A Breathless Place

Written by Harper Bliss

Narrated by Abby Craden

When all hope is lost, can music be the ultimate lifeline?

Isabel ‘Izzy’ Adler used to dominate the world’s stages with her vocal acrobatics. But since she lost her voice ten years ago, Izzy’s been to hell—and hasn’t found her way back.

When journalist Leila Zadeh is brought in to finish her biography, Izzy’s dark plans for her life are challenged by the brilliant and gorgeous new woman in her life.

Will the instant attraction between them be enough to stop Izzy from playing out her final song?

Best-selling lesbian romance author Harper Bliss brings you a hopeful story about what it takes to choose life again—and the incredible power of artistic expression.

★★★★★ “There is so much hope and power in this story, it’s simply magnificent.”

★★★★★ “Beautifully written, powerful novel about the strength of your own voice.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ladylit Publishing
• Release date: Nov 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9789887441625

Harper Bliss

Harper Bliss is a best-selling lesbian romance author. Among her most-loved books are the highly dramatic French Kissing and the often thought-provoking Pink Bean series. She is the co-founder of My LesFic, a weekly newsletter offering discount deals on lesbian fiction. Harper lived in Hong Kong for 7 years, travelled the world for a bit, and has now settled in Brussels (Belgium) with her wife and photogenic cat, Dolly Purrton.

Reviews for A Breathless Place

[emily · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a very beautiful and emotional story. Definitely read the trigger warnings wrt: suicide. It is essentially one of the biggest parts of this book, however, slight spoilers, overcoming the urge to end her life, wanting to live, for herself is the crux of this story. Yes, it’s a wlw love story, but ultimately, the true love story here is Isabelle’s love and relationship with herself. And that… well, that’s the thing we all strive for in this life, isn’t it? This is a story that will stick with me for a very long time, I think. Listening to it by the wonderful Abby Craden only heightened the experience, for me.

[hannahlauren11 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

She’s done it once again! Love these books and how they tie into each other!

[Natale Michaud · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A tough but powerful book. One of her best. The Author's note at the end was very heartfelt.

[KJ · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I Loved it from beginning till end. The author did a beautiful job depicting the hard and beautiful emotions this story held. Additionally, the narration of this book was wonderfully done.

[Tempe Mason · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Deep, serious and heartfelt book, but very beautifully written. I really enjoyed it!

[Kooky · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It took me some time to finish the book, pausing every now and then not because I didn’t like the story but because I could relate to Isabel’s despair. I was going through the emotions too. I can absolutely say that this is my favorite book from Harper Bliss. Leila was indeed Isabel’s miracle. Their love is something that sparks hope and one that is worth fighting for. Worth living for.

[Nokwe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A difficult subject indeed. But I love your style and how there's person link in the things you write about. Abby has a wonderful voice and I enjoyed listening to her.

[KNO · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this. Harper never disappoints. The story is so deep and accurate what man go through. Beautifully and delicately written.

[YY Cheong · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful thought provoking piece. Love the older characters too. Such a breath of fresh air.

[Gitte Madsen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is amazing ???? Haper this is absolutely your best book ever well done ????????

[Tara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The author’s note at the end of the book is everything.

[Carey Durden · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Exquisitely written and narrated! A MUST listen! Harper’s best book so far!

[Christl Bouwer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hands down my favourite book by Harper Bliss. Beautiful story that took me through a emotional journey. Got me crying a few times. Loved it

[c.j.smith.1.1.2020 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love the way Harper writes from a place that’s so often ignored. The depths of human emotions, big love, big sadness and struggles and all in between. It’s real and raw and refreshing. I loved this and I’ll listen to it again. Of course Abby Craden gives all the characters so much individuality and keeps us coming back for more. There is not a single annoying character in this book. Well worth taking the time to read/listen to.

[Gretchen Plaggenburg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have written a total of three book reviews. I listen to books everyday and thoroughly enjoy most of them, however, every great while there is one that touches me so much that I cannot help but leave a review

Please read/listen to this book. And, please take seriously the announcement at the beginning. If given the opportunity I believe you will be stronger for going on this journey.

First Ms. Crayden is so brilliantly engaging as always. The breath that she fills the words with is so comforting and dynamic at the same time that I always find myself feeling as though a friend and I are sitting down while she tells me a story.

Next Ms. Bliss- I am blown away by the courage and sensitivity by which you wove this event. This is not a mere story being told but an event in which many people struggle and ultimately succumb. Your bravery in tackling this topic is so worthy of praise and admiration that I simply had to write this review.

Thank for being so vulnerable.
Thank you for the way that you discussed the feelings and beliefs that so many struggle with on a day to day basis,
Thank you for guiding us through a place that so many of us have or are currently traveling.
Thank you for allowing the grace to feel the feelings and experiences without instilling a sense of shame.
And thank you for developing a kind of blueprint for working through the feeling of loss and helplessness that allows us to discover our own paths to the beauty in our own selves to make a profound impact on our lives.

Thank you!

[Jane Daugherty · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A remarkable novel on so many levels. I hesitated to read a book about a talented artist’s struggle with suicide while the death toll from Covid-19 continues to mount, claiming the lives of millions of people who did not chose to die. But reading about one woman’s loss of her ability to sing and stealing the purpose for her existence proved inspiring, not depressing. Of course no Harper Bliss novel would be complete without a central love story and this book is no exception. What is exceptional is the author’s ability to describe the primal impulse to deal with a crushing loss by ending the excruciating pain after writing a heart-rending letter to her closest friends to explain, postmortem, her long-planned suicide. But it’s a Harper Bliss novel, the most soul-searching I’ve read, so a fling with a gorgeous writer provides a beautiful distraction, then the life vs. death struggle re-emerges with a vengeance. The painful confrontations pose fundamental questions about whether life’s inevitable pain is worth enduring to go onto experience creativity and to love deeply. Great questions for a world still trapped in the throes of a pandemic. If you can bear the sadness so crucial to this story, you won’t be disappointed. This is also one of Abby Crayden’s best performances I’ve heard.