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Bottom of the Breath
After crashing into a devastating revelation, Cyd’s tranquil life on the Florida panhandle is further upended when she receives a letter announcing an inheritance from an estranged aunt. The inheritance contains mysterious “items of a personal nature” which Cyd must collect in person halfway across the country. In a last attempt to salvage her deteriorating marriage, Cyd agrees to travel with her husband on what he promises—and she questions—will be the trip of a lifetime.
As they set out, a hurricane threatens their hometown. Soon, fueled by the growing threat of the storm and the tension brewing between them, the couple’s long-suppressed problems erupt. Cyd digs deep for the courage to continue the journey on her own, unsure if either her home or her marriage will survive.
Once in Phoenix, Cyd learns the strange details of the inheritance and a decades-old family secret. But what was the whole truth? Clues and instinct lead Cyd to Sedona and then to the Grand Canyon. She descends into the vast chasm alone, searching for answers to newly raised questions and age-old mysteries. She steps off the beaten path, literally, knowing she must make peace with her pain-filled past and her uncertain future.
As they set out, a hurricane threatens their hometown. Soon, fueled by the growing threat of the storm and the tension brewing between them, the couple’s long-suppressed problems erupt. Cyd digs deep for the courage to continue the journey on her own, unsure if either her home or her marriage will survive.
Once in Phoenix, Cyd learns the strange details of the inheritance and a decades-old family secret. But what was the whole truth? Clues and instinct lead Cyd to Sedona and then to the Grand Canyon. She descends into the vast chasm alone, searching for answers to newly raised questions and age-old mysteries. She steps off the beaten path, literally, knowing she must make peace with her pain-filled past and her uncertain future.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published July 15, 2025
About the author
Jayne Mills
3 books1 followerJayne Mills is an award-winning author of contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, Bottom of the Breath, won the American Book Fest 2025 Best Book Award for Women’s Fiction. Jayne is a certified investment management analyst, holds degrees in journalism and finance, and is a registered yoga teacher. She documents her writing and travel experiences on her Substack (https://jaynemills.substack.com), and launches her adventures from her home in St. Augustine, Florida.
I write a newsletter about writing and traveling!
"write, brain" on Substack
https://jaynemills.substack.com/
I post occasionally on Instagram. Check it out!
https://www.instagram.com/notplainjay...
You can find me on Facebook, too!
https://www.facebook.com/jayne.mills....
See me on Fox 13 Tampa and About the Authors TV
https://www.fox13news.com/video/1674730
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3z8...
Here's what people are saying about the book:
"An engrossing and often moving novel about the ways in which disaster can create newfound fortitude."—Kirkus Reviews
"Mills is an author to watch for." —Reader's Favorite FIVE STARS
". . . a willing and wise embrace of what is."
—Michelle Wildgeon, author of WINE PEOPLE
"If you like Liane Moriarty, Bottom of the Breath, the debut novel by Jayne Mills, may be a new love for you… Her story is a testament to following the dream, no matter how long it takes you, and learning to heal and remain present while chasing it.”–Linda Hurtado, FOX 13 Tampa Bay Reads
“I love the concept; I love the idea of [Cyd’s] journey, and I can’t wait to dive in.” –WTVG/ABC13 The Nine “Author’s Note with Rebecca Regnier”
"This contemporary debut of Bottom of the Breath is suited for lovers of Liane Moriarty and Maria Semple and is chock-full of all the premier things–mystery, romance, and adventure...Are you on the hunt for a read that hits that sweet spot between heartfelt and engrossing? You’ve found it."—LA Wire
“Mills’s efficient prose sketches an entirely believable landscape in Cyd’s mind, roiling with confusion over the breakdown of her marriage and the shocking revelations about her family. Cyd’s mental state unfolds through intermittent flashbacks of marital ups and downs, her childhood, and the family secrets that drive the novel, all delivered with rich symbolism. Mills even uses an incoming hurricane as a token of the emotional storms brewing in Cyd’s life… Mills effectively examines the self-destructive thought patterns women often fall into in their quest for happiness… Readers will savor Cyd’s intense journey, rooting for her to navigate her trauma and emerge on the other side, ready to become a woman who “believed she would find her way.”—Publishers Weekly BookLife
“I absolutely loved this novel. The way Mills paints each scene with such vivid imagery made me feel like I was hiking through the Grand Canyon along side Cyd. The story balanced so many emotions at once. It was heartbreaking, and hopeful, contemplative, but never felt weighed down. It was incredibly real and every part was very intentional. Many things resonated with me and I cried a few times! Honestly, it was such a wonderful read.”–@JWfullspeed (Audible account), five stars
“What a wonderful surprise. Ms Mills claims to have written her debut novel. This makes me believe that we all had a previous life. She must have been an award winning novelist in her previous life. Every thing you want in a refreshing novel. It seems I was reading the last third at record speed to find the ending story with Cyd and Bobby. I’ll look for her next one.”–@Flyfisher, five star Amazon review
I write a newsletter about writing and traveling!
"write, brain" on Substack
https://jaynemills.substack.com/
I post occasionally on Instagram. Check it out!
https://www.instagram.com/notplainjay...
You can find me on Facebook, too!
https://www.facebook.com/jayne.mills....
See me on Fox 13 Tampa and About the Authors TV
https://www.fox13news.com/video/1674730
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3z8...
Here's what people are saying about the book:
"An engrossing and often moving novel about the ways in which disaster can create newfound fortitude."—Kirkus Reviews
"Mills is an author to watch for." —Reader's Favorite FIVE STARS
". . . a willing and wise embrace of what is."
—Michelle Wildgeon, author of WINE PEOPLE
"If you like Liane Moriarty, Bottom of the Breath, the debut novel by Jayne Mills, may be a new love for you… Her story is a testament to following the dream, no matter how long it takes you, and learning to heal and remain present while chasing it.”–Linda Hurtado, FOX 13 Tampa Bay Reads
“I love the concept; I love the idea of [Cyd’s] journey, and I can’t wait to dive in.” –WTVG/ABC13 The Nine “Author’s Note with Rebecca Regnier”
"This contemporary debut of Bottom of the Breath is suited for lovers of Liane Moriarty and Maria Semple and is chock-full of all the premier things–mystery, romance, and adventure...Are you on the hunt for a read that hits that sweet spot between heartfelt and engrossing? You’ve found it."—LA Wire
“Mills’s efficient prose sketches an entirely believable landscape in Cyd’s mind, roiling with confusion over the breakdown of her marriage and the shocking revelations about her family. Cyd’s mental state unfolds through intermittent flashbacks of marital ups and downs, her childhood, and the family secrets that drive the novel, all delivered with rich symbolism. Mills even uses an incoming hurricane as a token of the emotional storms brewing in Cyd’s life… Mills effectively examines the self-destructive thought patterns women often fall into in their quest for happiness… Readers will savor Cyd’s intense journey, rooting for her to navigate her trauma and emerge on the other side, ready to become a woman who “believed she would find her way.”—Publishers Weekly BookLife
“I absolutely loved this novel. The way Mills paints each scene with such vivid imagery made me feel like I was hiking through the Grand Canyon along side Cyd. The story balanced so many emotions at once. It was heartbreaking, and hopeful, contemplative, but never felt weighed down. It was incredibly real and every part was very intentional. Many things resonated with me and I cried a few times! Honestly, it was such a wonderful read.”–@JWfullspeed (Audible account), five stars
“What a wonderful surprise. Ms Mills claims to have written her debut novel. This makes me believe that we all had a previous life. She must have been an award winning novelist in her previous life. Every thing you want in a refreshing novel. It seems I was reading the last third at record speed to find the ending story with Cyd and Bobby. I’ll look for her next one.”–@Flyfisher, five star Amazon review
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 15, 2026
Bottom of the Breath is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant novel about grief, resilience, and the transformative power of confronting the truths we spend years avoiding. Against a backdrop of looming natural disaster and breathtaking landscapes, Jayne Mills crafts a deeply personal story of one woman's journey toward healing and self discovery.
Cyd's life begins to unravel in quiet but devastating ways. Already reeling from a revelation that destabilizes the foundations of her carefully constructed world, she is thrust into an unexpected journey after learning of an inheritance from an estranged aunt. What initially appears to be a practical obligation gradually unfolds into something far more significant: a reckoning with family history, unresolved pain, and the uncertain future of her marriage.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of emotional courage. As a hurricane threatens Cyd's Florida home and tensions with her husband intensify, the external storms mirror the turmoil within. Mills skillfully portrays the complexities of long term relationships, illustrating how love, disappointment, hope, and resentment can coexist within even the most familiar partnerships.
The inheritance itself serves as a compelling narrative catalyst, leading Cyd into the heart of long buried family secrets. As the story moves through Phoenix, Sedona, and ultimately the awe inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon, the physical journey becomes inseparable from Cyd's internal transformation. The landscapes are rendered with vivid detail, providing not only stunning settings but also powerful metaphors for the emotional depths Cyd must navigate.
What makes Bottom of the Breath particularly moving is its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, it acknowledges that healing often requires stepping into uncertainty, embracing vulnerability, and accepting that some questions may never be fully resolved. Cyd's willingness to continue forward despite fear becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Introspective, evocative, and ultimately hopeful, Bottom of the Breath will appeal to readers who appreciate character driven women's fiction that examines family dynamics, personal reinvention, and the difficult yet rewarding process of reclaiming one's voice. Jayne Mills has crafted a moving story about finding strength in the aftermath of life's upheavals and discovering that sometimes the path toward wholeness begins at the very bottom of our breath.
Cyd's life begins to unravel in quiet but devastating ways. Already reeling from a revelation that destabilizes the foundations of her carefully constructed world, she is thrust into an unexpected journey after learning of an inheritance from an estranged aunt. What initially appears to be a practical obligation gradually unfolds into something far more significant: a reckoning with family history, unresolved pain, and the uncertain future of her marriage.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of emotional courage. As a hurricane threatens Cyd's Florida home and tensions with her husband intensify, the external storms mirror the turmoil within. Mills skillfully portrays the complexities of long term relationships, illustrating how love, disappointment, hope, and resentment can coexist within even the most familiar partnerships.
The inheritance itself serves as a compelling narrative catalyst, leading Cyd into the heart of long buried family secrets. As the story moves through Phoenix, Sedona, and ultimately the awe inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon, the physical journey becomes inseparable from Cyd's internal transformation. The landscapes are rendered with vivid detail, providing not only stunning settings but also powerful metaphors for the emotional depths Cyd must navigate.
What makes Bottom of the Breath particularly moving is its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, it acknowledges that healing often requires stepping into uncertainty, embracing vulnerability, and accepting that some questions may never be fully resolved. Cyd's willingness to continue forward despite fear becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Introspective, evocative, and ultimately hopeful, Bottom of the Breath will appeal to readers who appreciate character driven women's fiction that examines family dynamics, personal reinvention, and the difficult yet rewarding process of reclaiming one's voice. Jayne Mills has crafted a moving story about finding strength in the aftermath of life's upheavals and discovering that sometimes the path toward wholeness begins at the very bottom of our breath.
June 17, 2026
Bottom of the Breath is a thoughtful and emotionally engaging novel about self discovery, resilience, and the difficult choices that arise when life suddenly changes course. Jayne Mills crafts a compelling journey that combines family mystery, personal transformation, and the healing power of confronting the past.
What stood out to me most was Cyd's emotional journey. Faced with a devastating revelation, a strained marriage, and an unexpected inheritance, she finds herself navigating uncertainty on multiple fronts. Her struggles feel authentic, and her gradual movement toward self understanding gives the story both emotional weight and genuine depth.
The novel also benefits from its vivid sense of place. From the looming threat of a hurricane on the Florida panhandle to the striking landscapes of Arizona, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon, the settings become an integral part of Cyd's transformation. The physical journey mirrors her internal one, creating a powerful connection between environment and character growth.
The mystery surrounding the inheritance and long buried family secrets adds intrigue throughout the narrative, while the exploration of marriage, identity, forgiveness, and courage keeps the story grounded in relatable human experiences. As Cyd searches for answers, readers are invited to reflect on how the past shapes the present and how healing often begins when we face uncomfortable truths.
Bottom of the Breath is an absorbing and heartfelt novel that balances emotional depth with an engaging sense of adventure. Readers who enjoy character driven fiction, family mysteries, and stories of personal reinvention will find much to appreciate in this rewarding and uplifting read.
What stood out to me most was Cyd's emotional journey. Faced with a devastating revelation, a strained marriage, and an unexpected inheritance, she finds herself navigating uncertainty on multiple fronts. Her struggles feel authentic, and her gradual movement toward self understanding gives the story both emotional weight and genuine depth.
The novel also benefits from its vivid sense of place. From the looming threat of a hurricane on the Florida panhandle to the striking landscapes of Arizona, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon, the settings become an integral part of Cyd's transformation. The physical journey mirrors her internal one, creating a powerful connection between environment and character growth.
The mystery surrounding the inheritance and long buried family secrets adds intrigue throughout the narrative, while the exploration of marriage, identity, forgiveness, and courage keeps the story grounded in relatable human experiences. As Cyd searches for answers, readers are invited to reflect on how the past shapes the present and how healing often begins when we face uncomfortable truths.
Bottom of the Breath is an absorbing and heartfelt novel that balances emotional depth with an engaging sense of adventure. Readers who enjoy character driven fiction, family mysteries, and stories of personal reinvention will find much to appreciate in this rewarding and uplifting read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews