In a Heartbeat

In a Heartbeat #1

by Sally John

Miss Rachel Goldberg had no idea a knight in shining armor was about to enter her classroom. A Chicago firefighter was expected, an everyday city worker come to tell fourth graders all about his job in 30 minutes or less. But when Vic Koski lifts Rachel to demonstrate the firefighter's carry, she is--literally and figuratively--swept off her feet. Love leads to a happy marriage and home for just the two of them, but after a few years Rachel's inner clock begins to tick. As months go by, her longing for a child becomes a consuming passion. Though Rachel tries not to question God's plan for her life, the answer she receives from Him is one she could not have anticipated.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Sally John is the best-selling author of twenty novels, including the Side Roads series, the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, Sally writes contemporary stories that offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and spending time with her husband, adult children, and grandchildren. An Illinois native, Sally and her husband, Tim, live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.

Reviews

[Deb Brammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a good basic plot, but sometimes the writing style seems a bit awkward. The ending is fairly realistic, yet happy. I felt the author sometimes went on for too long about some topics.

[Ellen White]

Rachel and Vic, when things became serious, he laid out, his life as a fireman. All goodbys are current, nothing is left unsaid. When she becomes overly concerned about her not getting pregnant, to finally wanting to take a break. The results, changed her life drastically, Words and memories plague her now. Unexpected changes await her, will she embrace them.
Powerful story of love and lost, to finding new meaning to life.

[Natika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, if I had started with this book in the series, I probably wouldn't have read the rest. Not because the story wasn't good, but because the author is really good at making you feel things and I nearly was bawling for the main character at so many points. I even had to take two days off about halfway through just to regroup.

But especially near the end, I kept thinking, I hope my life could be like Vic's.

[Ranee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very heartwrenching and heartwarming story. I got a little bogged down in the middle and the ending was a little choppy as far as writing but I loved the way the characters turned to God for support and helped each other. I also loved the empathy Rachel gained for others, especially her cranky mother in law

[Ochegba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me and then gave me a lot to think about which is awesome especially for fiction

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Really keeps you guessing and the characters are well developed. Anything Sally John writes is wonderful.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series even though I didn't read them in order. :)

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A firefighter's wife is traumatized when her husband is killed. And it feels like her fault. She had wanted to have kids with her husband, but they had had a few disagreements and she had decided it was time to take a vacation from her husband and think things out. He had taken a different schedule at work so he could see her sooner, and therefore was killed from smoke inhalation. A moving book that tells how life can go on after a loved one dies. (I didn't totally agree with everything, as is the case in almost every book.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish books would put a disclaimer on them stating they are going to make you cry. This book sure it. It brought me back to the emotions of missing my dad and what it's like to learn to live without him. Had I not already been having an emotional day, maybe it wouldn't have been so hard, but I'm not sure.

The characters were likable and the plot moved quickly, so overall it was a good book. I just wish I'd known going in that it'd be sad and a hard emotional read.

[Lisa]

In A Heartbeat series / book one

[Elaine]

I haven't read this yet but you know...I haven't this foggiest notion as to why I purchased this one.

[Cws]

JF-YAJoh

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. Sally John has such a way with tender stories...

[Vicki J]

It was wonderful. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a good story line. But very slow. It was hard to keep my attention.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. You really start to feel for the characters.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was gut-wrenching. Absolutely wonderful. And some discussion questions at the end that asked the hard questions about faith.