One Breath Away

By: Heather Gudenkauf

Narrated by: Joyce Bean, Susan Ericksen, Laural Merlington, Kate Rudd, Buck Schirner

In the midst of a sudden spring snowstorm, an unknown man armed with a gun walks into an elementary school classroom. Outside the school, the town of Broken Branch watches and waits.

Officer Meg Barrett holds the responsibility for the town’s children in her hands. Will Thwaite, reluctantly entrusted with the care of his two grandchildren by the daughter who left home years earlier, stands by helplessly and wonders if he has failed his child again. Trapped in her classroom, Evelyn Oliver watches for an opportunity to rescue the children in her care. And 13-year-old Augie Baker, already struggling with the aftermath of a terrible accident that has brought her to Broken Branch, will risk her own safety to protect her little brother.

As tension mounts with each passing minute, the hidden fears and grudges of the small town are revealed as the people of Broken Branch race to uncover the identity of the stranger who holds their children hostage.

©2012 Heather Gudenkauf (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Totally Addresses Events in our Time

A gifted writer. I couldn’t stop listening. All events could have happened in our time.
Readers added to the characters in the book.

I would like to recommend this book to any person in education.

great listening

I love her books Never dull

Good stories and suspense She gives you surprise endings

Tension Builds Throughout

Would you listen to One Breath Away again? Why?

Yes. I really enjoy this one. The Narrators were fantastic and the tension in this one builds gradually but, oh so very effectively. I only gave the story four stars, because I did not walk away having a true understanding of the cause of the rift between Holly and her father. Early on, I did have my suspicions correct as to who the gunman was, but the author managed to convince me I was incorrect and throw enough doubt on my theories to make me disbelieve myself. I love it when someone can do that! By the end I was convinced it was someone else.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's hard not to love and empathize with Augie, as it is clear that she has mothered not only her little brother, but her mother as well. She is one determined and protective young lady.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

I think if I read the book on paper, the sincerity and angst of little P. J. might have less impact. The narrator managed to bring home the lost and somewhat abandoned feelings this little boy carries in his heart.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it kept drawing my back.

Any additional comments?

I will read more of this author.

Not a fan of the narrative style

I enjoy Heather Gudenkauff books. They keep me engaged until the end. Generally, I prefer a single narrator, so the multiple character voices was not a personal favorite. I particularly found the voice of Auggie to be unnaturally stilted. Overall, I recommend as I recognize these are personal preferences rather than a reflection of the quality of the book.

ehhhh....

I neither loved nor hated it, but she has other books that are much better. The storyline was fine, but could have been about 20 chapters shorter. The only major thing I disliked were the narrator who rccread Wills chapters. when he did the voice for Wills wife it sounded like Mrs. Doubtfire sucking helium while driving down a dirt road. it was terrible.

excellent who is it?

Great story that keeps you guessing until the very end. Perfect performance by all readers that enable you to see each character and visualize the story. I really enjoyed it.

A very good read

Books for me don't have to be great every time, but they have to make me feel like I didn't waste my precious time. This was one of those books, not breath taking, but a good lazy read.

Listenen to this one!

This is a GOOD novel read by eqially good narrators. Steady stream of just the right amount of tension.

Intense

GRADE: A


A gunman has entered a school in the sleepy Iowa town of Broken Branch. A thousand miles away, Holly lies helplessly in a hospital bed in Arizona, recovering from severe burns while her two children are trapped in that school. Her daughter Augie is determined to save younger brother PJ. Third grade teacher Mrs. Oliver will risk her life to save her students. Grandfather Will waits helplessly outside. Police officer Meg must find a way to prevent a tragedy in the making. Not everyone will survive.

ONE BREATH AWAY will grab you from the first page and won't let go of you until long after you've finished the last page. The characters are so clearly written they jumped from the pages into my mind as I accompanied them on their journey's throughout the book. Told through several narrators, each POV was clear and distinct and written with a unique and compelling voice in a way that few other writers can do as well as Gudenkauf.

The author's previous works, THESE THINGS HIDDEN and THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE, are both masterpieces as well. I always feel a big of sadness reading one of Gudenkauf's books, because she writes such compelling books and because I know I'll have to wait a while for her next one...yet I know the wait will be worth it.

I often reread books that I love, and I've reread ONE BREATH AWAY several times.

If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult

If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult, you are going to love this tightly knit drama.
What could be more terrifying than a gunman in a school!

Told from the viewpoints of the children, their families, teachers and the police, this story is a compelling account of the events that unfolded on this horrific day.

Heather Gudenkauf had me captivated from the start and it is easy to see why I love her novels.