If you tried to put this novel in a box and define it according to genre, I’d probably tell you that this isn’t the book for me. Seriously, do I look like the kind of guy who regularly enjoys a nice contemporary romance? I shy away from the genre, because let’s face it, romance novels are a dime a dozen, often poorly done, emphasize sexuality, contain little plot development except in terms of the relationship, and are meant more to scintillate and provoke than actually provide a good story—not to mention they aren’t exactly for my age and gender demographic. The majority of people who read are women and romance novels allow them into the world of a fantasy romance.

 

It’s a good thing, then, that Nicole Petrino-Salter has never been one to write inside the box. Breath of Life is undoubtedly and wholeheartedly a romance from cover to cover—but the story throughout tears down every romance stereotype you can think of and constructs in its place a wonderful character study of two very broken individuals and their journey towards one another.

 

Michael Jamison is a man of the world. Or he was anyway. His divorce two years ago set his life on a different track, made him rethink his fast living ways. His ex-wife was hardly the first girl he’d ever been with and he only married her because it seemed like the next step in the relationship and the sex was good. He took marriage to be a sign that promiscuity was over. She didn’t. The breakup was hard, but in retrospect he isn’t really sure why they were together in the first place.

 

Michael’s settled into the single life when he meets Shaylen Price, the real name of bestselling author Cabin LuCaine. The two strike up an unlikely friendship that soon turns toward something more. Shaylen’s life stands in stark contrast to Michael’s. Romance had never been a big part of Shaylen’s life and, while not a Christian, she has been committed to remaining a virgin until marriage. As the two come closer together, the story morphs to not just explore their relationship with one another but their relationship with Christ. In overt but never preachy tones, Petrino-Salter weaves spirituality into the narrative in a way that’s natural and not forced. Like any good relationship, the issue to spirituality becomes a major part of the relationship.

 

Breath of Life deals heavily with the theme of sexual temptation. As the two find themselves drawn together—Michael, used to the idea of casual sex, and Shaylen, who craves something she’s never had—the desires and temptations weigh on their souls. Petrino-Salter handles the novel’s themes in a tasteful and mature manner, neither downplaying the reality of sexual desire nor exploiting it for mere titillation. The sacredness of sexuality and the beauty of romantic love within the Christian paradigm are featured well in the novel, speaking a message all too often ignored in Christian circles today.

 

Petrino-Salter’s characters are deep and three-dimensional, the emotions of the novel visceral and compelling, the growth and failures of the characters real and well-thought-out. Just like her previous novel, The Famous One, I felt like I was given a look into the life of real individuals.  Breath of Life is absolutely magnificent, capturing characters and themes in a real and poignant way. It’s an absolutely stunning narrative that takes readers through a plethora of emotions and leaves them pondering the novel’s themes in their own lives, perhaps even leaving us a bit wiser.

 

You can purchase Breath of Life at Amazon or at a discount at Nicole’s blog. Click on the “email me” link at the left.