Learning to Breathe

by Karen White

Brenna O'Brien doesn't believe in happy endings. Not since the love of her life, Pierce McGovern, left her years ago without a word. Now, she leads a quiet life surrounded by her four matchmaking sisters, running a historic movie theater and collecting old wartime letters. But she leaves the letters unopened, preferring to imagine their possibilities rather than risk being disappointed.

Then Pierce comes back to town, shattering Brenna's hard-earned peace-and forcing her to re-examine everything, and realize that if she doesn't come to terms with the life she let slip away, she may never have the courage to go after the life she wants.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Southern, Mystery, Womens Fiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2007

About the author

With more than 2 million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.

Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.

Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.

Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.

Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.

When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about lost letters from the war and why they might have something to do with helping in this present moment for characters Brenna, her sisters, Pierce, his Dad and Nathan.

What do they all have in common?

What could they learn from the past that can help possibly change their future?

The characters are likeable, the story in some ways is predictable, but…you care enough you want to see a happy ending.

Will it occur?

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to Breathe is a novel that will take your breath away. It is the third novel by Karen White that once again exposes you to the heartbeat of life. Brenna, the main character, has been surviving for many years. Never letting her heart become attached and never choosing her own path. When you don't choose your own path, many people will "help" you choose the path they think is right for you. There in lies the dilemma for the book and for many people.
Life is what you make of it, if you put your whole heart into... That life is more than just existence pp 277
For some going through the day to day in a stagnant form is all they can handle and then something might happen and the world looks different. Karen White's characters are very realistic in their hopes and dreams and desires. I celebrated and cried with Brenna and her family as she moved forward. This book is one of the best of hers I have read and maybe one of the best ever...

[laninaki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. This was a disappointing read after I enjoyed some of White's other works (The Tradd St. novels and On Folly Beach) so much. I don't understand why a woman would do nothing with her life for 16 years because her high school "love of her life" broke her heart. Or why somebody would write a book about such a wimp. The "big surprises" were obvious from the get go and it was irritating when the characters were all completely clueless, even when the truth was practically screaming at them.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Karen White's books and found another enjoyable story with this one. Brenna O'Brien owns the Majestic theater in Indianola, Louisiana. Unfortunately, the money for keeping this old historical landmark theater is draining her pocket book. In addition, her four sisters are constantly setting her up on blind dates because they are worried she will end up an old maid. Furthermore, her ex-boyfriend, Pierce, returns to take care of his ailing father.

I loved the close relationship Brenna has with her sisters as well as their weekly scrapbooking parties at Kathleen's house. Furthermore, Aunt Dottie, was my favorite character in the book. I laughed when she drove over to one of her niece's house, Kathleen, and drove over the front yard and pinning the mailbox under the front bumper of her red Lincoln.

[Roberta Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't claim that these are the best books ever written, yet I can't stop reading Karen White. They're formulaic, and always follow the same pattern: woman in late 20's/early 30's with troubled past she's trying to escape, ends up in small Southern town, handsome, troubled charming men appear, mystery, mayhem, romance, self discovery, etc. ensue, happy & neatly wrapped up ending. They're great beach reads, or airplane, or lazy afternoon. What hooks me is the descriptions of the southern places that these stories are set - Louisiana, the Gulf Coast, Carolina Lowcountry, Charleston. And I'm drawn in by the characters - she invents something new or interesting for each one. I'm also a sucker for mysteries, and there's some mystery to be solved in each book. These books still end up being satisfying and fun to read.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brenna is afraid to give her heart away ever since her true love left her many years ago. Now that she is in her 30's and running an historic movie theatre, he is back in town, turning her life upside down.

Very good story, lots of loose ends and they all get tied up at the end.

Favorite quotes from the book:]
"Life isn't perfect. It's not supposed to be. We all make mistakes. You bash your head against the wall and you get hurt, but you walk away and make the beset of it. And that's what makes it life, Brenna, not perfection. You'll never find happiness if you only expect to find it in a perfect life. Happiness is something we reach for while we try to learn from the disappointments."

"Why can't He make the sun shine all the time? I don't like the dark" ......"Not many of us do. But we wouldn't appreciate the brightness of the sun as much if we didn't have to go through the night first....sometimes we have to go through the darkness first before we can find the light. But the light is always there, just like the sun will always be there on the other side of the night.....I want you to remember that no matter how dark the night, the sun will always greet you in the morning."

[Valerie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I took a "leap of faith" and I was wrong! I guess I don't get people of the South - being French-Canadian living in MN and all - and their senseless religion and retarded values about marriage and family. The main character is in her early thirties and since she's not married, her life is already over! I would understand if the story happened in the fifties but no, it's in the nineties! Sometimes I choose novels too lightly as I don't want to know too much before starting but after I was done I reread the back-cover and it sounded WAY better than it turned out to be!

[Lanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen White is right up there with Maeve Binchy, Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Berg, Sarah Addison Allen... the authors who consistently write books I enjoy, old faithfuls. This one, picked up at a thrift store, did not disappoint. I had to read it when the husband and kids were gone, as it brought me to tears on several occasions.


Edited to add: Reread in 2017. Didn't realize I'd previously read it until I came here to add my review. NO WONDER I predicted everything that was going to happen!!!

[Phoebe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was alright. Loved the story of WWII-- but the rest was typical. Not one of Ms. White's best. Nathan intrigued me, but it was obvious. Kathleen- didn't buy it. Too "let's close this story up, surprise!" for me. Pierce was a typical Hollywood hunk (was this written w/ movies in mind)? Brenna, seriously? Grow up. You're in your early thirties. I think she could have figured all that out much, much sooner. ALL OF IT (including her own life issues). Dooley was a poor name choice; I never bought it that he was swoon-worthy and then felt pretty cruddy for what happened to him.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a Hallmark Channel movie. It's up to you to decide if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review also found here https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...

I was looking for a book to read and I randomly chose this one as I have enjoyed the books I have read by Karen White in the past. I didn't read what it was about and just chose to dive in randomly.

This story was just ok to me as I had a few issues. The first being that I felt that there was a back story that was perhaps in another book. I don't believe this was the case but it felt like there was too much history that didn't get fully explained in the story. This was mainly surrounding Brenna's father. Although revealed in pieces throughout the story, it felt like too little to late to me.

I also found Brenna too damaged to be believable. Yes she had her heart broken and a terrible father but to basically give up on feeling anything? A little extreme in my opinion.

Lastly, there were too many sisters to remember them all.

I did fall in love with Pierce's father as well as Brenna's aunt. These two are what brought the story to life. AND... the letters. They surfaced at around 30% of the story (reading the e-book) and I was so relieved. I truly wasn't invested in the story until this point. Even though I knew from the first letter who wrote it, I still looked forward to the next one being revealed

Sadly the good points did not offset the issues I had leaving the story meh for me. Luckily this is the first disappointment I have had from this author so I will continue to seek out her work.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really only 3.5 but that isn’t an option
Predictable and frustrating that it was predictable

[Unsolved ☕︎ Mystery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks!

This was a roller coaster of a read.
First, it was a 2 star: It took about 60 pages before the book took off like a rocket-ship.
When it did, I held on tight.

Then, it was a 5: An old stack of un-read letters is discovered. A secret love affair.
Ooooh, the intrigue. Bumps all over the place. I kept turning the pages. I wanted to turn the pages.
I was entranced.

Then....It slowly started dipping to a possible 4: I didn't like the direction it was heading.

Now, a 3. Only 3 stars.
It went in the direction I loathed. Why, Ohhhhh, WHY???!!
The whole book was ruined. Meh!

There were a few characters I REALLY liked.
Timmy - an 8 year old boy.....wise beyond his years.
Dooley: The good guy, the best friend who will always be JUST THAT...."THE FRIEND".
Aunt Dottie: I really liked her at first. She reminded me of my own crazy Aunt, in a way.
I liked her up until she was so against......the marriage of Brenna and Dooley.

I loved the character of Dooley and the budding relationship from best friend to fiance between Brenna and Dooley. He was so good to her. He would have made an excellent husband.

I HATED the character of Pierce. What a pompous ass. He was self righteous and felt bad (somewhat) of taking away the beloved theater, Royal Majestic from Brenna and the town. BUT, that didn't stop him from doing it.

Every time, Brenna turned around, there was Pierce. WHY DON'T YOU GO AWAY, FAR FAR AWAY?

There was NO chemistry between Brenna and Pierce. Absolutely NO CHEMISTRY. I noticed it early on in the book.
There were a few times I almost threw my book across the room. I was so ticked.

I kept telling myself, if it goes in that direction....this book only gets a 3!

Well, It went in THAT DIRECTION! 3 stars for you, Learning to Breathe!

I would recommend this read, only because I want to hate on Pierce with others.

[Andy · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of those stories that's well-written enough and rich in character, but most of those characters are essentially one-dimensional with a single identifiable quirk, and ALL of them engage in the loathsome practice of not telling each other things any normal person would readily discuss when it clearly mattered. The truth is it's the author intentionally keeping things from the reader that become rather clear early on, and said reader then has to suffer through ham-handed "hints" which make things painfully obvious while the characters themselves remain oblivious. It's about people lying and omitting information not just for the length of the story but for years of backstory, decades even, and it's just dumb. There's no good reason for these people to keep these things from each other but they do because otherwise the writer has no conflict. It's fake and stupid and angers me. Blech.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway which did not influence my honest review.

This is another great Karen White book. While somewhat predictable, I did really enjoy the characters, the writing and the overall story that was laced with Southern charm, and had a sweet and romantic plot.

Ms. White has managed to write about many of lifes' truths in this book that really makes you think and resolve to live life to the fullest.

An overall enjoyable read that I would recommend.

[Small Review]

Nice enough, not awful, but if I finished it I don't see rating this much higher than a 3.5 and I have too many other books to read to spend time on a middle of the road book right now. Characters are ok but bland and shallow. Not much to the plot outside of the romance and character growth, neither of which are really grabbing me.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Karen White book, no better nor worse than the rest. They always hold my interest on a superficial level, but I'm not left with that reading afterglow at the end. That's why I call her books "summer reads." They satisfy one level, but leave me wanting on another.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much! There are a number of stories that intertwine between the characters as the story moves along. Many life lessons are in this book and it might make you think about your own life and following your own passions. Definitely recommend!

[Terry Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my new favorite authors. I liked some of her other books more, but this one is still good. I like that she always has some mystery in the story line.

[Lenore Kuipers-Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Read it all in one night!
The main character lives in Indianola, Louisiana. She is the youngest of 5 sisters, who all take turns mothering her (and trying to fix her up to go out on dates) as their mother died, as did their father later on. " I can't imagine my sisters allowing a single, straight male to leave my presence without making a date." Brenna O' Brien lives a quiet, but complicated life. The love of her life, Pierce McGovern, left her and never came back....until he finally did.

Brenna collects old wartime letters that have never been opened. She likes to imagine the possibilities of them, rather than opening them and being disappointed. She just doesn't believe in happy endings. She also bought an old, historic movie theater in town, The Royal Majestic Theater, with the dream of making it live again.

There are so many characters in this book, each with distinct personalities, that you have to read carefully to keep them all separate.

Mary Margaret has a Motivations and Grocery Emporium. She is married to a Baptist minister.
Brenna's oldest sister is Kathleen, who does all the cooking every Sunday, when the family gets together, as well as friends. She keeps the family together, is married to John, and raises their children.
Her second oldest sister is Claire, a nurse, who pays all of her attention to her daughter by constantly entering her in every pageant she can find....an example would be the "Little Miss Crawfish" pageant.
Dooley Gambrel is Brenna's best friend....since kindergarten. He's been in love with Brenna for a long time, but the feelings aren't mutual.
Dr. McGovern, Pierce's father, is just like part of the family; is always included in family events, and is also the family doctor.
Colleen is all about making bids on items on E-Bay on her laptop, which she carries everywhere, much to the chagrin of her husband.
Then there's Aunt Dottie and her large hats. She was their father's sister, and has been especially close to Brenna. No one really can understand most of what she's talking about, except for Brenna.

There are other minor characters as well; intertwined with the main characters. They all interact to make a wonderful book to read.

There are many new books out there, but this one from 2007 is a keeper, and a "must read" book that should be out there for everyone to take a look at again.

[Diane Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are several aspects of this book I really enjoyed. One being the tie into to old letters. Being a letter writer myself I just LOVE this aspect of the book. Another thing I loved was the tie into the movie theater, and old movies in general. I'm a big old movie buff so this was something I could relate to easily. There are strong tones of abandonment and issues dealing with that in this book that anyone who has remotely been effected by, would understand completely. Lost love, Regret, Faith, Hope, these are the themes found throughout and I enjoyed reading this authors view on them. Especially how they relate to the characters "religion". Overall I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it as a BEACH READ. It's easy, decently face paced with only minor cursing and minimal sensuality. I'd rate it PG just for some language.

[Becky Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't care for this one so much. Brenna O'Brien is the youngest of 5 sisters, whose mother died when she was 6. Her father blamed her, and over the years beat down her spirit. Now, she runs the local movie theater, helps her sisters with their kids. And back into town comes her high school love, Pierce McGovern, who is heading up a project to build a theater multiplex outside of town. They broke up when he left for college. But there are secrets, and his father is dying. And a box of unopened letters found in the old post office threatens to reveal those secrets. Oh, Brenna's dad worked in the post office.
I love Karen White's books, but this one, I felt that Brenna was just so passive, up until the end.

[Kay Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quotes that I love:
“But I cannot regret what I have learned….Life is meant to be more than existence. Fight for and hold onto your passion, whatever it is, but surrender gracefully when the passion is well spent. For it is through loss that we learn, and grief that we grow stronger, and living that we learned how to love. Everything is a choice, and by avoiding choices, one not only ensures that a wrong decision won’t be made, but also steals our soul’s chance to live, to learn, and to love.” pg. 274

“ Life is what you make of it if you put your whole heart into it. Life is more in existence.“ pg. 277

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thankful for happy endings. I'm thankful the trials it takes to get to the happy endings too. I had some of the story figured out before finishing it, but that's ok it was still a good read. I think the main characters were all well thought out and very enjoyable getting to know.

There were some really good points made in the story. I love when I have to stop reading to write something in a notebook to be read again at a later time.

Rating: PG
Language: I don't remember any profanity.
Recommend: Yes

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karen White is one of my favorite authors, so I am disappointed at giving her a generous 3 stars. I liked the concept of the story. It is different and refreshing. That being said, she took a very very long time getting the story to move along. By the time I got half way through I was pretty through with the characters. Whining and feeling sorry for themselves, uck. Move along already! It became very repetitive and I lost all interest. I finished it anyway but I can never get that time back again

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Karen White!

Ms. White has easily become one of my favorite contemporary writers. Her stories are always so complex, and, even though I think I've figured out how the story will progress, I am usually surprised, at least a little bit by the end. This is a heartbreaking story, but full of hope at the same time. I found it very easy to read and had a satisfying ending.

[Melissa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Karen White books. I’ve read them all and honestly, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one favorite!! She is an incredible writer with a knack for delving right into the deepest depths of her characters’ hearts and she takes her readers with her and somehow by the end, we have a better understanding of ourselves and loved ones.

This book struck a big chord with me around what you lose by being too protective of your heart because of past hurts.

[IrishFan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karen White has become one of my favorite authors. From her stand alone stories to her series, she never disappoints. This again is a heartwarming story. Although I have to say I was not a fan of Brenna through most of the book, it is only at the end that I warmed to her once she found out that her mother was Dr. Mcgovern's lost love. I really liked Dooley, and was sorry that Brenna didn't feel for him what he had always felt for her. Another win for Karen White!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book about family dynamics, missed opportunities, and finding one's passion all centered around an old movie theater that was past it's prime. It was the perfect book for me to read as I started this year's Sisters Trip on the train. I had plenty of time to read on my 17+ hour journey each way. This book was full of humor and heartache and difficult decisions.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is interesting for me to read one of Karen White’s older books. Quite different from her current ones but no less affecting. Still love her ability to write complex characters and make me care about them. This book was heartwarming and cozy with its’ small town and being centered around an old theater. Perfect book for being under the weather on a Sunday.