Reason to Breathe

Deborah Raney writes a fun book on the joys and woes of sisterhood. This is book one of (hopefully!) at least a three book series. Phylicia, Britt, and Joanna have just lost their mom to a long-fought battle with cancer. As the young women navigate their grief, their father takes a temporary job in Florida, leaving the sisters to sell the family home in Missouri and figure out life's next steps without their mother. Long-time family friend Quinn steps in to help the sisters navigate selling a house, possibly purchasing a new house to share, and ends up falling in love with one of the sisters. Sweet, realistic, at times humorous book about coming to grip with grief, falling in love, and sisterhood. I can't wait to read book 2 in the series and see what happens next!!!

Reason to Breathe is the first book in a wonderful new series by Deborah Raney. This story centers on the oldest sister Phee, who upon the death of her mother finds evidence that her mother kept a secret. This secret could potentially change everything Phee has believed about herself and her parents. As the sisters mourn their mother and try to make sense of their father’s unusual behavior and decisions, they embark on a new adventure with the help of Quinn. This story was a delightful read. I enjoyed the character development, and the plot has some unexpected turns. If you enjoy clean inspirational fiction with a purpose you will love this book. It was also refreshing to have two flawed characters who had a healthy and godly view of marriage and sex.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley. The opinions expressed are my own.

Truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the other sisters’ stories! Well developed characters I wanted to know more about, and a truly original plot line. Written flawlessly and left me wanting more!

A contemporary story with a heartfelt message! Following their mother's death, three sisters find themselves facing some big decisions, and must rely on each other to work out the details with their dad mysteriously leaving town.

“That’s one thing I know for certain. God has been with me every step of the way. Even when I couldn’t feel Him there."

This well written story carries with it a timeless message of hope in the midst of grief. The family dynamics and emotional upheaval with the death of a parent were realistically shown in the sister's lives, but without being depressing. I could relate to a lot of their problems and questions of faith after walking this same path with my own family. Phylicia, or Phee as her sisters call her, is struggling with trust issues, on top of the loss of her mom, and carrying the brunt of responsibility as the oldest. This was her story mainly, as she works through her relationship with her dad, and overcomes obstacles in her growing friendship with Quinn. He is a great guy too. *sigh* The conversations between the sisters are funny at times, and their love for each other shines past any personality differences. The nods to the show Fixer Upper had me smiling too. I look forward to reading the next book to find out what happens next in their lives.

Recommend to readers who enjoy character driven stories with inspiration, and a tender romance. 4.5 stars

Deborah Raney's uplifting stories beat with the heart of everyday life. Every one of Deb's books has left me wanting more, including Reason to Breathe, the first book in the Chandler Sisters novel series. I adore Phylicia's spunk and determination even when she doubts the family plans. And Quinn is a sweetheart. His patience with Phee and her sisters goes above and beyond. But the part of the story I enjoyed most was the relationship of the sisters; three women, totally different, yet grounded with the same upbringing. As the mom of three girls, I especially enjoyed their spot-on, tug-of-war interactions and the love they share, despite their disagreements. I found myself smiling as I read this story of new beginnings, old friendships, family secrets, and redeeming love. Reason to Breathe will appeal to all the fans of the fixer-upper shows on television as the sisters consider diving into a huge project together. I can't wait to read more of the Chandler sisters' stories. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gilead Publishing by way of NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is so good. It will make you laugh and cry in spots. It is full of emotions and is very well written. If you like good clean christian fiction, this is the book for you. Thank you Gilead Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this book.

Sometimes being helpful can lead to more complications. In Reason to Breathe, a new novel by Deborah Raney, relationships can become more than complicated. Phylicia Chandler has put her life on hold for so long, she feels stuck. Phylicia and her sisters Britt, and Joanna have cared for their mother, all along thinking they were helping their father. When their mother dies, their father leaves them to deal with their grief alone.


Quinn Mitchell, has been Mr. Chandlers right hand man and is now being put into a very unlikely situation. Help the sisters any way he can. When Quinn suggests the sisters pool their resources and buy three seaside cottages, he might have dug himself in deeper. But Quinn has long ago held his heart in check for Phylicia, despite being twelve years older. How can he woo this lovely, talented young woman, who thinks of him only as her Dad's protege?


This was a delightful story with a different twist. How people move on and deal with grief and family secrets, yet draw strength from one another.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

'The tears came, and she took deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down, to go for help to the One who was never confused.'

I have been a Deborah Raney fan for decades and never miss one of her good books. She writes with great emotional depth, placing her readers right into the middle of her situations. This book was no exception.

The Chandler sisters are still reeling after the death of their beloved mother, who suffered a long time with cancer. Now, just two months later, their father has run off to Florida with a woman nearly young enough to be his daughter. They are devastated. He is very distant on their phone calls....if they don't go to voice mail. They are still dealing with all the ramifications of a death in the family, too. Then their father's business partner, Quinn Mitchell, shows up with a plan he says their father asked him to present to the sisters. He hopes they will purchase a series of 3 cottages to live in and possibly use as a business opportunity. Again, they reel with this news because their father has never mentioned a word to them. Phylicia, the eldest, at 29, feels they should not do this, but the other sisters are all for it. Quinn Mitchell, who has forever had a crush on Phylicia, offers to help the sisters get the cottages renovated and up to using. He wants to let Phylicia know how he feels about her, but worries his age might turn her away because he is 12 years older than her. Then, a huge family secret looms large in their lives and so many questions arise that would Phylicia. Will any of them ever be the same?

This book was powerfully written. Deborah Raney always manages to convey such deep emotion in her writing. I have wept many times in the reading of her books, both tears of joy and sorrow. I cherish each one on my shelf. This one particularly spoke to me because of a situation in my own life. We all, as believers, have a Father that will never let us down and Deborah Raney has planted this truth deep in my heart. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Oh, this was such a good story! I loved the dynamic between the three sisters. They were all thrust into such an uncertain situation, while trying to work through their grief over their mother’s death.

Quinn and Phylicia were great characters. I loved the way Quinn was there for Phee and her sisters. I felt such varying emotions throughout this novel. The author did a great job of making me feel confusion and frustration toward the sisters’ father, who headed to Florida, leaving the sisters struggling emotionally. I felt the heart tugging emotions that Quinn felt as he hoped Phylicia would begin to see him as someone to love. I felt hope as the sisters worked together to make a new start in the cabins they had purchased.

I simply enjoyed this beautiful novel from start to finish and look forward reading the future books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have long loved Deborah Raney's books. They are filled with relatable characters, humor, wonderful settings, and real-world issues. Her newest offering has set up a series that I cannot wait for more episodes.

Phee Chandler is the oldest sister, and has just helped her sisters bury her mother. Then her father leaves with the Hospice nurse, leaving Phee, Joanna, and Britt to muddle on alone. Oh, and they have to vacate the house, but they have money from her mother's inheritance. Phee's father asks his second in command at work, Quinn, to help his daughters find a place to live and that they could afford. Quinn found a piece of property with a cottage and two cabins on the lake front and convinces the girls to pool their money to buy it.

Quinn has fallen in love with Phee and is trying to find a way to show her his love, and pave the way for reconciliation among the girls and their father.

Because there are three sisters, the set up is there for two more novels. It is apparent from the very beginning that this is the intent of the author. Her storytelling is smooth and engaging. I give this book five stars, two thumbs up, and a lakeside cottage.

My thanks to Gilead Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Nice start for the Chandler sisters series! Many thought provoking situations and circumstances that could cause a person to doubt their faith as the sisters are reeling from losing their mother to cancer and then two months later find out their father is engaged to the mother's younger caregiver.

Quinn really held himself to a high standard and when he was put in a bad spot by Phee's father, he did not lie or try to cover up his knowledge, and in the end, he was able to bring their father back when they really needed him.

I loved how the sisters were so close and loving and yet could still annoy each other! Also, glad that things were resolved and all the secrets were brought to light and explained.

This book was a great faith based romance that showed Quinn and Phee had placed their commitment to God over their personal desires. I enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading more about the next sister to find love!

I was drawn into this story very quickly and it felt so very real, and as I got to the end, I am thrilled to know that the other two sisters will also have a story to tell.
This is Phylicia Chandler’s story, and wow, a lot of bomb shells are dropped, but will she get the answers she is seeking. The setting is in Missouri, and a hard time in the lives of three sisters and the author has us feeling their pain, as they lose their mother and in a sense their father.
Grief is hard and we put faces on those recently affected by this terrible pain, but we are also shown how living their faith in God is a healing factor.
We are shown options of moving on, and there is a bit of sweet romance, along with the tears comes a few chuckles, and smiles.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, I love this family!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gilead, and was not required to give a positive review

Phylicia, the eldest of three daughters, is devastated but not particularly surprised when her mother dies of cancer. But the changes in her dad are completely unexpected and far more difficult to deal with - particularly when long-buried secrets begin to come to light... Quinn is their dad's business partner and friend, and has been asked to help the girls with some of the changes they face while their dad is away, but the closeness is only fueling the feelings for her that he has refused to acknowledge for years due to their 12-year age difference. But will they be able to overcome Phylicia's feeling of betrayal and the age difference to accept the love God has in store for them?

I've never been disappointed by a single one of the author's novels that I've read, and this was no exception. I was drawn into the story right from the start and found it hard to put down until the finish - which I was at once eager and reluctant to reach, because I wanted them to have a happy ending but was sad to finish the book. Overall, a great story, with some thought-provoking discussion of love and forgiveness. Highly recommended, with all other novels by the author.

Characters: A variety of characters fill the book, all of which feel realistic. It was enjoyable to enter their world for a while.
Storyline: Neither too straightforward nor too drawn out or convoluted. Well paced, kept me interested throughout.
Content and language: No issues with either content or language.
Message: Talk of love and forgiveness - both ours and God's.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Deborah Raney’s newest release, Reason to Breathe, the first in the series A Chandler Sisters novel.

This new series is focused on three sisters, Phyllicia, Joanne, and Britt Chandler, with the first novel set following the death of their mother. All three sisters had put their own lives on hold to care for their terminally ill mother until her passing. Now as the young women try to move forward with their lives, they find themselves somewhat lacking direction, made even more stressful when their father takes off for an extended stay in Florida leaving the women to grieve and adjust to their new life without their mother. Now dad is gone too.

When word comes that their father has decided to sell their childhood home, it is up to the sisters to prepare the house for sale. Father wants nothing in the home except for some paintings collected while his wife was still within him. The Chandler sisters are at their wits end trying to remove all the personal and extraneous items while preparing their childhood home for showing.

Enter in Quinn Mitchell who, an employee of their father’s, arrives with a very interesting proposal, one their absentee father approves of. Quinn is tall and handsome, and too old for any of the young women to consider. Yet, Phee, Phyllicia, finds herself strongly attracted to the man she first met at 16; almost 30 Phee struggles with the idea of becoming involved with an older man.

As Quinn proves himself invaluable to all three sisters, it is Phee who develops a strong emotional bond, especially after learning some information about her parents that is highly troublesome.

I am very much looking forward to reading more of the Chandler Sisters series. Highly recommended.

Deborah Raney has written another winner with Reason to Breathe! This book deals with grief for many things. You'll feel frustration with Turner Chandler for leaving for Florida as soon as his wife dies and leaving his three single adult daughters to deal with their own grief without him! Then he puts the family home on the market and expects the sisters to prep the house! As the oldest, Phylicia feels responsible for her sisters. Quinn Mitchell, Turner's coworker and a fine male protagonist, helps the girls purchase and renovate a new place to live. Quinn has regrets from his past plus he is twelve years older than Fee who he has been attracted to since she was 16. You'll enjoy the antics of the close Chandler sisters as their lives move forward and as Fee learns secrets from her parents' past. I enjoyed this first book in the Chandler Sisters series and recommend it to others. I received an advance e-book from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

A true story of finding hope and love in the midst of grief. When Phee and her family lose their wife and mother to cancer, they are left to put the pieces back together. However, when Dad mysteriously leaves town, Phee and her two sister, Britt and Joanna, are left and lost in just what needs to be done. In this story the reader is led to laugh and cry. We see just how grief affects different people different ways. This is a great story which shows us how to love, forgive, and grieve in much they way we should in real life. I look forward to reading the next stories to see what type of new surprises will abound. I received a copy through Netgalley. A positive review was not required.

Phylicia Chandler feels so lost without her mother, who had recently died of cancer. Phylicia, along with her two sisters, Joanna and Britt helped take care of their mom during her illness. One of her mom's regrets was not getting to see any of her daughters marry. Phylicia is twenty-nine and only having had a handful of dates, feels something may even be wrong with her and that she'll never have a family of her own.
To top everything else off, their father has gone to Florida, only a couple months following his wife's death. He said it was for work, and granted, he has traveled there for work in the past. But, now is just not a good time for him to leave. The girls still lean on him and they'd like the four of them to be together so soon after their mom's passing.
Their father has passed on duties to his employee, Quinn, to see after the girls and to even guide them into purchasing property as an investment. Quinn, while not appreciating being put in the middle of things, does appreciate the extra time he gets to spend with Phylicia. He has known the entire family for many years and has cared for Phylicia for a long time, unbeknownst to her.
A big unwelcome surprise is when their father tells them, via phone call, that he is engaged to be married to non other than their mom's hospice nurse! The girls, naturally, feel he has betrayed their mom. Was this going on while their mom was still living? So many questions, yet he seems to be avoiding their phone calls and questions. What is really going on with their father?
Is Quinn in on this? Is he keeping secrets from the girls?
Their father, Turner, also put the task on the girls of getting the home they grew up on ready to sell and on the market. What is he thinking, they wonder?
Great story. Lots of emotions. You'll laugh and cry with the characters.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gilead, and was not required to give a positive review

Phylicia, Joanna and Britt are the Chandler Sisters who recently lost their mother and are trying to find their way without her. Suddenly their father, in his own stage of grief off and goes to Florida. The girl’s lives are turned upside down by this unexpected event. How do they go on? Will their father sell the house? Where will their little sister Britt live now? The girls have a lot of unanswered questions.
To help answer these questions, Quinn Mitchell enters the story. He is a long-time family friend and business partner with the girl’s father. Their father has asked Quinn to guide the girls into settling into their new lives. He suggests that the girls buy a piece of property that has three cabins on it as a place to live and as a new business venture. Now the girls have yet another unexpected event to deal with. Should they buy the fixer upper cabins out in the wilderness?
Quinn also finds himself drawn to Phylicia. He remembers her growing up and has always felt something for her beyond friendship. Phylicia is also drawn to Quinn, but doesn’t know how to handle these new feelings. Will their friendship turn into something more?
Although the story focuses on Phylicia and Quinn, the reader really gets a chance to know the other two sisters, Joanna and Britt. The relationship the sisters have is friendship and sisterhood. They stick together through it all and are there to support each other. This is the first book I have read by Deborah Raney, and I really look forward to the next book in the Chandler Sisters Series. Thank you to Gilead Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review

Reason to Breathe follows the journey of Phylicia, known as Phee to her family, as she attempts to make sense of her life after the death of her mother and what felt like abandonment by her father. As she and her sisters did the best they could in the situation, they had to rely on each other in a new way.

Quinn is put in the precarious situation by Phee's father, of becoming the girls' advisor. I loved that not only was he twelve years older than Phee, but that he was in his early forties and had never married. Somehow that endeared him to me even more. His maturity and patience made him quite a hero in my eyes.

There were a few specific things I loved about the story.

The way Quinn knew when his police friend described the middle of the night call they had that Phee and Britt were the women he was talking about
That Quinn refused to refer to Phylicia as Phee and why he began to refer to her using that nickname
The choice of chaperone and the fact that Quinn cared enough to feel the need for one

The overall tone of the story is serious and yet not somber. There is hope amid the pain. There is a subtle and appropriate humor interspersed to keep the tone from becoming sad. While it isn't the kind of story that has sentences jumping off the page begging to be highlighted, the writing is tender and lovely.

I thoroughly enjoyed Deborah Raney's new series about the Chandler sisters. Having a sister myself who is my best friend, I could definitely relate to the bond between the sisters. Though not to cancer, my sister and I lost our mom when we were in our 20's, so I could empathize with the emotions the sisters were experiencing. I also found the love story between the oldesr sister Phylicia, who this first novel focused on, and Quinn swoon worthy.

I look forward to the next books in the series. I want to thank Gilead Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader copy through Netgalley for my honest review.

Reason to Breathe by Deborah Raney was a delightful read about 3 sisters and 3 cabins to renovate. This book focused on the oldest sister. I'm looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the series about the other 2 sisters. Great kickoff to a new series!!!

I always enjoy this author’s books and Reason to Breathe was no different. A great plot, well developed characters and setting. Hoping to see books featuring the two remaining sisters. Highly recommend this book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc. This is my unbiased review.

I loved this first book in this new series by Deborah Raney. The Chandler sisters differ in ages and personalities, but they are fierce in their love and devotion to each other. In this story, they are grieving the recent loss of their mother. Their dad is also struggling with the loss of his wife and they are missing his strength and support. This story focuses on the growing relationship between Quinn and Phylicia. They both face the challenge of learning to trust and love again. This is a sweet, heart-tugging story and I enjoyed reading their story. I’m guessing the other books will feature the other two sisters, and I’m looking forward to learning their stories, too.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.