A Rush of Wings (A Rush of Wings Series #1) [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Kristen Heitzmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2006

Running from terrors both recent and remembered, Noelle flees her New York mansion for the Rocky Mountains, seeking a place to hide from the men who betrayed her. Her sanctuary is a horse ranch, where she discovers solace in the breathtaking scenery she paints. But as the attentions of two brothers slowly soften the wall she hides behind, the past she yearns to escape becomes a menacing threat she cannot deny. Will Noelle find courage to give her broken heart to the One whose perfect love casts out all fear? Kristen Heitzmann skillfully creates a story resonating with emotion and a poignant spiritual journey.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this contemporary evangelical Christian romance, competent writing mostly overcomes some plot cliches, yielding an enjoyable novel. Spoiled rich girl Noelle St. Claire flees her wealthy daddy's estate in New York after breaking off her engagement to his protégé and junior partner, Michael Fallon, whose impetuous actions have pushed Noelle over the edge. She lands in Juniper Falls, Colo., at a ranch owned by Rick Spencer, a man dedicated to his horses and to God. Noelle is immediately pursued by Rick's charming rogue brother, Morgan-but something is haunting her, and she pushes him away. As the pampered Noelle wrestles the demons of her past and crafts a new identity for herself through her art, she finds that her fear of God is rooted in something traumatic that her mind refuses to remember. She doesn't find healing and resolution until the end of the tale, when she revisits the Catholic cathedral of her childhood. The novel offers some humorous moments in the interactions between the characters, and lovely nature details about the Rocky Mountains. Portions of the plot will seem familiar to regular romance readers (city girl flees home to encounter rugged cowboy in the mountains; damsel in distress is rescued by same), yet a few plot twists keep things interesting. Both Protestant and Catholic readers who like their romance with a large helping of faith will find much to enjoy in Heitzmann's light novel.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"Mysteries, danger, drama, family ties, uncertainties, and anguish are just some of the elements in this riveting story." -- Rendezvous, Dec. 2002

"Part contemporary romance, part modern Western, and part suspense fiction, this work will appeal to both female and male readers." -- Library Journal, Feb. 1, 2003 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 671 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Press (February 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786284137
• ISBN-13: 978-0786284139
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,819,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of seventeen novels, including The Edge of Recall and the Christy Award winner Secrets. An artist and music minister, Kristen lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, Jim, and their family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air for the reader..., February 20, 2006

By 

Laura R. Witham (Anchorage, AK USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Rush of Wings (A Rush of Wings Series #1) (Paperback)

I feel like I have to appologize for my following statement: I am so sick and tired of reading Christian Romance/Suspence who's hero/heroin is devoid of any substance or struggle in their lives. They always seem to have control of themselves and their emotions and the other party in the book is always easily swayed into the arms of God. Having said that, I can not tell you what a breath of fresh air "A Rush of Wings" was. The characters are so real it is not hard at all to be able to relate to them on some level. They have real emotions and real struggles and they turn to God just the way you would expect them to-but my favorite part is they don't get an answer right away like some Christian books would like you to believe. No, one of the main characters in this book, Rick Spencer, depicts a normal man who has to spend time in prayer and the Word but who also has to take chances just like everybody else. And I absolutely love Noelle, the main character. She is so jaded from the world and the author, Kristen Heitzmann, makes no effort to hide Noelle's completely rational thoughts as so why Christianity is not for her, thus making her acceptance of the Lord that much more real and beautiful. I can honestly say I have never read a book that captivated me from the very first sentence until now. The only complaint I have is the back cover did this book absolutely no justice. If you are looking for a good book to read that is packed with romance, suspence and spiritual soundness minus the shoddy attempt to exclude any real romantic or desparate human emotion, then "A Rush of Wings" is a perfect book for you.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars wonderful, introspective book!, July 27, 2004

By 

Salty Girl (Salt Lake City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Rush of Wings (A Rush of Wings Series #1) (Paperback)

I normally read strait romance, but picked this one up on a whim. I loved the setting, in-depth character development, and especially, both male leads! Frankly, I've been getting a little tired of standard romance novels that are cluttered down with serial killers or suspense plots; or chick-lit that lacks any depth or emotional pull. This was a very refreshing change of pace. I loved watching the story unfold, and thought Rick was a great, great hero. He was gentle, but no push-over. That can be hard to write, but the author did a super job with it.

Here is why I didn't give it 5 stars: I didn't really see why both men were so bonkers over Noelle. Sure, she was pretty, and had this Victim-in-Need-of-a-Hero thing going for her. But I wanted her to be more worthy somehow.... I just didn't feel she was all that compelling. Now Morgan was VERY compelling, and I've just placed an order for the book about him....that is going to be one interesting read, I think!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rush of Wings takes flight to heavenly reading, August 15, 2003

By 

KLW "tonkatweety" (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Rush of Wings (A Rush of Wings Series #1) (Paperback)

A five star story about a Colorado Dude ranch, the man who owns it, his corporate jet setting brother, and a mysterious young lady visitor. I choose books to enjoy and get to know the characters in a story - this book has two of the most interesting men I have ever read in Christian fiction and by the time I was done they had become my friends. Rick Spencer, the owner of the ranch, is my all time favorite Christian male character that I have seen portrayed. His love of God runs deep, his love of his brother is tested and a new love arrives that is God inspired and tested. Morgan Spencer, the fast lane business guru,a currently faithless Christian has me completely spinning to why he behaves the way he does and what he will attempt next. Heitzmann portrays the humanity of characters, the influence of past events and wraps it into a setting that is as breathtakingly spellbinding as are the twists in the plot which are masterfully written. Heitzmann's writing also always points to our Heavenly Father in a beutiful gentle way that mirrors His care, His grace and His sovereignty. I can't wait for The Still of Night (fall 2003) the sequel containing Morgans story so that I can see the work of God in his life and who he meets along the way.