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Only A Breath Away
As the daughter of a lighting technician and a costumer, Madalina (“Madi”) Pavel grew up in the shadows of the famed Metropolitan Opera House in New York. To fulfill her twelfth birthday wish, her parents dressed her in a beautiful gown and positioned her beneath the spotlight at center stage. Young Madi poured her all into an aria, blissfully unaware the opera’s general manager listened from a seat in the darkened theater. Now 26, after extensive training and traveling the world, Madalina is the coloratura soprano understudy for the Met Opera who seeks the breakout role of a lifetime.
Julian Rhodes is the owner/manager of Harmonia, a popular Manhattan breakfast bistro frequented by the Met staff and performers. While Julian depends on their patronage, he secretly finds the opera tediously boring. He devotes all his energies into making his restaurant a success, but when he meets the beautiful coloratura soprano, Julian begins to rethink his priorities.
Can a romantic relationship survive between a workaholic business owner and a promising opera singer? When Madalina is offered a fabulous career opportunity, their love is put to the test. Are Julian and his beautiful coloratura soprano meant to be, or are they destined to part ways?
Come backstage for a firsthand look into the fascinating world of the opera where stories are beautifully and passionately told through drama and song. Only A Breath Away examines how faith in Christ, close family ties, and the strong bonds of friendship can help a young couple juggle the hectic demands of their individual careers while navigating the sometimes murky waters of romance. And how through the unpredictable twists and turns of life, God can make the seemingly impossible…very possible indeed.
Only A Breath Away is the second release from author Julianna Desmond, the pen name for JoAnn Durgin, a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 27 published novels. An author who highly values her readers, JoAnn was recently named as one of “35 Essential Christian Romance Authors” in a FamilyFiction reader poll, an honor she treasures.
Julian Rhodes is the owner/manager of Harmonia, a popular Manhattan breakfast bistro frequented by the Met staff and performers. While Julian depends on their patronage, he secretly finds the opera tediously boring. He devotes all his energies into making his restaurant a success, but when he meets the beautiful coloratura soprano, Julian begins to rethink his priorities.
Can a romantic relationship survive between a workaholic business owner and a promising opera singer? When Madalina is offered a fabulous career opportunity, their love is put to the test. Are Julian and his beautiful coloratura soprano meant to be, or are they destined to part ways?
Come backstage for a firsthand look into the fascinating world of the opera where stories are beautifully and passionately told through drama and song. Only A Breath Away examines how faith in Christ, close family ties, and the strong bonds of friendship can help a young couple juggle the hectic demands of their individual careers while navigating the sometimes murky waters of romance. And how through the unpredictable twists and turns of life, God can make the seemingly impossible…very possible indeed.
Only A Breath Away is the second release from author Julianna Desmond, the pen name for JoAnn Durgin, a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 27 published novels. An author who highly values her readers, JoAnn was recently named as one of “35 Essential Christian Romance Authors” in a FamilyFiction reader poll, an honor she treasures.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2018
23 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 12, 2018
Julianna Desmond’s book Only A Breathe Away
When Madalina goes out for breakfast with her friends, she never expected to meet a amazing man like Julian. Watching these two become friends will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. The characters in this book are all very special people who you will reading about. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
When Madalina goes out for breakfast with her friends, she never expected to meet a amazing man like Julian. Watching these two become friends will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. The characters in this book are all very special people who you will reading about. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
March 16, 2018
I would highly recommend this book by Julianna Desmond. Brilliant, entertaining, humorous, poignant, captivating, endearing, and elegant. Most of all, it is triumphant.
March 12, 2018
A Beautiful Love Story
As usual,this was a beautiful love story but also a story of not being afraid to share your love for the Lord and helping those in need.
This beautiful story had me laughing,crying and wishing it was a lot longer .
There were many words that were memorable but the last sentence of the book was by far the best of the book.
As usual,this was a beautiful love story but also a story of not being afraid to share your love for the Lord and helping those in need.
This beautiful story had me laughing,crying and wishing it was a lot longer .
There were many words that were memorable but the last sentence of the book was by far the best of the book.
April 17, 2018
Opera? Not my first choice in music, but as a fan of this author, I couldn’t wait to learn about the life of an opera performer. Julianna Desmond, a.k.a. JoAnn Durgin, always includes interesting snippets of background information to broaden both story and reader. Only a Breath Away is no exception. Even without the enjoyment of the romance, this story gave me a new appreciation for the discipline, strength and commitment needed to perform the art of opera.
But of course, romance does carry the story. Madi is admirable in her dedication and lack of ego, and while Julian’s work ethic matches Madi’s, his generosity toward those in need touched my soul. His is truly a worthy hero but thankfully not a perfect man. Not sure what it says about me, but the scene where Julian receives a well-deserved lecture is one of my favorites.
The supporting cast of this story are so well-defined, I feel as though I would know them from a distance. Kat and Chaz, especially, won my heart, and I hope to read more of their story soon.
The faith message, as in all this author’s books, is clearly presented. Only a Breath Away hits all the right notes, and it earns five stars. I received this book as a gift; all opinions are my own.
But of course, romance does carry the story. Madi is admirable in her dedication and lack of ego, and while Julian’s work ethic matches Madi’s, his generosity toward those in need touched my soul. His is truly a worthy hero but thankfully not a perfect man. Not sure what it says about me, but the scene where Julian receives a well-deserved lecture is one of my favorites.
The supporting cast of this story are so well-defined, I feel as though I would know them from a distance. Kat and Chaz, especially, won my heart, and I hope to read more of their story soon.
The faith message, as in all this author’s books, is clearly presented. Only a Breath Away hits all the right notes, and it earns five stars. I received this book as a gift; all opinions are my own.
July 1, 2018
Fantastic !!
I wanted to give this 10 stars! Great character development and a very engaging storyline. Although I am not a great lover of the opera, I found the journey of learning about what goes on in the production very enjoyable. Of course, getting to know Julian and Madalina in the midst was great!
I wanted to give this 10 stars! Great character development and a very engaging storyline. Although I am not a great lover of the opera, I found the journey of learning about what goes on in the production very enjoyable. Of course, getting to know Julian and Madalina in the midst was great!
March 22, 2018
What a totally amazing love story. The meeting, the flirting, the falling in love, the crises, the resolution, and most importantly, the very spiritual tones of this book are outstanding. I absolutely loved Madi and Julian's story. Highly recommend.
November 19, 2021
New favorite author!
I love everything about the series! The true to life characters. The questions of faith and the truth behind it. What an amazing talent the author has been gifted from God.
I love everything about the series! The true to life characters. The questions of faith and the truth behind it. What an amazing talent the author has been gifted from God.
March 27, 2020
Loved reading this book. It had everything that you could want in it. I enjoy books that I learn things
in it.
in it.
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June 1, 2018This book is so amazing! When fiction is memorable and the characters are written so well they stay in my heart, I know it's a great book. Only a Breath Away is a beautiful story of opera singer, Madalina Pavil and bistro owner, Julian Rhodes. I could feel the chemistry between Madalina and Julian, and even with my busy schedule, I didn't want to put this book down. I can attribute it to better health, as well. When I would do the elliptical machine in the mornings, it was a stretch for me to get to 15 minutes. When I started reading this book while doing the elliptical, 30 minutes went by quickly and I wanted to go longer, so I could continue reading. I highly recommend this book and this author!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews