy life. I just have to say Gitte, I want a Harper in my life!! This man was sexy, funny, so giving and he completely stole my heart. Kirsty Dallas sure can write a beautiful hero that’s for sure. He was so patient and never, for one minute, did he allow Breeze to think she was anything other than the most special person, beautiful and sexy person in his world. He put his heart on the line and laid his feelings bare.
“Baby, I’m not going to lie. If this fucking cancer beats you, I will be crushed. Physically and emotionally beaten, but I promise you, I’ll be beaten but not down. I’ll go on, a big damn piece of me will be missing, you’ll take my heart with you and no other person will ever touch it. I’ll live for you Breeze, Until I see you again.”
All I have to say Gitte is…what a guy! Seriously! I want a Harper in my life. I loved him. What about you?
Gitte: Oh wow did I fall in love with Harper. What an amazing man…what an amazing friend and ultimately, what hopeful and motivating compassion. And you’re right Jenny. This Author has a knack for writing strong male heroes with such depth, empathy and spot on masculinity. I absolutely love this Author’s knack of that perfect balance.
“Well Breeze, I’m adopting a different attitude…..I’m not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life.” – Harper
So yeah, poor Harper wasn’t dealing. She was merely existing, keeping her illness a secret to anyone but George, the man she saw as a father.
“Sleep was where I wanted to live right now, so sleep I did.”
I was questioning her behaviour and secrecy as an outsider but I understood it one hundred percent. Truly understood it. However, it always raises the question of: by sparing people the truth are you not inadvertently hurting them by you silence?
I loved her relationship with George and the tenderness with which he cared for Bree was truly heart-warming.
“Have an open heart and open eyes….” – George
When George took matters into his own hands by calling Harper, did he do right? Absolutely. Sometimes what we really need and want can be buried underneath so much pain and suffering we are unable to grasp it ourselves. Harper isn’t dealing, how could she be? She needs help but who would willingly ask for it, do we even realise we need it? Or does the realisation of our impending mortality already propel our subconscious towards it as super-fast speed so that we miss out the in-between? The good bits?!
“I couldn’t help but feel ugly, so I was ugly. My eyes saw what they wanted to. I could cover all the mirrors in the world and wrap my head behind all the fabric I could get my hands on, but if I didn’t feel pretty inside, I would never feel pretty outside.” – Bree
Harper almost took charge of making Bree live life to its full potential the minute he came home to her. But this guy didn’t judge. Sure, he felt let down and angry about being kept in the dark but these two had first and foremost a beautiful friendship that grew into love. Love of the pure unblemished kind that still remained and burned strong.
Bree, despite not wanting Harper to see her suffer and the effects of her illness, is comforted by him being there. However it takes some convincing for her to be taken out of the protective cocoon she has immersed herself in, living in the grip of her illness.
“You think you can waltz in here and make everything okay? You’re going to what, fix me? Make it all go away with your pretty smile and easy going attitude? I have cancer Harper, it is going to kill me.” – Bree
“You didn’t tell me. I thought I was your friend. Hell, I thought I was your best friend.” – Harper
“I can’t do this…” – Bree
Such and emotional and beautiful journey that is without doubt a must read. I loved every minute I spent with Bree and Harper and could not put this story down. I was living it with them and I felt every word. The few issues I did have did not take anything away from the messages and their importance in this story. They were small niggles really. You felt the same didn’t you Jenny?
Jenny: I did indeed Gitte. I had to see how these two fared. I HAD to know what life had in store for Harper and Breeze as they faced life, love and tragedy together. I just couldn’t leave them and the author made me feel as if I was right there with them. Yep, I was in that Jeep, singing at the top of my lungs, sharing their touching and tender moments, crying with them during their sadness and fears and laughing with them during their banter. It truly was a wonderful read. I shed a few tears and my spirits were lifted.
“I lay there for the longest time simply listening to the strong beat of Harper’s heart, like a melody that sang of life and happiness…”
So, why am I not giving this book 5 stars? Well, there were a couple of things in the story that did irritate me just a little and if it wasn’t for those, Breeze of Life would have surely been a 5 star read for me. The first being the “inner woman” monologue. It felt out of place and I sometimes found it a bit distracting.
My second issue related to drama which was introduced towards the end of the book. I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to do spoilers. The added drama at this stage of the story felt unnecessary and only served to niggle me. The story held its own, was beautiful and captivating in itself and for me, I just didn’t feel the added drama was required. But these were minor hiccups in what was a truly captivating and memorable read and I will always remember what it was I loved about this book and how much these characters and their journey touched me.
What really hit home was what I took from this story. To me it reiterated that age old message that we might not here for a long time, so let’s make sure we make EVERY minute count and never take life for granted. I absolutely recommend picking this one up. It really is one for the soul.
Jenny: 4.5 stars
Gitte: 4.5 stars
ARC provided by author in exchanged for an honest review
August 1, 2013
** Received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review**
An AMAZING 5+ stars heartfelt, gut wrenching story that will stay with you long after you've read the last word. I love a beautiful cover and this one was no different but the scarf told me what I need to know before even opening the book.
~ “A true friend is someone who believes in you when you stop believing in yourself.”
I cried. I laughed. I smiled and I cried some more and then I smiled through my tears. The story reminds us of a very important life lesson, “Life is what you make it, Live every day like it is your last, because it just might be.”
Breeze Delaney, has received some bad news, the one word that can turn your life upside down in a heartbeat. She has cancer. She has made it through the chemo and radiation but the zest for life has been swept away and she has shut herself off from everyone, except George. George is the father figure who lives across that hall who took care of Breeze while she was going through treatment but he wants her to engage life again so he reaches out to her roommate Harper.
Harper Somerville had me at “baby girl”. He just about made my heart melt throughout the story. Harper is a sexy, professional surfer and her best friend. When he returns home after 8 months on tour to find out that she is sick and didn't reach out to him he is hurt but responds with calm and compassion.
After catching up and mending fences Harper decides that there is something he needs to share with Breeze. He takes her to a children’s hospital where Breeze meets Mia. Mia is the sister of Harper’s Tour Mate, Jack and she is battling leukemia. There is almost an instant connection between Mia and Breeze. You feel the spark of their connection while they talk boys and music in their sterile environment.
Next up ROAD TRIP! Harper has decided that he is over Breeze’s pity party and wants her to start to living life again…a life with him in it. Here is where I continued to fall for Harper. He is selfless when it comes to Breeze. He will do anything to make her smile, put her at
ease and let her know that she is loved.
I enjoyed their banter laced with sexual innuendos and the fact they even though they had known each other for years they still were nervous about admitting their feelings for one another. I enjoyed watching Harper and Breeze cross off the “Nevers”.
“You are going to live, baby girl, and you are going to live with no regrets. And if you go before me, I want you to know when it’s my turn I will find you. I am going to rock your afterlife just like I rocked your living life.” ~ Harper
So, I was waiting for the moment that would reduce me to tears and when it came I didn’t disappoint. The author truly engages the reader, putting them right there to feel the waves of emotions as the characters experience it.
Harper and Breeze’s love story is grand, built on friendship that has flourished into love. A love that realizes that outer beauty will never surpass ones inner beauty. That regardless of what life throws at you, the support of loved ones will sometimes be enough to pull you through and help you find the inner strength you need to live each day to the fullest and fight for what you really want.
An AMAZING 5+ stars heartfelt, gut wrenching story that will stay with you long after you've read the last word. I love a beautiful cover and this one was no different but the scarf told me what I need to know before even opening the book.
~ “A true friend is someone who believes in you when you stop believing in yourself.”
I cried. I laughed. I smiled and I cried some more and then I smiled through my tears. The story reminds us of a very important life lesson, “Life is what you make it, Live every day like it is your last, because it just might be.”
Breeze Delaney, has received some bad news, the one word that can turn your life upside down in a heartbeat. She has cancer. She has made it through the chemo and radiation but the zest for life has been swept away and she has shut herself off from everyone, except George. George is the father figure who lives across that hall who took care of Breeze while she was going through treatment but he wants her to engage life again so he reaches out to her roommate Harper.
Harper Somerville had me at “baby girl”. He just about made my heart melt throughout the story. Harper is a sexy, professional surfer and her best friend. When he returns home after 8 months on tour to find out that she is sick and didn't reach out to him he is hurt but responds with calm and compassion.
After catching up and mending fences Harper decides that there is something he needs to share with Breeze. He takes her to a children’s hospital where Breeze meets Mia. Mia is the sister of Harper’s Tour Mate, Jack and she is battling leukemia. There is almost an instant connection between Mia and Breeze. You feel the spark of their connection while they talk boys and music in their sterile environment.
Next up ROAD TRIP! Harper has decided that he is over Breeze’s pity party and wants her to start to living life again…a life with him in it. Here is where I continued to fall for Harper. He is selfless when it comes to Breeze. He will do anything to make her smile, put her at
ease and let her know that she is loved.
I enjoyed their banter laced with sexual innuendos and the fact they even though they had known each other for years they still were nervous about admitting their feelings for one another. I enjoyed watching Harper and Breeze cross off the “Nevers”.
“You are going to live, baby girl, and you are going to live with no regrets. And if you go before me, I want you to know when it’s my turn I will find you. I am going to rock your afterlife just like I rocked your living life.” ~ Harper
So, I was waiting for the moment that would reduce me to tears and when it came I didn’t disappoint. The author truly engages the reader, putting them right there to feel the waves of emotions as the characters experience it.
Harper and Breeze’s love story is grand, built on friendship that has flourished into love. A love that realizes that outer beauty will never surpass ones inner beauty. That regardless of what life throws at you, the support of loved ones will sometimes be enough to pull you through and help you find the inner strength you need to live each day to the fullest and fight for what you really want.
July 26, 2013
Ok wow what can I say besides this is an absolute beautiful story from beginning to end. Breeze & Harper's relationship is simply epic & I want my very own Harper. :)
The story takes you an a truly inspirational journey and you simply have to ride out the pure raw emotions in their lives!
I laughed out loud & I cried heavily, but it's abso-freaking-loutley worth the read!!!
Loved it! <3
The story takes you an a truly inspirational journey and you simply have to ride out the pure raw emotions in their lives!
I laughed out loud & I cried heavily, but it's abso-freaking-loutley worth the read!!!
Loved it! <3
November 19, 2014
An emotional beautifully written story with great characters to fall in love with too.
Bree suffering and wallowing in self pity with her cancer. Harper a professional surfer who left her eight months ago after telling her he loved her. They've been friends since they were ten years old. George a great neighbour looks after Bree he is like a father figure to her.
So finally Harper comes back to Bree and gets her to go on a road trip and start living and enjoy herself. The first stop is a hospital and she meets Mia a lovely fifteen year old suffering from Leukaemia. They become great friends.
As the road trip develops Breeze outlook on life changes and you can feel the love between them starting to come to life.
Even though this story is about Cancer it is an uplifting story and still an emotional one.
I cried and laughed out loud with this story my favourite line Bree writing on a toilet door.
"Love is like a fart if you have to force it, it's probably shit"
Bree suffering and wallowing in self pity with her cancer. Harper a professional surfer who left her eight months ago after telling her he loved her. They've been friends since they were ten years old. George a great neighbour looks after Bree he is like a father figure to her.
So finally Harper comes back to Bree and gets her to go on a road trip and start living and enjoy herself. The first stop is a hospital and she meets Mia a lovely fifteen year old suffering from Leukaemia. They become great friends.
As the road trip develops Breeze outlook on life changes and you can feel the love between them starting to come to life.
Even though this story is about Cancer it is an uplifting story and still an emotional one.
I cried and laughed out loud with this story my favourite line Bree writing on a toilet door.
"Love is like a fart if you have to force it, it's probably shit"
August 21, 2013
3.5 stars.
This was a cute book overall. Very much an edge of never vibe but the main differences are
Harper is Breeze's long time
He knows she has
Their roadtrip is across
It was a very cute read though!
This was a cute book overall. Very much an edge of never vibe but the main differences are
Harper is Breeze's long time
He knows she has
Their roadtrip is across
It was a very cute read though!
August 19, 2013
Cancer, best friends, road trip. Emotional right? I swear I'm not heartless but all I felt reading this book was disappointment. Yes it's nice of Harper to be there for Bree but I felt like he was doing it with ulterior motive, what with half of the book with his sexual innuendos. I think I just expected more. I would have liked it if there was a specific bucket list to cross instead of their 'never have I' game. And how come a 23 year old woman has no other friends except a 15 year old she just met?! Nevermind. At least that 15 year old was the one admirable character in the story. Overall it was just an ok read for me.
July 31, 2013
“I need to cross off a never”
“This man really was my happy pill. He should come with a warning, ‘best served in small doses’. To hell with that, I wanted to overdoes on his joy and enthusiasm.”
“I could feel him everywhere, in me, on me, around me, but nothing compared to the feeling of him in my heart. Harper possessed me on every level.”
“Baby, I’m not going to lie. If this fucking cancer beats you, I will be crushed. Physically and emotionally beaten, but I promise you, I’ll be beaten but not down. I’ll go on, a big damn piece of me will be missing, you’ll take my heart with you and no other person will ever touch it. I’ll live for you Breeze, Until I see you again.”
“I'm crossing a Never have I off my list. I have never confessed my goofy-footed, boxer dropping smile wearing, all consuming, love for Kirsty's words. (Ok I have, but not today.. so it still counts!) I've said I loved you before, and that you're in the top 2 of my favorite Aussies EVER. HOWEVER. You leave me mind blown, speechless, and emotional. You are my past, my present, and my future favorite butt-munch. * I left out the swears to be facebook friendly. They were Harper approved though.*” – My post to Kirsty when I finished Breeze of Life.
One word. Fuck. That moment when you’re done reading and all you can do is sigh, and with immense feeling say “Fuck” and let out that breath you’ve been holding. THAT is what Kirsty Dallas does to me. Breeze of Life was so much more than I thought it would be. I mean, Tons of books leave me a hot mess with a disaster of emotions to deal with… but Breeze of Life, I can’t even begin to explain. When I first started reading this I was very apprehensive. Not about Kristy, or her writing, but the fact that it was about cancer. Cancer is the one thing that REALLY gets to me. My sister had Lukemia when she was a kid, (she’s been in remission for over 20yrs *YAY!*) and my dad died of cancer. I get very anxious and nervous about books that have to deal with cancer because it hurts me more, on a deeper level, and dredges up feelings that I just don’t want to think about. Memories that I would like to have forgotten.
Breeze of Life was about the after. Living life after treatment can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to live through. This book really shows you the importance of family and friends during such a crucial time. God, I loved this story. Breeze and Harper were outstanding and are the complete definition of soul mates. All of the characters in this story are so fierce and passionate. Mia, was probably my favorite of the support characters. She most definitely put the sass back in sassy. At 15, dealing with the life she’s been dealt… she’s so upbeat and positive. Then George (Which happened to be my dad’s name) was the father that Breeze never had. Hmm, it must be something with the name!?
Once you read this you’ll never be able to get over Harper. He is just one of a kind spectacular. I don’t even know how to describe him, besides perfect. Harper is passionate, fierce, goofy, caring, loving, ok let’s just say he’s EVERYTHING you want in a man. Damn you Kirsty, setting me up for failure! Reading with my book boyfriends / book husbands just leaves me wanting more, and makes me feel like I’m lacking. (Sorry honey, but you’re no book husband!) Maybe men should read these books so that they get an idea of what we REALLY want and how we SHOULD be treated. Anyways, Fuck! I can’t stop myself. I think of Harper and I just go on a tangent. A mouthy tangent at that… Mmhmm. Yep.
Seriously, if you haven’t decided to read this after my ranting and raving… I don’t know what to do with you. Except put the book in front of you and demand you to read it! This is a story you DON’T want to miss. Kirsty’s words really do blow me out of the water. I loved the surfing lingo, and the road trip, and everything in between. I was even ok with the loop she threw me for at the end. Oh. My. God. I was BAWLING my eyes out. I knew it couldn’t be true. Was it!? Nooo. Don’t. WHY!? I can’t tell you what happens, that’s for you to find out. Believe me, you WANT to find out.
Thank you, Kirsty for your beautiful words. You’re an inspiration. I can’t wait to read more from you and I hope that even my adoration will keep you writing. By the way… this would make one HELL of a movie. Just Sayin’ if the thought ever crossed your mind. Love love love you woman. You make me laugh, cry, smile, curse, and sigh. Don’t ever stop! And One for the road… ‘FUCK!’
“This man really was my happy pill. He should come with a warning, ‘best served in small doses’. To hell with that, I wanted to overdoes on his joy and enthusiasm.”
“I could feel him everywhere, in me, on me, around me, but nothing compared to the feeling of him in my heart. Harper possessed me on every level.”
“Baby, I’m not going to lie. If this fucking cancer beats you, I will be crushed. Physically and emotionally beaten, but I promise you, I’ll be beaten but not down. I’ll go on, a big damn piece of me will be missing, you’ll take my heart with you and no other person will ever touch it. I’ll live for you Breeze, Until I see you again.”
“I'm crossing a Never have I off my list. I have never confessed my goofy-footed, boxer dropping smile wearing, all consuming, love for Kirsty's words. (Ok I have, but not today.. so it still counts!) I've said I loved you before, and that you're in the top 2 of my favorite Aussies EVER. HOWEVER. You leave me mind blown, speechless, and emotional. You are my past, my present, and my future favorite butt-munch. * I left out the swears to be facebook friendly. They were Harper approved though.*” – My post to Kirsty when I finished Breeze of Life.
One word. Fuck. That moment when you’re done reading and all you can do is sigh, and with immense feeling say “Fuck” and let out that breath you’ve been holding. THAT is what Kirsty Dallas does to me. Breeze of Life was so much more than I thought it would be. I mean, Tons of books leave me a hot mess with a disaster of emotions to deal with… but Breeze of Life, I can’t even begin to explain. When I first started reading this I was very apprehensive. Not about Kristy, or her writing, but the fact that it was about cancer. Cancer is the one thing that REALLY gets to me. My sister had Lukemia when she was a kid, (she’s been in remission for over 20yrs *YAY!*) and my dad died of cancer. I get very anxious and nervous about books that have to deal with cancer because it hurts me more, on a deeper level, and dredges up feelings that I just don’t want to think about. Memories that I would like to have forgotten.
Breeze of Life was about the after. Living life after treatment can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to live through. This book really shows you the importance of family and friends during such a crucial time. God, I loved this story. Breeze and Harper were outstanding and are the complete definition of soul mates. All of the characters in this story are so fierce and passionate. Mia, was probably my favorite of the support characters. She most definitely put the sass back in sassy. At 15, dealing with the life she’s been dealt… she’s so upbeat and positive. Then George (Which happened to be my dad’s name) was the father that Breeze never had. Hmm, it must be something with the name!?
Once you read this you’ll never be able to get over Harper. He is just one of a kind spectacular. I don’t even know how to describe him, besides perfect. Harper is passionate, fierce, goofy, caring, loving, ok let’s just say he’s EVERYTHING you want in a man. Damn you Kirsty, setting me up for failure! Reading with my book boyfriends / book husbands just leaves me wanting more, and makes me feel like I’m lacking. (Sorry honey, but you’re no book husband!) Maybe men should read these books so that they get an idea of what we REALLY want and how we SHOULD be treated. Anyways, Fuck! I can’t stop myself. I think of Harper and I just go on a tangent. A mouthy tangent at that… Mmhmm. Yep.
Seriously, if you haven’t decided to read this after my ranting and raving… I don’t know what to do with you. Except put the book in front of you and demand you to read it! This is a story you DON’T want to miss. Kirsty’s words really do blow me out of the water. I loved the surfing lingo, and the road trip, and everything in between. I was even ok with the loop she threw me for at the end. Oh. My. God. I was BAWLING my eyes out. I knew it couldn’t be true. Was it!? Nooo. Don’t. WHY!? I can’t tell you what happens, that’s for you to find out. Believe me, you WANT to find out.
Thank you, Kirsty for your beautiful words. You’re an inspiration. I can’t wait to read more from you and I hope that even my adoration will keep you writing. By the way… this would make one HELL of a movie. Just Sayin’ if the thought ever crossed your mind. Love love love you woman. You make me laugh, cry, smile, curse, and sigh. Don’t ever stop! And One for the road… ‘FUCK!’
January 19, 2014
Breeze of Life was recommended to me from a fabulous blogger friend, Michelle at Novels on the Run. Michelle is a very big advocate for Australian authors and I couldn’t resist supporting another fabulous Aussie author either. This is my first experience reading Kirsty Dallas and this was a fabulous Australian read. Ms Dallas has a fantastic style that is so vivid, Breeze of Life had me in tears throughout. This book includes a reality that is very scary for everybody dealing with the big C and D, cancer and depression. But the most fabulous aspect of this book is the love. Oh Harper you are such a hottie and so lovable. **SIGH**
Bree (Breeze) Delany is a 23 year old that has had to endure something that nobody wishes on their worst enemy, CANCER. She was diagnosed eight months ago and had to suffer this with only her neighbour, George, who is like a Father to her. Harper left to go follow his dreams on the Pro Surfing Tour and Sean (Harper’s cousin) lives in Sydney. The three have been together since Breeze was 10 and now she feels all alone.
Breeze didn’t want to burden anybody with her current situation and still recovering from treatment, has hidden herself away in the apartment she shares with Harper. But since he is on tour, she is depressed, all alone and scared. Breeze is asleep and awakes to find Harper sitting on her bed. She doesn’t know if it’s a dream or reality until he starts talking back to her.
Harper Somerville left to follow his dreams, but before leaving he kissed Breeze and told her he loved her while drunk. She didn’t know whether to believe him especially when he fell into the arms of another woman straight after the declaration. Breeze has been doing nothing but thinking about death and that kiss; when Harper returns home it is a major elephant taking up room in their apartment.
This is the big question, will that kiss ruin everything they have been through the past 13 years? Harper is determined to get his loving positive Breeze back and is dragging her out of the apartment and onto a road trip with him down to Sydney. NOW the fun begins…..
Bree gets to see another side of Harper she didn’t know existed. He has so many friends all over Australia and along their trip she gets to meet some amazing people. Harper is the most considerate and loving person she has ever known and he is determined to convince Breeze of his real love for her.
Breeze is constantly worried about her appearance because of the treatment she has no hair on her body, but Harper tries to show her the benefits of being hairless. Breeze has to make the tough decision to step over that line from friendship to lover and she doesn’t want to get hurt or hurt Harper, especially if her treatment isn’t a success.
Can Breeze get used to the idea of being in Harper’s world, with beautiful people and women ogling Harper 24/7? Will Breeze allow herself to love Harper the way he deserves? Has her treatment been a success?
Love friendship and loyalty are all very strong attributes within Breeze of Life. I adored Harper and his strong arms that hold Bree together. Harper is such a fabulous character with flaws, but a true gentleman towards Bree. Kirsty Dallas – I am now one of your biggest fans, you are amazing. I cannot wait to read Saving Ella, hopefully soon.
Bree (Breeze) Delany is a 23 year old that has had to endure something that nobody wishes on their worst enemy, CANCER. She was diagnosed eight months ago and had to suffer this with only her neighbour, George, who is like a Father to her. Harper left to go follow his dreams on the Pro Surfing Tour and Sean (Harper’s cousin) lives in Sydney. The three have been together since Breeze was 10 and now she feels all alone.
Breeze didn’t want to burden anybody with her current situation and still recovering from treatment, has hidden herself away in the apartment she shares with Harper. But since he is on tour, she is depressed, all alone and scared. Breeze is asleep and awakes to find Harper sitting on her bed. She doesn’t know if it’s a dream or reality until he starts talking back to her.
Harper Somerville left to follow his dreams, but before leaving he kissed Breeze and told her he loved her while drunk. She didn’t know whether to believe him especially when he fell into the arms of another woman straight after the declaration. Breeze has been doing nothing but thinking about death and that kiss; when Harper returns home it is a major elephant taking up room in their apartment.
This is the big question, will that kiss ruin everything they have been through the past 13 years? Harper is determined to get his loving positive Breeze back and is dragging her out of the apartment and onto a road trip with him down to Sydney. NOW the fun begins…..
Bree gets to see another side of Harper she didn’t know existed. He has so many friends all over Australia and along their trip she gets to meet some amazing people. Harper is the most considerate and loving person she has ever known and he is determined to convince Breeze of his real love for her.
Breeze is constantly worried about her appearance because of the treatment she has no hair on her body, but Harper tries to show her the benefits of being hairless. Breeze has to make the tough decision to step over that line from friendship to lover and she doesn’t want to get hurt or hurt Harper, especially if her treatment isn’t a success.
Can Breeze get used to the idea of being in Harper’s world, with beautiful people and women ogling Harper 24/7? Will Breeze allow herself to love Harper the way he deserves? Has her treatment been a success?
Love friendship and loyalty are all very strong attributes within Breeze of Life. I adored Harper and his strong arms that hold Bree together. Harper is such a fabulous character with flaws, but a true gentleman towards Bree. Kirsty Dallas – I am now one of your biggest fans, you are amazing. I cannot wait to read Saving Ella, hopefully soon.
September 13, 2013
http://blue-moon.fr/spip.php?article8668
L’habileté des Australiennes n’est plus à démontrer en matière de romance. Kirsty Dallas Wood s’est lancée dans une romance NA grave qui aurait pu être terriblement plombante mais qu’elle va alléger, adoucir grâce à l’amour que les deux héros portent l’un à l’autre. Pourtant ce n’était pas gagné car l’héroïne, Breeze est gravement malade et souffre d’un cancer. Au début du livre, elle est à la fin de son traitement, en attente de nouveaux examens et terriblement dépressive. Elle a affronté sa maladie, seule , tout d’abord parce qu’elle est essentiellement sans famille. Elle n’a jamais connu son père et sa mère n’est pas du genre à la materner même dans la maladie. Le reste du monde, elle l’a volontairement écarté notamment son meilleur ami et l’amour de sa vie, Harper Somerville. Cela va changer en tout début de roman.
Harper, dieu grec, surfer de niveau mondial, est de retour. Et il découvre avec effroi son amie dans un état lamentable. Il va faire sa mission de faire vivre Breeze, même si cela ne doit durer que quelques temps. Pour cela, il l’emmène dans une sorte de voyage sur les routes australiennes, apparemment guidé par le hasard mais ce n’est pas si évident.
Le livre va peu à peu s’égayer, s’ouvrir, au fur et à mesure où Breeze accepte ce qu’elle vit, ce qu’elle est et ce qui peut arriver. A coup de rencontres, de visites de plages idylliques, d’un salon de tatouage qui va lui redonner un peu d’elle-même, Breeze lentement s’ouvre, s’épanouit, absorbe l’amour de Harper comme une fleur assoiffée. Tout cela est doux-amer, tendre et très chaleureux. Car la mort n’est pas oubliée, la maladie et ses rigueurs non plus. Breeze a changé, n’a plus de cheveux, a maigri et doute d’elle à tous les niveaux. Elle ne trouvera jamais totalement le bonheur dans cet état et ce serait un message bien stupide à faire passer mais elle peut vivre avec. Harper est un véritable soleil, un surfeur, qui a conservé une âme d’enfant par bien des aspects. Il est joueur, amusant, pas immature mais capable de renouer avec l’esprit de l’enfance, celle qu’il a partagé avec Breeze. Il y a bien plus entre eux et tous deux le savent. Ce n’est pas le moment de commencer quelque chose selon Breeze mais Harper est là pour lui dire, « pourquoi pas ? ».
L’histoire est belle, intelligente, évoque le cancer sans fard. C’est une romance donc la fin n’est pas aussi dramatique qu’elle pourrait l’être mais cela reste très réaliste. Le plaisir vient aussi de ce couple fort, amoureux qui partage tant. Ils sont forts ensemble, Harper est une force de vie incroyable.
C’est une très belle histoire qui laisse deviner aussi d’autres personnages potentiels. C’est aussi un joli roman plein d’espoir et de douceur qui fait du bien.
L’habileté des Australiennes n’est plus à démontrer en matière de romance. Kirsty Dallas Wood s’est lancée dans une romance NA grave qui aurait pu être terriblement plombante mais qu’elle va alléger, adoucir grâce à l’amour que les deux héros portent l’un à l’autre. Pourtant ce n’était pas gagné car l’héroïne, Breeze est gravement malade et souffre d’un cancer. Au début du livre, elle est à la fin de son traitement, en attente de nouveaux examens et terriblement dépressive. Elle a affronté sa maladie, seule , tout d’abord parce qu’elle est essentiellement sans famille. Elle n’a jamais connu son père et sa mère n’est pas du genre à la materner même dans la maladie. Le reste du monde, elle l’a volontairement écarté notamment son meilleur ami et l’amour de sa vie, Harper Somerville. Cela va changer en tout début de roman.
Harper, dieu grec, surfer de niveau mondial, est de retour. Et il découvre avec effroi son amie dans un état lamentable. Il va faire sa mission de faire vivre Breeze, même si cela ne doit durer que quelques temps. Pour cela, il l’emmène dans une sorte de voyage sur les routes australiennes, apparemment guidé par le hasard mais ce n’est pas si évident.
Le livre va peu à peu s’égayer, s’ouvrir, au fur et à mesure où Breeze accepte ce qu’elle vit, ce qu’elle est et ce qui peut arriver. A coup de rencontres, de visites de plages idylliques, d’un salon de tatouage qui va lui redonner un peu d’elle-même, Breeze lentement s’ouvre, s’épanouit, absorbe l’amour de Harper comme une fleur assoiffée. Tout cela est doux-amer, tendre et très chaleureux. Car la mort n’est pas oubliée, la maladie et ses rigueurs non plus. Breeze a changé, n’a plus de cheveux, a maigri et doute d’elle à tous les niveaux. Elle ne trouvera jamais totalement le bonheur dans cet état et ce serait un message bien stupide à faire passer mais elle peut vivre avec. Harper est un véritable soleil, un surfeur, qui a conservé une âme d’enfant par bien des aspects. Il est joueur, amusant, pas immature mais capable de renouer avec l’esprit de l’enfance, celle qu’il a partagé avec Breeze. Il y a bien plus entre eux et tous deux le savent. Ce n’est pas le moment de commencer quelque chose selon Breeze mais Harper est là pour lui dire, « pourquoi pas ? ».
L’histoire est belle, intelligente, évoque le cancer sans fard. C’est une romance donc la fin n’est pas aussi dramatique qu’elle pourrait l’être mais cela reste très réaliste. Le plaisir vient aussi de ce couple fort, amoureux qui partage tant. Ils sont forts ensemble, Harper est une force de vie incroyable.
C’est une très belle histoire qui laisse deviner aussi d’autres personnages potentiels. C’est aussi un joli roman plein d’espoir et de douceur qui fait du bien.
August 6, 2013
Incredible! A story of hope and love. Crushingly emotional with a very real subject matter that affects so many.
This book had me in such an emotional state. It's hard to even describe all the emotions that I experienced while reading this. The story gave a very realistic look into the mind frame of the person that's experiencing this fate. No one wants to be told that dreaded word "cancer". I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to be told such a thing. How do you go on?
That is exactly the predicament that Bree/Breeze found herself in. Battling to live on her own. Her best friend Harper refuses to let her waste life. Determine to show her just how wonderful life can be even if it only lasts one day.
Life is what you make of it and with Harper's help Bree's life takes a very interesting turn.
I completely sympathized with Bree. Throughout the entire story. She is dealing with so much. My heart ached for her. Harper was Bree's rock. He was a very take-charge kind of guy and I found him so very sexy. He wasn't afraid to let Bree know exactly what he felt.
This book took me on a very emotional journey and I enjoyed every minute of it. I want my own road trip filled with spin the bottle/truth or dare, never have I ever games, and tattoos that made me teary just thinking about the beautiful meanings behind them. Kristy Dallas takes hold of your emotions from the first page and doesn't give them back until the very end. What a fantastic read!
*This review will also be posted under Books, Babes, and Cheap Cabernet*
This book had me in such an emotional state. It's hard to even describe all the emotions that I experienced while reading this. The story gave a very realistic look into the mind frame of the person that's experiencing this fate. No one wants to be told that dreaded word "cancer". I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to be told such a thing. How do you go on?
That is exactly the predicament that Bree/Breeze found herself in. Battling to live on her own. Her best friend Harper refuses to let her waste life. Determine to show her just how wonderful life can be even if it only lasts one day.
Life is what you make of it and with Harper's help Bree's life takes a very interesting turn.
I completely sympathized with Bree. Throughout the entire story. She is dealing with so much. My heart ached for her. Harper was Bree's rock. He was a very take-charge kind of guy and I found him so very sexy. He wasn't afraid to let Bree know exactly what he felt.
This book took me on a very emotional journey and I enjoyed every minute of it. I want my own road trip filled with spin the bottle/truth or dare, never have I ever games, and tattoos that made me teary just thinking about the beautiful meanings behind them. Kristy Dallas takes hold of your emotions from the first page and doesn't give them back until the very end. What a fantastic read!
*This review will also be posted under Books, Babes, and Cheap Cabernet*
October 25, 2016
Kirsty took something ugly, cancer, and wrote a beautiful story.
Bree is suffering silently and basically alone. Her neighbor George is a great sense of comfort and help to her but she has no one else to help her in this horrible journey.
"I had eclipsed sadness months ago and now I existed in a deep well of nothing."
She has loved Harper her whole life. He is her best friend and she his. Harper comes home and and is determined not to let her lie in bed and waste away.
"I'm not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life."
My bestie is battling breast cancer as I write this review. I felt Harper's sentiment the night she told me and held on tight. Cancer touches all of us at some point in our lives. What Harper does for Bree is lovely and so heartwarming. I shed more than one tear reading Breeze of Life as it touched me and gave me hope I was doing 1 millionth of what Harper does for my dear friend.
I am little bit in love with Harper myself. Everyone needs a Harper in their lives. I don't want to spoil the story, but it is a definite five star, shed a tear or two, make your heart swell, must read.
Bree grows so much throughout the book and learns about herself and Harper.
"You have to make the most of this life, Breeze, and live every second of it like tomorrow doesn't exist."
Good advise to us all.
A copy provided for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Bree is suffering silently and basically alone. Her neighbor George is a great sense of comfort and help to her but she has no one else to help her in this horrible journey.
"I had eclipsed sadness months ago and now I existed in a deep well of nothing."
She has loved Harper her whole life. He is her best friend and she his. Harper comes home and and is determined not to let her lie in bed and waste away.
"I'm not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life."
My bestie is battling breast cancer as I write this review. I felt Harper's sentiment the night she told me and held on tight. Cancer touches all of us at some point in our lives. What Harper does for Bree is lovely and so heartwarming. I shed more than one tear reading Breeze of Life as it touched me and gave me hope I was doing 1 millionth of what Harper does for my dear friend.
I am little bit in love with Harper myself. Everyone needs a Harper in their lives. I don't want to spoil the story, but it is a definite five star, shed a tear or two, make your heart swell, must read.
Bree grows so much throughout the book and learns about herself and Harper.
"You have to make the most of this life, Breeze, and live every second of it like tomorrow doesn't exist."
Good advise to us all.
A copy provided for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
August 20, 2013
4.5 Stars! I LOVED IT! GREAT READ. Happily EVER NOWS <3
INSPIRING, HEARTFELT STORY OF FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE.
All I wanted to say was that, I am so deeply in love with Harper Somerville. Yup, I just added him in my list of the best best friends turned boyfriend :) He's so caring, i love his humor, his sweetness, his forwardness. Everything about him was just great. :)
In this story we get to learn how Harper showed his best friend and the love of his life, Bree, to live. It was a very nice adventure. It made me smile and at some point really made me laugh :) We will see how Bree gave in to her feeling toward Harper, and all the things that they did after that. :)
Reading this book, made me forget that I'm reading a story about a Bree who has Cancer. It was a nice adventure. It just showed us TO LIVE. ENJOY LIFE NOW, WORRY TOMORROW.
The very last chapter, made me worried. I almost cried in the beginning of the last chapter. To be honest, with Bree's condition, I thought I'm not going to have a HEA, but fortunately WE GOT HEA! :) Yes this book was a HEA.
INSPIRING, HEARTFELT STORY OF FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE.
All I wanted to say was that, I am so deeply in love with Harper Somerville. Yup, I just added him in my list of the best best friends turned boyfriend :) He's so caring, i love his humor, his sweetness, his forwardness. Everything about him was just great. :)
In this story we get to learn how Harper showed his best friend and the love of his life, Bree, to live. It was a very nice adventure. It made me smile and at some point really made me laugh :) We will see how Bree gave in to her feeling toward Harper, and all the things that they did after that. :)
Reading this book, made me forget that I'm reading a story about a Bree who has Cancer. It was a nice adventure. It just showed us TO LIVE. ENJOY LIFE NOW, WORRY TOMORROW.
The very last chapter, made me worried. I almost cried in the beginning of the last chapter. To be honest, with Bree's condition, I thought I'm not going to have a HEA, but fortunately WE GOT HEA! :) Yes this book was a HEA.
August 20, 2013
Bree ‘Breeze’ Delany was the strongest character for her age that I have read. She was amazing! The premise of the story was her best friend Harper who was also her room mate was away on a surfing tour. She found out she has leukemia and kept the secret. There are brief past references thrown in to show exactly why she never contacted Harper.
happy thumbs up
It is a very emotional read. Kirsty Dallas tells beautiful tale. It is going through the stages of grief and show the opposite of what people normally write about a cancer incident. I loved the way Bree was negative. It is refreshing to read someone actually saying “the hell with it” and not being a fighter. She was a complex character who was indifferent at times.
When the story gets deep is when you love Harper even more. Her neighbor and surrogate dad David was phenomenal He took great care of her and she would have totally given up without him. It is a great tale of life and how to live it. It is a story that can NOT be missed. Treat yourself and dive in with Harper!
happy thumbs up
It is a very emotional read. Kirsty Dallas tells beautiful tale. It is going through the stages of grief and show the opposite of what people normally write about a cancer incident. I loved the way Bree was negative. It is refreshing to read someone actually saying “the hell with it” and not being a fighter. She was a complex character who was indifferent at times.
When the story gets deep is when you love Harper even more. Her neighbor and surrogate dad David was phenomenal He took great care of her and she would have totally given up without him. It is a great tale of life and how to live it. It is a story that can NOT be missed. Treat yourself and dive in with Harper!
August 20, 2013
Gahhhhh!!! This book made my heart so happy. I absolutely loved loved loved Harper and Breeze. They were so great together. I think my favorite part is that there was no unnecessary drama. It was just a great story about living your life with purpose and meaning and never letting a day just pass us by.
I absolutely did not want this book to end. I was not ready to stop reading about Harper and Breeze. They were just so great together that I wanted more!
This book will make you laugh, make you cry, give you butterflies, and make you swoon. Every time Harper called Breeze 'baby girl' my heart fluttered. What a wonderful story.
Kirsty Dallas is one of my favorite new authors. First Saving Ella and now BOL? Pure gold!! Keep on writing, Kirsty. I'm loving every minute of it.
4.5 fan-flipping-tastic stars!!!
I absolutely did not want this book to end. I was not ready to stop reading about Harper and Breeze. They were just so great together that I wanted more!
This book will make you laugh, make you cry, give you butterflies, and make you swoon. Every time Harper called Breeze 'baby girl' my heart fluttered. What a wonderful story.
Kirsty Dallas is one of my favorite new authors. First Saving Ella and now BOL? Pure gold!! Keep on writing, Kirsty. I'm loving every minute of it.
4.5 fan-flipping-tastic stars!!!
August 23, 2013
3.5 stars
This was a really sweet story about Bree, who has been fighting Cancer, and her Best friend, Harper, giving her hope to live and maybe give them a shot as a couple. Harper's methods in making her "live" were fun, and he was a totally lovable character and swoonworthy.
I did think that sometimes didn't seem like they were in their 20's, more teenage maturity, and you can really tell when they interact with Mia, a 15 year old, because you can't tell a difference in their maturity. I mean, what 23 year old gets squealing with are 15 year old about a kiss with her boyfriend? It just seemed immature. Also, the was that unnecessary drama toward the end that seemed out of place and there was no reason for it.
Overall, it was a pretty fun, light read.
This was a really sweet story about Bree, who has been fighting Cancer, and her Best friend, Harper, giving her hope to live and maybe give them a shot as a couple. Harper's methods in making her "live" were fun, and he was a totally lovable character and swoonworthy.
I did think that sometimes didn't seem like they were in their 20's, more teenage maturity, and you can really tell when they interact with Mia, a 15 year old, because you can't tell a difference in their maturity. I mean, what 23 year old gets squealing with are 15 year old about a kiss with her boyfriend? It just seemed immature. Also, the was that unnecessary drama toward the end that seemed out of place and there was no reason for it.
Overall, it was a pretty fun, light read.
August 17, 2013
OMG Kirsty Dallas, the things you do to me with written word. I honestly was scared to death to read this book. I, like so many others, am in love with "Saving Ella." Easily in my top 5 books of 2013, I fell in major book crush with Kirsty the minute I started reading it. In my mind I thought 'there's no way she can top this.' Boy was I wrong!
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
July 14, 2013
another great read from Kirsty Dallas. Loved this book, any book that can make me laugh out loud and sit on the couch with tears falling down my cheeks is a great book as far as I'm concerned. It is a beautiful story of a great friendship developing into a great romance. The characters are realistic and as I finished the book I found I wanted to reminisce on the journey I had just taken with this couple. The song selection is perfect and adds to the feeling this book creates. Five stars from me.
August 24, 2013
I laughed, cried, and everything in between! Bree has been dealt a rough hand. Suffering from cancer, she wallows in her own self pity. She let the one man she truly loved walk out the door and never told him about her illness. Harper reveals his feelings and Bree totally freaks out. Harper is her constant but she can't stand to hurt him more by telling her secret. Enter Harper in the middle of her dreams and he sweeps her off her feet again. Bree has given up on life and resigned herself to death, but can Harper show her how to live again?
June 12, 2014
**re-read 6/11/2014 - I love this book, needed a Breeze and Harper fix <3
I loved this story!! Breeze of Life is a well written story about two best friends, Breeze and Harper, who discovers the importance of life, love, friendship, and fun on their two week journey along the coasts in Australia.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style, and am definitely a new fan of hers. I truly loved every, single page and didn't want Breeze and Harper's story to end.
Highly recommend!
I loved this story!! Breeze of Life is a well written story about two best friends, Breeze and Harper, who discovers the importance of life, love, friendship, and fun on their two week journey along the coasts in Australia.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style, and am definitely a new fan of hers. I truly loved every, single page and didn't want Breeze and Harper's story to end.
Highly recommend!
July 8, 2013
Wow, just wow! Another fantastic story. It made me laugh more than once and Holy Hell did it make me shed a tear or two. I didn't want to put the book down and then I never wanted it to end. It's a beautiful heartfelt journey reminding us all to live life to the fullest. Loved this book and would highly recommend.
August 1, 2013
I absolutely enjoyed this awesome book. Wow! I loved the story of Bree and Harper and their beautiful journey. It made me laugh and of course made me cry tears of happiness and sadness. Harper is just dreamy! Once again Kirsty Dallas you did an awesome job. There are a lot of books that I can't get past the first chapter. Looking forward to more books!!!!
September 9, 2013
Kirsty has done it again dammm this was a beautiful uplifting and emotional story oh and it was hot too lol ... I need this on paperback so I can read it over and over again. I loved Harper he really made me melt !!! Cancer has played a big part in my life both with dad and grandma so this was such an emotional ride for me, it was Bree' s story but she took us on her uplifting journey ... !!!
September 22, 2013
4.5 Stars! EMOTIONALLY HEARTWARMING AND BEAUTIFUL! This book will remind you how to LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE, every moment of your life.
"Screw Happily Ever After's, perhaps life was meant to be lived with Happily Every Now's...."
~~That's the line that made me 1-click this one. I am so glad I did!~~
"Screw Happily Ever After's, perhaps life was meant to be lived with Happily Every Now's...."
~~That's the line that made me 1-click this one. I am so glad I did!~~
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