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A Rush of Wings #2
The Still of Night
A Soul Stirring Novel Repackaged for a New Look
Though he is professionally successful, the one life Morgan Spencer can't seem to set straight is his own. Behind his charming rebel facade is a need that drives him toward perfection--and emptiness. Morgan has been haunted for years by the tragic decision his first love made when they were still in high school, but everything changes for him when Jill Runyun reenters his life. And the news she shares will either set him free or bring him to his knees.
With her trademark dramatic storytelling, bestselling author Kristen Heitzmann portrays an enthralling journey of two wounded souls who are a led to a place of healing and restoration.
Though he is professionally successful, the one life Morgan Spencer can't seem to set straight is his own. Behind his charming rebel facade is a need that drives him toward perfection--and emptiness. Morgan has been haunted for years by the tragic decision his first love made when they were still in high school, but everything changes for him when Jill Runyun reenters his life. And the news she shares will either set him free or bring him to his knees.
With her trademark dramatic storytelling, bestselling author Kristen Heitzmann portrays an enthralling journey of two wounded souls who are a led to a place of healing and restoration.
428 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
136 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Heitzmann
46 books916 followersKristen Heitzmann is the award winning author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical series. An artist and musician, she'll also be found hiking the Rocky Mountain trails.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 24, 2020
I had been in a reading slump lately, but this book brought me out of it. A touching story that was both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this one really moved me. I need to read more books like this.
July 30, 2012
This book followed up "A Rush of Wings" with some of the same characters from that book. My one issue with Ms. Heitzmann's novels is that in every book I've read so far, the characters come to a point just shy of resolution, then everything falls apart, they go their separate ways, and all seems lost. Where this is typical of many storylines, the way in which she writes it makes it seem a little inevitable and predictable as I continue reading through her novels. Overall, though, I enjoy her work and the way she weaves the gospel through her fictional stories. Her characters don't have everything figured out, they are real, with real problems, real doubts, and real situations where their faith comes to a crisis point. I'm sure I will continue reading until I've read them all, and I look forward to her new material.
February 28, 2020
Söyleyeceklerim bu kadar🥺🥺
August 24, 2020
Kristen Heitzmann is the queen of epic stories! This was a reread for me, but it was just as good this time! The message of redemption, no matter how far gone we are, is just beautiful, as is the example of the healing power of God's love.
February 5, 2019
To date, this is the most faith filled Kristen Heitzmann book I’ve read yet. Every chapter was a struggle or a praise, or something touching the lives of her characters. I wept as someone who suffered loss, but I also wept for the faith of a child who touched so many in so short a life.
Repeat characters from the first in the series, A Rush of Wings, were Morgan, Rick (his brother) and Noelle (Rick's wife). Jill is the main character in this book.
Fifteen years ago Jill was seventeen and pregnant with Morgan's child. Her parents were very involved in their church so an unmarried daughter was an embarrassment, and a secret never to be revealed. Since Jill refused to abort the baby, the parents took charge, had her deliver in a town away from their own so they could all be anonymous, and an adoption was arranged. Morgan had been told Jill was going to have an abortion, so for nearly 15 years he's held her responsible for the unthinkable, the termination of his child's life.
He was never told he actually had a daughter: Kelsey.
At 14 Kelsey was no longer in remission, and her leukemia was back with a vengeance. Only marrow from a genetically connected person could save her life. Jill was not a viable match. Now Morgan had to be told.
*****************************************
A roller coaster of events follow — heartwarming, confusing, emotional and illuminating. The faith of this child was so inspiring, encouraging to others suffering terminal illnesses, and to anyone else who knew her. If only we all had faith like hers.
Several other plots add to the depth of this wonderful book.
There were a couple spots where something unbiblical was said like, God helps those who help themselves. Also it bothered me that Jill's faith wavered often. But God showed Himself faithful and was so instrumental in the lives of the characters.
Can’t wait to dig into #3, however, I can’t see how this one could be topped. 😁
Repeat characters from the first in the series, A Rush of Wings, were Morgan, Rick (his brother) and Noelle (Rick's wife). Jill is the main character in this book.
Fifteen years ago Jill was seventeen and pregnant with Morgan's child. Her parents were very involved in their church so an unmarried daughter was an embarrassment, and a secret never to be revealed. Since Jill refused to abort the baby, the parents took charge, had her deliver in a town away from their own so they could all be anonymous, and an adoption was arranged. Morgan had been told Jill was going to have an abortion, so for nearly 15 years he's held her responsible for the unthinkable, the termination of his child's life.
He was never told he actually had a daughter: Kelsey.
At 14 Kelsey was no longer in remission, and her leukemia was back with a vengeance. Only marrow from a genetically connected person could save her life. Jill was not a viable match. Now Morgan had to be told.
*****************************************
A roller coaster of events follow — heartwarming, confusing, emotional and illuminating. The faith of this child was so inspiring, encouraging to others suffering terminal illnesses, and to anyone else who knew her. If only we all had faith like hers.
Several other plots add to the depth of this wonderful book.
There were a couple spots where something unbiblical was said like, God helps those who help themselves. Also it bothered me that Jill's faith wavered often. But God showed Himself faithful and was so instrumental in the lives of the characters.
Can’t wait to dig into #3, however, I can’t see how this one could be topped. 😁
May 1, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this emotional novel. The story moved rapidly and the characters were memorable.
Never have I been so impressed with the way an author handled a foul-mouthed character. Not once were his crude words included, and no blank lines so you could imagine what he was saying. Instead the narrator commented on how many times in a sentence he used a particular word. "So far he'd gotten it into every sentence." I got the flavor of the character without have to hear the vulgarity, and I truly appreciated it. Yet another reason Kristen Heitzmann has become one of my favorite contemporary authors.
Never have I been so impressed with the way an author handled a foul-mouthed character. Not once were his crude words included, and no blank lines so you could imagine what he was saying. Instead the narrator commented on how many times in a sentence he used a particular word. "So far he'd gotten it into every sentence." I got the flavor of the character without have to hear the vulgarity, and I truly appreciated it. Yet another reason Kristen Heitzmann has become one of my favorite contemporary authors.
January 26, 2013
I hate it when I cry at a happy ending! The problem was that the journey to that ending was a bumpy one. This was the continued story started in the book, The Rush of Wings. It was good to find "old" friends among the new ones in the book. Morgan and Jill are meant for each other but their history together wasn't good. Kristen Heitzmann makes things seem so real. This is a Christian novel and read for enjoyment, but also makes me think about my own faith.
February 18, 2019
Things I hated: -This book was full of stereotypes about non-Christians, children in foster care, and Arminian Christian thought (As someone who is Calvinist/Reformed, I don’t get much fiction, so I’m used to it. This was above and beyond though, hence the claim of stereotypes).
-There is no way in (put your phrase/expletive of choice here) that a child in foster care would get to go to a random dude’s house without a) a background check and/or b) serious supervision. Child would be removed from foster family’s house and put into another’s care and the first family would loose their ability to foster.
- You *clap emoji* do not *clap emoji* need the child *clap emoji* to mention abuse *clap emoji* to report to social services *clap emoji* If people can clearly hear the fighting down the street and it's causing the child emotional and developmental problems like our MC suggested, you have every right to report no matter what the child says. Brought to you by a Mandatory Reporter in a state where this neglectful action would get you a huge fine and up to 3-4 years in prison.
-Too emotional towards the stereotypes and too wordy. This could have been cut down at least 70 pages if we’ve stuck to the romances/main plot and not do the whole “Christian dates a non-Christian and comes to regret it” thing.
-Giving a child a reward for good behavior is not "bribing them to love you." Children who have gone through abuse do not have a good grasp on abstract concepts, and therefore it is good to help them with concrete objects to help them learn how to trust and how to catch them up developmentally and emotionally.
Why it’s a two star read: - When it could stay on topic, it was effective and a good read.
Recommended 15+ for mentions of language, violence, alcoholism, cancer, romance, premarital sex, and abortion.
-There is no way in (put your phrase/expletive of choice here) that a child in foster care would get to go to a random dude’s house without a) a background check and/or b) serious supervision. Child would be removed from foster family’s house and put into another’s care and the first family would loose their ability to foster.
- You *clap emoji* do not *clap emoji* need the child *clap emoji* to mention abuse *clap emoji* to report to social services *clap emoji* If people can clearly hear the fighting down the street and it's causing the child emotional and developmental problems like our MC suggested, you have every right to report no matter what the child says. Brought to you by a Mandatory Reporter in a state where this neglectful action would get you a huge fine and up to 3-4 years in prison.
-Too emotional towards the stereotypes and too wordy. This could have been cut down at least 70 pages if we’ve stuck to the romances/main plot and not do the whole “Christian dates a non-Christian and comes to regret it” thing.
-Giving a child a reward for good behavior is not "bribing them to love you." Children who have gone through abuse do not have a good grasp on abstract concepts, and therefore it is good to help them with concrete objects to help them learn how to trust and how to catch them up developmentally and emotionally.
Why it’s a two star read: - When it could stay on topic, it was effective and a good read.
Recommended 15+ for mentions of language, violence, alcoholism, cancer, romance, premarital sex, and abortion.
December 30, 2012
I was encouraged to read this by some new friends who are BIG fans of it.
This was a delightful surprise for me. I don't typically read, "Women's Fiction", however, Kristen's full-bodied characters and their development through the novel are tremendous. I now understand why my friends are so effusive in their recommendation.
In particular, Morgan Spencer, the male lead, is excellently portrayed and reflects a great understanding of the male psyche. He is both ambitious, selfish, blunt but also charming, chivalrous, extraordinarily generous and caring. I'd like to read the sequel just to see how Kristen further develops Morgan, especially his spiritual side.
I didn't develop any real empathy for Jill Runyan, the female lead, and Morgan's long-lost love. The novel circled around a number of matters in her life too many times and perhaps extended the novel a little longer than it needed to.
Kelsey's faith was extraordinary and is a wonderful example of that "child-like" faith that we are called to have as we depend on God.
Another element of Kristen's craft that I appreciated was her skill in building emotional peaks throughout the novel. Kept me wanting more, sometimes in laughter, sometimes in tears, but always grabbing my heart-strings.
I'm looking forward to the sequel and maybe I should read more Women's Fiction.
This was a delightful surprise for me. I don't typically read, "Women's Fiction", however, Kristen's full-bodied characters and their development through the novel are tremendous. I now understand why my friends are so effusive in their recommendation.
In particular, Morgan Spencer, the male lead, is excellently portrayed and reflects a great understanding of the male psyche. He is both ambitious, selfish, blunt but also charming, chivalrous, extraordinarily generous and caring. I'd like to read the sequel just to see how Kristen further develops Morgan, especially his spiritual side.
I didn't develop any real empathy for Jill Runyan, the female lead, and Morgan's long-lost love. The novel circled around a number of matters in her life too many times and perhaps extended the novel a little longer than it needed to.
Kelsey's faith was extraordinary and is a wonderful example of that "child-like" faith that we are called to have as we depend on God.
Another element of Kristen's craft that I appreciated was her skill in building emotional peaks throughout the novel. Kept me wanting more, sometimes in laughter, sometimes in tears, but always grabbing my heart-strings.
I'm looking forward to the sequel and maybe I should read more Women's Fiction.
September 19, 2016
The Still of Night was wonderful. At the beginning, I sort of dragged myself along, not totally interested in everything going on. But as the story unfolded and the characters found a place in my heart, I found myself enraptured with this book. I was riveted. As always, I've found that Kristen delves into amazing, realistic details that makes you feel like she actually lived in Jill and Morgan's world. The depth of sorrow and pain was equally real.
Wonderful book. Even when I wasn't reading it, I found myself thinking about it, and towards the end, I found myself toting it everywhere, anxious to read more. There aren't very many books that hold my attention, so I was thrilled to enjoy this book so much!
Wonderful book. Even when I wasn't reading it, I found myself thinking about it, and towards the end, I found myself toting it everywhere, anxious to read more. There aren't very many books that hold my attention, so I was thrilled to enjoy this book so much!
March 1, 2013
Morgan Spencer is one of those bad boys that you can't help but love. It's apparent that he has some strong bitterness going on but I love how the author uses the prayers of his daughter to make him see how much he is loved by Jesus. She has such a strong faith in the midst of adversity.
Jill Runyan struggles with feelings of unworthiness brought on by her parent's unforgiving disapproval after she becomes pregnant as a teen. It takes her much too long to embrace God's forgiveness and His cleansing power.
The sequel to this book explores Morgan's character even more and I thoroughly enjoyed it as well.
Jill Runyan struggles with feelings of unworthiness brought on by her parent's unforgiving disapproval after she becomes pregnant as a teen. It takes her much too long to embrace God's forgiveness and His cleansing power.
The sequel to this book explores Morgan's character even more and I thoroughly enjoyed it as well.
September 27, 2013
I finished this book literally from 8 am until 12:30am the next morning ...it was that good and it actually made me cry ( it really was that good) I loved that the story of Jill and Morgan was hinted at in the first book Rush of Wings because this book details perfectly their entire story. I already had enjoyed the Michelli family series so much and after reading 2 books in this series, i will read anything written by Kristen Heitzmann! Loved this book
February 15, 2021
I enjoyed this the best of Kristen Heitzmann's books. Morgan and Jill are both well-drawn characters who really live. The story of their turbulent romance, with a child with leukemia and her journey as a focal point, is gripping. I would give the book four and a half stars for enjoyment but I felt KH wandered a bit too far from the main subject at times, for too long. Overall, a very moving story.
May 30, 2012
My second reading of this book. (Do you ever read books so fast you don't remember what really happened in the end? Or is it age? Ha!) This Heitzmann book set in my favorite places weaves lost faith and the reality of true life struggles with a great twist ending. Enjoyable!
December 24, 2016
OH.MY.WORD. Morgan and Jill's story is one that reaches in to your soul. It is wrought with pain and heartache. There is also hope and joy. I love the strong faith element that is woven throughout. I highly recommend this book.
January 29, 2019
3.25 Stars
Jill and Morgan once shared a overwhelming teenage love. One that led to the birth of their daughter, when Jill was 17. Now they have seperate lives and have not talked since Jill led him to believe a lie.
I found this book very hard to read in parts. Not because it is an extremely heavy topic, which it is, but because how the characters handled their 'struggles'. The main problem is that Jill never (literally never) shares her fears or feelings and that gets really annoying when it seems such an easy solution to a burden too heavy to bear on your own.
I have the third book and certainly will not read it .
Jill and Morgan once shared a overwhelming teenage love. One that led to the birth of their daughter, when Jill was 17. Now they have seperate lives and have not talked since Jill led him to believe a lie.
I found this book very hard to read in parts. Not because it is an extremely heavy topic, which it is, but because how the characters handled their 'struggles'. The main problem is that Jill never (literally never) shares her fears or feelings and that gets really annoying when it seems such an easy solution to a burden too heavy to bear on your own.
I have the third book and certainly will not read it .
January 5, 2019
I liked the book and gave it five stars (initially) because it's an unusual story line and the characters are well-developed.
However, the author kills off Jill Runyun in the next book in the series and so Morgan is once again working through a relationship. I thought this was incredibly unfair to Jill who never did get the respect she deserved from her parents and now Morgan has decided it was probably a mistake to take up with Jill, who was an old flame and they had too much history together. (I don't think this description is a "spoiler" since the synopsis of the next book in the series is published information but I will mark it as a spoiler anyway.)
The fact that Jill died before ever getting a chance to really live made me so angry I took all the Kristen Heitzmann books back to the library. Done with that. I learned something from it, though: as a writer it's important to treat your characters with some respect and poor Jill didn't get any respect from anybody, not even her author.
However, the author kills off Jill Runyun in the next book in the series and so Morgan is once again working through a relationship. I thought this was incredibly unfair to Jill who never did get the respect she deserved from her parents and now Morgan has decided it was probably a mistake to take up with Jill, who was an old flame and they had too much history together. (I don't think this description is a "spoiler" since the synopsis of the next book in the series is published information but I will mark it as a spoiler anyway.)
The fact that Jill died before ever getting a chance to really live made me so angry I took all the Kristen Heitzmann books back to the library. Done with that. I learned something from it, though: as a writer it's important to treat your characters with some respect and poor Jill didn't get any respect from anybody, not even her author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2016
I loved Rush of Wings so much, I just had to find this book and get the rest of Morgan's story. I was hoping the follow-up would have the road to love running a bit more smoothly for him, but I should have known better. Poor Morgan still has a tough row to hoe. Like much Christian fiction, this novel plays a very mean soccer game, kicking around your emotions, but it is way better developed and written than most formulaic Christian Romances, with very engaging plot and characters, plus more skillfully-wrought pathos and humor. I also found it refreshing that not all relationships were magically healed and knitted together just so the author could tie a neat bow on whatever box she's tried to place God into.
July 9, 2008
I know I read this book, and it was really good. nice conclusion to A Rush of Wings.
*spoiler* If I remember correctly, the only thing i didn't like about these two books was the "i need time away from you to realize i love you then I'll just pop back in your life a few months later" part. like the author didn't have a good way to tie them together, so she used "time" and "unspoken thought" to get them back together. But I stilled liked it.
*spoiler* If I remember correctly, the only thing i didn't like about these two books was the "i need time away from you to realize i love you then I'll just pop back in your life a few months later" part. like the author didn't have a good way to tie them together, so she used "time" and "unspoken thought" to get them back together. But I stilled liked it.
April 23, 2012
all i can say is WOW!!! I just loved this book i listened to it on audio cd i don't know if was the guys voice but the words was so powerful i could not stop listening to it. i was so overwelmed with the story the heartbreak and the struggle Jill and Morgan went through. I connected with the charaters and i felt there pain. I did not realize this was book two so i am going to read the first book Rush of wings.
September 23, 2010
I didn't realize that this was a sequel to "A Rush of Wings" until I started reading it. I think my biggest problem with Kristen Heitzmann is that I like her characters too much! I get so involved in the story that I want to know what happens quickly! And her books seem to always keep you hanging until the very end. I liked it, though. And I keep reading her books, so she is doing something right!
July 28, 2012
I was so excited to read the sequel to Rush of Wings and find out what happens in the life of one of the brothers who was in love with Noelle. It was especially moving as there is a 14 year old girl in the story who is fighting leukemia. I cried throughout the book and was very touched by the story. The author has such a talent to make you love the characters she creates! I was sad to finish it and say good bye to the Spencer family...
November 9, 2012
For a deeply emotional story of second chances, you don't need to look any further than The Still of Night. I wish I'd read this before Breath of Dawn, but even though I knew how several major plot threads would end, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. As a bonus, Heitzmann so intrigued me with several references to "Beethoven's Last Night" that I bought the CD and have been enjoying that too.
April 2, 2013
I enjoyed this book as much as "A Rush of WIngs". It is a stand alone but you'll enjoy it more if you read "A Rush of Wings" first. Almost 10 years later Kristen wrote a third book in this series "The Breath of Dawn." I just bought it and can't wait to get to it.
Years after reading these books I miss the characters.
Years after reading these books I miss the characters.
June 20, 2016
This was a very long book. I listened to it for days and days. But it was good. Ed Sala is a really good narrator. You wouldn't think being a man, that he could speak as though a woman was speaking but he does a good job. References to God and his power and help in our lives was often and well done. I'll read another of hers.
June 6, 2012
Really enjoyed this book - you should read "A Rush of Wings" before this book though as the main character is developed in the first book. They can be read separately, but would still recommend that order.
August 4, 2011
I absolutely love this book! It is bittersweet, but a very good read. Kristin Heitzman does a great job of bringing her characters to life. I highly recommend this book!
September 2, 2011
Great story hard time putting it down.You felt you knew the the people in the story that you were there with them.About people and how we are.Very goood book.
August 25, 2012
Loved Morgan. He was an awesome guy! Loved this second book in "A Rush of Wings" series. Can't go wrong reading this series.
June 18, 2012
I enjoyed this book more than "A Rush of Wings," so I'm not sure if I can bring myself to read the next book about Morgan, where he's forced to endure even MORE tragedy. Give the guy a break!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews