A Heartbeat Away

By: S. Dionne Moore

Narrated by: Susan Larkin

When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam. Her mother's mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt's message to its greatest test - but can betrayal be forgiven?

©2013 S. Dionne Moore (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

A Heartbeat Away

The story was good, but it was hard to tell who was saying what several times. I would have to rerun it many times trying to figure it out. The author wouldn’t let us know who was speaking or when another character would add to the conversation. The narrator used the same reading voice for the different characters, so it made it hard to follow at times. I did enjoy it, though. This is just constructive information.

A Hard story

I couldn't finish this book. I felt like it was repeating the story over and over and never moved on. The narrator had no inflection in her voice and was very monotone.

Great story

I think the book was very well done, but the narrator needed to pause when there were changes in scene, so that the reader could identify that there was a shift in the storyline. The lack of such a pause to indicate that shift made the story momentarily confusing each time there was a shift in scene.

Can be graphic at times

Story can be a bit difficult to follow at times as you don’t know who is talking at times. This is written during the heart of the civil war, about a woman and family desiring to help others. All of this is wonderful, but it may be very difficult for some to listen to the process of amputation and the horrific cries of pain discussed. If you are a member of armed service, or love someone in the military, or law enforcement and first responder, this book may be a bit triggering.

Civil War story

Take a drink of water every time "the black man" is said. You will be well hydrated.